Modern, Elegant Wedding in Boston at the Institute of Contemporary Art

Quynh Anh and Ray’s wedding at the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston balanced fun with an upscale feel. The two met a decade ago at a bar in San Francisco, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Knowing that QA was the one for him, Ray popped the question in an intimate at-home proposal. We’re so glad they chose us to plan their wedding overlooking the Boston Waterfront!

Summer Wedding at the Institute of Contemporary Art

QA and Ray share a home in San Francisco, but Ray’s ties to Massachusetts led them to host their wedding in Boston. Since they would be on the West Coast for most of the planning stage, they knew they needed to hire a local planner to pull together a trusted team of vendors. Enter Elegant Aura! When QA and Ray opted for our full-service planning package, we fell in love with their vision for a fun and memorable wedding day with an upscale, modern feel. We were even more excited when they selected the Boston branch of the Institute of Contemporary Art as their venue.

This venue is one of our favorites, with unsurpassed views of the iconic Boston Harbor. QA and Ray loved the location, and the museum’s contemporary vibe provided the perfect starting point for executing their vision. We decided to take advantage of the warm July temperatures and the breeze coming off the water and host the couple’s ceremony and cocktail hour outdoors on the museum’s Grand Plaza. Mother Nature decided to cooperate with our plans, and everything went off without a hitch!

For the couple’s reception, we opted for an indoor space to cultivate an atmosphere of elegance. The Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing views of the Harbor, “brought the outdoors in” to jaw-dropping effect. Meanwhile, flowers in the couple’s color palette of blush pink, pale blue, and white breathed life into the space, courtesy of Flou(-e)r Specialty Floral Events. But our favorite detail was the paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling above the dance floor, in a stylish nod to the couple’s Chinese and Vietnamese heritage.

Surprise Entertainment and Fireworks Over the Harbor

Since many of their loved ones traveled to attend their special day, QA and Ray wanted to prioritize their guests’ experience. They decided to hire some surprise entertainment for their cocktail hour, so we recommended Joel Acevedo of Four-Handed Illusions. Joel and fellow illusionist Steve Kradolfer have received rave reviews for their performances featuring their one-of-a-kind blend of magic and comedy. We knew he wouldn’t disappoint! Sure enough, he performed for QA and Ray’s guests during cocktail hour, and everyone was amazed!

However, the newlyweds didn’t stop there. Before their sendoff, they and their guests were treated to a fireworks display over the Boston Harbor. It was the perfect way to close out the evening and mark the official beginning of their married life. Plus, we loved that it celebrated the wedding’s unique location!

We may be biased, but we think New England is one of the best places to say “I do!” From laidback weddings on the Cape to luxe affairs in the heart of Boston, we’re here to bring your vision to life. Get in touch today to learn more about our four planning packages custom-tailored to meet your needs.