Jenny and Elliot married in Jenny’s hometown of Marion, MA – a quiet, quintessentially New England town nestled by the ocean and full of hydrangea bushes and houses clad in weathered cedar shakes. They came from Denver, Colorado, where Jenny works as an attorney and Elliot is an illustrator. Family and friends came from Colorado and Wyoming, and all over the place to celebrate with them this September. And their day ended up being one of the most family-centered and emotional ones I have encountered.

They were married in the Episcopal Church in the center of town, on a street lined with small shops full of adorable things and good food. Family and friends read them poems and passages from the Bible. A violinist played beautiful music. The priest wrapped their hands in his stole and pronounced them married. After that, we took a walk on the nearby beach to a friend’s boat, and we took a trip on the water while they relaxed and smiled and the sun glinted off the water.

They made their grand entrance to their reception in one of the coolest ways I have ever seen. The boat pulled up to their venue’s dock as guests gathered on it and waved to them. Then everyone lined up on either side as they ran through, toasting and hugging and laughing as they made their way to their party. Everyone talked on the lawn and inside the lovely sailcloth tent. Toasts were made by sisters and best friends, and even a young niece. Irish blessings were sung to them. A friend played guitar for their first dance. They cut pie with swords, because why the heck not? Then the band started playing and everyone danced with abandon into the night.

Thank you for having me there, Jenny and Elliot. It was an honor. And thank you to my incredible second shooter, Elisabeth Waller, who is kind and wonderful and immensely talented.

Beach House – Take Care