moments gallery

An intimate gaze. A joyful laugh. A quiet pause. These images capture the emotions that run through a couple’s wedding day with reflections from the photographers and the story behind these special moments.

“The Mother of the Bride falls victim to the Hora.” Photo by Mark McCall Photo

“The bride was heading off to the first look, descending the steps in her families castle.” Photo by Mark McCall Photo

“The readings of pre-ceremony notes are such sweet moments to witness. In addition to capturing Sarah’s reactions, I wanted to photograph the words she was reading as well. If the card is misplaced or the words forgotten, they’ll have a photograph to remember what was said.” Photo by Alanna Hogan Photo

“Sometimes it’s all about making an entrance! Here the bride was going to be walking down the aisle by herself. The church doors opened right to the street, so I knew that the best shot was going to be a silhouette, picking up the highlights on the interior of the church and the family and friends who were all-eyes-on-her. And know what I love most? Not a cell phone in the scene. Everyone was present and focused during this unplugged ceremony.” Photo by Eric McCallister Photography

“While photographing the processional at the beginning of the wedding ceremony, I noticed this scene between the groom’s mother and grandmother unfolding. Weddings are all about celebrating family and their growth. Documenting these fleeting moments between generations in the most meaningful part of what I do.” Photo by Eric McCallister Photography

“This image was taken right after the Ketubah signing, before the couple’s wedding ceremony. Siblings surrounded the bride and groom and significant others, and they stopped for a quick “Ketubah selfie”. All smiles and excitement for the celebration to come.” Photo by Eric McCallister Photography

“Here, the bride and groom pause for a moment alone in the lobby lounge of the Intercontinental Hotel Boston. I shot this image from the doorway of the lounge, being sure to leave them their space, but trying to incorporate the textures and mood of the space.” Photo by Eric McCallister Photography

“Hora at the Fairmont Copley Hotel in Boston. The Hora is such a wonderful event to photograph, but to really capture the energy and emotion of the moment; you need to get right in there in the middle of all!” Photo by Eric McCallister Photography

“Point Lookout is a beautiful venue, and inside they have a baby grand piano. When Jamie and Maria decided to get married there because of the outdoor view that was so important to them, they decided to have cocktail hour indoors so that Maria’s dad could play that piano. Not only was it entertainment for the guests, but also it was a deeply sentimental and meaningful moment for this couple to have Maria’s father share his passion and emotions with them in a way that was so unique to him and to this venue.” Photo by Elusive Photography

“Bride and groom meet on the Juliet balcony overlooking the center courtyard at the Boston Public Library. I wanted to highlight the gorgeous architecture of the library… the marble, windows, lion statues, chandelier, etc. and added a little bit of flash on the couple to make them pop in the frame.” Photo by Eric McCallister Photography

“We often focus a lot of attention on the couple’s first look, but the truly emotional “first look” is between child and parent. Here, the bride’s father was brought to tears at the sight of his little girl just before leaving for the church for her wedding ceremony.” Photo by Eric McCallister Photography

“When I became a parent, it totally changed how I saw the parents on a wedding day. They say it doesn’t matter how old your child gets, they are still your child; and when I saw Natalie’s Mom assisting her into her wedding dress, I couldn’t help but think how many times a mother helps her child put on their clothes, and gets them ready for their day. Even though today was Natalie’s wedding day, and it was probably one of the last times she would ever need her Mom’s help getting dressed, nothing felt more natural or more beautiful to me in this moment than mother and daughter.” Photo by Leigh Doran of Nadra Photography

“I love touches of bohemian in a bride and groom’s style, as well as their wedding design. Theirs married bohemian with a vintage elegance – from the tweed suit and flower crown to the beautifully bohemian Rue De Seine gown. I feel like this image really shows off their fashion-forward styles, as well as a quiet intimacy.” Photo by Alanna Hogan Photography

“While the getting ready is memorable, there are some moments that deserve special attention, like this groom who sat down to write a letter to his bride! As the light filled the space, I embraced the shadows to create an environmental portrait during this quiet moment, minutes before the ceremony.” Photo by Enid Arvelo of Nadra Photography

