Tamara Merri
Mar 6, 2021
Samantha and Phil got engaged 10 years ago. Shortly after they got engaged they learned they were going to have a baby. Then the second baby came. And before they knew it the wedding plans got pushed to the back burner while the kids and life happened.
Samantha expressed that neither her nor Phil relish being the center of attention and that the idea of having a big wedding wasn't something she was excited about. It's hard to break it to family and friends that you actually don't want the wedding they've been picturing - so when COVID regulations forced smaller gatherings, they knew it was perfect time for them to pull the trigger on eloping without feeling guilty. I've heard this so many times. It can be extremely difficult to break from the "norm" and have a smaller, intimate affair rather than a big wedding with hundreds of people. Throughout the pandemic, elopements have boomed. For some, it was heartbreaking to cancel their large celebrations, for others, it was liberating to finally be able to purse the path they had already wanted.
Related Blog : How to tell your family you eloped instead
Elopements can range from quick city hall ceremonies to all day adventure elopements doing your favorite activity. As far as City Hall elopements go, Worcester City Hall is an amazing building to have elopement photos in. The grand staircase is exquisite as is the unique pattern on the ceiling and delicious architecture. So when Samantha reached out 4 days before her elopement day to tell me she wanted me to document it I was SO excited for the opportunity.
Related blog : How to elope at Worcester City Hall
Their appointment was at 9am so I met them on the 2nd floor of City Hall where they'd check in with the city clerk to show proof of marriage license and pay their ceremony fee.
Their boys took the opportunity to explore while we were waiting for the Justice of the Peace to greet us.
He directed us to the vestibule room (this is the room at the top of the outdoor spiral staircases - but that entrance is currently not open to the public), where he performed the short and sweet 5 minute ceremony.
They exchanged rings and shared a quick mask-less kiss before joining in on a big family hug.
This group hug photo might be my favorite photo of the day. Even though it's not technically magnificent or perfectly lit - it is REAL. The kids were so happy their parents were married. I made sure to include the Worcester emblem to give the photo more context.
The morning light was streaming so beautifully through the windows behind them to make them pop on the stairs! I love the symmetry this staircase provides for photos.
Excuse me while I drool over this architecture!
Show me those rings!!! Samantha loved this clock, and I absolutely love that including it in photos literally stops time. Every photo where the clock is included packs a storytelling punch. You can see that this photo was taken approximately 11 minutes after their ceremony start time. For one, it proves how quickly the ceremony is!! For two, I love that they can say " 5 minutes after we were married we were dancing at the top of the stairs in Worcester City Hall showing off our wedding rings!"
Seriously can't get over the photo opportunities at Worcester City Hall. For the photo above and the photo below I stood in the exact same spot. Thank god for open levels and balconies! The shadows on the stairs below make my heart happy.
After getting a good mix of photos inside city hall we ventured outside to snap a few more with the stone spiral staircase which is on the Main street entrance side. The little circle room where they performed the wedding ceremony is at the top of these stairs.
Breaking news we got real smiles from both boys at once!
Again - the architecture! Worcester you amaze me! Also fantastic photo of Samantha's hair.
The boys didn't like staying still for too long so I encouraged them to run it out! They were running towards me while I ran away - whoever tagged me first got an extra special treat! Spoiler alert, they both got ice cream for being so well behaved and as a celebration their parents got married.
New bling!
They rented a limo for the occasion - I love it!!! Of course we HAD to snap some photos with the limo before we parted ways.
I'm so grateful I was able to document such a special day in their family's life. Being trusted to photograph elopements is incredibly dear to my heart because I know this is the only glimpse into their story that they have to share with family and friends. These photos will be heirloom items for their sons. I can already picture it 30 years from now, the boys looking through their wedding album thinking " wow - I really wouldn't smile unless I was being tickled, huh?". Capturing memories in the making is so rewarding and I will never grow tired of it.
If you're considering eloping at Worcester City Hall, give me a call! I'd love to photograph your day and hear how I can bring your vision to life!
If you want some more information about how to elope at Worcester City Hall, I wrote a blog to help you every step of the way. Check that out by clicking here.
xo,
Tam
Tamara Merri Photography