Allison & Ben’s Classic Wedding Celebration at Colonial Hall in Salem, MA and First Church Swampscott Congregational

April 15, 2023

Their Wedding Story

Ben & Allyson have been one of our favorite couples since we first chatted. We knew their wedding day was going to be amazing from the first time they offered to do a dip for us at their engagement session. These two made their wedding day fantastically fun with the best dancing we’ve ever seen!

We started with Allyson getting ready with her bridesmaids and family. We made sure to capture all the little details along with the big ones of gathering with her people. When it was time to head to the ceremony they all gathered onto the trolley except Allyson who got in a gorgeous Rolls Royce!

Ben was already at the church getting ready with his crew, sharing a glass of red wine with his Best Woman before the festivities really kicked off. In a quiet moment before the ceremony Allyson & Ben both made sure to take a moment to share a prayer, Ben with Pastor Kevin and Allyson with Katherine, her amazing wedding planner.

It was finally the big moment, and I was instantly focused on Ben. He stood tall and giddy with such a genuine smile beaming out of him as the doors opened revealing Allyson, seeing her for the first time as his bride. The ceremony was beautiful, ordained by Reverend Peter, with readings from each of Ben & Allyson’s mothers. They tied the knot, literally, with a three cord cross braiding, and sealed their vows with a kiss. We gathered all their guests to the front of the church for one last kiss goodbye with everyone waving and cheering them on as they headed out together in the Rolls Royce.

The family, wedding party, and couple whisked off to the beautiful Salem Willows Park for family portraits while the rest of their guests got to go enjoy themselves at cocktail hour in the stunning Colonial Hall at Rockafellas. We of course couldn’t help but grab some fun photos in the trolley and then made sure to send everyone else away so Allyson & Ben could have some privacy for their portraits together.

The sun had set and evening had begun as we arrived for reception. Ben & Allyson blew us all away with their first dance where every spin and dip seemed to come so naturally to them. After a few speeches that showered them in praise, we moved on to one of my newest favorite wedding trends, the wedding photo round robin! We got to honor every guest in attendance by making sure they all had a photo with the couple, and ran from table to table to get exactly that.

The dancing was just beginning; Allyson & Dad sharing a touching dance together, and Ben & Mom surprised us all by breaking out into the twist halfway into theirs! We finished the formalities with something new to us but something we hope to see in the future, a contra dance! Everyone had a blast learning the moves and trading partners in this circle dance with Sis instructing everyone along. From there on out it was a non-stop party like I had never seen before!

Of course all good things must come to an end, and as everyone gathered around for a big goodbye dance, we finished it off with a huge group hug, and sent everyone off to the afterparty. Once they were gone though we had one last trick up our sleeve, a private last dance. Not gonna lie, we got a little teary eyed for this one, as Ben & Allyson held each other in their empty reception hall one final time.

Every wedding is unique, because each couple is unique. So if this day is anything like Ben & Allyson’s marriage, we know it’s going deeply loving, full of laughter, support, and of course, lots of dancing. Congratulations again you two!