Outside the Boston Public Library, there’s an inscription: “Built by the people and dedicated to the advancement of learning.” “That has always captured our core ideals,” Michela Camiolo says about her relationship with Jurod James. “Jurod and I fell in love by reading and learning together.” It only made sense they should get married there. But let’s go back.
Michela and Jurod met at school—the one they both teach at—in Boston; she’s a literature teacher, and he teaches Mandarin. “During the summer of 2019, we ended up at a group dinner together, where we—after talking about a craving for poutine—convinced everyone at the table to drive to Montreal the next day for a spontaneous trip,” Michela says. “Somehow, we did not realize we were both just looking for an excuse to spend more time together.” The trip sparked something. “It was amazing to find someone who loved to travel, read, and relax in all the same ways I cherished. We were officially dating by the time we went back to school in late August.”
Three years later, Jurod proposed with a custom art deco-inspired ring at the Boston Public Library, where the couple often went for high tea. And when they started planning the wedding, they didn’t even tour other venues. “Our relationship had grown and revolved around our love for literature, so there really was not any other location that would represent us as well,” Jurod says. They booked Sara Kovel Events as the planner and tapped florist and designer David DiCicco to creative direct the occasion. “We wanted our aesthetic to match the venue,” Michela says. “I remember telling David on our first call that I wanted our wedding to be ‘classic, abundant and just a little whimsical,’ and he took that idea and ran with it.”
Her fashion followed suit. Michela worked with bridal stylist Beth Chapman to select the perfect Oscar de la Renta dress. “I wanted something light and airy while still being classic and appropriate for the library,” she says. “We had a custom cape made from the same fabric for the ceremony, and I created the most comfortable custom Jimmy Choo shoes that had our wedding date on the sole.” Alexandra Angelone provided romantic hair and makeup, and the bride changed into a short beaded fringe dress by Nadine Merabi for the after-party. “All of my jewelry came from the unmatched Briony Raymond,” she adds. “I borrowed a beautiful pair of vintage diamond earrings from my mom, who got them from her, and wore a custom sapphire and diamond bracelet made by Briony as my something blue.”
Jurod also donned a piece by Briony, opting for a diamond brooch on his white tuxedo jacket instead of a boutonniere. “It was my favorite part of my wedding outfit,” he says. “Somehow, it really made me feel like the groom.”
There was a torrential downpour on July 29, 2023, so their plan for an outdoor courtyard ceremony was foiled. “It was at this moment that I was so grateful we had David as a designer,” Michela says. “His taste, creativity and skill were on full display as he pivoted and created a beautiful space for us in the Guastavino Room. In the end, having the ceremony in a beautiful room surrounded by books felt like it was always the plan.”
Michela’s father walked her down the aisle as an opera singer belted “Con Te Partiro,” and the couple’s close friend officiated. “I felt pure, unadulterated joy and happiness,” Jurod says. “I cried the entire ceremony, and I heard from Michela just exactly why she loved me. I would relive those few minutes over and over again forever if I could.”
After “I do,” guests moved into Bates Hall for the reception, also among books. “It still takes my breath away thinking about it,” Michela says. “The flowers and lighting made the entire space feel like a dream. We had a jazz quartet playing music, and served a filet, branzino or saffron risotto from The Catered Affair.” Her father gave a heartwarming toast, guests got custom typewritten notes from traveling poets, and the newlyweds cut the cake and made their rounds, stopping to chat at each table.
Finally, timed to Michela’s outfit change, guests moved into the Abby Room. “We had a DJ-band hybrid from Élan Artists, and everyone danced and drank mini espresso martinis,” the bride says. “The reception was a banger!” Jurod adds. “Our DJ had his hand on the pulse of the party from start to finish, and the dance floor was never empty. It really impressed onto me how many people were there to celebrate love with us.”
