wedding journal
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The coziest little spot on the Internet for inspiration, advice, and ideas for weddings in Boston and across New England.
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When it comes to choosing the perfect summer wedding location, coastal venues are hard to beat. That’s exactly why Mikayla and Mike went with a Beauport Gloucester wedding for their big day. With killer ocean views, a salty sea breeze, and that perfect mix of elegance and coastal charm, Beauport is hands down one of the best spots to tie the knot.
Getting Ready
One of the best parts of the day? They both got ready at the Beauport Hotel, major win. The rooms are gorgeous, the vibe was relaxed, and it made everything so much easier.
The guys kicked things off with “game day photos,” fully leaning into the hype. Seriously, they had a blast, and it set the tone for the whole day. Meanwhile, the girls were in full wedding morning mode, music on, champagne popping, just soaking in all the excitement.
No First Look, No Problem
Mikayla and Mike skipped the first look, which meant getting creative with wedding party photos before the ceremony. We did separate shots for each side, making sure they didn’t cross paths, a little chaotic, but totally worth it. And let’s be real, the moment they finally saw each other at the altar made it all worth it.
The Ceremony – A First Look Worth Waiting For
Mike’s reaction when he saw Mikayla? She took his breath away. These two have been together since high school, so this moment was years in the making, and you could feel the love from everyone there. Add in that insane ocean backdrop, and yeah, it was something special.
Portraits & Classic Beauport Wedding Moments
After the ceremony, we knocked out family photos, wedding party pics, and then headed to the beach for some just-married portraits. Golden hour, ocean breeze, two people crazy in love, it doesn’t get better than that.
And, of course, we had to do the classic Beauport wedding photos in front of the Beauport bus and sign, if you know, you know.
The Reception – Absolute Chaos (In the Best Way)
By the time the reception started, it was ON. The dance floor was packed from the jump, shoes were off, drinks were spilling, and nobody was holding back. Just pure, unfiltered celebration. This crew knew how to party, and they went all in from start to finish.
The Details
Last but not least the details. Mikayla’s carefully styled flat lays (rings, invites, all the pretty things), the gorgeous reception setup, the candlelit tables, and just an overall dreamy, romantic vibe. Every little piece came together perfectly, and it was awesome to see their vision come to life.
Mikayla and Mike’s Beauport Gloucester wedding was everything a summer wedding should be, emotional, wild, and full of love.
Planning your own wedding? If you’re getting married at Beauport (or anywhere along the coast), I’d love to capture your day. Contact me and let’s make some magic!
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Looking for an 8 hour wedding photography timeline with no first look? I’ve got you covered! Planning your wedding day can feel overwhelming, but having a structured timeline can make everything flow smoothly. If you prefer to wait until the ceremony to see your partner, this timeline ensures all the key moments are beautifully documented while keeping your day stress-free. I’ve used this template year after year to help my couples enjoy a seamless and memorable wedding day.
8-Hour Wedding Timeline with no first look
1:00 PM – Coverage Begins & Detail Shots
Your photographer will start by capturing all the gorgeous details—your dress, rings, invitations, shoes, and any sentimental items. Candid moments of you and your wedding party getting ready will also be documented.
1:30 PM – Hair & Makeup Need to Be Done
Hair and makeup should be fully completed by this time so everyone is ready for portraits.
2:00 PM – Bride + Bridesmaid Getting Ready
Bridesmaids in their dresses, final makeup touch-ups, and those beautiful pre-ceremony moments happen now.
2:30 PM – Bride + Bridesmaid Portraits
The bride and her bridesmaids take portraits together while everyone is fresh and ready.
3:00 PM – Groom + Groomsmen Getting Ready & Portraits
The groom and groomsmen prepare for the big day, with candid and posed portraits captured.
4:00 PM – Photograph Ceremony & Reception Space
The photographer captures the beautifully set ceremony and reception space before guests arrive.
4:30 PM – Ceremony Begins
Time to say “I do!” Your photographer will capture the processional, vows, ring exchange, first kiss, and all the little moments in between.
5:00 PM – Cocktail Hour & Portraits
While guests enjoy cocktails and appetizers, the bride and groom take newlywed portraits, along with wedding party and family photos.
6:00 PM – Reception Begins
Your reception officially kicks off!
6:05 PM – Entrance, First Dance & Toasts
Your grand entrance, followed by your first dance and heartfelt toasts.
6:30 PM – Dinner
Time to enjoy a meal with your loved ones.
7:15 PM – Dinner is Served
Guests begin eating while the couple relaxes and enjoys the moment.
7:10 PM – Special Dances, Cake Cutting & Dancing
Parent dances, cake cutting, and the dance floor opening up for celebration!
7:30 PM – Sunset Photos
A golden hour session to capture dreamy, romantic portraits.
