I have a serious soft spot for Salem weddings... And especially now for Dave and Ali’s wedding at Colonial Hall at Rockafellas. After all, my husband Tom and I did have our wedding reception there ourselves (at the now defunct Lyceum - hopefully they'll bring it back!), and we did all of our photos walking throughout downtown Salem and then into the Commons. So, whenever anyone comes to me with a Salem wedding, I'm all, "yes, please!" Ali and David were planning all the way from Australia so we didn't get to meet until right before the wedding. It was so fun to jump right into this huge party of all the bridesmaids and groomsmen getting ready at the Hawthorne Hotel. We covered all the classic Salem spots - from the Hawthorne, to the Old Town Hall for their reception, and then on to Colonial Hall at Rockafellas for their wedding, with most of the photos in the Derby Square area. I'm so happy with all the candid shots I was able to get while everyone was getting ready... And the light at the Hawthorne and the Town Hall, with their big windows, is so beautiful! Love it.

Getting Ready: Hawthorne Hotel, Salem, MA

Ceremony: Old Town Hall, Salem, MA

Reception: Colonial Hall, Salem, MA

A long post, I hope I don't crash your browsers with this Colonial Hall at Rockafellas wedding!

The beautiful ladies...

The bridesmaids getting ready for the wedding at Hawthorne Hotel… Ali’s mom gave her this piece to wear for the wedding (you can see on the box where it was documented all the women in the family had it worn it on their weddings). I love this tradition!

And the dapper gentlemen.

I love getting these candid shots! They end up being some of my favorites. I can’t believe we got all the bridesmaids in this room!

Ali's dad seeing her for the first time, as a bride-to-be. And that's her proud mom looking on.

Talking out some last minute nerves!

Gorgeous! I always try to grab a few of the bride alone before we head off to the ceremony, it usually doesn't take very long, and gives you a chance to slow down, if just for a minute!

These beautiful women in these flowing dresses kind of floated over the stairs up to the town hall... Everytime I saw them all together I just thought they looked like angels!

An emotional ceremony... Honestly I don't remember exactly what was said, but there was hardly a dry eye left in the place during Ali and Dave's vows, including the officiant's.

The light from these windows is a photographer’s dream! I love doing weddings at Old Town Hall in Salem. It’s a historic building but it feels very up-to-date and classic.

Derby Square in Salem for wedding photos! Love it.

We did all of the formal wedding photos right outside the Old Town Hall, in Derby Square. I just love the historic look of the area for this classy couple!

Colonial Hall at Rockafellas has these two little alcoves above the reception area, where they cordon off the bridesmaids and groomsmen before being introduced. It has these huge ornate windows and beautiful light! I also like how I could sneak a few candids from below.

I don't have a lot to say... just look at their faces during their first dance.

Funny and touching wedding toasts!

This was my first time for a wedding at Colonial Hall at Rockafellas in Salem… I would love to come back again - it’s such a gorgeous venue right in the heart of Salem, and it has all that classic New England elegance without being stuffy.