Danvers Wedding || Jake and Rae
Super excited for Jake and Rae’s Danvers wedding at Glen Magna Farms today! They had an absolutely perfect day with their family and friends surrounding them, many traveled for the wedding so it makes it that much sweeter when the whole family can get together for such a beautiful occasion!
Rae and Jake are a super fun laid-back couple who had an incredible day north of Boston at Glen Magna Farms in Danvers, Massachusetts. They got ready nearby on the ocean in Beverly at a light-filled AirBNB which had plenty of room for all the gals to get their hair and makeup done, drink champagne and hang out before heading to Glen Magna for the first look photos. I knew it would be a fantastic reception, too, since they booked Men In Black as their wedding band - they always keep the dance floor full ALL night and really make it fun and interactive for the guests as well.
I’ve asked the couple to answer some questions about their story and the wedding, and Rae’s answers are throughout in italics.
How did you meet your partner and/or get engaged?
Jake and I met my freshman year of college at a bar near campus (like any good love story). We had an instant connection and dated for the next 5 years. Shortly after moving in together we took a vacation to Denver, CO and he proposed to me on a hike near the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
What were your goals for your wedding day? (ie, what was your vision, what did you care about most?)
A secret about me and Jake is that we actually got married in my parents backyard in 2021 prior to him deploying for 7 months. There were only 10 people in attendance. With the formalities out of the way, our biggest priority was to have a great time celebrating with our 100 closest family and friends. My vision for decor and design was really all about simplicity and a focus on smooth logistics and making the most of the night. I cared the most about the entertainment, and we made an amazing choice going with Men in Black as our wedding band. I barely left the dance floor all night!
So many fun photos from this Glen Magna wedding in Danvers!
Rae’s dress was perfect for a summer wedding in a garden! Although I do love dresses with the big trains, too, there is something to be said for something a bit more streamlined. And that lace detail!
It’s so nice to have the guys right next door to the main suite to grab some photos of them toasting and hanging out.
I chose you as our photographer because of your approach to capturing the candid moments of the day. I knew that I was going to want to spend the majority of my day being in the moment and not taking a really long time on formal pictures and I think the balance we struck was really nice. I have definitely been in some weddings where it feels like we are taking pictures forever!
First look in the garden at Glen Magna never disappoints!
Just in case you’re planning your wedding - this what the garden at Glen Magna might look like in late June if that’s when your wedding is. I do love that they keep everything fresh and up to date. I never know what to expect each time I’m there.
Did you have any hesitations at first? Did I overcome the doubts?
My only hesitations were that Jake and I are pretty awkward when it comes to posing for pictures, so I was worried with not a lot of coaching on poses we wouldn't like the way the pictures turned out. I think overall they turned out amazing and we were able to get some amazing pictures of us that we will cherish forever.
Classic black for the bridesmaids dresses, but make it super stylish and unique to each person!
And then the way these gorgeous bouquets pop from the black background of the dresses…
Some fun candid photos with mirrors as the wedding party takes a break after the formal photos and before the wedding ceremony…
And then I’m all about getting sooo many shots of the tent set up and all of these beautiful bud vases.
How did you choose your wedding venue?
Jake's family is from Gloucester, MA and that is a very special place for them. They go back every summer for a family reunion and I have attended almost every year since we have been dating. My family is from Kentucky so I wanted to find a venue that still felt like a little slice of home which Glen Magna perfectly captured with their amazing landscape scenery. Also when we toured venues, the staff and coordinators at Glen Magna were hands down the most organized and professional that we met. We had no hesitations about their capability to execute our vision!
So sweet, Jake wiping away the tears from Rae’s cheek 💕
The ceremony was way more emotional than I thought it'd be. One thing we did differently this time around was writing our own vows since we were really doing more of a vow renewal ceremony since we were already married. This reflection on our relationship and making our promises to each other was extremely special.
One of the benefits of doing a first look is, of course, that you get to spend the entire cocktail hour with your guests! And it’s great for me to get lots of fun candid photos of everyone hanging out.
I just feel like that bridesmaid’s bouquet with the discarded heels tells a story 😂
The first dance we actually felt slightly awkward (not too uncommon for me/us) because we felt like we were the only two on the dance floor for such a long time. We were relieved when the band invited everyone else to the dance floor to join us!
The most special moment actually wasn't anticipated at all. My dad surprised us during his speech by playing and singing a love song on his ukelele. We had an original idea of doing a song together, but since we live over 2 hours apart we couldn't find the time to practice. I was so proud of him and it was a moment I'll never forget!
Another amazing thing about weddings at Glen Magna - with the tent right next to the garden, it literally just takes a couple of minutes to go out and do some golden hour photos during the reception (bonus, it gives you a bit of a breather and some time for yourselves before the action starts!).
And then the amazing band Men in Black took the stage and basically made my job extremely easy! The dancing did not stop all night and that is of course what I like to see 📷
The party was awesome. Easily my favorite part of the day, jamming out with everyone. All cares about perfect hair and makeup glam went out the window!
What is one suggestion you have for other couples who are planning their weddings?
Live in the moment and don't get too stressed about the details. My approach was more about making memories than finding that perfect aesthetic. I tried to find vendors that were professional and seemed to understand my vision, then let them run with it!
And that’s a wrap!
Here are the outstanding vendors that helped make this Danvers wedding happen!
Florist: Beach Plum Flower Shop
Cake: Mayflour Bakery
Band: Men In Black
Caterer: Vinwood
Officiant: Rick Perry
Bridal Shop: Lovely Bride
Hair/Makeup: Leanne S. Makeup Artistry
Looking for some other Danvers weddings?