Andrea Chan admits she had a love-at-first-sight moment when she met Pablo McCarthy. They were introduced by a mutual friend (who would eventually become Pablo’s best man), and a first date at a sushi restaurant quickly followed, which Pablo remembered left him thinking, “This is the type of girl you bring home to your parents.”
After three love-filled years, Pablo, a consultant, began planning his proposal and decided to create a weekend of “firsts” by whisking Andrea away for a weekend in Boston. “He planned fun activities for me, since it was my first time there,” says the bride, also a consultant. “We saw all the Boston sights, ate lobster rolls, and went to a Red Sox game, and then Pablo took me to meet his grandparents for the first time.” One night, Pablo surprised Andrea with a romantic dinner and a long stroll around the city. “We ended up at the Public Garden, where he popped the question,” says Andrea, who recalls being speechless, starting to cry, and finally saying yes.
Fifteen months later, a wedding inspired by the groom’s Latin American roots and the bride’s Filipino heritage followed at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More.
Details:
Photographer: Shauna Ploeger, Photography Du Jour
Wedding Ceremony Venue: The Cathedral of St. Thomas More
Wedding Reception Venue: Carnegie Institution for Science
Event Coordinator: Emilie Hilsenrath, Bliss Weddings and Events
Bride’s Gown: Pronovias, from the 2011 Filene’s Basement Running of the Brides event
Wedding Dress Seamstress: Angie Cavallaro. “She did an amazing job altering my wedding dress about four sizes down.”
Hair: Dream Salon
Makeup: Linda Huynh, Makeup by Linda
Groom’s Tux: Men’s Wearhouse
Caterer: Michelle Fishman, Main Event Catering. The dinner menu and signature cocktails were inspired by Latin American and Asian cuisine.
Wedding Cocktail: Mango Mojito and Lycheetini
Cake: IndAroma
Wedding Cake Flavors: Black Forest, and strawberries and cream
Florist: Jesse Bailey, Jack H. Lucky Floral Designs, Inc.
Wedding Flowers: Orchids, gardenias, hydrangeas, and roses. “The wedding flowers were inspired by the national flowers of our Latin American and Filipino heritages,” says Andrea.
Music/Entertainment: Chris Laich, Chris Laich Music Services
First Dance Song: “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
Invitations: The Dandelion Patch
Lighting: Anna Epstein, Yours Truly Lighting and Decor
Wedding Favors: The Sweet Lobby cupcakes
Decor Details: The photo book of their engagement photos used as the guest book and Pablo’s grandmother’s homemade Brazilian bonbons served at the dessert table.
Bride’s Favorite Wedding Detail: The handmade crystal belt designed by her cousin in the Philippines that she wore at the reception, and how they were able to incorporate both of their heritages through several wedding details.
Groom’s Favorite Wedding Detail: Pablo’s father being able to be present at the wedding, walking down the aisle during the ceremony, and even dancing at the reception, despite fighting an aggressive brain tumor for six years.
Biggest Surprise of the Wedding: “The grandness of our wedding venue. It definitely had a ‘wow’ factor, and it was wonderful to watch our guests enjoy the venue as much as we did.”
Wedding Theme: Gray and orange, modern elegance
Four Words That Describe the Wedding: Most memorable day ever!
Honeymoon Spot: Maui and Honolulu, Hawaii
Where They Currently Live: Fairfax
