It’s been a wonderfully busy few weeks around here with the start of wedding season, and I was lucky enough to photograph two weddings just two days apart last weekend. They were wildly different affairs, but there was something very fun that tied them together: the color red! A lot of couples shy away from this vibrant hue, so I was really excited to see it incorporated so beautifully in two very different ways.

Allison and Eric’s wedding was a relaxed daytime celebration at Hamilton Hall in Salem. These guys were referred to me by my awesome friend (and former wedding photographer) Jen in Seattle, and they became the first couple to try out a documentary style engagement session. Allison is quite possibly the most low-key bride I’ve ever met and when she told me she’d be wearing a red wedding dress I was pretty excited! I started my day bright and early at Hamilton Hall where the ladies were getting ready (a quick shout-out here to makeup artist Veronica Shin and hair stylist Jennifer Tawa who were, as always, phenomenal!)

Some fun red details to start – I also loved how Eric and Allison incorporated bikes throughout the day; cycling is their big passion.

The getting ready room is usually off-limits for guys, especially the groom, but there were no such restrictions for these guys, and I LOVED that Eric wandered in and out throughout the process, right up until Allison got dressed.

We held a little first look for Allison and Eric in the shaded courtyard at Hamilton Hall …

… there were some sweet moments, followed by lots of laughter!

Friends arriving for the ketubah signing:

Their ketubah was the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.

Some of my favorite moments from the ketubah signing:

One of things I really appreciate about Jewish weddings is that the bride and groom are escorted down the aisle by both parents. I think this is such a wonderful tradition, and I wish more non-Jewish couples would incorporate it. Allison’s parents Wendy and Scott look just as excited as she does:

Eric playing with his brand new wedding ring during the ceremony:

After the ceremony, I headed upstairs to the ballroom at Hamilton Hall to photograph the details. The flowers were absolutely gorgeous. And there were sweet peas!

Meanwhile, cocktail hour was in full swing downstairs:

When I was told that the reception would open with a hora, I wondered how it would work, as there wasn’t really a dance floor … and this is how it went down – so much fun!

The delicious food was catered by Capers. They not only create wonderful dishes, but they’re also an absolute joy to work with.

During lunch, both sisters and each parent gave a toast. Eric’s sister is quite the entertainer it turns out!

A couple more favorite moments from the relaxed reception:

After the wedding ended around 5pm, I headed out for a little portrait tour of Salem with the couple. At our first stop my awesome assistant spotted a woman with this kite – and then asked to borrow it for some photos. Hurray!

Thank you all for a wonderful day, and I hope you like these first few teaser photos! I’m excited to share your full set with you in a couple of weeks. And Allison, thank you for bucking tradition and wearing such a spectacular red dress, it was such a treat to photograph you!