8:00 PM – Toasts, Special Dances & More Dancing
A few final toasts, parent dances, and the party officially kicks off!
9:00 PM – Coverage Ends
Final moments captured before wrapping up your photography coverage.
Why This Timeline Works
This 8 hour timeline with no first look ensures that every special moment is documented while keeping a natural flow to your day. By waiting until the ceremony to see each other, the excitement builds for that unforgettable first moment down the aisle.
Need a customized timeline? I’m here to help! Let’s craft the perfect schedule for your special day.
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Looking for an 8 hour wedding photography timeline that keeps your day stress-free? I’ve got you covered! Planning your wedding day can feel overwhelming, but having a structured timeline can make everything flow smoothly. If you’re looking for a simple yet effective 8-hour wedding photography timeline that includes a first look, I’ve got you covered! I’ve used this template year after year to help my couples have a stress-free and beautifully documented day.
8-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline
12:30 PM – Coverage Begins & Detail Shots
Your photographer will start by capturing all the gorgeous details—your dress, rings, invitations, shoes, and any sentimental items. Candid moments of you and your wedding party getting ready will also be documented.
1:00 PM – Hair & Makeup Final Touches + Getting Dressed
Hair and makeup should be completed at this time, and the bride and bridal party start getting dressed.
1:30 PM – Bride + Bridesmaid Getting Ready Photos
PJ photo, final makeup touch-ups, and those beautiful pre-ceremony moments happen now.
1:45 PM – Bridesmaids to start getting dressed
Bridal party starts to get dressed
2:00 PM – Bride Gets Dressed & Groom + Groomsmen Getting Ready Photos
Bride gets dressed, final getting ready moments for both the bride and groom, capturing those emotional and candid interactions.
2:30 PM – First Look & Portraits
One of the most emotional and intimate moments of the day! The first look allows you to share a quiet, special moment together before the hustle and bustle begins. This is also a great time to take couple portraits while hair and makeup are fresh.
3:15 PM – Bridal Party & Family Photos
With the first look done, we’ll capture fun and formal shots with your wedding party and immediate family.
4:00 PM – Hide Couple Away Before Ceremony & Photograph Ceremony + Reception Space
The bride takes a moment to freshen up while the photographer captures the beautifully set ceremony and reception space before guests arrive.
4:30 PM – Ceremony Begins
Time to say “I do!” Your photographer will capture the processional, vows, ring exchange, first kiss, and all the little moments in between.
5:00 PM – Cocktail Hour
Guests enjoy drinks and appetizers while you relax or take additional portraits.
6:00 PM – Reception Begins
Your reception officially kicks off!
6:05 PM – Entrance, First Dance & Toasts
Your grand entrance, followed by your first dance and heartfelt toasts.
6:30 PM – Dinner
Time to enjoy a meal with your loved ones.
7:10 PM – Special Dances, Cake Cutting & Dancing
Parent dances, cake cutting, and the dance floor opening up for celebration!
7:30 PM – Evening/Sunset Photos
A golden hour session to capture dreamy, romantic portraits.
8:30 PM – Coverage Ends
Final moments captured before wrapping up your photography coverage.
Why This Timeline Works
This 8-hour timeline ensures that all the key moments of your wedding day are beautifully documented while keeping things relaxed and enjoyable. With a first look included, you get extra time for portraits and can fully enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests.
Need a customized timeline? I’m here to help! Let’s craft the perfect schedule for your special day.
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A perfect summer wedding at Grand View in Mendon MA was exactly what Simone and Joe got. The weather was unreal, the venue was gorgeous, and they were surrounded by the best people. These two have been together since high school, so this next chapter is extra exciting for them!
Getting Ready
The day started at a local hotel, where they got ready with their wedding party. The girls hung out, got their hair and makeup done, and I snapped some flat lays of all the little details. Meanwhile, the guys got ready in one of the suites, keeping things chill. Joe loves Sprite, so naturally, he and his groomsmen took a shot…of Sprite, of course, to kick off the day.
Once they got to Grand View, the girls finished getting ready in the beautiful bridal suite. None of the bridesmaids (except the Maid of Honor) had seen Simone’s dress, so we set up two reveals, one with her bridesmaids and another with the moms. Both were such sweet, emotional moments!
First look
Simone and Joe decided to do a first look because they wanted to spend as much time together as possible on their wedding day. It was such an emotional moment. Joe’s reaction said it all. Right after, they shared private vows, which I think is just so special. It gave them a quiet, intimate moment before the whirlwind of the day really kicked in.
Portraits, Wedding Party & Family Photos
The bonus of doing a first look? We were able to get all their portraits, wedding party, and family photos done before the ceremony! That meant they could head straight to cocktail hour and actually enjoy it with their guests.
