A Proposal at the MFA Led to Elegant Nuptials at the South End’s SRV

June 29, 2019
SRV
Boston, Massachusetts

Photo by Gabby Riggieri Photography

THE STORY

When Tim Walsh popped the question at the Museum of Fine Arts, Mallory Sluetz admits it took her by surprise. And yet, she had her suspicions. After all, the MassArt grads had had their first date there five years earlier. Plus, “[That day], Tim was rushing through the gallery,” Mallory says. “Normally when we go to a museum, I’m trying to get him to move on to the next piece!”

While the extravagance of the MFA offered a stunning backdrop for Tim’s proposal, the artsy couple had a different vision—one of simplicity and functionality—for their June nuptials. Mallory’s and Tim’s “design minds” immediately fell for SRV, in the South End; the Venetian-style bacaro’s cozy, clean elegance fit their aesthetic, while its central location showcased their appreciation for the Hub. “We really wanted our guests to experience our version of Boston,” Mallory says. “For us, that means walking around the city, trying different restaurants, and taking in all the culture.”

THE DETAILS

Photo by Gabby Riggieri Photography

STATIONERY

Showing off their art-school roots, the couple designed the invitation suite and the escort cards for their big day. “Mallory did all the hyper-detailed, beautiful flower illustrations,” Tim lauds.

Photo by Gabby Riggieri Photography

DRESS

While apprehensive about its blush tone at first, Mallory donned a Sarah Seven gown in rose, which inspired the wedding’s color palette.

Photo by Gabby Riggieri Photography

VOWS

The bride and groom exchanged personalized vows inside the restaurant before their early-evening ceremony. “It was really nice to have [that moment] to let those feelings out,” Mallory says.

Photo by Gabby Riggieri Photography

CEREMONY

Rain poured until just a few moments before Mallory began her walk down the aisle, set up on SRV’s patio. “I just couldn’t believe the blue sky when I looked up,” she says.

Photo by Gabby Riggieri Photography

WINE CELLAR

After Tim and Mallory were pronounced husband and wife, they escaped to the bacaro’s wine cellar to sip prosecco before dining and dancing the night away.

Photo by Gabby Riggieri Photography

Photo by Gabby Riggieri Photography

FLOWERS

Sweet Talk Floral arranged bunches of roses, lilies, and peonies in muted tones to match the restaurant’s refined aesthetic, transforming it into an elegant reception space.

Photo by Gabby Riggieri Photography

FIRST DANCE

After swaying along to “Lovers’ Carvings” by Bibio for their first dance, the couple was joined by friends and family to groove until the end of the evening.

Photo by Gabby Riggieri Photography

Photo by Gabby Riggieri Photography

FOOD

SRV harnessed the al fresco flavors of summer in the couple’s lemon-strawberry sponge cake with vanilla buttercream, whipped up by executive pastry chef Meghan Thompson, and in the savory hors d’oeuvres, including baccalà mantecato.

THE FILE

Bride’s Dress Sarah Seven, Ceremony
Catering SRV
DJ Brian Smith
Flowers Sweet Talk Floral
Groom’s Suit J. Crew
Hair Steph Bartley
Invitation-Suite Printer Paper Culture
Venue Coordinator Carrie Bergin

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