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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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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When it comes to weddings, there are some days that just feel magical from start to finish. Alix and Wiley’s wedding at Turner Hill in Ipswich was one of those rare and unforgettable occasions. From the couple’s radiant smiles to the flawless coordination of every detail, everything came together in a way that made this day simply perfect.
Turner Hill in Ipswich, with its stunning grounds and historic charm, provided the perfect backdrop for Alix and Wiley’s celebration. Nestled in the picturesque town of Ipswich, this venue combines the elegance of a classic New England estate with the warmth of rustic sophistication. The manicured gardens, grand estate, and sweeping views offered an unforgettable atmosphere for both the ceremony and reception.
Side note – if you haven’t been to Turner Hill yet, you’re missing out. It’s one of my favorite venues. With its unique blend of history and natural beauty, it offers something special for every couple.
Engagement Photos
When I first met Alix and Wiley, we instantly clicked. It felt like I had known them for a long time. Their personalities are so easygoing, kind, and filled with a deep respect for one another. And, let’s not forget, they are so cute and undeniably in love, it was a breeze working with them from start to finish. They made every moment effortless and fun, and their love for each other was truly inspiring.
And, to top it all off, Alix and Wiley brought their adorable pup along to both their engagement session and wedding day! She completely stole the show.
I realized I never posted about Alix and Wiley’s engagement photos…yikes! So, I wanted to share a few of those photos now. We also took these at Turner Hill, which provided a stunning, timeless backdrop for their engagement session. The couple was so natural in front of the camera, and we had such a fun time capturing their connection and excitement. Whether they were sharing a laugh, walking hand-in-hand, or simply enjoying each other’s company, their love for one another was clearly evident.
The Wedding Planning Queen
One of the things that truly stood out about this wedding was the planning process and all the credit goes to Alix. I have to give a huge shout-out to her because she deserves all the praise for the flawless execution of this day. Alix planned everything and I really mean everything. From the stunning invitations to custom cufflinks for the groom and matching pajamas for the bridal party, she put so much love and detail into every aspect of the celebration.
Alix truly has an eye for design and a knack for making everything feel personal and meaningful. The first dance, for instance, was beyond beautiful, they took dance lessons to ensure it was a moment that was unforgettable.
I’ve told Alix many times that she should seriously consider a career in wedding planning because she is a total natural. She made it look so effortless, but I know just how much thought and work went into bringing her vision to life.
The Wedding Day: Perfection in Every Moment
First Look with Dad
Alix and her dad share such a special bond, and their first look was one of the most emotional moments of the day. It was so beautiful to witness his pride and love for her as he saw her in her gown for the first time. It was a moment of pure joy and love, and I feel so grateful to have captured it.
First Look with Wiley
Alix’s first look with Wiley was absolutely breathtaking. She looked stunning, and his reaction was priceless. He was completely taken aback by her beauty. It was one of the best first looks I’ve ever seen because you could literally feel the excitement and anticipation for this next chapter of their lives together. And, of course, their pup joined them for this special moment too, adding an extra dose of cuteness to the scene.
A Special Moment at the 10th Hole
Right after the ceremony, we hopped into a golf cart and headed over to the 10th hole, where Wiley had previously asked for Alix’s father’s blessing. It was such a unique and memorable moment! The couple was able to tee off together, and their family and friends were able to watch from the ceremony site. This was particularly special because Alix and Wiley are members at Turner Hill and very involved with the club, so they were able to make this happen. It was such a cool experience, and I’m so glad they were able to incorporate a piece of their lives and memories into their wedding day.
A Day to Remember Forever
As the evening came to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on just how perfect everything turned out. Alix and Wiley’s wedding was a perfect blend of beauty, joy, love, and fun. A celebration that everyone will remember for years to come. From the heartfelt vows to the unforgettable first looks, and of course, the unforgettable moment on the golf course, it was a day to remember forever.
Thank you to Alix and Wiley for letting me be a part of their amazing day. It was truly an honor. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness!
The vendor that made the day seamless:
Photographer – @daniellelittlesphoto
Venue – @themansiononturnerhill
DJ – @begeventgroup
Videographer – @alexcole.photography
Florist- @justbloomdweddings
Caterer – @vinwoodcaterers
Dessert – @mayflour_
Make-up – @makeup.by.marlo
Hair – @faithdoeshair__style
Dress – @flairboston
Suits – @gibleesmenswear
Invitations – designed by bride and art by @ezymba_art
2nd shooter – @heatherlittlefieldphoto
Content creator – @marriedandsocial
If you’re getting married at Turner Hill in Ipswich, we should totally connect!
