top of page
  • Writer's pictureTamara Merri

Fern Hill Barn Wedding | Austen + Mary

Updated: Jan 18


wedding party in the ferns at Zukas Hilltop Barn

Austen and Mary got married on a beautiful day in September. Rain was in the forecast and rained off an on all day. Fortunately for us, it held off long enough for us to do their first look, wedding party, and family portraits! I am so grateful we were able to take portraits outside because we definitely made the most of it, taking photos all over Fern Hill Barn property like the greenhouse, rose garden, and hilltop overlooking the beautiful view. The overcast skies and drizzle made all the colors pop even more! I'm excited to share all the portrait locations throughout this blog!


They were going back and forth on whether to have the ceremony outside by the gazebo or to move things indoor under the tent, and ultimately decided to go with the rain plan, which was a good call as the skies opened up during the ceremony! It's so wonderful the plan B, rain plan, was so easy to execute. Claps for Fern Hill Barn! Then again we got lucky the rain stopped for just a bit following the ceremony to do some more family photos, and then got some fun umbrella rain photos before their reception began!


They incorporated so many meaningful elements into their wedding to make it unique to them! Starting with the details, Mary's cousin created their invites and her mother made all the floral arrangements. From there, Mary's Aunt performed their ceremony and her brothers recited a poem they wrote for the couple in the style of Doctor Seuss. It was pretty impressive! Austen designed his and his groomsmen's pocket squares, Mary's ring was a family heirloom, and they performed a choreographed first dance for their guests!!! From the start to finish their wedding was very personal - and that's the way it should be! I'm so happy for them, and grateful to them that they trusted me to photograph such an amazing day.


Vendor Team: Venue: Fern Hill Barn

Ring Modifier: Ilah Cibis Jewelry

Groom's Suit: Indochino



 
 

wedding reception table in tent at Zukas

wedding ring and box detail flat lay


groomsmen + groomslady posing next to the gazebo at Zukas


bride looking out window in moody black and white photo in the zukas bridal suite

bridesmaids photo outside next to the ivy covered gazebo at Zukas

These first look photos melt my heart! Their first look was in the garden at Fern Hill Barn, next to the greenhouse. That last photo of their wedding party spying on them from the greenhouse melts my heart!

first look in garden at Zukas Hilltop Barn

groom's reaction during first look

photo of friends in the background smiling at couple during first look

Related Blog : What is a first look?

wedding portrait of bride and groom in the garden at zukas

These orange flowers were my favorite portrait spot at Fern Hill Barn!!! They're right on the edge of the garden and I feel so lucky they were in bloom! Their wedding at Fern Hill was in early September so definitely keep your eye out if you'll be there around that time.

orange flowers in bloom for wedding photos at Zukas Hilltop Barn

groom kisses bride's forehead during couples photos at Zukas

wedding photo in the little greenhouse at Zukas Hilltop Barn


Zukas Hilltop Barn wedding

groom twirling bride in a field overlooking the view from Zukas ceremony area

bride and groom are close together with their noses touching for portrait

We took some family and wedding party photos after their first look + portrait session to maximize time post-ceremony to enjoy their cocktail hour.

Their ceremony under the tent (in the same area as the reception area at Fern Hill Barn) since it was raining. We were all so grateful their amazing coordinator, Alyson, for taking action and making their ceremony location change swift and easy!

couple walks back down the aisle after wedding ceremony under tent at Zukas hilltop Barn

Some cocktail hour photos!

family photo grandma with all the grandkids

bridesmaids cheersing their drinks during cocktail hour

family photo under gazebo at Zukas

wedding portrait on the side of the barn at Zukas

bridesmaids playing around with umbrellas during rainy cocktail hour

groomsmen + groomslady playing around outside in the rain with umbellas during cocktail hour

The below is a GIF of their sword fight with the umbrellas haha.... I hope it's working!

sword fight with umbrellas in the rain

Romantic black and white rainy imagery for the win.


sweetheart table under tent for reception at Zukas

Reception time!


couple cheers their champagne glasses with reception tent lighting in background

Are you a fan of table photos?

My coverage time stayed just a bit through the open dance floor to capture some of the vibe until it was time for me to leave. For reference, Austen & Mary had 7 hours of coverage. So if you're hoping to receive a bunch of candid photos during the reception and into dancing, you might want to opt for more hours!


 

Are you getting married at Fern Hill Barn in Spencer, MA, somewhere else near Worcester, or anywhere in Massachusetts or New England? I'd love to hear from you to see if we'd be a good fit for me to document your day! To get in touch, fill out the contact form below or email me!


xo,

Tam


Tamara Merri Photography

hello@tamaramerriphotography.com

©ALP - Tamara Hanley 2023 -420_websize.jpg

I'm Tamara!

I'm a Massachusetts wedding & elopement photographer. I'm the voice behind this blog and the girl behind the camera. 

Let's connect!

  • Tamara Merri Photography instagram
  • Tamara Merri Photography facebook
  • Tamara Merri Photography Pinterest

For wedding tips/resources, real love stories, and exciting new offers sent right to your inbox, then subscribe!

Be the first to know it all.

TMA_7663.jpg

THANKS FOR BEING HERE!

Interested in having me photograph a special day for you? 

LET'S HANG OUT ON INSTAGRAM

@tamaramerriphotography
bottom of page