S+B's Glen Magna Farms Wedding - Bolton MA Wedding Photography Videography Family Portraits

Our 2019 wedding season has been magical, and Shannon & Brian’s Glen Magna Farms wedding kept that trend going straight through the end of June. I am so excited to share this wedding highlight with these two incredible people, as well as their family, friends and YOU!

Shannon & Brian were married at Glen Magna Farms in Danvers. Here is a picture of their wedding invitation & her jewelry, taken at Hotel Salem by The Ewings Photography Studio

Brian & Shannon started their wedding day in Salem at two of the coolest hotels in the city. As wedding photographers, we are always looking for getting ready backdrops with natural light and style. The Merchant (our recommendation! We fell in love with it when we photographed Tara & Will’s Oceanview of Nahant wedding—see it here!) & Hotel Salem offer both, so were perfect for this bride & groom. I loved starting the day here. Not to mention, both Brian & Shannon were insanely relaxed & happy, just ready for a fun wedding day with their favorite people.

As North Shore wedding photographers, we always recommend choosing a getting ready location with good natural light and interesting decor/style. This bride got ready at Hotel Salem, just down the road from Merchant Hotel, another fantastic location for wedding accommodations.

I love all things thoughtful & classic. How much does it mean to you to get a handwritten note these days? This is one of my favorite wedding day traditions and I love that Shannon took part of her morning to write a note to her Brian before a picture with her best ladies.

A Glen Magna Farms bridal party, with bride prep at Hotel Salem!

Meanwhile Ben was hanging out at the bar with the guys. Tequila isn’t one we see often on the wedding day. But its a fave over here, so shout out to the guys – especially Brian and his aggressive tequila face! Then on to The Merchant, our favorite boutique hotel in Salem MA for wedding accommodations & prep.

A bride and groom getting ready at Hotel Salem before their North Shore wedding at Glen Magna Farms in Danvers.

Brian & Shannon’s wedding venue was Glen Magna Farms. It is a garden estate wedding venue in the North Shore of Boston, tucked away in a quiet nook in Danvers.

They had use of the historic mansion for their wedding day preparation, the gardens for their wedding ceremony and a gorgeous tent for their summer wedding reception.

These two pictures were taken around the same time. Brian & Shannon were just so so happy! I love that Shannon wanted to enjoy the outdoor space at Glen Magna. Her & her bridesmaids walked the gardens and hung out on the porch until the guys arrived. No first look here so as soon as the limo van pulled in, the girls headed upstairs for some bubbly & bridal prep.

Shannon’s sister & MOH, putting finishing touches on her toast notes…

Shannon’s Essense of Australia wedding gown was elegant and perfect for their Glen Magna Farms wedding.

I take a good amount of time to get to know our couples before their wedding day. It helps me create portraits & capture the day in a way I know they would love, but I’ve realized that it also helps me truly share in their excitement in ways beyond just the pictures we capture for them.

I’ve been having “pinch me” moments for our couples so much lately. Like the first time I walked to the garden where Shannon & Brian were going to be married. I’ve photographed at this gorgeous garden wedding venue before (for one of our all-time funnest couples, Rob & Killeen!), but it still struck me. This view below, and all I could think was “is this even real life? This is where they get to be married. I’m so excited for them!“

#epicfirstkiss

A thought on family portrait planning at weddings

The biggest piece of advice I will forever give all of our couples is to take a moment with each of the people they’ve included in their formal portrait list.

If they’re on that list, they’re important. And the memory of the moment (kept alive & celebrated in their pictures) will become even more special than the eyes-on-the-camera portrait.

The photograph below in the top right with Shannon’s grandmother is the “official” portrait, but I’ve also included the moments just after the portrait was completed. Both are beautiful, and so very different. Which would you print & frame? I know which one I would choose.

Part of our promise to our couples is to create the space for these beautiful moments.

Cocktail hour at Glen Magna Farms weddings is in the front lawn of the mansion…meanwhile we’re in the gardens doing the floss & kissing our favorite people. #privateparty

The willow tree at Glen Magna Farms is iconic and magical. Definitely plan for pictures there.

A summer wedding at Glen Magna Farms, a unique outdoor estate wedding venue in Boston's North Shore. Glen Magna Farms has a mansion, tented reception & expansive gardens.

Wedding ceremony done. Portraits done. Now to party time.

HUGE plug for Brian & Shannon’s wedding band Big Party Orchestra. They were talented & so lovely to work with, and I was impressed with how attentive they were to the importance of the events even when they weren’t performing. And also, they had everyone singing at their seats long before their chance to hit the dance floor.

Creepy photo bomb. Cute photo bomb. You decide! hehehe.

Friends! Shout out to Brian’s buddy over his left shoulder…he & a friend of ours (hey Dave!) introduced my Ben to Shannon’s Brian at a Bruins game, the guys hit it off and they hired us shortly after! Thanks fellas, for being our matchmakers.

Is it possible to take pictures AND eat a cupcake at the SAME TIME?! My theory was yes, but I had to test it to be sure. Nailed it! Just like Big Party Orchestra nailed the wedding reception dance party for Shannon & Brian.