A Gloucester Wedding by the Sea | Kayla & Anthony

A Surprise Rain Shower and a Rainbow Over the Ocean

Kayla and Anthony's wedding at The Atlantic Ocean Room at The Elks Bass Rocks in Gloucester was one we had been looking forward to for a long time. They booked us back in the summer of 2023, and after nearly three years of planning, it was so much fun to finally celebrate with them.

One of our favorite parts of this wedding was that it felt like a reunion. Over the years, we've photographed so many weddings for their friends and family members. There were familiar faces everywhere we looked, including several past couples whose weddings we've photographed over the years. Referrals like these are especially meaningful because we get to reconnect with people we've gotten to know and continue documenting important milestones for the same group of family and friends.

The Atlantic Ocean Room at The Elks Bass Rocks provided an incredible setting for the day. With the ceremony and reception taking place right along the water, the ocean was part of nearly every moment.

Kayla and Anthony chose not to do a first look, but they put together a great timeline that allowed the day to move comfortably without feeling rushed. Before the ceremony, we photographed the separate sides of the wedding party right on the oceanfront property, making the most of the beautiful location while still saving their first time seeing each other for the ceremony.

Their ceremony was officiated by Kayla's brother-in-law, Mike. A few years ago, we photographed his wedding to his wife, Shaina, so it was especially fun to see him standing at the front of the ceremony. He did a great job making the ceremony personal and sharing stories about the couple.

Just as the ceremony was ending, a surprise rain shower moved through. It caught everyone off guard, but it quickly became one of the memorable moments of the day. Even better, once the rain passed, a rainbow appeared over the ocean and gave everyone something to talk about as cocktail hour began.

As the sun began to set, Kayla and Anthony were up for a little adventure and climbed down onto the rocks along the shoreline for their couple's portraits. The dramatic coastline, ocean views, and evening light made for some beautiful photographs and perfectly captured the feel of a Gloucester wedding by the sea.

The rest of the evening was exactly what a wedding celebration should be. They spent their time talking, laughing, and dancing with family and friends, making the most of every minute with the people who had gathered to celebrate with them.

Kayla and Anthony, thank you for trusting us to photograph your wedding day. It was so much fun finally celebrating with you after looking forward to this day for so long, and it was wonderful seeing so many familiar faces again. Congratulations, and we wish you both all the best as you begin this next chapter together.

Photography | Joe Dolen Photography

Second Photographer | Charles Sternaimolo

Venue | The Atlantic Ocean Room At The Elks Bass Rocks

DJ | AllStar weddings

Video | Pirate's Lane Video

Florist | Fern Floral Studio

Cake | Cake Ann

Photo Booth | Clear Choice Photo Booth

Hair & Makeup | Beauty Boston

Dress | Vieira Luxe

Wedding Party Dresses | Azazzie

Formalwear | Men's Wearhouse