Weddings are often a whirlwind—a day filled with stunning details, carefully curated décor, and a schedule packed with events. But for Mary and Brooks, their Hawthorne House wedding wasn’t about perfection or posing; it was about being present, being with the people they love, and soaking in every moment of their big day. One of the first things Mary told me was “Brooks and I are lucky to have a lot of amazing people in our life that we love, but with a larger guest number we still want out wedding to feel warm and intimate.”
The Heart of Their Day: Simply Being Together
From the moment I arrived at the house, it was clear that Mary and Brooks had one simple wish for their wedding day: to be with the people who mean the most to them. They didn’t want a day filled with complicated timelines or rigid plans—they wanted a celebration of love, connection, and joy. Their priority was creating a day where their closest family and friends could truly be present, and where they, as a couple, could enjoy the togetherness without distraction.
The couple chose a beautiful, intimate venue, Hawthorne House that felt like home—a place where their loved ones could gather and just be. The mood was relaxed and joyful from start to finish, and it was clear that every guest was there because they meant something special to Mary and Brooks. As a documentary wedding photographer, my job is to step back and let the story unfold naturally. And Mary and Brooks’ day was full of moments that could never be recreated or staged.
But it wasn’t just about the couple. It was about their people. The guests who shared in the joy of their union. Parents who couldn’t stop smiling. Friends who shared stories from the past, making the couple laugh and cry. Grandparents holding hands and watching the day unfold with a quiet sense of pride. It wasn’t the perfect poses that made the day so beautiful; it was the real moments—the ones you can’t plan.
For them, the wedding wasn’t a performance—it was an authentic experience that allowed them to spend real, meaningful time with the people they love. The best moments weren’t necessarily the ones that you’d see in a magazine; they were the unplanned, unexpected memories that happened in the cracks between the big moments.
The Power of Presence
In a world where weddings can sometimes feel like a production or a checklist of things to do, it’s refreshing to witness a couple who prioritizes presence over perfection. Mary and Brooks reminded everyone present that the true beauty of a wedding isn’t in the details or the orchestrated moments—it’s in being fully present with each other and with the people you care about most.
Their wedding day was a testament to the importance of community, connection, and slowing down to truly enjoy the experience. And as their photographer, I felt so incredibly honored to capture these real, unfiltered moments—moments that told a story of love, laughter, and the beauty of being with your people.
Vendor Team
Venue: Hawthorne House, Photo: Kyra Noel Photo, Planning/Coordination: Abigail Church Florals: Craig Sole Designs