Beautiful Ceremony
The ceremony site at Grand View is one of the most beautiful spaces I’ve seen, and I totally get why they picked this venue. Not only is there a grand staircase, but the lake backdrop is absolutely stunning. And like I said, the weather was perfect, just look at that sky!! Simone made the most gorgeous entrance, walking down the staircase with her brother before her dad met her halfway to walk her the rest of the way. Their close friend Erin officiated, making the ceremony even more personal. Even though Simone and Joe had already seen each other during their first look, there’s something different about that moment at the ceremony, it just hits differently.
Reception…party time!
Simone & Joe were definitely ready to celebrate with their family and friends. The reception was an absolute blast! The bridesmaids kicked things off by holding up giant letters spelling out the couple’s last name, and from there, the energy never died down. They even cut their cake with a sword, which was just as epic as it sounds! From nonstop dancing to so many fun, unforgettable moments, they truly had the best night.
Details
And we can’t forget about the details! So much time and effort goes into picking out everything, the invitations, flowers, cake, and colors, and it all came together beautifully. Every piece of their wedding reflected them perfectly, from the carefully chosen décor to the little personal touches scattered throughout the day.
Simone and Joe truly had a perfect summer wedding at Grand View.
Are you having a wedding at Grand View? Let’s chat! I’d love to hear all about your vision and capture every special moment of your day. Reach out, and let’s make it happen!
And Grand View is one of my top wedding venues in MA! Read more about it here.
The Vendors:
Photographer: @daniellelittlesphoto
Venue: @grandviewmendon
Videographer: @redrosevisuals
Dress: @kleinfeldbridal & @randyfenolibride
Hair: @niki.snips
Make-up: @beautybyelysep
Suits: @menswearhouse
Invitations: @zazzle
DJ/Band: @djelsid
Florist: @77blossomshop
Dessert: @gerardositalianbakery
2nd photographer: @elizabethstrokaphotography
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I’ll wait… but honestly, I don’t think so!
When Elizabeth & Grady chose to do their engagement photos in Maine, it wasn’t just because of the scenery (though, let’s be real, it’s stunning). Maine is home for them, it’s where they grew up, where their love story began, and where they’ll soon be saying “I do.” Naturally, we wanted to capture all the beauty and meaning this place holds for them, so we picked a few different locations to showcase Maine’s coastal magic.
But here’s the thing about Maine, it always has surprises up its sleeve. Read more about these beautiful Maine engagement photos.
A Hidden Gem & The Fastest Fog Ever
Our first stop was a hidden gem whose name I still can’t remember, but wow, what a spot! Picture rocky cliffs jutting into the ocean, waves crashing below, and that perfect mix of rugged and romantic.
And then… the fog rolled in.
Now, there was zero fog in the forecast, but within minutes, it swept over the landscape like something out of a movie. I’ve seen fog before, but never moving this fast. Instead of fighting it, we embraced the moody, filmy vibe it created, because honestly, it made the photos even more magical.
Pemaquid Point: A Classic Maine Icon, Now Fogged In
Next up: Pemaquid Point. If you’ve never been, it’s one of the most beautiful spots on the Maine coast, complete with a lighthouse, massive rock formations, and endless ocean views. Well, usually endless ocean views.
By the time we got there, the fog had fully settled in. You couldn’t even see the ocean, but instead of being a setback, it gave the session a dreamy, intimate feel. We made the most of it, and I loved how the fog softened everything, giving the photos a timeless, filmy quality.
The Beach: A Foggy, Minimalist Dream
Our final stop was a beach (again, name forgotten but trust me, it was gorgeous). At this point, the fog was thick. You could only see the sand and water if you got close enough. Instead of sweeping ocean views, we got something even more unique: a quiet, minimalist scene where the only focus was Elizabeth & Grady. And honestly? It was perfect.
Oh, and let’s talk about Elizabeth for a second. She did all of this while still recovering from ankle surgery! She didn’t just power through, she fully embraced every moment, climbing over rocks, walking across sand, and making the session feel effortless. She absolutely crushed it.
So… Is There a Better Location Than Coastal Maine?
After this session? I’d say no. Coastal Maine gives you a little bit of everything—epic landscapes, unexpected weather, and those quiet, intimate moments that make engagement photos so special. Whether it’s sunshine, fog, or something in between, Maine always delivers.
Thinking about your own engagement session? Let’s create something just as unforgettable!
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It’s Here – My 2024 Recap!
Wow, what a year 2024 has been! As I sit back and reflect on the incredible experiences I’ve had, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and joy. This year has been nothing short of amazing for my business, and I’m beyond excited to share the highlights with you. Read more about my 2024 Recap!
