I have to admit I was a little more nervous at the beginning of Jessica and Jacob's wedding than I usually am. I had only met Jessica several months prior and had never shot at Hidden Hills Estates in Rindge before. If I haven't been to a venue before I make a point to check it out before wedding day or arrive an hour or two earlier to check it out. I arrived early, got the lay of the land, and made my plan of attack. 

Jessica and Jacob were not doing a first look which meant we had to get all the photos done during cocktail hour. It's always the toughest part of the day for me so to help lighten the load I try to make sure we have time to do some photos of the girls and guys separately before the ceremony. Jessica and her girls had their hair and makeup done before they arrived.... 30 minutes late! I know I know, weddings rarely stay on schedule but there's a lot to do in limited time so I was a little concerned!

When the girls arrived we just got right to it and everything fell into place. After getting some dress shots in front of the cool circular window Jessica and the girls got dressed. We had a "first look" with dad in the bridal suite which is always a really nice moment. I had time for a few shots with the guys before ceremony time then it was time to get them hitched!

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Married at Hidden Hills

The ceremony was a bit tricky to shoot from a lighting stand point. The sun was pretty high in the sky and cast shadows on the guys from the bushes they were standing near. This meant when I was pointed at the girls the sun was behind them which was a good thing. Better than the other way around though. (Sorry guys!) Either way it means for a lot of camera adjustments as you move around. 

It was great working with videographer, Rebecca Curtis, on this one too. I highly recommend her if you're looking for a wedding film. Check out Curtisweddings.com.

It's not often grooms get too emotional but Jacob was struggling to hold back tears as he saw Jessica coming down the aisle with her dad. She looked absolutely stunning. After the hand off things were underway and the two tied the knot in front of all their family and friends.

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I don't think that I need to tell you that Hidden Hills has one of the best backdrops for photos of all time. Places like this really excite me and offer a totally unique set of photos for the couple. Most cocktail hours become a bit of a blur since I'm always working furiously to get everything done but this image in front of me makes it memorable. 

We had some fun with them and the bridal party before it was time to prep for the reception.

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It's clear that cupcakes have been the sweet of choice this last year. I'm not a frosting kinda guy but there have been some delicious ones over the year. Yes, I steal one here and there! 

One of the good things about Hidden Hills is that everything is together in one area. It's like a compound. The reception area is a great size and perfect to accommodate a party. My buddy Greg Kassapis from NRG Entertainment was the DJ for this one. Greg's a character and you can be sure he will get the party going, which he did, after we got through dinner and some formalities. 

I hope you enjoy some photos from their day!