ROMANTIC WEDDING AT Herman Melville's Arrowhead


When Alyssa and Donovan asked me to join their dream team of vendors and photograph their wedding at the historic Herman Melville's Arrowhead -- a fairly new venue to host weddings in the area -- I was so honored... and excited! The vendor team consisted of Birdhouse Events (event planning and officiant), Chef Vassos, Robert Alteri (lighting and DJ), Beauty Locale, Township Four (florist) and more.


Alyssa and Donovan are such great people which means their wedding was filled with warm and kind and wonderful people as well.

A beaded wedding dress hangs in a hexagonal mirror frame against wooden paneled walls.
Wedding accessories including white sandals and invitation cards arranged on a blue patterned rug.
A joyful getting ready scene in a kitchen as final preparations are made for a formal event.
Brown leather dress shoes being laced up with green formal pants and white dress shirt.
Black and white photo of people gathering on a covered porch during an event.
Groomsmen in matching grey vests and pants pose together outdoors in a garden setting.
Someone in a floral dress looks at their reflection while getting ready in a bedroom.
An emotional embrace is shared in a rustic wooden room with natural light streaming in.
A wedding dress hangs in the background while someone laughs in a floral dress.
A detailed shot of intricate lace wedding dress and visible tattoo artwork.
Black and white photo of a handwritten congratulatory note beside a framed image.
Close-up of hands fastening white wedding shoes on a wooden floor.

From getting ready...


Through to a stunning first look. I love the colors and contrast of this image from the plush green ferns to Melville's golden yellow house to the contrast of our bride and groom in white and deep forrest green. And then we have the sun shining bright on the surrounding trees. So good!


There was actually a tour going on inside the house during this first look. Alyssa scooted past them to come out of the side door and meet Donovan.

Elegant wedding first look scene against yellow historic house exterior with lush greenery.
Black and white wedding photo showing traditional first look moment outside a white building.
Wedding couple shares first look moment in front of yellow historic building.
Wedding attire against garden backdrop with blooming flowers and greenery.
A tender moment between newlyweds embracing in a blooming garden setting.

onto the ceremony


The ceremony at Herman Melville's Arrowhead took place in the grassy field that the golden yellow house overlooks. A&D were thoughtful enough to include a moment of reflection and meditation for everyone. They literally paused the ceremony and gave everyone a moment to soak it all in. It was super sweet and a true reflection of who they are.


And then, they released BUTTERFLIES. Yes, real live butterflies. The butterflies had other plans however, like staying in the box they arrived in, but eventually and ever so delicately A&D got them all to fly away.

White chairs set up for outdoor wedding ceremony in a meadow with mountains in background.
Rustic wooden wedding arch decorated with floral arrangement in countryside meadow.
Vibrant floral arrangement with roses and mixed flowers against blue sky.
White chairs arranged for an outdoor wedding ceremony with mountains and forest in the background.
Outdoor wedding ceremony in sunny field with guests watching processional.
Wedding ceremony under floral arch with purple-clad attendants in summer field.
Wedding guests seated in white chairs at outdoor countryside ceremony.
Close-up of wedding guests watching outdoor ceremony in summer.
Bridesmaids in lavender dresses stand in a row during an outdoor summer wedding ceremony.
Wedding ceremony in progress with bridesmaids in purple dresses standing beside a wooden arch in a field.
Outdoor wedding ceremony taking place under a birch wood arch decorated with colorful flowers.
A couple shares their first kiss under a rustic wooden arch adorned with flowers in a scenic outdoor meadow.
A joyful newlywed couple celebrates after their outdoor wedding ceremony.
Newlyweds celebrate with raised hands while walking through a sunny meadow.

Then We took some dreamy portraits


Which reminds me, Captured by Coby was alongside me for videography and we had so much fun working together. I loved her vibe and ideas. Always great to have a partner to collab with.


Then we moved onto toasts and first dances and a candlelit dinner under the tent. We cut cake and danced in the barn. And sang happy birthday to Alyssa's grandfather.

Wedding couple shares a joyful moment together on a path through meadow grasses.
A tender black and white portrait of a couple in wedding attire sharing an intimate moment.
Couple walking together on rustic path through tall grass at sunset.
Intimate wedding portrait of couple embracing in a golden sunset field.
Back view of newlyweds showing detailed lace dress and emerald suit against natural backdrop.
Red barn and white tent set up on lush green lawn for outdoor wedding celebration.
White cocktail tables with linens set up outdoors with string lights overhead.
White wedding reception tent with decorated tables featuring colorful floral centerpieces and elegant place settings.
Wedding reception dinner under a white tent with guests enjoying a candlelit meal.
Wedding reception celebration with guests dancing and festive lighting.
Dancing under string lights in a rustic barn venue during a wedding celebration.
Wedding table decor with wildflowers in mason jars, wine bottle, and rustic wood accents.
String lights illuminate a dark venue entrance as silhouettes of guests gather in the doorway.

And that's a wrap


On A&D's romantic and sweet wedding at Herman Melville's Arrowhead estate. I hope to be back in that beautiful space for 2024, whether for a wedding or elopement. The location is just too good!


CHRISTINA MICHELLE IS A DOCUMENTARY-STYLE PHOTOGRAPHER BASED IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS WHO FOCUSES ON CREATING A FUN AND RELAXED ENVIRONMENT TO CAPTURE YOUR TRUE CONNECTION AND YIELD AUTHENTIC, TIMELESS IMAGES.