An intimate celebration at a stunning Fall River wedding venue

Massachusetts received a record-setting amount of snow last weekend, but that’s not the reason I’ll never forget the Blizzard of 2022. I’ll always remember it as the day I (unexpectedly) got to capture Samantha & Chris’s beautiful wedding, which took place at a hidden gem of a Fall River wedding venue!

I had just gotten settled on my couch when I received a phone call from the mother of a bride whose wedding photographer had fallen through that morning, unable to make the drive from New Hampshire to Massachusetts due to the storm. She was in desperate search of a last-minute replacement. It just so happened that Samantha & Chris’ Fall River wedding venue, the Mansion at the Highlands, was only 10 minutes away from my home, and they had family members there who were able to pick me up (since my car was still buried under a solid foot of snow). I couldn’t say no to saving their day—especially when they described the venue to me: the Mansion at the Highlands. So, I packed up my gear, and out I went!

Their wedding was small, intimate, and so relaxed. Because Samantha & Chris only had a few very close family members present, they felt comfortable enough to say their sweet, funny, handwritten vows. Samantha also read a heartwarming letter to Will, Chris’ 6-year-old son, sharing how excited and honored she felt to officially become his stepmom. Everyone got misty-eyed, including me.

After the ceremony, Samantha & Chris shared a beautiful first dance to the Avett Brothers’ song “January Wedding.” It was perfect.

Then came the best part of the day—Sam & Chris put on their winter boots, grabbed a cozy blanket, and the three of us ventured outside to take some romantic photos in nearly two feet of freshly-fallen snow! Believe me when I tell you, I’m a summer girl through and through, but if there’s one thing that’ll make me say “Heck yeah!” to going outside in the dead of winter, it’s those magical winter-wonderland photo ops. As Samantha very accurately put it, “If you’re gonna get married in a blizzard, you have to get some snow pictures.” I couldn’t agree more.

Once they thawed out enough to regain feeling in their fingers and toes, Samantha, Chris, and all their family members changed out of their wedding attire and into cozy sweats, and we all enjoyed a delicious dinner. The happy newlyweds even got the chance to open their gifts, many of which were adorable, personalized decor pieces for their home.

All in all, I am SO happy that Samantha & Chris ended up finding me, and that I was able to give them the wedding photography they deserved. Even though I definitely wasn’t expecting to shoot a wedding when I woke up that morning, I can’t think of a better way to have spent my snow day.

Looking for a Fall River wedding photographer who’s up for anything?! I’d love to hear all about your vision for your big day! Drop me a line & let’s start chatting! ❤️