Earlier this month I had the pleasure of photographing Robin & Jessica’s springtime elopement here in Salem. These two met in college during their time in the conservatory program as lighting designers. They spent most of their times as “just friends” until Jessica confessed her feelings and the two decided to go from there. And the rest is history! The ceremony spot was at the Salem Commons Bandstand and friends and family joined them at Finz afterwards for a lovely dinner to celebrate.

It was a brisk spring afternoon and what started out as a warm and sunny day in March, turned into a dark and blustery day post ceremony. Once it became dark and cloudy, it added to the Salem magic of it all that they were looking for! Friends and family started trickling in while the girls were setting up their space. They were all supporting them by grabbing any of the missing pieces during set up. Everyone was smiling and laughing with one another as they waited patiently for the ceremony to start.

These two have a theater background and made sure to incorporate their love for it in their ceremony. They diy’ed the lighting set up and altar. The table set up included dried flowers, twinkly lights, candles, and a very special book: If you give a mouse a cookie. They both wore all black and made their veils and capes themselves. They both sparkled tremendously, even on that cloudy day.

Here in Massachusetts, it is not required to sign a marriage license. Where Robin and Jessica are from, it is a requirement so they took the time to make their very own “marriage license” for them to sign with a quill pen. Their attention to detail was so evident throughout the whole day and this one really sealed it all. They also decided that they would roll a D20 dice to see who would read their vows first! This was a first for me to witness as a photographer and was such a sweet way for them to incorporate things they love in their lives throughout their ceremony.

After their ceremony, we spent some time taking family and friend photos with the sky getting darker and spookier behind us. The wind had picked up and we frolicked throughout the commons to get some quick couples photos post ceremony. Robin had even made this “just married” sticker for their car and we made sure to grab some quick photos next to it to document the day!