If you’re thinking about skipping the traditional large wedding and opting for more of an intimate setting with your closest friends and family, you’re not alone! I’m getting more and more requests from couples who are planning an elopement or an intimate wedding. There’s something so special and intimate about elopements and small weddings, I just love shooting them!

This fall I had the honor of capturing the very intimate wedding ceremony of an old friend of mine. Sam and I have known each since high school (eek that was 20yrs ago!)… so a long time! When Sam and Danny got engaged, we joked about them running away to elope and I wanted to be there to capture it! After some back & forth messages and multiple location ideas, Sam and Danny settled on their elopement ceremony at the Granville Waterwheel in Granville, MA. If you haven’t been to the historic Granville Waterwheel, it’s a beautiful spot that is the perfect backdrop for an October wedding. Originally they were planning a true elopement – just the two of them, a Justice of the Peace and Sam’s daughter. But after some discussion, Sam and Danny ended up deciding they wanted to invite their closest family members and a few friends to witness the wedding too.

Emotional Ceremony

Sam and Danny hired one of my fav vendors, Mikki Viereck to officiate their ceremony. (If you’re in need of a JP, I highly recommend her!!!) After saying their vows, Sam’s daughter gave her mom and Danny their rings to exchange. Danny then took out another box from his pocket. He surprised Sam’s daughter with a beautiful necklace that he placed around her neck, symbolizing how she too was a huge part of the marriage and love they had. GAH! So sweet!!! It was one of the most touching ceremony moments I can think of in my 10+ years of photographing weddings.

After the ceremony, Sam’s daughter was overcome with emotion. Man, this kid. I’m usually pretty good about holding it together during weddings, but she got me twice during this ceremony! It was such an emotional moment, I’m so happy to have been able to capture the true, raw unfiltered love they have for one another at that very moment in time. They’ll be able to remember that moment for the rest of their lives together.

After the ceremony we took family and couples portraits around the waterwheel and pond. The weather was a tad chilly, but it made for some super snuggly photos of the newlyweds. Congratulations on your marriage Sam & Danny! I’m so happy to have been able to capture these moments for you.

Planning an elopement or an intimate wedding? I’d love to chat! Contact me for a consultation. You can find helpful information about elopement planning in my blog post 3 Important Tips When Planning an Elopement.