I have a serious obsession with historical buildings (yep, I am a nerd), so when I saw that these beyond lovely Salem nuptials were held at Hamilton Hall (Originally built in 1805!), I literally jumped for joy. And the giddiness didn’t stop there, because each and every amazing moment crafted by the geniuses at EFD Creative – Event Planning & Design is out-of-this-world fabulous… And most definitely of the jumping for joy kind. And with a fresh color palette of yellow and blue, gorgeous lantern centerpieces, stunning florals by Studio 539 Flowers and breathtaking images by Eric Barry Photography, there’s so much more lovely just waiting to be adored. Join me in the gallery for even more!
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From EFD Creative – Event Planning & Design… Jackie and Carolyn were thrilled to be engaged, but they lived in Atlanta, Georgia where same-sex marriage is not legal. The couple immediately thought of Massachusetts, which not only recognizes same-sex marriages, it is where Carolyn attended college at Boston University, and where they both had personal ties – making it the perfect destination wedding! They wanted a venue that had elegance as well as a historical feel to match the region. What could be more perfect than Hamilton Hall in historic Salem, Mass.?
Originally built in 1805 as an assembly hall, Hamilton Hall was named in honor of the famous American forefather, Alexander Hamilton, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971. The design of the Grand Ballroom has unique detailed touches with imported Russian mirrors, Palladian (European style) windows, and Italian sconces and chandeliers. The old kitchen, known as the Brick Hearth Room, has the original oven built into the wall. Altogether, this captured the old New England essence perfectly. Jackie and Carolyn were very excited to incorporate the history of New England into their special day.
Their wedding dresses were classically timeless…soft and flowing. To bring in elements that enhanced the feel of the era, tea was the theme for favors and place cards were displayed in loose tea, which not only looked beautiful but also left an aroma in the air. The wedding was in early April. Bright yellows and blues were the accent colors along with lanterns (think Paul Revere) placed on each table. The lanterns alternated between flowers inside the lantern encircled by candles, or a candle inside the lantern surrounded by old milk bottles filled with flowers. The brown pin-tuck linen and gold chiavari chairs finished the look. The signature drink of the evening was none other than “The Alexander Hamilton.” Instead of a traditional guest book, the couple continued with the theme by having a restored old-fashioned typewriter displayed with matching note paper. Guests enjoyed typing out special messages to be later placed in a memory album.
Jackie and Carolyn’s wedding offers a great example of how to incorporate the charm of a bygone era through a few well thought-out touches and the right venue. While New England has so many options for an early American-style wedding, the wonderful appeal of New England is its diversity. Between the history, the scenic beaches and mountains, and the four seasons, New England offers the perfect destination for any type of wedding.
Wedding Photography: Eric Barry Photography / Event Design + Planning: EFD Creative – Event Planning & Design / Floral Design: Studio 539 Flowers / DJ: Beat Train Productions / Calligraphy: Megan Chapin Calligraphy / Wedding Ceremony + Reception Location: Hamilton Hall / Wedding Dress: Anjolique / Wedding Cake: Bella Cakes / Beauty: radiance AVEDA / Caterers: Vinwood / Rentals: Peterson Party Center / Transportation: Local Motion of Boston