Hammond Castle Wedding Photos in Gloucester, MA

Alec and Jess reached out to us a few months before their wedding looking for a documentary wedding photographer at their venue Hammond Castle in Gloucester, MA. They were very impressed by out documentary style and candid photos. We really got a chance to get to know them on our initial phone call where we talked about graphic design and film photography. Jess is a graphic designer and told us she loved the colors in our photos. Alec and Jess also had a really cool engagement session with us which we will blog about soon.

One of the things we do early on when we onboard our clients is to send them our Getting to Know You Questionnaire which really helps us to get to know them and vibe with them better.

Here’s Jess and Alec’s responses to the Getting To Know You Questionnaire

How did you two meet?

We met on Hinge during COVID when we were both living with our parents who live a 6 min car ride away from each other. On our first date (Oct 2020) we kicked a soccer ball around at my elementary school. Because of COVID, our next dates were mostly outdoors (hiking etc) and cooking in our family’s homes. Sometimes we would run towards each other in the mornings, meeting halfway for a quick hangout.

Your proposal story:

The day of the proposal, Alec and I spent the morning visiting our first date spots. He proposed at a big field at the end of one of our hikes by the Charles River.

Tell us a little bit about your vision for the wedding. What are you most excited about for your Hammond Castle Wedding Photos?

Our vision for the wedding is for it to be warm and inviting, fun and sincere. We’re excited about brining our families and friends together.

Which pictures are you most looking forward to seeing?  (couples photos, photos of you and guests dancing, the ceremony…etc.)

We both love the green house looking space with the pool. Definitely want some photos there. We don’t mind posed pictures but really are excited about the candid shots. People’s reactions/emotions, dancing, hugging, being silly, etc…

What are your honeymoon plans?

We don’t have any yet! Might do a small trip to the Catskills for now and do a proper honeymoon at a later time

Why did you choose us to photograph your wedding?

We both really gravitated towards the color, composition and candidness in your photography. I love the dark/light contrast and the slight grain/film feel really excites me. The first image of the bride sitting by the window is stunning.

A few Pros and Cons to note about Hammond Castle Wedding Photos

Pros

1. Stunning Architecture: Hammond Castle offers a unique, medieval-inspired backdrop that’s perfect for couples seeking a fairytale setting. The intricate details and historic charm add a touch of elegance and grandeur to any wedding.
2. Breathtaking Views: Perched on a rocky outcrop, the castle provides panoramic ocean views that can make for spectacular wedding photos. The scenic beauty enhances the overall ambiance of your special day.
3. Intimate Atmosphere: The castle’s intimate spaces and cozy rooms create a warm, personal environment for smaller weddings. It’s ideal for couples who want a close-knit celebration with their nearest and dearest.
4. Historic Appeal: The venue’s rich history adds a layer of depth and character to your wedding, making it memorable for both you and your guests.

Cons:

1. Limited Capacity: The castle’s intimate size means it might not be suitable for large weddings. If you’re planning a big celebration, you may need to consider how the space will accommodate your guest list.
2. Accessibility Issues: Due to its historic nature, Hammond Castle may have limited accessibility features. Guests with mobility issues could face challenges navigating the venue’s uneven terrain and stairs.
3. Bringing everything in: The venue does not provide much other than the space outdoors and indoors. You will have to bring in catering, tent, dance floor for outside. Hiring a wedding planner is probably a good idea to make sure everything runs smoothly.
4. Venue Restrictions: The castle’s historical preservation may come with specific restrictions or rules regarding decorations and setup, which could limit customization options for your wedding.

What We Loved About Their Hammond Castle Wedding Photos

Jess and Alec had requested minimal staged photos and more emphasis on documentary style photogrphy. We had the first look by the big arches towards the front of the castle and then walked around the builidng for photos as their families watched. They really wanted to be a part of the cocktail hour to hang out with all fo their friends and family. Our goal for the day was keeping things real and letting the moments flow naturally.

What Jess and Alec Loved About Working With Us

From Jess:

“These are BEAUTIFUL!!! wOoOow. You captured so many moments! even me trying to carry the card stands out while you were all eating lol! The candid photos are incredible. True heros. Thank you SO MUCH!!! Chris and Anna did an incredible job of capturing our wedding. In addition to the photos being beautiful beyond our wildest dreams and exactly what we wanted, working with them was so easy!! They were incredibly involved but also felt like flies on the wall allowing us to soak in every second. They went above and beyond in their services and sent us sneak peaks a day after our wedding!! 10/10. Wish they could capture every day for us”

From Alec:

“These are AMAZING! Thank you so much. It felt like ya’ll were our actual day-of coordinators  yesterday at our wedding. You really took charge and brought the night together. The Polaroid style photos you gave me at the end, Chris – incredible. Shared them with jess today and she lost it all over again.”

Coordinator: Deb Nypaver. Phone: (978) 283-2080 Email: info@hammondcastle.org