Li Ward photographer of pets and weddings. Fat Orange Cat Studio is a fresh and candid boutique photography service in Boston, Massachusetts.

I spent a warm fall afternoon with Flora and Pat and we got engaged all over the place. We started in the South End (they were officially engaged at Hamersley’s Bistro), moved to Beacon Hill, and finally to Darwin’s in Harvard Square where they had their very first date. We tried to recreate the moment. I believe it was overall quite successful.

Our next stop: the Dominican Republic!!! Waaweewoo!

P.S. Just a couple here are digital, but for the majority I used my NEW (used) medium-format film camera for the first time. Previously used here on rental. I bought the Mamiya 645 afd ii on eBay from someone in London, and I think he must have stored it in his laundry closet. All through the shoot I was smelling soap. It wasn’t quite American detergent, but detergent nonetheless. It was nice.

Merinda and Ben were married in September on a perfect summer’s day in Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard. After getting into her beautiful dress – which her mother made! – Merinda hopped on her father’s boat and we puttered around Edgartown Harbor while Ben walked over from his hotel and waited for his bride-to-be on the docks. And that was their first look. So fun! The ceremony was on the grounds of Atria restaurant, under a great big tree. I just love Martha’s Vineyard. This was such a lovely wedding, and I’m so honored to have been a part of it.

Oh, at the beginning of this year I used Merinda and Ben as models when designing The Orange Parrott Collection, my hand-lettered Save-the-Dates printed by Parrott Design Studio. They were featured on several blogs, including Invitation Crush and Elements of Style. In case you thought they “looked” familiar :)

I’m a little behind sharing this wedding, but I thought with the dreary Thursday we’re having, images of Amy and Bill’s wedding (which was held on a sweltering July day) would bring me back happy memories of summer. Ah.

Families from both sides met for the first time over Peking duck at China Pearl. The next day, Amy and Bill said their vows before a small group of family and friends at the Boston Public Garden. Lunch, cake, and an ice cream bar were served at the Hampshire House. Amy had her hair and makeup done by Noel McKinnon at the Gilded Lily, a bed-and-breakfast in the South End. And the bouquet, boutonnieres, and cake topper are made of clay!

Jennifer and Leo had a beautiful, romantic, FUN garden wedding celebration at the Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary in Belmont, Mass. We got ready at her mom’s house in Medford where Jennifer was presented with heirloom earrings that belonged to Leo’s grandmother. After the ceremony in St. Raphael Parish, we took a limo ride to the Habitat. I love that space! It was a like a secret garden with all the leafy nooks and crannies. All the kids at the wedding had a great time exploring the grounds. As did I. We took a ton of portraits. Each turn around a corner was better than the last that it was hard to stop!

Oh and the beautiful floral arrangements were done by The Blue Hydrangea in Medford. Up until four years ago we used to live in Medford, and the flower shop opened up down the street just before we moved to the city. They did some pretty arrangements for us for our Open House. I’m so glad to see they’re doing well!