The nor’easter that rolled through New England over the weekend wasn’t quite finished yet when Abby and Tom’s wedding day arrived. The worst of the wind had died down by Sunday, but the rain just kept coming.
The storm had even knocked out the power at Abby’s parents’ house, where she and the ladies were getting ready, which made for a slightly more interesting wedding morning than anyone had planned.
Our photography coverage began at St. Aloysius-St. Jude Church in Leicester, Massachusetts, and somehow the rain let up just as Abby arrived and made her way inside. Before the ceremony, she shared a first peek with her dad that was emotional, sweet, and a really nice way to begin our time with them. Meanwhile, Tom was upstairs in the church warmly greeting guests as they arrived.
St. Aloysius-St. Jude is such an interesting little Catholic church. Its asymmetrical design, mid-century details, and beautiful stained glass give it a look that is completely different from many of the traditional New England churches we photograph.
Abby and Tom had a beautiful wedding Mass and seemed completely unfazed by everything happening outside. They just rolled with it.
With the rain still coming down after the ceremony, we stayed inside the church for family photos, wedding party photos, and some portraits of Abby and Tom before everyone headed to The Barn at Blackstone National in Sutton.
Blackstone National gave us a few more options for working around the weather. We used the covered pavilion for portraits of Abby and Tom and they decided they were willing to venture out into the rain with us for a few photos. We loved that they were up for it, and those rainy portraits became a fun part of the story of their day.
Afterward, we headed inside for a few more family photos before Abby and Tom joined their guests for the end of cocktail hour.
This wedding also came with a fun surprise for us. There were two other couples there whose weddings Joe had photographed, along with lots of familiar local faces. It’s always a treat to walk into a wedding and unexpectedly get to catch up with people we’ve known for years.
And Abby and Tom made the entire day easy to enjoy. They are both so welcoming and kind, and we had such a good time with them and their families and friends.
After dinner came some great toasts, parent dances, and an anniversary dance before the dance floor opened up.
And then this Sunday night wedding turned into a PARTY.
The dance floor was packed with Abby and Tom’s family and friends, and everyone was completely into it. After a full day of steady rain, nobody seemed particularly interested in letting the weather have the final say.
It poured. They partied.
We may not have gotten the sunny fall day anyone would have chosen, but we got a wedding filled with people who were genuinely happy to be together. Abby and Tom rolled with every bit of the weather, embraced the rain, and had one seriously fun celebration.
We’re so happy we got to photograph it! Congratulations Abby & Tom!
Photography | Joe Dolen Photography
Reception | The Barn at Blackstone National
Church | St Aloysius - St Jude Parish Leicester, MA
DJ | Make a Mark Events
Cake | Francesco's Italian Bakery
Dress | Elizabeth Ann's
Formalwear | Carboneau Bridal and Formalwear
Florist | Danielson Flowers
Follow Along On Instagram
@dolenphoto
