Holly and Dean’s August wedding at Glen Magna Farms was one of those late summer days where we were all keeping a close eye on the forecast. It was hot, with about 90% humidity, and rain had been threatening us... but somehow, it held off and gave us the most beautiful day to celebrate these two.

Glen Magna Farms is such a gorgeous setting for a New England wedding. The historic estate is surrounded by greenery, lush gardens, sprawling lawns, and so many beautiful little corners for photos. In late August, everything was still full and green, making the perfect backdrop for Holly and Dean’s romantic garden wedding.

Getting Ready at Glen Magna Farms

The day started inside the estate, with Holly and her girls getting ready in the bridal suite while Dean and the guys had their own space nearby.

Holly’s bridesmaids wore the cutest matching denim shirts personalized with their names while they got ready together. The morning was filled with all those little moments I love capturing... finishing touches, excitement building, and everyone getting ready to finally see Holly as a bride.

And her dress was absolutely stunning.

Holly chose a sleek, elegant gown with delicate lace detailing along the top, but the detachable lace sleeves really pulled the entire look together. They added such a romantic touch and looked incredible on her.

Once she was ready, Holly made her way down the estate’s staircase while her bridesmaids, flower girls, and ring bearers waited below. Their faces said everything. Everyone absolutely lit up when they saw her.

A First Look & Private Vows

Before the ceremony, Holly and Dean shared their first look out on the lawn.

I always love a first look because it gives my couples a few quiet moments together before the rest of the day really takes off. After seeing each other for the first time, Holly and Dean exchanged private vows. It was emotional, personal, and such a beautiful moment to witness and photograph.

From there, we moved into family portraits and wedding party photos throughout the grounds. Holly’s bridesmaids wore a mix of pink and rose dresses in different shades and patterns, and they looked absolutely beautiful against all of the greenery surrounding Glen Magna.

A Garden Ceremony

The ceremony took place tucked into the gardens, surrounded by lush greenery and the beauty of the estate.

Dean’s two sisters officiated the ceremony, which added such a sweet and personal touch. Holly’s uncle also shared a reading, making the ceremony feel even more connected to the people they love most.

And because August in New England was certainly reminding us that it was still summer, I loved the thoughtful little details Holly and Dean had for their guests. Fans and umbrellas were available to help everyone stay comfortable and shaded from the late summer sun.

It was such a beautiful ceremony and the perfect setting for these two to officially become husband and wife.

Cocktail Hour on the Lawn

After the ceremony, everyone made their way onto the lawn for cocktail hour.

Bright summer drinks were flowing, delicious bites were being passed around, and guests spread out across the property to enjoy the evening. The kids had cornhole to keep them busy, while everyone else caught up, laughed, and celebrated the newlyweds.

As the sun started getting lower, I stole Holly and Dean away for a few more portraits. That last little bit of golden light is always worth sneaking away from cocktail hour for, especially somewhere as beautiful as Glen Magna Farms. We wandered through the gardens and took advantage of the soft evening light before heading into the reception.

The Reception

Holly and Dean made their entrance into the tent and went right into their first dance as husband and wife.

After their dance, Holly’s father shared a touching speech, followed by Holly’s sister and maid of honor, and Dean’s best man. There were plenty of laughs, sweet stories, and emotional moments before everyone settled in for dinner.

After a delicious meal, Holly and Dean cut their wedding cake with some of their smallest guests watching very closely... clearly hoping someone might be willing to share a little frosting.

The parent dances followed, with Holly sharing a dance with her dad and Dean dancing with his mother.

And then... the dance floor opened.

Dancing the Night Away

Once that dance floor started, it never really stopped.

It was packed from beginning to end, and I mean everyone was out there. From the smallest flower girl all the way to Dean’s grandmother, every generation was celebrating together.

Those are always some of my favorite receptions to photograph. Kids running around the dance floor, grandparents dancing, friends singing along to every word, and the bride and groom right in the middle of it all. It was such a fun way to end an already beautiful day.

Holly and Dean, thank you so much for trusting me to capture your wedding day. From your emotional private vows to your gorgeous garden ceremony and one seriously fun dance floor, it was such a joy getting to document all of it.

And a huge thank you to the incredible vendor team who helped bring everything together. Days like this are always a team effort, and I’m so grateful to work alongside so many talented New England wedding professionals.

Congratulations again, Holly and Dean! Your Glen Magna Farms wedding was absolutely beautiful... humidity, threatening rain and all. Somehow, the weather cooperated when it mattered most, and you got the gorgeous late summer garden wedding you deserved.

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