Renaissance Themed Wedding || James and Amanda
I cannot say enough how much I adore when couples take their wedding day and make it absolutely unique to their interests, aesthetic and personalities. And when it’s a Renaissance themed wedding at a castle, seriously, what could be better?! Specifically James and Amanda were going for a Lord of the Rings theme, which really came through in the details. I was so happy to be a part of this very fun day!
Amanda and James live in New York but chose to travel to Gloucester, Massachusetts to have their wedding at Hammond Castle, which is the most spectacular venue for a Renaissance themed wedding - bonus, it’s right on the water, with amazing views, and so many little fun details that really transport you to the past. Also, the guests really got into the theme and wore costumes and outfits that were period appropriate.
I’ve asked the couple questions about their story and the wedding day - Amanda’s answers are throughout in italics.
How did you meet your partner?
James and I met at our first job at Staples when I was in my senior year of high school and he was in his first year of college. We dated for about nine years and got engaged on Valentine's Day in 2021.
What inspired your wedding decor? Did you have a theme in mind?
We are both huge Tolkien fans, so we decided to go with a Lord of the Rings theme for our decor. We also encouraged our guests to wear costumes and my husband wore armor.
What were your goals for your wedding day?
Overall we just wanted everyone to have fun!
What were your first reactions to the photos?
We were both blown away by the photos! I don't necessarily like how I look in a lot of photos, but these photos came out so good. I really love all of the candid photos of us and our guests as well.
What is one suggestion you would give to other couples who are planning their wedding?
Don't stress out over small things like invitations or colors and try to go with the flow as much as possible.
So much more from this Renaissance themed wedding below!
It’s rare when the groom has so many parts and accessories to his outfit!
I think the most special moment for us was when James first saw me in my dress during the first look photo session.
Being big fantasy fans, we knew that we wanted something unique to make the day truly magical. Hammond Castle was our first choice and as soon as we visited the venue, we knew that we had to get married there!
What did you like best when working with me, as the photographer?
How easy going you were, you made us both feel so comfortable throughout the day and it did not even feel like you were there at some points.
We loved the aesthetic of the castle! There are some venues that look like a medieval castle on the outside, but the inside is modern. Hammond Castle had the aesthetic we wanted on the inside and outside, which is a rare find. We love all of the different rooms, especially the library since I am a librarian myself.
The ceremony went by so fast! We were both very nervous, but as soon as I got to the altar and saw James the nerves went away and the moment was very magical between the two of us :)
The music from Arreaux Strings was absolutely incredible throughout the entire day. They were there from the guests arriving for the ceremony through the end of the reception. It was so fun to just stop and listen and then recognize some of my favorite soundtracks from fantasy films! Plus of course the classical music that you would expect from a talented string quartet.
One of James and Amanda’s friends announced them into the reception with a little bugle and a scroll!
I just love how the room set-up and design came out. The beautiful long tables decorated with lots of candles really gave a feel of a Renaissance time period dinner in this historic castle! And then with James and Amanda sitting at the end of the room, looking over all their guests as the hosts of the event.
And check out the dragon themed wedding cake! So fun.
We had such a good time at the party, our guests really had fun with the theme.
The amazing vendors that helped make James and Amanda’s vision of a Renaissance themed wedding come true!
Florist: Ling’s Moment
Cake: Topsfield Bakeshop
Planner: Robin Perry from Friend of the Bride
Music: Arreaux Strings
Caterer: Creative Catering
Invitations: Zazzle
Jeweler: Aquamarise (Earrings), Lola White Shop (Flower Crown)
Bridal Shop: David’s Bridal (https://www.davidsbridal.com/)
Looking for some other weddings at unique and historic venues? Check out these blog posts: