I first discovered Waterstone Estates and Farms weddings when I was writing about photography locations for my website. On this page, I compiled information on over 400 places where I have worked in my 25+ years of photography experience.
Although I had yet to work at Waterstone Estate and Farms, I included it as a location because it is an amazing place for weddings, and I would be photographing Sal and Michelle’s wedding here soon.
How Sal and Michelle end up having Waterstone Estates and Farms Wedding
Sal and Michelle, like many other couples during the COVID era, had to book and reschedule several locations before finally deciding on Waterstone Estates for their wedding. I got to experience the beauty and value of this location while photographing their special day. Situated remotely in the Newmarket area, this place had everything one could ask for. The spacious area provided ample space for the bridal party to get ready, and the quaint chapel was nestled nicely amidst the estate’s greenery. Additionally, we utilized large rolling hills for our photos, along with a unique barn and horse stables.
Small and Intimate Waterstone Estates and Farms wedding
Sal and Michelle had planned a small, intimate wedding with only a few close friends and family members. Both of them had a daughter, who was present with them on their special day. It was emotional to capture their precious moments while getting ready and seeing how their daughters bonded with each other. As everything was happening at one location, I could be present at every moment leading up to the wedding ceremony. This allowed me to cover the entire day and offer my couple a complete picture of their wedding day in all places during the day, making my coverage an actual documentary.
Chapel Ceremony
As I mentioned earlier, the small chapel on the estate was placed strategically amidst the lush greenery. Providing ample shade from the summer sun and offering soft lighting that made for great photography during the wedding ceremony.
When the wedding party and guests are a group of carefully selected friends and family, small and intimate wedding ceremonies are very smooth and finish in a heartbeat.
Honestly, I don’t recall how long the ceremony lasted, but as soon as we started, I blinked, and there were already many glasses of cocktails made to celebrate the marriage of this lovely couple.
I knew there was so much more to work on this location, and I patiently anticipated the start of the photo session, which was about to begin.
Photo session on rolling hills
Not knowing how much time I would have with just two of them this time, I chose to finish photos with my couple first before I asked for the bridal party and immediate family photos.
I instructed the bridal party to meet us in the barn afterward. I was leaving the immediate family photos to be taken right before their grand entrance.
The rolling hills opening right under the Waterstone Estate and Farms were breathtaking. The sky was clear with full sun, and a gentle wind blew just enough to wave Michelle’s dress and hair.
I started working with two of them inside the open chapel. Here, there were fantastic lighting options that allowed me to do signature nighttime portraits during full daylight hours. It was a fantastic option that I couldn’t resist taking advantage of!
After we finished, we travelled over the rolling hills toward the farm. The videographer and I left my couple to walk unposed while we documented their wedding day happiness.
Barn + Stables with horses
When I arrived at the barn, I was pleasantly surprised. I had assumed that it was only meant for photo purposes. To my amazement, it turned out to be a perfect location for Waterfront Estates and Farms Weddings. The barn is quite spacious and can easily accommodate over 200 guests.
As the light entered through the barn’s wooden beams, it inspired me to create more creative images while we waited for the bridal party to arrive. Once they arrived, we wasted no time and continued creating some fantastic photos. Michelle had requested to take the last part of their photos with some horses kept in the farm’s stables. So, we made our way to the open field, where a Waterstone Estate and Farms staff member was waiting for us with their horse.
The horse was well-behaved, and we could take our photos shortly after arriving at the location. We got the shots we needed and then waited for Michelle and Sal to finish the cocktail ceremony that was taking place in the reception area.
Reception dinner and The Caricaturist
As it was an intimate wedding, I assumed Sal and Michelle would prefer a more relaxed reception. However, they opted for a traditional reception with speeches, games, dance, and music. I was excited about it and ready to capture it all. The sun was setting in front of their head table, which faced their loved ones.
I knew we still needed to finish our family photos, so I suggested doing them at this time. Ultimately, we could finish with one group photo, as Sal and Michelle had planned.
What a perfect time we choose. Most of their friends and family needed an excuse to stand up and stretch, and at the same time, we had the photos done, win-win.
During the reception, I had the opportunity to meet Michael, a caricaturist who had set up his table in one of the corners of the room.
I was amazed by the quality of his drawings and couldn’t help but stare in awe as he created them with remarkable speed and precision.
This was my first Waterstone Estates and Farms wedding, so I couldn’t hide my joy and excitement about photographing it. Sal and Michelle’s wedding was a perfect opportunity for me to capture their happiness and celebration with their loved ones. I am grateful for the chance to document their special day.
Their daughters brought joy and happiness to their parent’s lives. Now, the blended family celebrated their union and excitement together.
Thank you, Michelle and Sal, for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful wedding day at this venue that aligns with your values and beliefs.
Credits to below wedding professionals and locations that helped Sal and Michelle’s wedding to be one-of-a-kind.
If you want to see another wedding on a farm check Samantha and Adam’s wedding. Here you can see another wedding with horse stables Maggie and Daniel’s wedding.
My passion and biggest asset is taking the time to make every client comfortable and relaxed before I even pick up the camera. The result? Photos of you that actually look like you at your best! I can prove to you how much you can enjoy having your picture taken. Lifestyle photography is about the experience that happens to be served up along side of some great photos.
Specialties:
Family Photography for families that like to move around and enjoy their photo time, Wedding Photography for couples looking for a mixture of photojournalistic, contemporary and traditional images and Professional Corporate headshots that are far from cheesy and stiff.