Tag Archives: engagement photographer

Micro-Wedding Photography for Your Most Cherished Moments

wedding bride and groom by salem photographer louise michaud photographer at the house of the seven gables

As a photographer, I absolutely love specializing in micro-weddings!

When you hire a photographer for micro-wedding coverage, you get 1-4 hours behind the camera to capture all of the most cherished parts of your amazing day.

 Think of all the things that you love the most about weddings- the intimate moments, the cake and champagne, music and dancing, and having a wonderful time with your loved ones as you celebrate new members of your family. All of these moments will be captured in time with micro-wedding coverage.

Let me give you an example of one of my recent micro-wedding shoots in historic Salem. While my session with the couple was short and sweet, it was one of the most memorable weddings I have attended as a photographer.

Hazel and Ken are a sweet couple from Salem who wanted to hire a local photographer for their wedding at the House of the Seven Gables. Hazel went to preschool there as a little girl, and they have a beautiful garden right by the pier.

They hired all local vendors for their celebration, from the remarkable florals to the delicious cake. They even had the Hot Tamale Brass Band come and provide fun and lively New Orleans jazz, since a few of their members are originally from Salem!

The day began with formal portraits at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, followed by the wedding ceremony in the garden at the House of the Seven Gables, atop the beautiful compass rose.

We took family portraits right after the ceremony in the garden, and then the band escorted us down the pier to take pictures by the family boat. This part was truly fun and memorable!

They had a small reception afterwards with all the traditions, from the first dance to the cutting of the cake. We got some amazing shots and captured the most memorable moments of the ceremony, all in just 3 hours!

It was so much fun getting to document and be a part of this sweet and memorable experience. If you are planning a wedding soon, I would highly recommend getting micro photography coverage to ensure that your most cherished moments go down in history.

You can contact our studio any time to plan out the photography logistics for your event, and we will walk you through the steps of making the process smooth, memorable, and a lot of fun!

A Proposal Story: Soulmates in Salem

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

With the changing of the fall leaves and the cool air turning summer into autumn, I thought I would share a big change in two people’s lives that I recently got to be a part of.

Proposals might have to be one of my favorite types of portrait sessions, because they are so exciting! Not only do I get to document two people making a lifelong commitment to each other, but I get to be a part of the surprise.

Salem is known for it’s beautiful historic wonders and picturesque scenes, which attracts many young couples to celebrate the beginning of their love story.

I was delighted when a young man from Chicago came to us to document his commitment to the love of his life.

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

Bryce and Ann have known each other since they were 10 years old. As they grew older they grew closer, and finally together as a couple. Bryce loves history, and Ann loves all things Halloween, which made Salem a perfect destination for their story to begin.

“We met when we were about ten in grade school we always had a few months at a time sporadically throughout growing up of being close, and then eventually after graduation we really hit it off! Bryce and I realized we’d love Salem because he has a love for history and I absolutely love Halloween. We took a trip to Salem last year and fell completely in love, and since then we’ve decided it’s definitely our place!”

Bryce planned the the location and chose the Ropes Mansion Garden as the perfect backdrop for their special day. It was an excellent choice; the flowers looked amazing even as summer was coming to a close.

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

Mike loves proposals. He always has a great time working with the groom-to-be on how to surprise his love in the most special way. Mike and Bryce schemed out a plan for months… We bought a rose and planted it where we wanted him to get down on one knee for the perfect shot.

The plan worked out great and Ann’s reaction was priceless. She had no idea she was about to get the best surprise of her life.

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.  Man gives new fiance her ring.
Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

And of course, she said yes.

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

We continued on to have a wonderful session in the garden, and then something special happened. Two Monarch butterflies fluttered around the couple and Ann remarked, “That’s my grandmother.” She said that monarchs have always been a symbol of her spirit, when she can feel her presence. It was so sweet to know that Ann felt a connection to her departed loved one on her happiest day yet.

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

It brings me so much joy to witness these moments, ones we will never forget, and to freeze them in portraiture- the emotions, the excitement, and the overflowing love.

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

After the garden we took a stroll to The Roof Salem for their engagement session finale.

In the end, it was the perfect time in the perfect place for their perfect day, and the results were absolutely beautiful. Bryce’s choice of location allowed us to capture both of their personalities, interests, and their love for each other all at once.

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

If you love the Salem area and are ready to ask your soulmate the final question,  I would highly recommend checking out any of the places mentioned above or in previous blogs for your picture perfect day.

Salem Ma. marriage surprise proposal and engagement session by Louise Michaud Photographer.

Are you ready to say I Do?

Call us any time to start planning your perfect proposal

Marriage Proposal – Salem MA

Of all the types of photography sessions that we do, shooting a marriage proposal is absolutely the most fun.  It’s one that allows us to become small part of the event, witness it first hand and capture it for posterity.