“A centerpiece of one of New Hampshire’s last remaining grand hotels features a gorgeous center staircase. The couple wanted a portrait showcasing the architecture of this centerpiece. This image was just about getting the couple in the right spot, getting the light right, and then just letting them be themselves.” Photo by Eric McCallister Photography

“This sweltering July wedding hit nearly 100 degrees with a full-sun ceremony location. But beyond the guests fanning themselves looking on, and beyond the gorgeous Lakes Region backdrop at Timber Hill Farm, was this moment – when nothing else matters and no one else is even there. Just a husband and wife, up at that altar, hand in hand. The rest of the world melts away.” Photo by Alanna Hogan Photo

“Winter weddings may be frigid, but they’re also extra cozy. Despite the 20-something degree day in New Hampshire, I was thankful for the wind that added a bit of movement to this joy-filled frame. Whatever weather you’re dealt with on your wedding day, embracing the elements truly pays off!” Photo by Alanna Hogan Photography

“Ashley and Greg wrote vows to one another and read them to each other privately during their First Look. During this moment, Ashley is reading her vows to Greg.” Photo by Freebird Photography

“Boys will be boys. Bobby and some of his groomsmen hanging out on the back of the trolley in downtown Boston.” Photo by Freebird Photography

“Alex and Marston had just returned to her grandfather’s home from their First Look and family photographs and had a few moments to collect themselves before the church ceremony. Here, Alex reapplies her lipstick as her sister and bridesmaid look on.” Photo by Julie K. Gray Photography

“Hands down, my favorite part of a Jewish wedding celebration is the Hora! After dinner, speeches, and formalities, the party really gets started, and this dance kicks it off with a bang. I loved snapping this shot of Raphael and Marie locking eyes as their friends and family started to lift them off the ground in their chairs! They had a band for their reception music, and hearing guests sing along to the medley as The Curreys performed it live made for a super high-energy, fun-filled moment.” Photo by Maren Kathleen Photography

“There is always a moment during the ceremony when I feel the tears starting to well in my eyes – that’s when I turn my camera toward the family members (which usually makes me even more teary-eyed!) Being able to capture the couple’s parents, grandparents, and family members completely overcome with emotion during the exchanging of vows is one of the most important pieces of the story. Most of the time, the couple isn’t even aware of the emotion that’s surrounding them, so having these images is such a special reminder of the generational love and support that enveloped you as you began your life together.” Photo by Maren Kathleen Photography

“From the very start, the energy between the bride and her bridesmaids was contagious. They kept each other laughing all day, and I really wanted to capture that candid, unbridled joy in a photo. While there is a time and place for formal, posed wedding party portraits – it’s these little in-between, authentic moments that you’ll want to frame and look back on to relive that joy for a lifetime.” Photo by Maren Kathleen Photography

“This elegant bride looked stunning in her detailed lace dress and the cliffs at Cliff House Maine provided the perfect backdrop for portraits. As the wind picked up and a storm rolled in I was able to create this beautiful ethereal moment.” Photo by Natalya DeSena Photography

“While their guests hit the dance floor, Sarah and John Robert had a quiet moment as the sun set (something I highly recommend all couples do!). I love the gentleness of this quiet embrace. It feels like home.” Photo by Alanna Hogan Photo

“These historic elevators at Portland Masonic are identical to those installed in the Titanic and serve as the most perfect and timeless backdrop for a first look! Anna and Shawn first saw each other coming down the aisle but I couldn’t resist asking them to channel their inner Rose and Jack for a few romantic and unique captures.” Photo by Allie Kelley Photo

“I just loved the energy of this day! It was actually a surprise wedding, the guests had no idea what was about to happen! I have never witnessed more emotion at any other event that I have photographed. This was the moment that the grooms Mom arrived and saw the soon to be bride. They knew what was about to happen and the anticipation and energy was in every inch of this big hug!” Photo by Brea McDonald Photography

“I just love the elegance and detailing of Sarah’s Calla Blanche gown, and knew we had to create some unique portraits with it. There were great photos of Sarah laughing while tossing it in the air, but I particularly love how the dramatic portrait translates to black and white.” Photo by Alanna Hogan Photo

