A Pagu Wedding in Cambridge, MA
When Abby & Louis got engaged, they did what I wish more couples gave themselves permission to do: slowed down and asked what they want their wedding day to actually feel like.
They decided on:
- No dance floor
- Incredible food
- Mahjong tables
- Time with their people
So they chose a restaurant wedding — and more specifically, PAGU, one of their favorite spots in Cambridge (understandably so!). A space that already felt lived-in, meaningful, and deeply them.
A Tea Ceremony Rooted in Heritage
Abby & Louis got ready at Le Méridien Cambridge, beginning with a tea ceremony attended by a smaller group of loved ones. Abby wanted to honor her heritage in a way that felt grounded and meaningful, and this quiet moment created space for just that.
Afterward, they changed into a classic suit and a white wedding dress — a visual shift that marked the transition into the rest of the day.
First Look & Portraits Around Central Square
They shared their first look in the hotel courtyard, & then wandered through Central Square for portraits. Their portraits captured the essence of Cambridge in November – a little windy, sunny, and lots of street art & character as the backdrop. With subtle direction & minimal posing due to my documentary-style approach, these portraits were authentic, free-flowing, and effortless!
Curious if documentary-style wedding photography is for you? Read more about what it can look like on your wedding day here.
A Ceremony in the Heart of the Restaurant
One of the most special things about a Pagu wedding is that everything happens in one place. Ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception flow together without interruption.
Their ceremony took place right in the center of the restaurant. Guests were close which made the energy super intimate. Abby & Louis are high-school sweethearts, and so their families & friends have known both of them together for so long. When they said their vows, the entire room was in tears (including myself).
After the ceremony, they stepped outside to take in the feeling they were actually married (this is also one of my favorite moments to capture as a documentary wedding photographer). They signed their marriage certificate, shared a few “oh my god we’re actually married”s, and then cocktail hour began.
When I saw that the pork belly bao buns were some of the best things I’ve ever eaten, I mean it. PAGU was even nominated for a Michelin star – that’s how good the food is.
Dinner followed, served family-style with course after course hitting the tables. It felt less like a traditional reception and more like one long dinner party — the way it should be.
A Lion Dance Surprise & A Night That Unfolded Naturally
After dinner came toasts, their first dance, and then a surprise lion dance performance — another nod to Abby’s heritage and a moment that absolutely lit up the room! Guests were wowed, energy shifted, and the night softened into something easy and joyful.
Board games appeared & drinks and dessert was flowing.
Nothing was rushed. Nothing felt performative.
Just love in its most natural form.
Why I Love Restaurant Weddings (Especially in Cambridge)
Restaurant weddings have a way of inviting people to let their walls down.
They can be elevated, but they never feel stiff. Guests move freely, talk to who they want, eat exceptional food, and feel at home because it’s a familiar setting. You’re also more-so seen as a guest of honor and not a spectacle with all eyes on you.
Another underrated perk? Your wedding venue becomes a place you can return to. You can visit before the wedding to taste the menu. And afterwards, on anniversaries, date nights, random Tuesdays — you can sit at the same tables and remember how it felt.
Plus, the design is already there. Restaurants like Pagu don’t need much dressing up. Most couples focus on florals (Abby & Louis hired the talented Rococo Floral to do their florals) and let the space speak for itself.
Planning a Restaurant Wedding in Cambridge or Boston?
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that feels intentional, human-first, and rooted in real moments — I’d love to document it. Restaurant weddings are some of my absolute favorites to photograph because they allow space for what actually matters.
Reach out here. I’m always happy to talk through ideas and help you imagine what your day could feel like!
