The First Wedding at The Newbury Boston

Adjatay and Victoria met and married in Boston. In a city that sparked their romance, finding the perfect downtown Boston wedding venue for their special day was of the utmost importance. Choosing to have their wedding at The Newbury Boston was “the easiest decision they ever made.” Below they share a little more about who they are as well as a behind-the-scenes look of their special day and the preparation leading up to it. 

How did you meet, and how did he/she pop the question?

We were introduced by mutual friends at a bar in Boston in September 2018. There was an instant connection between us and after just a few months of dating, we knew this was it. Two years later, Adjatay popped the question with a surprise proposal at the Boston Public Garden. He organized the exact location of the proposal and sent a map to our closest friends and family so they could be there to celebrate with us. When he got down on one knee and received his “YES,” familiar voices of congratulations could be heard all around. Afterward, we left the park, popped Champagne and partied the night away.

As you began your wedding-planning journey, what inspired you to choose The Newbury Boston as your wedding venue?

Both being Boston natives, it only felt right to get married here, in the city we call home. Once we put the location to bed, we heard that The Newbury would be opening soon in the spot of the Old Ritz, and having visited the hotel in its previous life we were curious to see what it would be like after renovations. Our wedding planner, the inimitable Kristyn Kerkorian, knew our style and encouraged us to see it. With the hotel under construction, we toured it and could immediately feel that The Newbury Boston was unlike any other wedding venue in the city. The new look and feel married classic Boston sensibility with a fresh, modern feel that could be seen and felt in the smallest of details such as the local artwork that adorned the walls. We also fell in love with the rooftop space, which would become Contessa. But what truly sealed the deal for us was being able to see our proposal location from the Public Garden-facing suite. No other venue could offer us that view. 

What venue locations within the hotel did you use for your wedding, and how?

The groomsmen got ready in the library and had a few pre-ceremony cocktails in the Street Bar beforehand which gave them the space and the spirits to relax before the big moment. After the ceremony, our guests gathered in the Assembly Foyer for cocktails and appetizers. There, we had an incredible three-piece jazz band of Berklee-trained musicians, led by Eli Heath, that set the tone.

After cocktails, we moved into the Assembly Room, which is breathtaking on its own but filled with vibrant florals and beautiful tablescapes, it felt so alive. Again, from the room we had a view of the Public Garden where Adjatay proposed, and so we felt a certain connection to the space. 

What did The Newbury Boston do to make the day special, unique and memorable for you?

Every single detail was taken into consideration by The Newbury Boston staff and that’s what really made our day so special. Trusting in their careful attention to our event and our guests, we were reassured that all we had to focus on was ourselves. And on the most important day of our lives, that meant so much to us. We loved that The Newbury’s exceptional food & beverage team worked with us to create a custom menu that combined the cuisines of our cultures: Cameroonian and Italian. For the passed canapès, they created jollof rice arancini, fried plantains and spiced shrimp, and crispy artichokes. It was so heartwarming and special to be able to honor the joining of our heritage.

Tell us more about the food & beverage served at the wedding/cocktail hour/after party.

Every item on the menu was incredible. At dinner, the entrees offered were halibut, filet, and a spicy eggplant rigatoni. Signature cocktails were an encapsulation of our favorite drinks: the Old Fashioned and Cape Codder Spritz, both a nod to the Cape where we spend a lot of time with family and friends during the summer. And of course, the cake... Layers of cappuccino torte and French vanilla with Italian Buttercream frosting. The best part was that the team saved our topper and delivered it to our room for a late night snack when we returned!

What was your favorite moment of the day?

Victoria: My favorite moment was walking down the aisle and finally seeing Adjatay for the first time that day. And then seeing that he actually shed a tear, which was something so unexpected from a usually stoic man. Then, leaving the ceremony, we got into our vintage Rolls Royce and had alone time as just the two of us drove back to the hotel. 

Adjatay: Greeting and addressing the guests during the reception was a favorite moment for me as I acknowledged the effort they made to come to our wedding in the midst of a pandemic. We know that we are merely the culmination of the energy and love bestowed upon us from family and friends. As such, it was truly a privilege to have an opportunity to acknowledge this group and tell them how much they mean to us.

Did you have many guests staying at the hotel for the weekend? What was it like for you and your guests to call the hotel your "home" for the weekend?

We had many friends and family saying their stay at the Newbury Boston was spectacular, not only because of the gorgeous rooms and amenities but mostly because of the staff’s incredible warmth and graciousness. A few of the guests who arrived earlier received tours of the hotel and enjoyed a drink at the Street Bar as they settled in. Every single member of the staff made our guests feel welcome and completely taken care of during their stay. After the events of the weekend, no one wanted to leave the Boston wedding venue because it was so perfect. We cannot wait to stay again, hopefully for our anniversary next year!

Any advice for newly engaged couples looking to plan a Boston wedding?

We planned our wedding in just seven months during a pandemic, so anything is possible! We didn’t know how many people would be able to celebrate with us, but we stayed flexible and kept our focus on what truly mattered: our marriage. Our advice is to keep your focus on what matters most to you, make decisions quickly, and trust your gut feelings about your vision and the vendors that will make it a reality. (Also, get an amazing wedding planner like Kristyn Kerkorian if you can, she made everything easier for us!). 

Please share all vendors that helped make this special day become a reality!

Event Design & Planning: Kristyn Kerkorian Weddings & Events

Ceremony: St. Cecilia Church

Florals: Beach Plum Floral

Photography: Tiffany Von Photography

Gown: L’Elite Bridal (Gown by Monique L’hulier)

Tuxedos: The Black Tux

Makeup: Glamour Cosmetics

Hair: SJP Hair

Cocktail Hour Jazz Band: Eli Heath Trio

DJ: Dan Obie

Lighting: Port Lighting

Cake: Dessert Works

Donuts: Union Square Donuts

Table Top Rentals: Peak Event Services

Linens: BBJ/La Tavola

Dance Floor: Tommy Wholesale

Invitations: Minted

Transportation: Met Limo of Boston