“For this groomsmen shot I got down low to shoot up in order to give the guys a sense of power in the image, and then I asked the guys for their best ‘James Bond look.” Photo by Chris Keeley Photography

“A quiet excitement swept over the group as our bride prepped to get into her dress. This wedding fell over an early September hurricane weekend — the forecasts were questionable and only as our final touches went on, it became clear that the storm would miss us. Our couple would enjoy their day exactly as they’d dreamed.” Photo by By Hallie Photography

“As the bride arrived at the church and got out her limo, I got a few shots of her arrival and then I ran inside the church to get this beautiful backlit shot of her coming up the steps and inside while her guests anxiously greeted her upon arrival. Watching their expressions was like watching royalty arrive, it was so exciting!” Photo by Chris Keeley Photography

“I just adore when a couple is so connected during their first dance like there is not a soul in the room. Colleen & Jeff hold each other so close their immense love for one another shines so bright, such a romantic image of such a beautiful couple.” Photo by Casey Durgin Photography

“The bride’s grandmother was so happy for her, I love this moment we captured of her quietly watching her granddaughter get ready with her friends.” Photo by Chris Keeley Photography

“Veil photos are a mixture of vision and luck. My vision was to have Anna stand in front of Shawn and lean in slowly for a kiss, but to never actually touch lips. My luck was having a gust of wind come at the most perfect moment.” Photo by Allie Kelley Photo

“The mother of the bride was helping with the finishing touches while her daughter stood calmly by the window.” Photo by Chris Keeley Photography

“Sometimes while shooting quiet, intimate moments at weddings, I like to get level with my subjects to help better set the scene and mood. During this shot I was sitting a few rows back on the opposite side of the aisle and was able to focus in on the bride’s Dad watching his only daughter get married.” Photo by Freebird Photography

“One of my favorite pieces of wedding day photography is incorporating real moments with movement. Above, a simple walking and talking shot of these newlyweds in Boston’s Seaport.” Photo by Freebird Photography

“An intimate and festive moment of guests captured at the Barn at Wells Reserve at Laudholm in Wells, Maine.” Photo by Jamie Mercurio

“While Tessa and Lucy both applied their makeup together in the Inn’s bedroom mirrors, I noticed that Lucy’s mother was reading a companion to the Bible. As she flipped to the “Marriage” page, I was able to capture this image without her knowing. This is a great example of why in order to capture the true essence of the day, you sometimes need to step back from the obvious shot and observe all of the action surrounding it.” Photo by Julie K. Gray Photography

“I grabbed this shot of the groom with all his groomsmen on the way to take our formal portraits. Everyone was excited for the ceremony to start and I love how he is featured with his best friends surrounding him.” Photo by Kate Preftakes

“This cozy first dance shot was so special because their friends and family surrounded the couple closely. The low light of the barn combined with two added lights was the perfect combination to highlight this sweet moment.” Photo by Kate Preftakes

“Christine and Bobby holding hands and throwing smiles at each other during their ceremony at the State Room in Boston.” Photo by Freebird Photography

“These bridesmaid outfits were so cute! I was focusing on the champagne glasses, but the laughter behind them was so good I had to shift my view.” Photo by Katelyn Mallett Photography

“This was mom buttoning the final button on her daughter’s dress, so I wanted to get really close to capture the movement of her hands. It’s such a special part of the getting ready process, right before the bride sees herself in her wedding gown!” Photo by Katelyn Mallett Photography

“Surrounded by the beauty of Acadia, I encouraged this couple to just soak in the moment after their ceremony. Although the landscape around them was beautiful, a black and white photo brings the focus to their happiness.” Photo by Katelyn Mallett Photography

“I love to photograph the wedding rings ON the couple’s hands. Each couple seems to hold hands differently, so each ring shot is unique.” Photo by Katelyn Mallett Photography

“I absolutely love it when couples incorporate snapshot Polaroid photos into their guestbook. It’s so much fun to see family and friends snapping goofy photos together, and what an awesome keepsake to have forever! I snuck a photo of one of the groomsmen writing a caption for his Polaroid during the reception. While camera phone and social media selfies are great, you’ll be so happy to walk away from the wedding day with a tangible scrapbook of memories you can pass down for generations.” Photo by Maren Kathleen Photography

