A Storybook Summer Wedding at the Willowdale Estate

Alison and Evyn’s summer wedding at the Willowdale Estate was the sweetest reflection of their love story. From the historic venue to the thoughtful details, including subtle nods to their love of train travel, every aspect of the day felt uniquely theirs. We had the honor of photographing their celebration and left feeling like we had stepped straight out of a fairytale! Every transition unfolded seamlessly, the lighting was perfect, and love shone through every moment.

Alison and Evyn first met as students at the University of Massachusetts, but it wasn’t until their senior year that they shared their first kiss and began dating. Today, they share a home in Boston with their beloved dog, Luna. We connected nearly a year after Evyn proposed, when they hired us for their engagement session. Just a month later, they invited us to photograph their summer wedding at the Willowdale Estate. Even though we’re based in Colorado now, we loved being able to photograph this summer wedding.

Wedding invitation flat lay with rings and pearl necklace

Wedding Portraits at the Willowdale Estate

The search for the perfect Massachusetts wedding venue led Alison and Evyn to the Willowdale Estate, a historic 1902 mansion-turned-wedding venue in Topsfield. They immediately fell in love with its character, charm, and romantic atmosphere, from the Arts-and-Crafts-style estate house to the sprawling, lush grounds.

The venue’s stunning aesthetic made it a natural choice for their wedding portraits, captured both before and after the ceremony. After their first look in front of the mansion, we stepped inside for a few portraits against the rich wood-paneled walls and stone fireplace. Following the “I do’s,” we slipped away to explore more of the house and grounds. One of our favorite images captures the newlyweds leaning out of a casement window to share a kiss—something straight out of a storybook. We love wedding venues with a distinctive look that make for amazing photo backdrops.

Bridal party portraits at the Willowdale Estate

Thoughtful, Personal Details

This summer wedding was anything but cookie-cutter. Every detail felt intentional and deeply personal to Alison and Evyn.

The couple runs an Instagram account, “Every Metro in the World,” where they document their travels to cities with metro systems across the globe. As such a meaningful part of their relationship, they knew this shared passion had to be woven into their wedding day. Their seating chart became the perfect expression of it, designed as a transit map with tables named after cities they’ve visited.

Other personal touches included guest favors featuring a custom illustration of their dog, Luna, and the swap of a traditional wedding cake for their favorite treat: ice cream. The Willowdale Estate provided the perfect backdrop for these details, with its enchanted, imaginative ambiance—a fitting nod to the couple’s shared roots in theater, where they first met.

Bridal portraits at the Willowdale Estate

Groom kissing bride on the cheek underneath veil

We loved photographing Alison and Evyn’s wedding and getting to know them throughout their engagement. They are so easy to talk to, and it meant so much to be trusted with their vision.

Although we’re now based in Colorado, we love traveling to capture love stories wherever they unfold. If you connect with an intentional, honest approach to wedding photography, we would love to hear from you. Share a few details about your day and your vision, even if you’re still figuring it out, and we’ll be in touch.