Our first wedding of 2009 was celebratedwith Jen Phillips and Dan Keleher at the lovely Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, MA.  Mother Nature provided a blanket of white snow, which gave us and the brave bride and groom an incredible opportunity for some beautiful environmental photos in the Commons.

The day began in a suite at the Hawthorne Hotel.  Like many other wedding day beginnings, bridesmaids were rushing here and there, Michelle was finishing up hair, and Lily, Jen’s young niece, was trying to figure out what in the world was happening.  Jen was doing some final preparations.  We took a few shots of the dress before Jen put it on, and watched as the bridesmaids made some last minute alterations to one of their dresses.    

The white limo from Ludwig’s, sitting in front of the Hawthorne, blended well with the falling snow.  Jen, her parents, and all the ladies climbed in and headed to the church.  It was a short drive to St. John the Baptist in Peabody and we arrived just in time.  Ray, Jen’s dad, helped her out of the limo and into the church where Dan and the guests were awaiting her arrival. 

 The ceremony began and Dan eagerly stepped from the wings.  He took his position at the front of the church.  Jen, along with her mom and dad, gracefully walked up the aisle while the organist played "Prelude to Te Deum."  Just a short time later, Father John was introducing the newly married couple to the cheers of family and friends.

We decided to stay at the church and do a few formal pictures at the front of the church with the wedding party.  Our time was limited though because it was quickly growing dark and Jen wanted to get back to Salem and take some photos in the snow-filled commons before it was too dark.  We made it back in time and were able to get some magical shots of Jen and Dan surrounded by winter.  Jen was a real trooper as she walked through the several inches of snow in her wedding shoes.  Thank goodness they weren’t open-toed!

 We finished the formal shots with the families and bridal party in the photo room on the second floor of the Hawthorne.  Before we knew it, it was time to get the rest of the festivities underway.  George and I headed to the ballroom to speak with the DJ, Mark C, and talk through the plans for the rest of the evening. 

After being introduced, Jen and Dan went right into their first dance.  I ran back up to the second floor to get a few shots from the upper windows, while George stayed by the side of the dance floor to capture the more intimate shots.  Both the best man and matron of honor toasted the bride and groom and then dinner was served.

George and I used the start of dinner to get cake and ring photos.  I had noticed earlier in the day that Dan was wearing a pocket watch.  I asked him if we could borrow it along with the rings.  It made a very unique addition to the ring photos, especially knowing that the watch used to belong to his grandfather. 

The rest of the evening was filled with great music, dancing, and laughs beyond measure.  Everyone had a wonderful time!  We finished the evening with a few photographs of Jen and Dan right at the front door of the Hawthorne.  In just a short time, Jen and Dan would be jetting to Paris for their honeymoon and the beginning of the rest of their lives.

George and I had a great time with Jen and Dan and admired Jen for her determination to get the outdoor shots in spite of Mother Nature.  It paid off!  A special thanks to Hugh for assisting with the dress as we made our way around the commons!  Thanks Jen and Dan for making it a memorable day! (Click here to see more photos from their wedding.)

Church:  St. John the Baptist Parish – Peabody, MA

Venue:  Hawthorne Hotel – Salem, MA

Hair:  Michelle Joyce of Signature Style Salon – Manchester, NH

DJ:  Mark C of Curtis Knight Entertainment – Billerica, MA

Limo:  Ludwig’s Limousine – Peabody, MA

Flowers:  Family Member