“I had the couple just relax and take in the view. It’s so important to be present and in the moment at your wedding because it flies by, so I just told them to snuggle up and look at the ocean surrounding them.” Photo by Katelyn Mallett Photography

“Such a sweet moment captured during this beautiful father/daughter dance. Michelle rests her head against her Dad’s and she just previously wiped away a tear.” Photo by Casey Durgin Photography

“I knew I wanted to capture the texture of the bride’s dress paired with the detail of her mother’s hands helping her because hands show so much emotion, life, and character. They’re often my favorite things to photograph. I love that this small moment actually is a huge part of the day because it’s the final moment before the bride sees herself in her wedding dress.” Photo by Katelyn Mallett Photography

“A black tie wedding looks even more elegant in a timeless black and white image.” Photo by Maxine Cadman Photography

“It’s important to me that I keep my couples moving naturally and guiding them along the way. The bride and groom were walking around admiring the view of the Cliff House. In this moment, they had great connection authentically and I just asked the bride to glance towards the camera. She had this sweet expression of peace in her eyes. It is amazing what you can create when you let yourself truly be in the moment.” Photo by Meraki Portrait

“As everyone knows the Hora is an amazing, energetic, wild dancing experience for everyone involved – including the photographers. I am grateful that I was able to find a spot off the dance floor where I could capture a more intimate moment between the bride and groom that still maintained that Hora energy and the connection between them. The negative space around them really contrasts what is happening on the dance floor below.” Photo by Rachel Buckley Photogrpahy

“I knew this moment of all four of the children was going to be fleeting & unpredictable: I set up my framed my shot prior to the doors opening & held my breath.” Photo by Meg Hamilton of Rodeo & Co.

“The cliff in the background was where they had their ceremony, so I knew I wanted a shot with it. We were at the end of our photography time, so I had the couple take a little break and take in the view, perfect for a candid kiss photo.” Photo by Katelyn Mallett Photography

“I was behind the couple as they made their grand exit, shooting from the perspective of looking up the aisle as guests clapped and took photos of them passing by. At the end of the aisle they stopped for a kiss, and since they were backlit, Kate edited this in black and white and adjusted the exposure to give it a silhouette effect.” Photo by Freebird Photography

“Just prior to the bride and dad’s processional, the little ring bear and flower girl rounded the corner ahead of them. Being an outdoor ceremony, the background was clear of other people, and I immediately knelt so as to closer to their eye level. I love that were acting so grown-up and holding hands!” Photo by Russell Caron Photography

“Standing just out of the mirror’s reflection, I was able to capture the bride’s expression as she looked into the mirror, surrounded by her closest friends as they helped her button up the back of her wedding gown.” Photo by Trina Dinnar Photography

“The groom surprised the bride with this beautiful ocean side location. On their wedding day, he told her to follow him, where he led her down the path, stopping to give her a kiss. I stood back to capture the candid, natural moment they shared.” Photo by Trina Dinnar Photography

“The time in the beginning of the day when the bride and groom are getting ready is such a cool time. On this day it was such a calm and quiet mood at one of our favorite venues, Camp Mataponi. I love to look at the images after and see how often the images of the bride and groom mirror each other as they prepare for the day.” Photo by Emily Delameter

“Christine’s Mother and Bridesmaid button her dress for her. Christine was torn between a ballroom gown and something more form fitting. She ended up getting a big tulle skirt to wear on top of this dress, creating a fun, best-of-both-worlds look and easy outfit change. Above, the sheer material creeping in stage right is her tulle skirt I was tucked behind.” Photo by Freebird Photography

“I am usually with the bride and my husband Matt shoots with the Groom and it’s such an honor to be there with them for such an intimate part of the day. The bride had a deep connection to the camp, and had been going there since she was a child. I loved that they both got ready in the bunk cabins, such a rustic and real backdrop.” Photo by Emily Delameter

