A Summer Peabody Essex Wedding

I met Sarah and Dan at the Peabody Essex Museum just days before their wedding. They live across the country and we hadn’t had a chance to meet. I have a lot of respect for a couple that can plan a wedding from across the country, that has got to be an adventure. But as soon as I met these two I knew that their wedding was going to be incredible; they were really relaxed and prepared for a great day. We started at the Salem Waterfront Hotel and made the very short trek over to the PEM for the ceremony and reception.

This was our first time we photographed a wedding at the Peabody Essex, so we were impressed by the distinct environments that the museum provides for a wedding ceremony and reception. The East India Marine Hall, where Sarah and Dan chose to have their ceremony, has that New England maritime history; and the Atrium, where the reception was held, is marvel of contemporary architecture. Having two distinct environments to offer makes the Peabody Essex such a unique and inspiring wedding venue. Also, the staff does a fantastic job creating a great atmosphere for wedding party and guests.

Planning a late Summer wedding with an afternoon start time was an incredible decision. The light coming into the East India Hall during the ceremony was stunning. The image we’ve selected above, with the groom turned to look at the bride, is one of our favorites that show the beauty of the late afternoon light. Once we finished up with family and wedding party portraits, we still had plenty of time to take Sarah and Dan outside to create some portraits around the building.

If there was one word to describe the reception it would have to be “energy.” There were a lot of family and close friends on hand so there was a lot of emotion and laughter pretty much the whole night. I have never seen more legit dancers on a wedding reception dance floor in my life. It was hard to keeping up as every new dance circle formed, no one sat down… ever. Gotta love this work.

Congratulations to Sarah and Dan on a fantastic wedding and a wonderful future!

– Rich