Ahh this wedding. This couple. This venue. The weather. All the perfection. This was my first full wedding of 2018 and it was such a strong start. The last time I had done a wedding at Salem Cross Inn. Salem cross is one of the best venues I’ve ever shot at. So much personality is packed into every room, giving an old-timey, rustic, farmhouse feel. This place makes you feel like you’re home.

Colette and Matt got ready in separate buildings, and I went to join Colette and her girls getting ready in the quaint, sun-drenched bridal suite. If photographers could ask for one thing from a venue, it’s plenty of sunlight in the bridal suite. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Salem Cross Inn. It was such a laid back environment. When most brides answer “NOPE” when I ask if they got enough sleep, Colette was as ready to go and relaxed as a bride can get.

I had the pleasure of working alongside I Do Onsite Hair and Face, who did an AWESOME job with Colette and her girls and have just been a pleasure to be in contact with. Definitely recommend these guys!

While I was with the girls, my second photographer hung out with the Matt and guys. It amazes me that while girls take 2+ hours to get ready for a wedding, guys are done in five minutes flat. Even with googling diagrams of how to fold a pocket square.

In one of the sweetest moments of the day, Colette did a first look with her dad. While first looks between bride and grooms are becoming more and more popular, my brides tend to shy away from them and opt for the more traditional walk down the aisle. However, more and more frequently I see a first look between father and daughter and it is ALWAYS SO PRECIOUS.

Colette and Matt’s wedding ceremony was such a dream. They got married at Salem Cross’s flower-covered gazebo, with their guests wearing some gorgeous colors. Everything was so vibrant and peaceful, and so completely full of joy. Well, other than the tiny ring bearer who fell flat on his face (and I hope how hard I laughed doesn’t make me too much of a terrible person). But he’s okay now!

I loved Matt’s face as Colette came up the aisle. I consider this reaction one of the top 3 must-have captures of the day. And Matt did not disappoint. Also that first kiss tho. FULL DIP. You go, guys!

That and the bubble send-off were the perfect ending to a perfect ceremony.

Colette and Matt kept things simple with their bridal party – only a best man and maid of honor! Can’t go wrong with that – more time for bride and groom photos!

Me, Matt, Colette, and the awesome husband and wife videography team of Double Z Productions headed out onto Salem Cross Inn’s grounds for their bride and groom photos both during cocktail hour and at sunset. Can’t go wrong with some extra sunset photos! It was said during the day and I’ll say it again, it hardly felt like working having Colette and Matt in front of the camera. The whole time it felt like we were all hanging out as old friends, which is the exact kind of comfortable and fun experience I want to create for my couples.

The reception area of Salem Cross Inn is something that is just so uniquely beautiful and something that I haven’t seen in any other venue. It just has so much personality! And I just love the way Colette and Matt personalized it.

The reception is always my favorite part of the day. All nerves are gone and everyone can just hang out, get their drink on, and dance the night away.

Colette and Matt, it’s been such an honor and a privilege getting to work with you for the past year. From getting to know you at your engagement session, to taking a polaroid selfie at the end of the night, every moment has been such a joy. You are such a beautiful couple and your wedding reflected that perfectly <3

Second photographer: Jessica Prout Photography
Venue: Salem Cross Inn
Videographers: Double Z Productions
Coordinator: Donna Bennet at Salem Cross Inn
Florist: Barry Mongeon at Salem Cross Inn
DJ: NuImage Entertainment
Hair and makeup: I Do On-site Hair and Face
Cake and Catering: Salem Cross Inn