Real New England Weddings: Elysa Broido and Keith Edwin

Draw inspiration from their stylish celebration.

June 11, 2016
The State Room
Boston, Massachusetts

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Photograph by Sweet Monday Photography

 

THE STORY

Elysa Broido and Keith Edwin’s love of all things culinary ended up satisfying their appetite for romance, too. It all started on the dating website OkCupid, where the couple initially connected. “All of our conversations back and forth were about food,” says Keith, who eventually offered to take Elysa to the Helmand, an Afghan restaurant in Cambridge, for their first date. After the meal, the couple headed to Harvard Gardens, in Beacon Hill, for a drink and shared their first kiss outside the restaurant as Elysa stepped into a cab. It was in this same spot—in the middle of the street—that Keith would pop the question several years later.

Paying homage to the city where their relationship began, the couple married at the State Room overlooking dramatic panoramas of Boston. “When we walked into the venue, you just could see gorgeous views of the skyline,” Elysa explains, “and it seemed like the perfect place to represent where we met, where we fell in love, and where we’re starting our lives.” Filled with family and friends, their big day was truly a melding of cultures. To honor Keith’s Indian heritage, Elysa and her bridesmaids donned intricate henna on their hands and feet. Elysa also wore a traditional Indian pendant given to her by Keith’s family and changed into a hand-embroidered gold gown for the reception. And as a nod to Elysa’s Jewish roots, the couple participated in the lively “breaking of the glass” ritual, meant to symbolize the finality of their meaningful vows.

But the fun didn’t stop with the “I do”s. Guests danced the night away to fast-paced beats while toting multicolored glow sticks—and, of course, enjoyed plenty of mouthwatering cuisine, including a range of Indian hors d’oeuvres and late-night bites such as tiny sliders and mac ‘n’ cheese.

“It definitely was a high-energy, everyone-on-the-dance-floor kind of wedding,” Elysa says.  “We’re so happy it turned out that way.”

 

THE DETAILS

henna

Bridesmaids showcased their henna designs as they held the couple’s wedding rings and the traditional Indian necklace Elysa wore during the ceremony. / Photograph by Sweet Monday Photography

wedding venue

“She got to know our style very quickly,” says Keith of event designer and planner Lo McShay, who accentuated the venue’s soaring windows with gold and purple linens, romantic candlelight, and exotic patterns projected on the walls. / Photograph by Sweet Monday Photography

wedding cocktails

The bride and groom’s signature cocktail, a Moscow mule with lavender, cleverly highlighted the union of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin. / Photograph by Sweet Monday Photography

keith at reception

“It was really just one big party,” Keith recalls. / Photograph by Sweet Monday Photography

 

THE FILE 

Bride’s Gown: Jenny Yoo, Flair Boston; ceremony bolero, BHLDN; custom reception gown from India
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo, Flair Boston
Cake: I Dream of Jeanne Cakes
Ceremony Musician: David Newsam
DJ: Brek One
Flowers: New Leaf Flores
Hair: Salon Acote
Ice Luge: Brilliant Ice
Invitations: Invitations & Company
Lighting: Boston Lighting
Makeup: Making Faces
Menswear: The Black Tux
Planner and Event Designer: LoLo Event Design
Rentals: Peterson Party Center; Rentals Unlimited; Reserve Modern Rentals
Spray Tan: Pure Glow
Videography: Heirloom Pictures

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