1. Working with the Most Amazing Couples, Families, & Vendors
First and foremost, I have had the absolute pleasure of working with the most wonderful couples and families. Each one of them was so down-to-earth, kind, and fun to be around. They truly made my job a joy, and I’m beyond grateful for the trust they placed in me to be part of their special moments. From intimate celebrations to larger weddings, each story was unique, and I cherished every second.
What made this year even more special was the incredible vendors I had the privilege of collaborating with. Working alongside such talented and passionate people has been a game changer. We were all on the same page, working together as a team to make sure every couple had the best day possible.
2. Learned My Limit
One of the most valuable lessons I learned in 2024 was understanding my limits. As someone who’s always eager to say “yes” and take on every opportunity that comes my way, I realized this year that balance is key. I’ve always wanted to give my all to my couples and clients, and while it hasn’t been perfect, I can confidently say I did a much better job this year of managing my workload and making time for the things that truly matter.
For the first time, I really committed to blocking off weekends to recharge and give my family the quality time they deserve. I took the entire month of July and September off, which allowed me to truly unplug and catch up on galleries. This not only helped me be a better partner and parent, but it also allowed me to come back to my work with a renewed sense of energy and creativity.
To ensure I could continue this healthier balance, I also capped the number of weddings I take on each year. My ideal number is 15 weddings, but no more than 18. This cap allows me to focus on delivering the best experience for each couple while still having weekends to escape with my family.
It’s not always easy to say no, but it’s something I’m proud to have prioritized in 2024. By honoring my personal limits, I’ve been able to show up fully for the amazing couples I work. Here’s to more balance and boundaries in 2025!
3. Found My Style
2024 was the year I truly found my style, both in terms of editing and my approach to a wedding day. It’s such a huge milestone for me, and I’m so excited to share what I’ve discovered.
When it comes to my editing style, I’ve learned to embrace my love for color. I’ve always been drawn to vibrant, bold hues, and I made it a point this year to let that shine through in my images. My focus is on keeping the colors true and bright, ensuring that the beauty of each moment comes alive in every photo. I want the images to feel vibrant and full of life, exactly like the days they represent.
Beyond editing, I’ve also honed in on how I approach a wedding day. For me, it’s all about capturing those moments that often go unnoticed — the little in-betweens, the quiet smiles, the unspoken glances. These are the moments that tell the true story of a wedding day. While I still capture posed images when needed (because I know some people feel more comfortable with direction), my goal is always to make sure you feel the photos, not just see them. I want the photos to evoke the emotion, the laughter, and the love that were there in that very moment.
Finding this style has made such a difference in my work, and I’m so grateful to have reached this point. It’s about telling a story that’s authentic and full of color, and I can’t wait to continue this journey in 2025, capturing even more beautiful moments in the years ahead.
4. Awesome Venues I Worked at in 2024
One of the most exciting parts of my job is getting to work at some truly stunning venues, and 2024 did not disappoint! I had the privilege of capturing weddings at a diverse range of locations, each with its own unique charm and beauty. Here are some of the amazing venues I had the chance to work at this year:
- Turner Hill in Ipswich – A gorgeous, classic venue with breathtaking views and impeccable service.
- Willowdale Estate – This historic venue with its rustic elegance and stunning grounds is always a favorite!
- Waverly Oaks in Plymouth – A picturesque location, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.
- Saphire Estate in Sharon – A beautiful, all-inclusive venue with a grand ballroom and stunning outdoor ceremony space.
- The Villa in Bridgewater – A timeless venue with classic charm and sophisticated elegance.
- Publick House in Sturbridge – A rustic New England venue with a cozy, intimate feel and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Grand View in Mendon – A venue that lives up to its name, offering sweeping views and a warm, inviting vibe.
- Steele Hill Resort in Sanbornton – A hidden gem with panoramic views of New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains.
- The Margate at Lake Winnipesaukee – A lakeside venue with a relaxed, yet stunning atmosphere.
- Bird Dog Cidery – A charming, rustic venue that provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxed, nature-filled celebration.
- LaBelle Winery in Derry – A beautiful vineyard setting that combines romance and elegance with a touch of rustic charm.
- Beauport in Gloucester – A scenic venue with incredible coastal views and a truly special ambiance.
- Bedford Village Inn in Bedford – An elegant venue that blends modern luxury with timeless New England charm.
- Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead – A stunning waterfront venue that offers an elegant, nautical vibe.
Each of these venues provided a unique and unforgettable setting for the weddings I captured, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work at such incredible places. Whether it was an elegant ballroom, a serene lakeside, or a rustic vineyard, these venues made each wedding day feel extraordinary.
Thanks for reading my 2024 recap! I can’t wait to see where 2025 will take me, but I’m beyond grateful for the beautiful spaces I got to experience in 2024!
Interested in working together? Let’s chat!
