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MeiLin@MeiLinBarralPhoto.com
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Welcome to the blog, home to Chicago & France's intimate wedding & elopement photographer for couples who lead with love, inclusivity, and a passion for the planet. LGBTQ+ & BIPOC owned + operated.
(I'm here and queer!)
1. My first name is Mei Lin (she/her)
2. I really love pugs!
3. I’m a huge musical theatre fan
4. I care deeply about animal welfare as well as social justice issues.
5. I incorporate sustainable practices throughout your wedding photography experience
With a focus on “slow food”, Urban Hearth in Cambridge, MA prioritizes the best ingredients to craft delicious plates. Executive chef and owner, Erin Miller designed the restaurant to specifically have that warm family dinner atmosphere with an elegant and upscale dining experience. There is a cozy inside dining room as well as an open air patio section so you can get the Cambridge ambiance. Hosting standard dining experiences as well as bespoke private dining ones, there is something for everyone.
Erin & Jeff’s intimate Cambridge, MA wedding was an incredible day ten years in the making! They chose October 16th specifically since it’s a very meaningful day for them as a couple. They met in college during their first years in a science seminar which was perfect because they are self-proclaimed “science nerds” since Erin is a clinical scientist and Jeff is a chemist. Four years later, they welcomed Princess, their rescue maltipoo dog into their family (even though Jeff is more of a cat person). Instead of celebrating traditional anniversary milestones, Erin & Jeff celebrated prime number anniversaries and it’s with this tradition that Jeff decided to propose a prime number of days after they had started dating. Their ideal date night is a fancy meal at a nice restaurant and watching a film at the cinema with the nice reclining red chairs.
Their intimate wedding had always been Jeff’s dream and because they’re both introverted souls, this blend of celebration and festivities while only having their absolute closest friends and family meant they could enjoy their day to the fullest on their terms. However, they’ll have a larger party later to celebrate with extended friends and family. Their wedding day was a perfect October day and everything about the day was absolutely lovely. With Princess to help celebrate, they got ready together in their home. It involved an impromptu mini haircut (executed by Erin for Jeff), Princess almost eating Jeff’s boutonniere, and fun banter between the spouses-to-be about back sweat, leg hair, and fun versus boring socks.
The ceremony was officiated by Erin’s college friend Allison who was essentially the first love of her life since they met before Erin and Jeff did (a fact that Allison loves to bring up). It was an endearing ceremony filled with sweet vows that matched who they are together as a couple (warm, loving, and easy to poke light-hearted fun with each other). Erin told Jeff in her vows that she was happy he has his “friends to play board games with so [she doesn’t] have to”.
Erin & Jeff ended their wedding evening with dinner at Urban Hearth, the restaurant where Jeff proposed to Erin. To begin the evening, Jeff and friends played codenames in the restaurant’s patio section. Jeff even had a tote bag full of other board games for his guests. Inside, it was beautifully set up to host their intimate guest count where they enjoyed a custom five course tasting menu. They dined while enjoying each other’s company and listening to their personal curated playlist including songs from Lorde and Taylor Swift (but only the happy ones).
Congratulations to Princess’ parents on their incredible wedding day!
Photography | Mei Lin Barral Photography
Officiant | Friend of the couple, Allison
Reception Venue + Catering | Urban Hearth
Floral Design | Central Square Florist
Cake | Icing on the Cake
Hair Stylist | Brie Madden at Hair at Little Hollow
Engagement Ring | E. Scott Originals
Wedding Bands | Populent (via Etsy)
Bridal Gown | Anomalie
Bridal Shoes | Keds
Groom’s Suit | Keezer’s Classic Clothing
Mei Lin (first name, she/her) is a Chicago & France intimate wedding, elopement, & dog photographer for couples who lead with love, inclusivity, and a passion for the planet. LGBTQ+ & BIPOC owned + operated. Trans rights are human rights. Love is love. Stop AAPI Hate. Black Lives Matter.
about the author
For couples who lead with love, inclusivity, and a passion for the planet.
LGBTQ+, BIPOC, & Woman-operated
Chicago intimate
Wedding Photographer
LGBTQ+, BIPOC, & Woman-operated
© 2024 Mei Lin Barral Photography
brand + web design by inkpot creative, llc
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