Real New England Wedding: Thea Brush & Tim Porter

Draw inspiration from their stylish celebration.

September 6, 2008
The Gamble Mansion, Boston

new england wedding

Photograph by Joyelle West

Tim Porter and Thea Brush were ready to take their vows at the historic Gamble Mansion when an unexpected guest showed up—Hurricane Hannah. “All of a sudden, it was humid and raining,” Thea says of the late-summer storm’s arrival. But the pair wasn’t about to let foul weather spoil their plan for outdoor pictures. At the suggestion of photographer Joyelle West, they decided they’d revisit their venue for a post-honeymoon makeup shoot. So instead of spending their wedding day puddle-jumping, they were free to enjoy the indoor celebration. And that included another surprise for attendees: For their recessional, Tim and Thea arranged an appearance by Dorchester’s Metropolitan Baptist Church Choir, who sang Jackie Wilson’s “Higher and Higher.” Hurricane Hannah, meanwhile, turned out to be a perfectly agreeable guest.

new england wedding

Photograph by Joyelle West

The bridesmaids’ simple black dresses complemented the opulent venue.

new england wedding

Photograph by Joyelle West

Two flower girls shared the spotlight.

new england wedding

Photograph by Joyelle West

A mutual friend introduced Tim and Thea after waiting years for them both to be single. One date, says Thea, and “that was it, we were done!”

new england wedding

Photograph by Joyelle West

Red and orange roses reflected the couple’s classic style.

new england wedding

Photograph by Joyelle West

“I was never the bride who started crying and saying, ‘This is the one!’” Thea says of her gown. “I tend to be simple.”

new england wedding

Photograph by Joyelle West

The Metropolitan Baptist Church Choir livened up the ceremony.

new england wedding

Photograph by Joyelle West

The three-tiered cake by Cuisine Chez Vous consisted of one chocolate layer, one lemon layer, and one cheesecake (Thea’s favorite).

new england wedding

Photograph by Joyelle West

Their wedding was one of the last in the Gamble Mansion, which closed to events in 2008.

The File

Gown: Madeleine’s Daughter

Bridesmaids: Lord & Taylor

Menswear: MW Tux

Hair: Judy Jetson

Flowers: Lyndsey Loring Design

Music: Metropolitan Baptist Church Choir

Catering: Cuisine Chez Vous