film photography

super 8

April 27th, 2024

Lyman Estate, Massachusetts

At the heart of every wedding are the details that uniquely reflect the love and personalities of the couple. These details were a crucial part of Karisa and Piper’s wedding at the historic Lyman Estate in Massachusetts. These two had lots of personal little details incorporated throughout the day that we could capture through film photography and, of course, their Super 8 film. Keep on reading to get all the romantic details of their special day!

Karissa + Piper

Karisa and Piper’s journey began at Florida State University, where they both studied music. Their paths crossed at a rush event for a music sorority in January 2017, where Piper was accepted that semester, and Karisa joined in October 2017. Despite the timing, they quickly developed a strong friendship, often mistaken for a romantic relationship. Their bond grew over late-night laughter and endless conversations, built on a foundation of communication and unique displays of affection. Capturing their love during their engagement photos at The Montague Bookmill was a heartwarming experience.

Pre-Wedding Preparations

The day started with the couple at the hotel, where I spent extra time focusing on creating the perfect flat lays to capture the details of their special day. The importance of these photos is never lost on me. I know that unpredictability can come into play even with the best preparation. I really love to take my time and disappear for a bit to create my flat lays and I think they paid off. I created 5 different options that I really love that showed off all the special details Karissa and Piper wanted. We incorporated a lot of their special details in their flat lays. We added a hard copy of Little Women as a nod to one of the reasons they fell in love with the venue. In the 2019 movie Little Women, there is an entire scene shot at the Lyman estate. Both of them loved the porch scene. We also included special details like Piper’s mother’s jewelry box, the sheet music for the ceremony, their DIY invitations, and Karisa’s custom veil designed and made by Janesse Russel amongst other things.

First Look and Special Moments

The first look exchanged between the couple was a touching moment, where they exchanged gifts and read their vows privately. Karissa gave Piper an album, while Piper gifted Karissa a locket with a photo from their engagement session. The wedding party photos were followed by a memorable moment: the first look with both of their dads. Piper’s dad, who had been battling cancer, made it to the wedding day and was doing well. It made her first look with her dad so special and we were all so happy he felt well enough to enjoy the day and see his daughter tie the knot in good spirits.

The Ceremony

A string quartet provided the romantic music for the ceremony, a perfect fit for the couple’s shared musical background. It was made even more special with a handfasting ceremony and the rings were passed around to be blessed by all their guests. The ceremony went quickly and was officiated by Karisa’s aunt.

Karissa & Piper’s Wedding On Super 8 Film

Reception and Sunset Photos

During cocktail hour, speeches were given on the lawn before dinner, and their sorority sisters sang a group song. Then we had a break for dinner and just before Karissa and Piper went in for their grand entrance, they practiced their first dance on the porch. Karissa and Piper also wanted to recreate a scene from Little Women, where Laurie and Joe danced on the porch, a personal touch that perfectly captured their personalities. Obviously, we took advantage of the stunning sunset from some unforgettable photos. After we wrapped up photos outside, the newlyweds headed in for their grand entrance, first dances, and dinner. Oh, and we can’t forget the vintage-inspired wedding cake they had. We were all obsessed with it!

Let Them Eat Cake

Karisa originally envisioned an over-the-top vintage cake with layers upon layers of piped icing, but Piper had something slightly different in mind. So they met in the middle and landed with an even frosted heart-shaped cake with one layer of piping lining the edges of the cake and forever written out in cursive on the top. They knew they didn’t want a traditional cake topper so they opted to stick two instant film photos on top from taken earlier that day.

Reception Outfit Change: Embracing Personal Style

Before the party really got started, Karisa and Piper were excited to change into their second outfits for the reception. For Karisa, choosing her reception dress was a journey of exploration and self-discovery. She initially considered using one dress she wore at their joint Bachelorette party but ultimately felt it wasn’t the perfect fit for the wedding. Turning to the expertise of Heidi, the owner of Head Over Heels, Karisa tried on a different dress and knew immediately that it was the one. With Heidi’s enthusiastic support, Karisa felt confident and radiant in her choice, envisioning herself enjoying the night with a drink in hand, dancing and celebrating.

Piper had her heart set on a pantsuit or jumpsuit for the reception. Describing her desire for a “pantsuit moment,” she ventured into the fitting process with a clear vision. Heidi’s kindness and willingness to assist, despite Piper not purchasing from her store, left a lasting impression. After trying various options, Piper found the perfect pantsuit from AZAZIE, a choice that held a hint of amusing similarity to her wedding dress.

As Piper contemplated her choice, she sought the opinion of a friend from work during the final fitting, finding both practical help with the dress bustle and a valuable confidence boost. With the support of loved ones and the guidance of accommodating professionals, the couple embraced their individual styles, preparing to grace the reception with outfits that reflected their unique personalities and preferences.

Castillo Holliday Photo And Film

What stands out most about Karisa and Piper’s wedding was the love and kindness they exuded throughout the day. Their wedding day was a celebration of love and life, a reminder to embrace every moment, even if things don’t always go as planned. It was a true testament to the power of love and the importance of capturing every detail through the lens of a film camera.