Dave & Holly
Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts
October 31st, 2015*
As a wedding photographer, you tend to miss a lot of important holidays and events with your friends and family during the so-called "busy season" and, as much as this sucks sometimes, it's a part of doing business.
So that's why when I was booked for a Halloween wedding this year, my initial thought was one of disappointment as I wouldn't get to celebrate one of my favorite nights of the year.
But then it hit me. A Halloween wedding? Well, that could be something special if done right. Dave and Holly did it right.
And that's why while I would've loved to get dressed up and have fun with friends, on this Halloween, I was glad to be working.
I think the photos show why.
Dave and Holly chose Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts as the backdrop for their wedding day and what a backdrop it was.
With the fall colors on full display and the sun bright and shining, we started our day with the always-a-favorite first look at this one did not disappoint. Set near a covered bridge, Dave and Holly naturally melted into each other's arms once they finally got to see each other and that made their formal photo session one of my favorites (and most colorful!) of the entire year.
I loved everything about Holly and Dave's formal photo shoot, especially her bouquet which was one of the nicest and most fall-like I've seen.
But it was the character of the old-time village that stood out most to me. Check this place out.
Seriously. What a cool spot. Dave and Holly said they fell in love with the Old Sturbridge Village once they saw it and it's easy to see why.
Moments after you walk around the center of the location, near the meeting house where Dave and Holly would later say their vows and officially become husband and wife, you feel like you've traveled back in time.
The village really has an old-school vibe to it, complete with costumed characters and horse-drawn carriage – which made for one of the funniest photos I've taken at a wedding as Holly elegantly tip-toed around the horse droppings like a lady.
Because of the location, I knew Holly and Dave's wedding ceremony would be unique and boy was it ever. Set inside the meeting house, which was essentially an old church/town hall building, Holly and Dave had a quick and intimate wedding ceremony unlike any I've ever seen.
One of my favorite parts of their wedding, and one of the cooler concepts I've seen this year to be honest, was the musket fire celebration after Dave and Holly said 'I do." This was cool.
At this point, I bet you're wondering where all the Halloween themes are? Well, Dave and Holly didn't forget about the OTHER big day taking place on October 31st. Their reception was full of little touches to commemorate the annual tradition.
I really loved the way Holly and Dave had their dining room set up for their reception. Old Sturbridge Village's Oliver Wight Tavern was the perfect backdrop for an elegant night of dancing, drinking and partying.
All in all, I really couldn't have asked for a more fun time on Halloween than shooting Holly and Dave's wedding.
The two picked a breathtaking location at the exact right time of year and their photos showed off exactly why getting married in New England can be a one-in-a-kind experience.
Dave and Holly were also my final George Street Photography couple of the year and, consequently, my final blog post of 2015.
In the next few weeks, I'll no doubt reflect on the year that 2015 was as it was a truly special wedding season for me, easily the best of my career thus far, and I have no doubt when I do, this October wedding will be one I look back on and smile about.
See you in 2016!
-PJS
* These photos were taken as part of my work for George Street Photography and are presented here strictly for portfolio/display purposes.