Long Hill is one of those venues where there is so much to photograph without ever needing to leave the grounds. From the historic mansion to the winding garden paths and rolling flower gardens, every part of the property has its own character.

Ginny and Drew’s wedding was a beautiful way to experience the venue, with a day that moved from getting ready inside the mansion to an outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour on the lawn, and an evening reception beneath the tent.

Wedding photographer capturing candid moments as the bride gets ready at Long Hill.

Getting Ready at Long Hill

The morning began inside the mansion, where the rooms are filled with so much character. One of my favorite details is the gorgeous old wallpaper featuring cranes. It was such a lovely backdrop for the getting-ready photographs, adding a bit of history and pattern without needing much else.

Ginny's wedding dress was another standout detail. Her white off-the-shoulder gown featured a sculptural rosette and layers of floral appliqué that gave the dress so much dimension. The details felt especially fitting for a garden wedding, and I loved photographing the texture of the appliqué alongside the softer, more classic shape of the gown.

Exterior of the Long Hill estate and gardens in Beverly, MA.

First Look in Front of the Mansion

Ginny and Drew shared their first look in front of the mansion, a beautiful spot to begin portraits together before the ceremony. The historic exterior gave the photographs a little structure, while the surrounding greenery kept everything feeling relaxed and natural.

I love setting aside time for a first look when it makes sense for a couple's timeline. It gives you a chance to see each other, take a breath, and spend a little time together before the day picks up. It also means we can explore the grounds for portraits before guests arrive, rather than trying to fit everything into the time between the ceremony and reception.

Wedding couple photographed among the gardens at Long Hill in Beverly, Massachusetts.

Timeless wedding portraits photographed in the gardens of a Massachusetts estate.

Newlyweds framed by trees and greenery at Long Hill.

Wedding Portraits Throughout the Gardens

One of the best parts of photographing a Long Hill wedding is getting to wander through the gardens. There are so many different settings across the grounds, from leafy paths and bending trees to open stretches of greenery and flower-filled areas. We moved throughout the property for Ginny and Drew's portraits, taking advantage of the different backdrops and pockets of light.

I tend to approach couple portraits with a little direction and plenty of room for things to unfold naturally. I'll step in when a bit of guidance is helpful, then step back and let you interact with each other. The goal is to create photographs that feel considered without making the entire experience feel like a photoshoot.

For couples planning a wedding at Long Hill in Beverly, Massachusetts, I would absolutely make time to explore more than one area of the gardens. The variety across the property makes it possible to create a gallery that feels cohesive while still giving each set of portraits its own look.

Bridesmaids photographed in the gardens at Long Hill in Beverly, Massachusetts.

Groomsmen laughing together during an outdoor wedding in Massachusetts.

A Garden Wedding Ceremony at Long Hill

Ginny and Drew's ceremony took place in the gardens, surrounded by the greenery that makes Long Hill such a lovely setting for an outdoor wedding. There is something special about exchanging vows outside, with the landscape becoming part of the experience rather than simply a backdrop.

Wedding ceremony setup at Long Hill in Beverly, Massachusetts.

Floral arrangements and ceremony details for a Long Hill wedding.

Couple exchanging vows during their Long Hill garden wedding ceremony.

Candid wedding photography capturing an emotional moment during the ceremony.

Cocktail Hour on the Lawn

Following the ceremony, guests gathered on the lawn for cocktail hour. I love this part of a wedding day because the schedule opens up a little, everyone gets to catch up, and there is room for the candid moments that happen when people are simply enjoying themselves.

With the gardens and mansion nearby, cocktail hour at Long Hill also offers plenty of opportunities for photographs that capture the atmosphere of the celebration. While guests mingled, I focused on documenting the conversations, interactions, and little moments happening throughout the lawn.

These in-between photographs are an important part of how I approach wedding coverage. Alongside the portraits and planned events, they help tell the story of the people who came together to celebrate.

Cocktail hour at Long Hill in Beverly, Massachusetts.

Sunset Portraits in the Flower Gardens

As the light softened later in the day, we headed back into the rolling flower gardens for sunset portraits. This was such a beautiful part of the property to photograph in the evening, with the flowers and greenery providing a softer, more open setting for Ginny and Drew.

I always love making a little room in the timeline for sunset portraits when the weather and schedule allow. The light changes so much toward the end of the day, and stepping away together for a few minutes can be a nice chance to slow down amid the excitement of the wedding.

Newlyweds sharing a romantic sunset portrait at Long Hill in Beverly, Massachusetts.

Golden hour wedding photography at the Long Hill garden wedding venue.

An Evening Reception Under the Tent

As the day moved into the evening, everyone gathered beneath the reception tent to celebrate. After spending so much of the day among the gardens, the tent offered a natural transition into the evening's festivities while keeping the outdoor setting at the heart of the celebration.