Summer Willowdale Estate Wedding | Jenna & Anderson

Tamara Merri
2 days ago
5 min read

Jenna & Anderson

Welcome to Jenna and Anderson's love story! We first saw them on the blog for their Beacon Hill Bicycle engagement session. I'm thrilled to share their continued story for their wedding day!

Willowdale Estate Wedding

Willowdate Estate is a gorgeous stone mansion in Topsfield on Massachusetts North Shore. As you turn onto the winding drive that leads to the Willowdale Estate, towering pines sway gently overhead. With each curve of the road, the anticipation builds—until, at last, the estate reveals itself like something from a storybook: a grand stone mansion nestled within the heart of the woods, nestled in manicured greenery and whispered history. Willowdale Estate doesn’t simply greet you—it envelopes you, as though you’ve arrived at a place that has been waiting patiently for your story to begin. From gorgeous garden ceremonies in the summer to candlelit conservatory ceremonies in the winter, this year-round, full-service wedding venue is top tier.

How's that for a chat GPT introduction? lololol. I wanted to begin with a super romantic description for the day because that's what the day was; romantic. Witnessing Anderson's huge smile develop while he watched Jenna walking around in her wedding gown is what true love looks like. These two met in middle school and started dating in high school. They've known each other almost their entire lives so that friendship, love, and partnership was on display all day from gently comforting each other in moments of overwhelm to boogying down together on the dance floor.

Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites

But let me rewind. I started coverage for their day at Jenna's hotel while my second shooter walked around Salem with the groomsmen. They got ready at Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites which had absolutely gorgeous suites. Like, I want all my couples to get ready in these rooms. The room was swimming with natural light and the white and blue color pallet compliments any wedding day well. Jenna and her girls popped some champagne to start the celebration off while the guys turned heads on the street in their sleek tuxes.

Wedding Ready

Afterwards I headed to the venue to photograph their gorgeous wedding details. Anderson's mom designed their invitations while Jenna and Anderson hand made all the ribbons and wax seals for their suite! I love a personalized touch and not to mention they a fabulous job.

Jenna's mom, Julia, helped her get into her wedding gown in a private, photo free moment. It's rare that I don't photograph the getting ready process but I really loved that they valued the moment where she turned into a bride so greatly that they didn't want anyone else present to fully soak in the moment. Once she was ready I entered the bridal suite at Willowdale estate for my own kind of first look!! Jenna was a vision in her Martina Liana wedding dress. The cascading lace on the bodice and train was so beautiful which paired perfectly with her light and delicate veil.

First Looks

Her bridesmaids had never seen her dress either so when she revealed her bridal look to them, they naturally lost their minds. Since Jenna was still learning how to move in her train, instead of her doing a little spin for them to show them the back, her bridesmaids all circled around her in a parade of squeals and "shut up"s. It was peak girlhood!

Then came her father-daughter first look before her and Anderson saw each other for the first time. Since the majority of the wedding festivities are outside, she elected to have her first look with her father as she walked down the winding staircase inside Willowdale Estate. It was endearing to have their loving relationship on full display despite the cameras around. I could feel their love

Jenna and Anderson love the pergola at Willowdale Estate so elected to have their first look there under the terrace. Anderson was speechless at seeing how beautiful Jenna was! They soaked each other in and took a moment for themselves before we proceeded with their soloo and couple portraits. Then we did their family and wedding party portraits before the ceremony began.

Willowdale Estate Courtyard Garden Ceremony

Willowdale Estate's courtyard is a breathtaking spot for a wedding ceremony. The stone mansion was the backdrop surrounded in lush greenery, twinkle lights overhead, and gorgeous florals by Karla Cassidy Designs. The way the mansion is located, the sun sets just beyond the roof which provides such dreamy backlighting for vows. Speaking of vows, Jenna and Anderson knocked theirs out of the park. They were extremely heartfelt which made each other (and tons of the guests) tear up. Before their wedding they shared with me that the ceremony was what they were looking forward to most on their day. Anderson's Uncle officiated (also knocked it out of the park) with a script written by the couple and each of their siblings shared a reading. They ended their ceremony with a ring exchange and aisle dip kiss crowd pleaser!

Willowdale Estate Cocktail Hour

There are tons of rooms throughout Willowdale Estate that you can get lost in the character of the mansion. They held their cocktail hour in the conservatory and adjacent rooms. There was a passed apps and drinks as well as a full bar and veggie station. The conservatory is a stunning room that boasts floor to ceiling windows and a pyramid glass ceiling. While they utilized the space for cocktail hour, it is also the setting for indoor ceremonies in the winter or as a rainy plan B. Guests could come and go outside the front lawn of Willowdale Estate to enjoy the balmy early summer weather.

Newlywed Photos at Willowdale Estate Wedding

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Sperry Tent Wedding Reception at Willowdale Estate

The sperry tent for the reception is a showstopper! Jenna and Anderson elected to decorate the interior of the tent with ivy and lanterns as well as string lights throughout the entire underside which really amped up the vibe!

Related Blog: Wedding Reception Lighting FAQ

After introductions the newlyweds took to the dance floor to show off their choreographed first dance! Not only did they totally nail every move but you could tell they enjoyed every second of it, as did their guests!! From there their friends gave hilarious and heartfelt speeches before everyone danced the night away under the twinkle light lit sperry tent. Their Willowdale Estate Wedding is what dreams are made of. It was the best, BEST day and I am beyond grateful they trusted me to capture such a memorable, magical day.