Planning a wedding weekend is about more than just one big day—it’s about crafting a celebration that reflects your love story from start to finish. Whether it’s a welcome party by the sea, your heartfelt vows, or a farewell brunch filled with laughter, I specialize in telling the complete story of your celebration through your wedding photography. Let’s dive into the details of how to make your New England wedding weekend truly unforgettable!

First, let me introduce myself. I’m Jennifer Nichole, a New England wedding photographer specializing in weekend celebrations. I’m here to help couples capture each event and detail beautifully, from the first hello to the final goodbye, and leave you with images that tell the story of how it all unfolded. As someone who has worked with countless couples on their wedding weekends, I can help you decide which events to capture (and how to make the photography fit in effortlessly). Reach out here to inquire about availability.

Now, let’s look into the details of planning an unforgettable New England wedding weekend that fully reflects your love story.

Choosing the Right Photo Coverage for Your New England Wedding Weekend

When planning a wedding weekend, you’ll want photo coverage for key events (and yes, I recommend covering everything!). Couples often focus on their wedding day, but each event—big and small—helps to tell the full story of your celebration. I like to show up before the guests arrive at the welcome party (and stick around until the last hugs goodbye).

Each event adds something special to the weekend, from the first gathering to the farewell brunch. With photo coverage for each, you’ll have a full collection of memories to look back on. And with so many options in New England, each part of your wedding weekend can bring its own unique beauty and charm to your story.

If you’re planning a New England wedding weekend, here are a few more wedding photography tips to keep in mind.

Host a Welcome Party

Kicking off the weekend with a welcome party sets the tone for the rest of your celebration. Guests have a chance to meet and mingle in a casual setting, making your wedding day even more comfortable. With a New England wedding, you have endless options for a welcome party—whether it’s a beach bonfire, a charming garden gathering, or a cozy dinner at a historic inn.

Capturing these candid interactions at the start of your weekend can make for some heartwarming memories. A welcome party with cocktails, appetizers, and maybe even lawn games allows for relaxed photographs. (A photo of guests laughing under twinkling lights is timeless, don’t you think?) You can even consider incorporating elements of local New England culture into the welcome party, like serving clam chowder or local brews. This creates a meaningful first impression for guests, allowing everyone to settle in, laugh, and enjoy themselves.

Your New England Wedding Day

Your wedding day is the main event, but it’s also part of the entire wedding weekend story. Having photo coverage from the morning preparations through to the last dance allows you to remember every single moment (because it truly goes so fast).

From the big moments—like your first kiss as a married couple—to smaller ones, like family hugs and toasts, there are so many memories to capture. That’s why you need a photographer you can trust to capture intimate, emotional moments that tell the full story of your wedding day.

A little extra tip? While there is no pressure, a first look often leads to a more stress-free wedding day. We can capture a bulk of the wedding photographs before, which means by the time you’re ready to walk down the aisle, you can remain completely present and just enjoy your guests without worrying as much about the timeline.

Post-Wedding Brunch

After the wedding day, a farewell brunch offers a relaxed, heartfelt way to wrap up your celebration. This final event gives you and your guests a chance to reconnect, reminisce, and say goodbye. A brunch atmosphere is relaxed, often filled with laughter and shared stories from the night before. Whether you host it at a cozy inn, beachside, or a local New England cafe, it’s a perfect final gathering. Plus, brunch allows for lovely, candid photographs that capture warm, joyful moments.

Brunch also gives family members and friends extra time to share final toasts and memorable farewells. Photos during brunch can feel particularly special—filled with the love and joy of the weekend’s memories. It’s one last chance to enjoy the energy of everyone together. Many couples cherish this time for intimate, heartfelt conversations, especially with guests who may have traveled far.

Including a photographer in these “extra events” is always a good idea. These sweet moments, often overlooked, deserve to be beautifully preserved. As you look back, you’ll have a full collection of memories from the entire wedding experience.

Optional: Plan an Excursion

If you want to add a little extra magic, consider planning a group excursion for guests to enjoy. Excursions let guests experience the beauty of New England together in a memorable, fun way. From coastal boat rides to exploring lighthouses, New England offers excursions that fit your personality and interests. You could plan a scenic nature hike, vineyard tour, or even a sunset sail. Each of these experiences offers unique photo opportunities, with candid moments that capture everyone enjoying the setting.

Additionally, excursions create joyful, spontaneous photographs that capture everyone’s excitement. I know I might be biased, but just imagine photographs of friends laughing on a boat, exploring local landmarks, or strolling along the beach. It’s also a wonderful way to thank guests for being part of your wedding weekend. Excursions allow guests to experience the beauty of the area and make memories with you that extend beyond your wedding day.

This added activity can be scheduled the day before the wedding or as a post-wedding event. Either way, it’s a meaningful touch that I can guarantee your guests will remember fondly.

Planning Your New England Wedding Weekend

Each element of your New England wedding weekend adds depth and meaning to your celebration. From the welcome party to the final brunch, every event tells a part of your love story. With thoughtful planning (and full photography coverage), you’ll have beautiful images capturing each memory-filled moment. Together, these photographs will remind you of the joy and connection shared throughout your weekend.

Ready to create a wedding weekend that reflects your love? Contact me here to begin planning your wedding photography. I’ll make sure each moment—from start to finish—lives on in photographs you’ll cherish forever. And if you’d like a glimpse of my work, feel free to check out my Instagram!