In Greek mythology, the peacock was sacred to Hera, wife of Zeus and goddess of marriage. The distinct feathers of the bird were said to have come from her loyal attendant, Argus, a giant with a hundred eyes. This divine couple’s color was purple, the color of royalty, rare and precious in ancient times.
It’s fitting then, almost poetic, that these ancient symbols and colors were reworked into Sara and Chris’s special day (at least they were to me, full time Latin teacher!), as they celebrated their wedding at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, MA. The classic feeling of a wedding resonated throughout the day, as two people and two families became one in style.
The ladies spent the morning primping and preparing, while the gentlemen got ready. Royal, deep purple dresses and black and white tuxedos. An air of timelessness, tradition, and class exuded each room.
In the time we spend with our clients in the morning while they get ready, some of our favorite moments of the day happen. Easy, carefree laughter rings through the air. Hearty salvos of hellos and shrieks of joy accompany each bridesmaid when they enter. Big bro hugs and back slaps as each groomsman shows up.
In these preparatory hours, we, as photographers, get our most authentic glimpse into the character of our clients, their friends, and the joy that so often is overlooked on these (at times) stressful wedding days.
There’s another reason I love the wedding mornings: ring shots. Much easier to direct and more obedient to instructions, the rings are some of our best clients. Whether perched on an rustic window-frame or nestled in a bed of peacock feathers and flowers, the rings on Sara and Chris’s wedding day were among the shining stars of the morning.
Soon, it was time for the big reveal, the first look. The grounds of the Publick House provided the perfect backdrop in keeping with the rustic New England feel of the day. Set against a black and white barn-side, Sara and Chris stood back to back, eagerly anticipating the turn-around that had been building for months. They turned, stepped back, and took in the sight of their future. Hugs, kisses, and laughter ensued, our favorites to photograph.
When all were ready, Sara and Chris’s closest friends gathered for bridal party portraits. The gentlemen looked suave in their tuxedos, strutting around the grounds of the Publick House, alternating between smoldering serious faces and boyish, bashful smiles. The ladies dazzled in purple floor-length dresses, each one a different cut (which we love!) to match their personalities. Bridal party members, along with parents and two adorable flower-girls, then joined the jovial couple. Group photos by the gazebo and up on the hill, check!
The bridal party then retired to the Library, a (fortunately) air-conditioned room lined with old books and paintings, in order to rest up and get ready for the big moment.
It was time.
Hundreds of eyes, just like old Argus, were on Sara and Chris as they entered the bucolic reception space in Paige Hall. The sun streamed through the windows, illuminating the worn wood walls, adorned with ancient - ok, maybe not that old - farm tools. Peacock feathers and flowers lined the aisle chairs, as the tables waited in the corners to be decorated and plated for the reception.
The ceremony kept to the classic feel of the day. Meaningful readings brought even a tear to my eye. I’ll be honest; photographing ceremonies is always special for me. Whenever I look at the groom, I imagine how I’ll feel when Jen and I get married next summer. I bet we’ll both be bawling babies, crying and laughing, with big smiles on our faces.
Having been pronounced man and wife, Sara and Chris kissed a deep, long kiss to the applause and cheers of their friends and family.
The excitement of the day had only started as cocktail hour got going. The entryway to Paige Hall served double duty as a country tavern bar, with shiplap walls stained a dark brown. Golden light flowed down on the wedding guests, as old friends and family reunited with drinks in hand. Laughter resounded in the cozy space and spilled out into the courtyard. As Sara and Chris made their rounds, Jen and I made ours, capturing candids of guests enjoying the evening.
In a feat of wedding-day magic, Paige Hall transformed from ceremony space to reception hall, with each table adorned with peacock feathers, glittering jars, and shining silverware. The guests reentered and took their seats, eager for the night to continue.
After salads and a pair of memorable speeches, it was time for dinner! A full buffet waited in the Paige Hall entry way, salmon, chicken, roasted potatoes, and a carving station! The meal was the perfect fuel for all the dancing that would ensue.
Almost instantly after Sara and Chris’s guests finished their food, they were up on their feet, dancing to jazzed-up covers of pop hits old and new. The father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance followed, sweet traditions that spread smiles to all in Paige Hall. The evening had crescendoed into a full-on dance party, and Jen and I were dancing around ourselves, snapping candids as we circled the crowd.
And just like that, the day was done! After sneaking a few quick peaks at our work on our cameras’ LCD screens, we said our goodbyes to the newlywed Miedemas and started packing up our equipment. We took one last glimpse around Paige Hall, where the dance party was still going strong, and knew that this night would be remembered as a legendary, almost mythic one.
Congratulations to Sara and Chris! Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your special day; we had a blast!
Lake Love,
Alex & Jen