“Whitney and Ed really wanted to make the most of the gorgeous canopy of trees in the woods at the camp, and wanted their guests to see the night sky as apposed to being under a tent, so they hung lights above the family style tables. It was beautiful. It made for such gorgeous light with just the candles and the strung lights above them. Here the bride’s father gives a toast to the couple.” Photo by Emily Delameter

“Katie and Jack share a moment before their ceremony at the private home of Jack’s mother in Pemaquid, ME.” Photo by Mark McCall Photo

“This was taken on top of Mt. Battie in Camden. Sara & Zack have a very theatrical background, as you can tell.” Photo by Mark McCall Photo

“This intimate moment Marie and Raphael shared right after their first look is such a genuine representation of the love they share for one another. They were just about to go in for a kiss when I snapped this photo, and I love the sense of anticipation that’s created in the few seconds before their embrace. While composing this frame, I could feel them breathing in the moment and truly savoring this memory before heading off to their ceremony, and it ended up being one of my favorite shots from their day.” Photo by Maren Kathleen Photography

“Alexis & Christian had just finished their mini ceremony on the rocks in Acadia National Park. They were very happy about how it went :)” Photo by Mark McCall Photo

“Bride Katie takes one last look before heading to the ceremony.” Photo by Mark McCall Photo

“There was no available light to photograph the “Just Married” sign on the get-away Tesla- so I asked special wedding guests to give me a hand after the sparkler exit.” Photo my Meg Hamilton of Rodeo & Co.

“After doing pictures all over the mountain, I asked Alexis & Christian to just sit and enjoy the sunset.” Photo by Mark McCall Photo

“While taking formal pictures with couples I’m always looking for something different. This gentleman, not part of the wedding in any way, served as an interesting counterpoint for this image.” Photo by Mark McCall Photo

“This couple eloped on the top of Cadilac Mt., it was a very windy & emotional afternoon.” Photo by Mark McCall Photo

“Here a couple guests start to look more like each other as the night wore on.” Photo by Mark McCall Photo

“I love kids at weddings. They look like formal, pretend adults, but every chance they get their true selves are revealed.” Photo by Mark McCall Photo

“Katie and Jack share a laugh during their ceremony.” Photo by Mark McCall Photo

“This was taken at a rainy wedding in Rhode Island. And as usual I invite chance to take part.” Photo by Mark McCall Photo

“As a photographer, I’m slightly afraid of this traditional Jewish dance. People get very aggressive, move very quickly & are not generally aware of delicate artists trying to freeze time.” Photo by Mark McCall Photo

“I loved witnessing Marie’s maid of honor help her with final getting ready touches just before she left to see her groom for the first time. The special care and attention she took to make sure Marie’s dress was perfect was such a sweet, loving gesture – I had to snap a candid shot.” Photo by Maren Kathleen Photography

“The couple wanted to celebrate the full moon by having a sparkler lit exit under it at the end of their wedding. I set everyone up in a line, the venue helped to get them lit, and the couple took their time exiting their wedding in style and thanking each guest for sharing their special day!” Photo by Elusive Photography

Photo by Jamie Mercurio

Photo by Jamie Mercurio

“As they finished the “shoe game”, the groom (having guessed incorrectly) took his bride’s shoe and tossed it in the air. It was hilarious, and I love the not so obvious flying shoe in the photo.” Photo by Katelyn Mallet Photography

“Nearing the end of the reception, I asked the couple to follow me outside for a few more minutes of portraits. The bride loved her flowy Willowby dress so much, so I just had her spin and dance around in it!” Photo by Katelyn Mallet Photography

“Something about this image screamed black and white to me. I love how it shows off all of Courtney’s unique bohemian accessories: her flower crown, beaded bracelet, gorgeous spell and gypsy dress, and of course, those chic and comfy boots.” Photo by Alanna Hogan Photo

“This little flower girl stole the show, and I love how you can see a little sparkle in her eyes. Her flower crown matched the bridesmaids’ crowns, and its flowers were grown by a local neighbor and friend to the camp, adding a special touch to this woodland wedding.” Photo by Alanna Hogan Photo

