A few months ago, a good friend of mine asked if I was available to photograph her sister’s elopement. The details were as follows:
• It was 2.5 hours away
• It would be the middle of winter
• It would be taking place in less than a month.
My answer? Um, YES!
When I first connected with Stephanie (my friend’s sister), I knew she was my kind of bride. She told me all about her dream day and how she wanted it to be intimate, beautiful, and fun.
I was particularly honored to be part of this day because Stephanie and Greg wanted a photographer who could blend in well with their intimate guest list—someone who would get along well with everyone. As a wedding photographer, I always strive to be a part of the experience—making the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs.’s request right up my alley.
The Big Day at Grafton Inn, Vermont
When the day finally arrived, I drove 120 miles to the Grafton Inn, blasting my wedding day hype playlist and getting psyched for my first wedding of the 2020 season. I arrived to the most adorable little town—its quaint main street was covered by a fresh dusting of snow. The inn itself was decorated with vintage furniture and art—it was like I stepped back in time. Everything was quiet and still, as if the whole town was just waiting patiently for the celebration to begin.
I met Stephanie in her room and captured precious pre-ceremony moments with her mom and sister: their dresses in the window, her bouquet from Halladay’s Flowers, reading a sweet note from her husband-to-be, and lots of candid moments. After capturing a few of Greg in his room getting ready, we headed towards the main part of the inn to do their first look.
I might have teared up a little bit when Greg turned around to see Stephanie. The two embraced each other and smiled nonstop, knowing they were just moments away from getting to call each other husband and wife. Before their ceremony, we got to take portraits in a variety of spots—including the middle of the picturesque street! The town of Grafton was the perfect backdrop for Stephanie and Greg’s love story.
Their short and sweet ceremony was held in the inn’s Homestead Room. Steph and Greg finally said, “I do” surrounded by candles and the ones they love. To see the two of them so happy was simply a gift, and it was an honor to join their families for such an intimate celebration.
Advice From the Couple
Q: Why did you decide to elope?
A: We decided to elope because we love the idea of getting away with our closest friends/ family and having an intimate, stress-free wedding!
Q: Do you have advice for other couples planning a wedding?
A: Don’t do what other people want you to do!
Stephanie and Greg’s advice sums up what I tell all of my couples. Your day is exactly that: yours. It’s not about what your mom, uncle, friend, or strangers on the internet want you to do. The biggest day of your life should be infused with everything you love about your partner, your relationship, and life. Only you and your partner can make those decisions—and Stephanie and Greg are a beautiful example of that.
Vendors
Venue: Grafton Inn
Photography: Nina Weinstein Photography
Florist: Halladay’s Flowers
Rings: Michael’s Jewelers
Officiant: Sam Battagliano, Justice of the Peace
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Nina Weinstein is a Massachusetts wedding photographer serving all of New England. She specializes in bold, romantic wedding photography as well as engagement and family sessions. She is currently booking for 2020 and 2021 – get in touch!
