In the heart of winter, a dream team of talented, queer and LGBTQIA-allied vendors gathered at Grand View, Mendon, MA. The goal? To bring to life an editorial that redefines the magical essence of winter and indoor weddings. I’m a wedding photographer whose heart beats for capturing vibrant, joyful and authentic moments – captured over hundreds of weddings. Speaking from experience, this day was a celebration of love’s warmth amidst the cool, serene beauty of winter.
The Dream Team
The concept was the brainchild of Rachel and Amy Bellone, owners of One Bell Designs. Together, we collaborated with Kelly Sullivan and the wonderful team at Grand View Mendon. Love brings warmth and sunshine to the coldest of days, and winter weddings at Grand View are nothing short of magical. Rachel and Amy dreamed up the rich color palette, and we hand-selected the team to bring this vision to life.
Every single vendor brought their A-game to this event, including:
- Show-stopping florals by Allison Britt of Green Valley Floral Design
- A gorgeous custom-designed wedding dress from the incomparable Andria Bird
- Bridal attire from Muse Bridal Shop
- Stunning suits from Suit Shop
- Flawless makeup for our models by J Kinford Beauty
- And hair styled by the talented Glam by Merita.
Not to be outdone by our stunning models, the venue itself was dressed to thrill, with:
- A lounge by Uniquely Chic Vintage Rentals
- Perfect uplighting by Baltazar Entertainment
- Signage by Maddison Ave Designs
- And rich linens by XO The Girls
…And Dreamy Cuisine
Couples rave about the culinary delights that Grand View Mendon weddings are known for. Their chef pulled out all the stops on a spectacular winter menu for us to photograph. From appetizing small bites to mouth-watering entrees, they thoughtfully curated every detail. The decadent desserts were nothing short of amazing, and we sidestepped traditional cake in favor of a sensational fruit tart. Check out the video below, and keep reading for the rest of the story – and swoon-worthy images!
Rachel and Amy sourced gorgeous stationery and hand-foiled the gold pears that graced our flawlessly-styled tables. They paired with stunning, deep hot-pink linens that complimented Bee and Kristina’s outfits.
Real-Life Love and Joy
Speaking of Bee and Kristina, this Grand View wedding was created around two amazing real-life couples. Bee Gunn and Kristina Calarese, and Chad and Eric Davidson, brought all the love we could handle!
Chad and Eric joined us for some gorgeous images outdoors, showcasing the beauty of Grand View Mendon in the wintertime. Then, we moved indoors to the stunning arbor and candlelight setup created by Allison.
One important note: this shoot took place in early 2023, but we held the images in hopes they’d be published. When that didn’t happen, we decided to release the photos, but Chad was heartbreakingly lost in a tragic accident. Out of respect for Eric, and Chad’s family, we’re not releasing most of their images, but I wanted to share here how much his participation meant to us. This couple were (and are) pure magic. Speaking as their photographer and friend, I’ve rarely experienced such love and joy when working with a couple. Representation was important to Chad; he was one of the kindest and most inclusive people I’ve ever met. So, we’re documenting his participation here, in hopes of sharing the magic he gave to all of us.
That afternoon, Bee and Kristina took to the altar for our second session of the day. I’ve been lucky enough to work with them several times, including this iconic image from our styled Mystic Aquarium wedding. Working behind the camera with Bee and Kristina again was the best kind of reunion!
The Venue: Grand View, Mendon MA
Our vision was clear: to showcase the breathtaking beauty and versatility of Grand View as the ultimate winter wedding destination. We wanted to highlight the venue’s stunning features, and embody the joy, inclusivity, and color that our clients crave.
Grand View (Mendon), with its majestic views and elegant interiors, proved to be the perfect backdrop. Its grandeur and versatility shine through, with the serene beauty of snow-covered waterfront landscapes. Indoors, we were welcomed by the warm, inviting ambiance of its luxurious ballroom. From its iconic sweeping staircases outdoors, to the opulent indoor reception area – let’s not forget that gorgeous fireplace! – every corner of Grand View offers a new opportunity to capture the essence of a winter wonderland wedding.
A Team Effort
We found a dream team of vendors, each selected for their unparalleled talent and commitment to excellence. Green Valley Floral Design transformed the ballroom with a palette of crisp whites, deep greens, and rich violets and reds. One Bell Designs curated looks that blended timeless elegance with trend-setting wedding attire. And, our models looked SO effortlessly chic against the winter backdrop. We’re so thankful to Andria Bird, Muse Bridal, and Suit Shop for the looks they created – including Kristina’s custom gown!
Grand View’s chef created a masterpiece of appetizers, entrees and desserts. It was an incredible feast for the eyes, and a nod to the sophistication and style of Grand View couples. The invitation suite, with wax seals handmade by One Bell Designs, set the tone with warm, inviting colors.
The Grand View Wedding Photos Experience
This styled shoot was SO much more than just a day of photography and videography. It was an experience that celebrated inclusivity, love, creativity, and collaboration. We aimed to create a series of images that would embrace love, and the beauty of indoor and winter weddings. The laughter, the shared moments of joy, and the collective creativity of our team were the best gift. And, they were a testament to the magic that happens when passionate and inclusive wedding vendors come together.
Why Winter Wedding Inspo?
Winter weddings at Grand View, Mendon MA offer a unique opportunity to embrace the beauty of the season. From the fireside sweetheart table, to stunning waterfront spaces outdoors, we love every inch of this venue. We’ve captured so many weddings there over the past several years, and it’s one of our very favorite wedding venues! With the warmth and elegance of their indoor spaces, Grand View makes a winter wedding a beautiful, intentional experience.
Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible team at Grand View who helped facilitate this styled wedding. We were so fortunate to have the talents of Kelly, their General Manager; their coordinators; and their incredible chef and culinary staff. This venue is not only gorgeous year-round, it’s also home to one of the very best teams in any New England wedding venue. We can’t say enough about this entire experience, and hope you love these photos (and video) as much as we do.
