A Joyful Summer Elopement with Dogs at Boston's Arnold Arboretum

This summer, I had the joy of photographing one of the most heartfelt, intimate elopements. Bowen and Michael chose the Arnold Arboretum as their setting, exchanging vows on a misty, rain-kissed day.

Their ceremony was simple yet incredibly personal. Beneath the shelter of a grand, mist-shrouded tree, Bowen and Michael stood hand in hand, their two beloved dogs right beside them. As gentle rain fell, a sense of calm surrounded them, creating a private, magical moment shared only with each other—and nature.

After they exchanged vows, we strolled through the lush, green arboretum, pausing for portraits that captured the mist’s beauty and the quiet happiness they shared. Bowen had designed his own floral arrangements, carefully selecting each bloom, adding a unique and heartfelt touch to the day.

We finished the day back at their home, where Bowen and Michael’s parents waited to celebrate. Their small gathering radiated warmth and love, making it feel incredibly special. They cut a chantilly cake from Whole Foods and toasted to their future with the people who mean the most to them—the perfect end to a day filled with love.

Boston City Skyline
Two men's gold wedding bands at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Groom gets ready for his wedding day at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Groom gets ready for his wedding day at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Two grooms hold hands during their wedding ceremony at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Groom exchanges wedding vows at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Dog sits under grooms' hands as they exchange wedding vows at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Grooms exchange wedding vows at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Groom cries as his husband holds his hands during their wedding ceremony at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Dogs listen as grooms exchange wedding vows at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Grooms hold hands during their wedding ceremony at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Grooms share their first kiss at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Grooms and dogs laugh looking at each other at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Two grooms kiss at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Two grooms look into each other's eyes at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Grooms hold each other's hands at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Grooms lean their foreheads against each other at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Groom kisses his husband on the cheek at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Two grooms stand under willow tree at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Grooms look into each other's eyes and laugh at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Groom kisses his husband on the cheek at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Chantilly wedding cake from Whole Foods at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Grooms cut their wedding cake at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer
Groom leans his head on his husbands chest at Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA with LGBTQ+ intimate wedding elopement photographer

CREDITS

Venue: Arnold Arboretum

Dessert: Whole Foods

Florals: Trader Joe’s

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Modern Spring Engagement Session in the Boston Public Gardens

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The Stateroom Wedding