2 3

wedding planning 2

indoor spaces 4

outdoor spaces 8

wedding weekends 10

catering and vendors 12

ituated on 80 acres in Dover, Massachusetts,

the Connors Center provides memorable indoor

and outdoor settings for weddings—just 20 miles

from downtown Boston.

The main house, rustic pavilion, and landscaped

gardens accommodate both formal and informal

ceremonies and celebrations, including Catholic

weddings in the Chapel of St. Ignatius.

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Emilie Wagner, bride

Hurricane Irene arrived the day before our ceremony, and we were forced to change

our plans. The staff was invaluable at helping us with last-minute arrangements and

I was left completely stress free and able to enjoy my special day.

The ceremony was really romantic, the lighting during the hurricane just gorgeous,

and the atmosphere in the wedding tent warm and intimate. Many people have told me

that it was the most memorable wedding they have ever been to.

WEDDING PLANNING

n on-site team of experienced event

planners works closely with each couple to tailor all

aspects of their wedding. From helping narrow the

exclusive caterers list during the initial planning stages

to providing last-minute support, Connors Center staff

members work to ensure that every event surpasses

expectations.

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4

Kibibi Ganz, bride

A traditional African wedding usually takes place at the bride’s home, so we needed a

site that could accommodate a large number of people but still have a strong family feel.

At the start of the ceremony, the two families are not allowed to mix. We used the two

beautiful parlors, and having the rooms so close to each other, located on either side of the

main reception hall, worked out perfectly.

Once my husband placed the ring on my finger and we were married, our families were

finally able to meet each other. All our guests loved the venue.

5

INDOOR SPACES

he main house offers striking locations for

indoor celebrations. The Main Parlor and Dover Parlor,

with their mahogany-panelled walls and working

fireplaces, provide intimate spaces for smaller

ceremonies or receptions. French doors in each room

open onto elevated terraces and provide unimpeded

views of the woodlands beyond.

Couples planning a traditional Catholic ceremony

may use the Chapel of St. Ignatius, which seats up

to 160 guests. A full-length window floods the altar

and the space with light.

Kate Kausch, bride

I loved the simplicity of the chapel for our ceremony. I was able to add my

own touches to the space and make it really personal to us.

I distinctly remember the moment when the wooden chapel doors opened

and I saw my husband for the first time that day. It felt just like a movie.

When we were standing in front of the altar saying our vows, there were beams

of sunlight shining on us through the trees. It was as perfect and magical

a moment as I could have ever imagined.

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Chris Murphy,

mother of the bride

One of my favorite parts of the

day was getting ready in the

Sun Parlor. The bride, the

mothers, and the bridesmaids

were all together. We ordered

tea sandwiches, and cham-

pagne, and it was one of the

loveliest girl times you could

ever want to have.

Tim Kausch,

groom

It was so cool getting ready in

the game room with all my

groomsmen. Everything we

needed was right there, and

having my friends around took

the pressure off and stopped me

from getting too nervous. My

best memory of the wedding?

Marrying my wife.

getting ready

The wedding party has access to private rooms on the second

floor of the main house to dress. The expansive Sun Parlor,

which overlooks the gardens and terraces, is a popular

location for bridal parties to get ready. It is equipped with an

en-suite bathroom, full-length mirror, and comfortable seating.

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Beth Bryson, bride

When I saw the Connors Center, I knew right away that I didn’t need to look any

further. To me, the whole atmosphere of the house and the grounds just felt very special.

I knew I had found somewhere new and fresh.

I chose St. Cecilia’s Garden for the ceremony because I loved the idea of being

outside. The spaces are exquisite and full of interesting architectural features: beautiful

flowerbeds, stone arches, and wooded pathways—everything a bride could want.

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OUTDOOR SPACES

ith its landscaped gardens, fieldstone

pathways, and stone terraces, the Connors Center offers

several beautiful locations for your open-air event.

Many couples take their vows in the serene but striking

St. Cecilia’s Garden, originally designed by Frederick Law

Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, landscapers of New York’s

Central Park.

The main house’s patios and stone arches are

popular settings for cocktail receptions, from which guests

often descend the stone steps to the level Lower Garden,

where tented weddings for up to 200 people take place.

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lodging

Guests may stay overnight in one of the Connors Center’s 15 suites—six

of which are located in the main house. The remaining suites and lodging for

90 additional guests are located in an adjacent wing. Please speak with an

event coordinator for further information about lodging facilities.

Stenie Gullans,

mother of the bride

Our guests who stayed overnight at

the Connors Center had a wonderful

time! The bride and groom hosted

an after-party for them in the main

house. It was fantastic having the

accommodations nearby, and nobody

needed to worry about traveling home.

WEDDING WEEKENDS

he connors Center also hosts wedding guests

for pre-wedding activities, such as picnics, barbeques,

and sports and games. Playing fields, a volleyball court,

and a putting green are located a short distance from

the main house, while walking trails wind through

the estate’s 80 acres and lead to the Charles River.

The spacious grounds also provide many opportunities

for relaxation and reflection.

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photography credits:

David Tucker Photography www.dtuckerphoto.com p.4 (bottom right)

Gary Wayne Gilbert p. 10 (top, bottom left)

Hughes Photography Needham www.hughesphotography.com p.11

Justin Knight Photography www.justinknightphoto.com inside front cover;

p.1 (bottom right); p.5 (bottom right); p.10 (bottom right)

Kate McElwee Photography, www.katemcelweephotography.com pp.2–3;

p.7 (bottom right and left); p.12 (top)

Melissa Koren Photography www.melissakoren.com cover

Michael Brook Photography www.michaelbrookphotography.com

p.4 (bottom left); p.10 (middle)

Michael Paul www.michaelpaulphoto.com p.1 (top,middle); p.5 (top); p.6 (top);

p.7 (top, middle); p.8 (bottom right); p.9; p.12 (middle, bottom)

Monica Z Photography www.monicazphotography.com p.8 (bottom left)

CATERING AND VENDORS

he connors Center works exclusively with a

carefully selected group of celebrated caterers and

vendors. These experienced partners accommodate

a wide variety of tastes and styles, and are committed

to providing couples with excellent service.

To book your wedding at the Connors Center

or to arrange a personal tour of the property, please

contact a member of our event planning team

at 617–552–9210.

the connors family retreat and conference center — boston college

20 glen street, dover, ma 02030 | 617–552–9210 | meet@bc.edu | www.theconnorscenter.com