Each detail of Lauren and Nate’s wedding day was filled with meaning. They chose to have their celebration in a place that has significance for them, in the heart of New Bedford, Massachusetts. This extended beyond their ceremony and reception venue, to their first look location. Lauren’s family has had a cottage in the area for years, a place with family significance. It made their first look extra special to start their day together there before kicking off the festivities. To be surrounded by the warmth of loved ones in a familiar place is the perfect way to start your wedding day. This warmth extended into their portrait time, too!

The Gift of Hospitality

As I shared last week, I rarely mention rain on the KSP blog when sharing wedding day stories. But any New Englander knows that we’ve had rain/snow for 14+ consecutive weekends of 2025. Up to this point in wedding season, rain has seemed like an inevitable element. As Lauren and Nate’s day approached, we collectively embraced an “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” attitude about the weather. Lauren and I collaborated on a rain plan, considering locations in the area that would keep the wedding party dry throughout portraits while tying in the bright, airy, coastal design of the day. Enter the gift of hospitality.

Lauren connected with a sweet family who was renting a beach house on the same street as her family cottage. They had a beautiful covered porch with good natural light, and they graciously let us use it for portrait time. This allowed us to capture beautiful photos, while keeping everyone comfortable. Not only did the family welcome us to the porch, but they opened the home to the full bridal party and families, too. They offered blankets, comfy places to sit, and made sure everyone felt welcome. It was a gift of hospitality that I won’t forget!

When we arrived to Merrill’s before the ceremony, we got to see Lauren & Nate’s vision come to life. Their wedding design incorporated both meaningful details, but also really thoughtful ones, too. They wove love into every part of their day, and that feeling only increased as the space filled with their friends and family later that evening. We’re so grateful that we got to capture these memories for them and hope you enjoy a glimpse into their joy, too!

To Lauren & Nate:

Thank you for sharing your day and New Bedford and Fairhaven with us! It was an honor to see the places that are so special to you, to meet your loved ones, and to celebrate day one of your marriage. Your day was filled with so much love and we felt so cared for and welcome throughout your celebration. We’re so happy for you two and hope you have the sweetest summer as you savor newlywed life!

Photographer: Kyla Shattuck Photography

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Merrill’s on the Waterfront | Florist: Touch of Grace |
Stationery: Seacoast Sketches | DJ: Music Machine Entertainment |
Hair & Makeup: Beautifully Unafraid | Catering: Merrill’s on the Waterfront | Cake: Artisan Bakeshop | Dress Designer: Kelly Faetanini |
Bridal Boutique: Flair Boston |
Bridesmaids Attire: Revelry | Groom’s Attire: Indochino and Revelry | Transportation: Luxor Limos

View Lauren and Nate’s Engagement Session HERE!