Your proposal moment will be filled with passion, intimacy, joy and surprise.    These shoots are always exciting and rewarding for us and above all the couple.

PLANNING

We help guide the “proposer”, usually the groom through the planning and execution of a marriage proposal captured photojournalistically and followed by beautiful professional engagement portrait session.

Photograph of woman astonished at marriage proposal

Location awareness

Location awareness is one key to a successful proposal.  We have been shooting in Salem and around the north shore of Boston and know lots of great spots and backdrops.  Balancing locations, time of day, weather contingencies and other factors make a big difference on the outcome and reduced stress level.   Less stress and more fun is the goal.

We use two photographers to guarantee perfect shots from multiple angles.  We will be sneaky and will be hidden in plain sight.

photograph of man sliding engagement ring onto woman's finger

COMMUNICATIONS

An initial planning session via phone or Zoom lets us know what your overall plan and desires are.   We get your location preferences as well as your overall plan to pop the question if you’ve got one yet.  This often happens weeks or a month before hand.  Some prefer a very quiet intimate proposal, others go all out.  Here’s a list of 66 ideas from The Knot

We get on the phone with you as the day gets closer.  You can always reach us and we are always ready to be your eyes and ears here in Salem.

On the morning of the event you will take and send us a selfie showing how you are dressed.    We’ll give you instructions like “ once you arrive at the common, text us and walk counter clockwise around the common until you get to point X”.

You text us when you are in the area.  At this point, tiny constant changes usually happen for one reason or another, but that’s part of the fun.  You’ll see us and know that the time is at hand.  From that moment, it’s up to you.  Our job is to get provide a photojournalistic view of this special moment.  The actions and reactions.  The laughing and the tears.

Photograph of post marriage proposal embrace

Afterward

Afterward we’ll head to an area locally to get very professional portraits that you can use for wall art, gift prints, Save-the-date cards, Facebook banners – whatever you need.  The portraits we take are composed and captured to show you both as a couple.

 

Photographic portrait of post marriage proposal couple

We have many great locations but one of our favorites is Winter Island in Salem.  It’s got some old spooky historical building, the ocean, a lighthouse, deep woods and rolling fields.  There’s something for everyone there.

Post marriage proposal port with new engagement ring

 

Afterwards, there are great restaurants in the area to go and celebrate your new life together.

Photographic portrait of post marriage proposal couple

Let us know how we can help you with your proposal.

A Springtime Hawthorne Hotel Wedding

Springtime is a time for renewal and new beginnings, making it the perfect time to start a journey. Lana and Kevin celebrated a beautiful new life together with a historic Hawthorne Hotel wedding, taking advantage of our warming weather to also snap some great shots in some of the iconic Salem, Massachusetts, locations.


Louise Michaud Photographer, Salem MA Wedding Photography, Boston Wedding Photography, Hawthorne Hotel Wedding

We absolutely love to see the green coming back to the Salem Common and surrounding areas–the lighting in this photo makes it one of my favorites from the day!TQ9A0684-Edit-Edit

Both Lana and Kevin are professors, and I think you can see from the energy between them that they were a kind, wonderful couple to share such a special day with.

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The dress Lana chose was very unique–a light grey with custom lace. Her stunning hair and makeup were done by Makeup Eden and Salon Sage here in Salem.

Louise Michaud Photographer, Salem MA Wedding Photography, Boston Wedding Photography, Hawthorne Hotel Wedding

 

Of course, who could resist a snapshot of this little fellow escorting his bridesmaid down the aisle?

Louise Michaud Photographer, Salem MA Wedding Photography, Boston Wedding Photography, Hawthorne Hotel Wedding

 

Those of you familiar with the Hawthorne Hotel will also notice their own fresh look in the Grand Ballroom–the walls have been painted, lightening the room significantly. We absolutely love it!

Congratulations, Lana and Derek! It was a pleasure celebrating with you.

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LMP Wedding Planning Timeline (Part 5 of 5)

This post concludes my very special Wedding Planning Timeline–enjoy!

The Day of Your Wedding

Louise Michaud Photographer, Salem MA Wedding Photography, Boston Wedding Photography

Present your parents and one another with any gifts you have to give.

Give your wedding bands to the Best Man and Maid of Honor.

Give the Best Man the Officiant’s fee envelope to be handed off after the ceremony.

Bring light snacks and water to keep yourself satiated throughout the day. This is very important! Many brides get so busy that they forget to eat and stay hydrated—take care of yourself

Louise Michaud Photographer, Salem MA Wedding Photography, Boston Wedding Photography

Breathe—this is a special day. The planning is over and whatever will happen will happen—so let go and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

 

Louise Michaud Photographer, Salem MA Wedding Photography, Boston Wedding Photography

Stay tuned! We’ll be doing another post with a timeline specific to working with your photographer with details about how we typically work with our wedding couples here at LMD.