Greg + Erin’s Western MA Backyard Tent Wedding

Today is for Greg & Erin.

They planned a backyard wedding in Athol MA, where Greg grew up. Erin put SO much planning into the tent. Backyard weddings can be a lot of work. There’s so much coordination that has to happen, from the caterers to the tent to the napkins, chairs, bar. You name it. That doesn’t even begin to get into decor. Erin did it all. She had a vision that she would tell me about, as it evolved, over the year+ she spent planning. It was beautiful. I could picture it completely, and I loved it. She was so nervous to see if it would all come together the way she envisioned. Greg is her rock, and I’m sure talked her through it all countless times throughout the process.

The morning before their wedding, I get a simple but vague email from Erin that said that there was a “change of plans” with the tent, but that hopefully everything should work out ok.

I learned that what the email actually meant was that the rental company had completely bailed the day before their wedding. Meaning none of the rentals they paid for would be delivered. All at the default of the rental company. I cannot even imagine what that day must have been like. Their family & friends rallied around them to figure it out. Moms hopped on the phone, Dads called in favors, their wedding party was there for whatever they needed. They say it takes a village to raise a child (which it definitely does!), and in this case, their village moved mountains to re-plan a wedding within 12 hours. Thanks to the help of THESE INCREDIBLE RENTAL COMPANIES, they recreated everything she had put a year into planning.

Tents and benches, chairs & a handmade (day-before!) bar, tables, heating lamps, you name it. DONE. They did it. Erin told me the day of her wedding that she couldn’t even look at the tent. She hoped I’d be able to “make it look good” because she couldn’t bear to look. Her efforts, and the stress, and their hopes were all wrapped up in one.

Greg & Erin were relaxed and happy on their wedding day, focused on what the day was really about: marrying each other, best friends. The chaos of the day before brought a sweet calm to the wedding day. And it was magical. 100% magical, from start to finish. You’d never have known there were any troubles. AT ALL.

Erin, I hope you look at these pictures and see more than you ever hoped for. You deserve it, beautiful lady. The day was beyond incredible.

The day started at The Colonial Hotel in North Central Mass…I’m going to breeze through the preparations because I need to get you outside.

Photography was really important to both Erin & Greg, and when Greg mentioned Clamber Hill Inn as an option for portraits, it was an easy YES. You’ll see why. So these were my very first portraits of the day. The are so cute together, and make each other laugh A LOT. These pictures basically set the tone for the day…also, how gorgeous are they?

Real life Barbie & Ken.

Epic photo-bomb, orchestrated by the Inn’s owner!

Erin & Greg dreamt of a backyard wedding…but they didn’t have the backyard for it! So they called in a favor to their friends at Ellinwood Golf Club to borrow theirs.

Greg was adorable, and alternated from tears to laughs throughout the ceremony and reception. I loved the emotion, it was so sweet and loving and appreciative.

Lol…the longer I look at his nose, wedged up in her eye, the harder I laugh.

Erin & Greg met at Ellinwood Golf Club where he was a member and she was the beer girl. SO cute!

Thinking about the day before, you’d just never know. Never. It was one of the most beautiful tent weddings we’ve ever photographed.

Even the bathroom signs are cute!

The day was so fun, and so joy-filled. It felt like a day spent celebrating with friends. Congrats E+G, we love you guys!