Who knew Gloucester, Massachusetts would be such a fairytale wedding destination?! We sure didn't until we received a booking inquiry for Hammond Castle. Our couple originally from Puerto Rico was flying their family and friends to the Northeast for a gothic castle wedding and we couldn't be more excited to join in the fun! We'd be providing digital and film photos, polaroids, and video.
The day began at Beauport Hotel. The bride and groom juggled getting ready in the same room without seeing each other, while the maid of honor put together a beautiful bridal bouquet. We took details out to the hotel's deck for photos and got the bride and groom ready for their first look.
After the first look, we transitioned to Hammond Castle, about 15 minutes away. There, we spent some quality time with the couple inside and outside before the other guests arrived. The castle has a beautiful row of columns overlooking the ocean that we made the most of on this blue-sky day. We also enjoyed the drawbridge entrance. In the back, we put our drone in the air for some aerial shots of the castle on its cliffside. Inside, the tables were set with dozens of candelabra. The stained-glass window above the organ was the cherry on top of this gothic party.
The wedding ceremony was Oscar's style with guests seated at the candelabra-filled tables. Bride, groom, and bridal party stood on the staircase at the front of the grand hall. The ceremony was an intimate event, that ended with a gargoyle dance party after the first kiss... yes! Gargoyles! The bride and groom had hired gargoyle performers to be living statues at their wedding.
Cocktail hour in the courtyard consisted of barista-made espresso drinks and many little hor d'oeuvres. The gargoyles joined in the family portraits taken on the grand hall steps.
As the wedding transitioned into its reception, there was another surprise guest! With dinner wrapping up in the grand hall, a bat appeared in the room and flew over the gothic occasion. What serendipity! Speeches were given and toasts were made. Then the bride and groom performed a choreographed first dance. After their dance, they gave the floor to newlywed friends of theirs who hadn't been able to have a wedding so the friends could finally have a first dance of their own. It was an emotional exchange!
In another display of kindness, the bride and groom also gave their first slice of cake to a guest for her birthday that same day! Everyone sang "Happy Birthday" and the dancefloor opened up. The rest of the day was a blur of fun, only interrupted by a bouquet and a garter toss. All-in-all, we were so glad to photograph and video this wedding. Not just for the amazing destination or the incredible aesthetic, but for the love and friendship on display as well!
