College sweethearts Lauren Fitzgerald and James Catacchio hit it off immediately when they met at Bentley University. “My bridesmaid, Erin, introduced us,” Lauren says. “We were alike in so many ways; our relationship just seemed so easy.”
Six years later James surprised Lauren with a trip to France. After enjoying a private tasting at a Bordeaux vineyard, the couple took a walk through the rolling hills and picturesque vines. James stopped to change a lens on his camera and told Lauren to keep walking. After she took a few steps, she turned around and saw him down on one knee.
“I WALKED BACK TO HIM, REPEATEDLY SAYING, ‘YES! YES!’ HE JOKINGLY REMINDS ME THAT HE HADN’T EVEN ASKED A QUESTION YET.”
“I walked back to him, repeatedly saying, ‘Yes! Yes!’ He jokingly reminds me that he hadn’t even asked a question yet,” Lauren says.
They wanted to be a little closer to home for their wedding, so they decided on the Church of the Covenant for their ceremony and the Taj hotel, just a block away, in the heart of Back Bay for their reception. The Church of the Covenant, a national historic landmark, was a stunning backdrop for the couple’s vows, with its grand interior and Tiffany stained glass windows.
The Taj is home to one of the most elegant ballrooms in Boston—ideal for their old-world, black-tie themed event. Its location, across the street from the Boston Public Garden, made for great views and amazing pictures.
They included a French theme throughout the wedding, using a bespoke logo on their invitations, vintage French postcards for guests to sign and French lace on all of their Zenadia Design stationery. As a very personal touch, they served wine from the vineyard where they stayed on their engagement trip.
It was very important to the couple to incorporate Lauren’s dad into their day, who passed away in 2008. Besides tying his wedding band to her bouquet, Lauren had a piece of his clothing sewn into her Vera Wang gown, making sure he was right there with her as she walked down the aisle.
Lauren says that one of her favorite wedding day memories was of sneaking up to the balcony overlooking the ballroom with her new husband and taking in the sight of all their friends and family together, laughing and dancing.
“We discussed how beautiful it all was,” Lauren says. “What a fun moment!”
In a nod to their Bentley University roots, they had the mascot, Flex, surprise guests for an alumni picture. They then continued the party at the Rattlesnake Bar, where they kept the night going with more food and dancing.
After the wedding, Lauren and James headed to Europe for their honeymoon. They started in London and continued on to tour Italy, stopping in Venice, Rome, Florence and Positano. Lauren describes it as the perfect blend of culture, food, wine and relaxation. While traveling, their photographer sent them a sneak peek of their wedding photos, a very welcome surprise.
“It was so much fun to reminisce about our wedding day while honeymooning!” she says.
WEDDING TALENT
Ceremony Location: Church of the Covenant, Boston, MA; Reception Location, Caterer, Cake, Event Design, Planner, Linen and Lighting: Taj Boston, Boston, MA; Floral Design: Bella Floral Design, Marion, MA; Rentals: Rentals Unlimited, Stoughton, MA; Stationery: Zenadia Design, Santa Barbara, CA; Photography: Leah Haydock Photography; Bride’s Dress: Vera Wang
