Real New England Weddings: Evelyn Mahony & John Mulcahy

June 18, St. Mary's Church and Private Residence, Hanover, Massachusetts

Photograph by Kate McElwee Photography

Photograph by Kate McElwee Photography

When you think of romantic places, a CVS parking lot outside of Boston probably doesn’t spring to mind. But for John Mulcahy and Evelyn Mahony, it was where they shared their first kiss — and where John popped the question five years later.

Evelyn and John are both lawyers — they’ve known each other since high school, and began dating when they worked together at a legal services center — but planning the wedding let Evelyn showcase a hidden talent. “I used to be really into arts and crafts as a kid,” she says. “The wedding gave me an excuse to do the crafts I’ve always wanted to do.”

Evelyn scoured Etsy shops online and browsed secondhand stores for decorations that would help create the “old-fashioned garden party” vibe she wanted. She made the programs and place cards by hand, and collected hardcover books and vintage-style glassware to provide the finishing touches for the tables.

All of that attention to detail charmed her groom. “The wedding was so special and memorable for people, because it really did reflect a lot of thought,” John says. “There were just so many personal touches, and the credit goes to Evelyn.”

Photographs by Kate McElwee Photography

Photographs by Kate McElwee Photography

(From left) Sunny yellow blooms decorated everything from the groom’s lapel to the wedding cake.

The white-frosted wedding cake was actually three flavors in one: carrot, chocolate with chocolate mousse, and vanilla with chocolate mousse.

Photograph by Kate McElwee Photography

Photograph by Kate McElwee Photography

Evelyn decorated her Charles David pumps with flower clips she found on Etsy.

Photographs by Kate McElwee Photography

Photographs by Kate McElwee Photography

(From left, top to bottom) Simple white patio-style furniture enhanced the garden-party atmosphere.

Handmade place cards doubled as bookmarks for guests to take home.

Many of the books used to number tables came from the bride’s father’s collection.

Photograph by Kate McElwee Photography

Photograph by Kate McElwee Photography

Evelyn asked her bridesmaids to choose their own gray gowns. “I’m not really into uniformity,” she explains.

The File

Music: Dick n Jane

Catering: The Silent Chef

Flowers: Yvonne Bright, Bright Designs

Flower clips for shoes: Sunshine and Carousels

Veil: Simple Beauty Veils

Bridesmaid gifts: Odette New York

Gown: Liancarlo, Country Weddings

Menswear: Michael Kors, Macy’s

décor: Luna Bazaar