“I’m a huge fan of first looks, and this photo is the perfect testament! The bride and I drove together from her getting ready location to meet her groom at the beach. I remember watching the bride nervously looking out of the car window during our short drive, hoping for a glance of her groom, and expressing to me how excited she was to share a quiet, private moment together before heading down the aisle. The best part about doing a first look? You can touch each other! You can hug, you can kiss, you can talk – all things you aren’t able to do when you see each other for the first time during your ceremony. This little window of time is one of the only parts of your wedding day that you can truly be with each other with no one else around, and that makes for some amazing, intimate photos you might otherwise not have an opportunity to create during a busy wedding day schedule. Raphael was grinning from ear-to-ear after laying eyes on his beautiful bride, and this photo of their first embrace is one of my favorites from their day.” Photo by Maren Kathleen Photography

“The groom was a bit emotional after seeing this bride, so as they held hands she gently ran her thumb over his hands. I love that I have the ability to focus in on small moments like these between couples that not everyone notices during the wedding day. These intimate moments are what help tell the full wedding day story.” Photo by Katelyn Mallett Photography

“Everything about this wedding felt classic and elegant with a dash of southern comfort. The stepmother of the groom pictured here, was wearing a necklace that had belonged to her grandmother. This candid moment between them and knowing the history of such a special piece of jewelry felt fitting in a timeless black and white.” Photo by Maxine Cadman Photography

“I’m always pleasantly surprised when couples go along with my ridiculous ideas. I joked in passing that climbing a tree would be very photogenic. So my adventurous bride Gwynne got up there before I could tell her I wasn’t serious.” Photo by Mark McCall Photo

“Lauren & Joshua surprised their guests with a little fireworks display in Hodgdon, ME.” Photo by Mark McCall Photo

“This was in the first moments after the wedding ceremony. Completely unprompted, these two embraced and melted into each other’s arms. I wanted to get really close to really focus on the happiness and contentedness that is so evident in her smile.” Photo by Katelyn Mallett Photography

“These two got married Labor Day weekend at Wychmere Beach Club on the day Hurricane Dorian was forecasted to slam Massachusetts’ Cape and Islands. The drive down that morning was rainy and windy, but I kid you not—The moment Nicole arrived to the docks for their 2pm First Look, the sun came out. We were all so shocked. Here, Mike is turning around to see his bride for the first time.” Photo by Freebird Photography

“Christine and Bobby stand 33 stories high, overlooking the city of Boston as they say their vows to each other in front of family and friends.” Photo by Freebird Photography

“Alexander was excited about the Tesla Model X getaway car & I wanted to make sure I was able to capture that moment for him, while also showing the uniqueness of the car.” Photo by Meg Hamilton of Rodeo & Co.

“Madeline and Chris’ portraits were done with the extra pressure of an impending storm, but we embraced the wind and skies to highlight her veil and the view and used it to our advantage.” – Photo by Meg Hamilton of Rodeo & Co.

“Emily had just had her veil perfectly placed and was touching it’s edges for the first time as a bride. This was moments before her dad walked into her suite to see her & I quietly reminded her to breathe and soak in the moment.” Photo by Meg Hamilton of Rodeo & Co.

“Marie and Raphael had family traveled from all over the world to celebrate their marriage in Falmouth. While much of Marie’s family lives in Canada, the father of the groom lives in England, so it’s not often that they’re all together in one place. When I noticed Raphael’s dad stealing his new daughter-in-law for a dance, I snapped this photo of her mid-twirl, and her expression is a perfect representation of the joy felt throughout their reception!” Photo by Maren Kathleen Photography

“This first dance was so beautiful. The couple had a band at their wedding, making the dance unique and emotional. As they danced, I made sure to be in a place where their guests could be seen in the background to really capture the feel of the wedding.” Photo by Katelyn Mallett Photography

“Sometimes you have a picture in your mind, and you just need the right couple at the right time to walk into the scene. This was dreary day at the great Island Common in Rye, NH. A little rain wasn’t going to ruin this bride and groom’s portrait plans, and they grabbed umbrellas and went for a walk by the ocean.” Photo by Eric McCallister Photography

Contributing Photographers: