A Vibrant, Multicultural New England Wedding

On June 28, I had the absolute joy of photographing Megan and Valdir’s wedding at The Lakehouse in Halifax, Massachusetts. This one was extra special for me—Megan and I go way back to our swim team days. She was my “big sister” on the team in high school, and a few of the bridesmaids were teammates too. Getting to capture her wedding day, surrounded by familiar faces, was truly a full-circle moment.


Getting Ready at an Airbnb with Family (and Pipa!)

Megan spent the morning at a nearby Airbnb, getting ready with her bridesmaids, family, and her sweet pup, Pipa. Her bridesmaids wore dresses in a rainbow of colors, perfectly complementing the vibrant florals that would be a theme throughout the day. Megan’s big sister, Jeni, stood by her side as maid of honor, while her two nieces made the most adorable flower girls.


Megan looked stunning in her timeless gown—a classic white dress with a deep-V neckline and flowing train. For her “something blue,” she wore playful blue heels that peeked out with every step.

A wedding detail flat lay including invitation items including light blue shoes, ivory ribbons, and white stationery laid out aesthetically.
A flat lay detail photo of light blue heels for a bride's "something blue" on top of a pink mat with a white rose and white ribbon.
A delicate engagement ring with a princess cut diamond is displayed in a beige ring box from multiple angles.
A mikado wedding dress with V-neck design hangs from wooden closet door during the getting ready part of a wedding day in Boston, MA.
Looking through a door into an area where a bride and her bridesmaids are having their hair and makeup done.
Two children wearing matching pink striped pajamas hold cute plush toys while standing in slippers on hardwood floor.
Adorable white and tan Labradoodle dog lying on a textured carpet during the getting ready part of a wedding day in Boston, MA
A bride smiles as she looks at her wedding dress hanging from a closet rod near a window on her wedding morning in Boston, MA
A group of bridesmaids and a bride in matching buttoned pajamas sit together on a white couch laughing and sharing a drink of champagne.
A bride and bridesmaid in pajamas pet a labradoodle during the getting ready part of a wedding day.
A joyful wedding preparation moment shows a bridesmaid and two flower girls helping the bride put on her jewelry.
Mother of the bride and maid of honor help with finishing touches to a bride's outfit as she gets ready on her wedding day.
A bride in a flowing white wedding dress poses while showing off the gown's elegant design and texture at the Lakehouse in Halifax, Ma.
A black and white photo of a bride in a stunning white A-line wedding dress in the bridal suite of the Lakehouse in Halifax, MA

A Sweet First Look at The Lakehouse in Halifax

Before the ceremony, Megan and Valdir shared a private first look outside the bridal suite at The Lakehouse. It was one of the sweetest moments of the day—full of emotion, smiles, and quiet joy. It set the tone for everything that followed, reminding us all that the heart of the day was their love for one another.

After the first look, I was able to capture some pre-wedding bridal portraits because Megan & Valdir had decided they wanted to spend as much time as possible with their guests once the wedding festivities truly began. I always love when a couple chooses to do this because it also ensures that their hair and makeup is fresh, and we are able to make sure that they really enjoy their full wedding day.

Four connected photos show a playful first look moment featuring a blue suit and white dress on a stone patio.
A couple walking on a pathway through greenery in wedding attire with a white dress and navy suit.
A couple in white and navy blue formal attire share a romantic kiss on a stone patio surrounded by greenery.
A bride and groom kiss and pose for a bridal portrait on their wedding day at the Lakehouse of Saphire Event Group in Halifax, MA
Wedding couple embracing outdoors with vibrant multicolored floral bouquet by the waterfront at the Lakehouse of Saphire Event Group
A bride and groom walk on candidly on a stone pathway outside of the Lakehouse in Halifax, MA with the lake in the background.
Black and white wedding portrait of newlyweds leaning against each other on the dock of the Lakehouse in Halfiax, MA.
Newlyweds walking down the dock of the Lakehouse in Halifax, MA after their wedding. Photo by Joliette Marie Photography.
A couple in wedding attire embrace on a wooden dock overlooking a serene lake on their special day at the Lakehouse in Halifax, MA
Bride in flowing white wedding gown holding colorful bouquet on wooden deck by waterfront.
Colorful coral and pink floral wedding bouquet with green foliage against a white dress background.
Groom in bright blue suit with yellow boutonniere standing on wooden dock by water.
Wedding party in colorful pastel dresses poses together on a grassy hill overlooking the lake at the Lakehouse in Halifax, MA
A wedding party in colorful formal attire stands in a row outdoors lakeside at the Lakehouse by Saphire Event Group in Halifax, MA
A bride and a bridesmaid pose outdoors in blue and white dresses holding vibrant floral bouquets near a waterfront setting.

Colorful Wedding Florals at The Lakehouse

One of the most memorable details of the day was the gorgeous florals by Wagner Floral Designs. From the bouquets to the ceremony arch to the reception centerpieces, every design was lush, colorful, and full of life. The rainbow bridesmaids’ dresses tied perfectly into the floral palette, creating a celebration that was as vibrant as it was romantic.

Floral design for a wedding at the Lakehouse designed by Wagner Floral Designs.
A collection of bright coral and peach bouquet with greenery held against a white wedding dress in an outdoor setting by Wagner Floral.
Colorful floral arrangements with pink, orange, and blue blooms line a light wooden table elegantly at the Lakehouse in Halifax, MA

Outdoor Ceremony by the Water

Although the forecast predicted rain, the skies held off! The warm summer weather made it possible for Megan and Valdir to host their ceremony outdoors, overlooking the lake at The Lakehouse, part of Saphire Event Group. The waterfront views provided such a serene and romantic backdrop as they exchanged vows surrounded by family and friends. One of their best friends, Claire, was their officiant and she reminisced on how the newlyweds met and vouched for how strong she has seen this relationship grow over time. I loved that Megan and Valdir chose to face each other and hold hands the entire ceremony -- this is the best way to stay connected throughout your wedding ceremony!

A groom and his mother walk down the aisle outdoors at the Lakehouse in Halifax, MA.
Two flower girls in white dresses walk down a stone aisle during a wedding at the Lakehouse in Halifax, MA.
A groom smiles as his bride walks down the aisle at the Saphire Event Group's Lakehouse in Halifax, MA.
A bride is escorted by her parents down the outdoor stone aisle at the Lakehouse in Halifax, MA
Wedding couple poses together on a lakeside dock surrounded by summer greenery and floral decorations.
Wedding party in blue attire stands on waterfront deck during outdoor ceremony with white floral arrangements.
Scenic waterfront outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated in white chairs overlooking harbor in Massachusetts
A couple exchanges wedding vows during an outdoor ceremony in a lush green field with a lake in the background.
A bride and groom share a tender moment during their lakeside wedding ceremony on a stone patio.
A couple shares a romantic moment by the waterfront during their elegant lakeside wedding celebration.
A couple in wedding attire embrace on a wooden deck overlooking a serene lake with greenery in the background.
A groom dips his bride during the processional at the end of an outdoor wedding ceremony with a lake in the background and guests in view.

Brazilian Wedding Traditions & Heartfelt Speeches

After mingling during cocktail hour, Megan and Valdir had their first dance and then the party really got going. The reception was filled with laughter and emotion. Valdir’s two best friends delivered a hilarious tag-team best man speech that had everyone laughing, while Jeni’s maid of honor toast brought many to tears. Megan’s mom and Valdir’s uncle also shared moving words, adding even more love to the night.


Megan and Valdir incorporated special nods to Valdir’s Brazilian heritage throughout the day. Guests enjoyed traditional Brazilian desserts by La Crepe (that were absolutely delicious), and during the reception, everyone joined in the lively tradition of cutting and selling off pieces of the groom’s tie to collect money for the newlyweds.

A series of photos showing a couple in wedding attire walking through a clean, bright room with wall-mounted photo shelves.
Wedding reception guests take photos at the edge of a dance floor during a formal celebration.
A group of wedding guests gather in a reception hall wearing formal attire including suits, dresses and evening wear.
A group of party guests in colorful formal attire pose together at an elegant reception venue with warm lighting.
A series of tropical cocktails lined up on a lacy tablecloth with garnishes and a bar menu displaying drink options.
People dance together on the wooden floor during a celebration party in an elegant venue with soft lighting.
A series of images showing people walking down a hallway in formal attire with recessed lighting and wood flooring.
A sequence of photos showing a couple in wedding attire dancing and posing playfully in a modern empty room with wood floors.
A newly married couple shares their first dance in an elegant room with hardwood floors and warm lighting.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate in an elegant banquet hall with warm overhead lighting and a hardwood dance floor.
Newlywed dance together in an elegant choreographed sequence on a hardwood floor.
A father-daughter dance during a wedding reception at the Lakehouse in Massachusetts.
A mother-son dance is shared during a wedding reception.
A bride surprises her mother with a special dance during a wedding reception at the Lakehouse in Massachusetts.
A bride and groom cheers at the sweetheart table during a wedding reception at the Lakehouse in Halifax, MA

A Lively Reception with Atlantic Shake

When it came time to dance, the party came alive thanks to the incredible band Atlantic Shake. They kept the dance floor packed all night, filling the reception with energy and fun. Guests also loved stepping into the photobooth by Heybooth Events, capturing even more candid memories of the night.


The groom looked sharp in his suit from Suit Supply, while Megan’s wedding rings from Caleesi Designs Jewelers (Austin, TX) sparkled throughout the evening.

Dancing and celebrating crowd on a dance floor at a lively indoor party event under warm lighting.
Two people in formal attire pose together for photos in a warmly lit indoor event space.
People dancing and celebrating at an indoor wedding reception with warm lighting and formal attire.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate together during an energetic reception party on a wooden dance floor.
A couple in formal wedding attire share their first dance together in front of guests at a dimly lit reception.
A group of people dance and celebrate in a warm-lit ballroom wearing white and floral attire.
Couples dancing together at an indoor social event with warm lighting and formal attire.
Guests enjoy dinner and conversation at elegant tables during a formal wedding reception.
Musicians performing on stage with instruments while people dance in a spacious ballroom.
Wedding party guests dancing and celebrating with raised hands on a dimly lit dance floor at a reception party.
Wedding guests dancing and celebrating on a lively dance floor with colorful lighting effects.
Couples dance together at a wedding reception under red ambient lighting while wearing formal attire.
People dancing energetically on a dance floor with dramatic blue lighting at a festive event.
Wedding guests dance and twirl on a wooden floor at reception with colorful formal dresses and ambient lighting.
Guests dancing and socializing at a formal event with warm ambient lighting and elegant decor.

Fireworks Over the Lake

The evening ended with a magical surprise—fireworks over the lake, part of an early July 4th celebration. It couldn’t have been timed better, and I was able to capture unforgettable shots of Megan and Valdir with fireworks sparkling behind them.

Newlyweds watch colorful fireworks explode against the night sky over a lake, creating reflections on the water on their wedding night.
A newlywed couple shares a romantic kiss at night while fireworks burst in the dark sky behind them. Photo by Joliette Marie Photography.

A Personal Connection

For me, this wedding was especially meaningful. To watch someone I’ve known since childhood marry the love of her life—and to capture it all surrounded by some of our old swim team friends—was something I’ll never forget.

Megan and Valdir, thank you for trusting me with your memories. Your day was full of beauty, joy, and love, and it was such an honor to be there with you.

Planning a Wedding at The Lakehouse in Halifax, MA?


If you’re dreaming of a wedding at The Lakehouse in Halifax or anywhere in Massachusetts, I’d love to capture your day. From vibrant summer celebrations to heartfelt traditions, your wedding deserves to be documented with care. Get in touch here to learn more about my wedding photography services.