When I was young my mother told me of this magical place one day that she visited on a company outing that had a lawn that rolled and stretched to the sea. Later I would find out that she was referring to the gorgeous Castle Hill at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA, where Lauren and Pranay got married this July (this was their engagement session). I’m so fortunate to have witnessed their very joyful day and be able to shoot some wedding photos there. Everything about the day was so very… them. It was a celebration of who they were, their families, and laid-back and fun, my kind of wedding!
This intricate and gorgeous jewelry was a gift from Pranay’s parents to Lauren, from India
The earrings are quite heavy! Pranay’s mother provides some tips on how to keep them on
The lighting in the bridal suite is just heavenly, and of course, when I have a tall, gorgeous bride to work with, I could photograph forever!
I especially loved the elegance of her empire-style dress, it was perfect for the hot weather that day
Lauren and Pranay had their First Look and wedding portraits in the Italian garden. All the columns and greenery made me feel like I was in a completely different world!
This is the front of the Crane Estate’s mansion. It’s very grand and will make quite the impression on your guests as they drive up
Lauren and Pranay fused their Jewish and Indian backgrounds in their wedding ceremony. This is possibly one of my most favorite wedding ceremonies because it was so personalized. They stood under a handmade chuppah / mandap which various siblings and family members held, and both sets of parents gave readings
Here, Pranay is leading Lauren in the Indian wedding tradition of the seven steps
Lauren’s grandfather signing the ketubah
I present to you, the Grand Allee (the long lawn that stretched to the sea)
The cocktail and reception had some great touches
Row 1: Escort cards, Lauren’s white lily bouquet
Row 2: Centerpieces by Hamilton Gardens, a fruit, ice cream, and cake buffet for dessert (a great idea for summer!)
Row 3: Colorful blue linen for cocktail hour outside
This little cutie is Lauren’s nephew. Needless to say many people doted on him
There was a horah. It was so energetic I think I must have gotten stepped on many times haha!
Pranay’s parents and brother also presented some lively dancing
These are Pranay’s friends who flew in from afar – London and Hong Kong – talk about dedicated friends!
The very talented Brandy Band kept the dance floor alive the entire day, they rock!
Everyone gathered together for a tunnel for send-off!
Me with the awesome couple!
Thank you Karman Lee for assisting and getting this behind-the-scenes shot =)
Vendors:
Venue – The Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA
Catering – Swartz Catering, Somerville, MA
Dress – Designer: San Patrick; Bridal shop: La Reine Bridal
Florist - Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton, MA
Music - Brandy Band
Shang Chen’s assistant: Karman Lee Photography
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by Shang
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