Topsfield Wedding at Willowdale Estate from Elizabeth Wertz Photography

I want to cry, happy tears that is, for this elegant and sentimental wedding by Elizabeth Wertz Photography. Between the bride wearing her late grandmother’s wedding gown {something old} to the breathtaking Les Fleurs arrangements {something new}, I don’t know what is most touching. Eat up more of the 1950s elegance in the full gallery here.

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From Elizabeth Wertz PhotographyKara and Duane were married at Willowdale Estate in Topsfield on a spring evening rich in charm and sentiment. My assistant Kristen and I felt like were were stepping back half a decade when we entered the dark wood walls of the mansion. Vintage touches were everywhere: soft peach and creams, throw-back dresses, up-dos, pearls, brooches and tufts of delicate baby’s breath. Kara has such a funny, warm, refreshing personality, and mixed with Duane’s sweet, wacky, Texan vibe (he grew up there), they were so much fun to photograph. The ceremony was led by a friend, and Kara and Duane’s vows were so personal and heart-warming, not to mention hilarious! One significant touch was that Kara chose to wear her late grandmother’s gown, which she donned on her own wedding day in 1959. The elegant gown suited Kara perfectly, hugging her narrow waist and sweeping out in a swirl of cream-colored silk.

One of the most beautiful tributes I have seen was when Kara invited her grandfather to share a dance with her to honor her grandmother’s memory. There were few dry eyes in the room as he led his granddaughter onto the dance floor in the dress his bride had worn fifty-three years before. It was so sweet to watch both of their faces during this tender tribute. Then Kara ran up to the bridal suite to step into her frilly, feminine reception frock, and we strolled around the grounds for some portraits, the sun streaming through the trees for the first time as we reached the front lawn. Kara and Duane jumped into their cowboy boots for some hurried portraits, which were my favorites of the day. And then it was on to the reception, with gorgeous uplighting and merriment lead by talented DJ Shelly Shell, owner of Epic Entertainment Boston. It was rich in memory and tenderness, a beautiful mix of 1950s elegance with a touch of Texas.

Wedding Photography: Elizabeth Wertz Photography / Wedding Venue: Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, Massachusetts / Floral Design: Les Fleurs / Music: DJ Shelly Shell of Epic Entertainment Boston / Wedding Dress: The Bride’s Grandmother’s / Bride’s Reception Dress: Allure Couture (Shortened to Tea Length) via Bella Bridal Shoppe