Hawthorne Hotel Wedding | Vintage Charm and Modern Elegance

Emily and Jason’s September Hawthorne Hotel wedding in Salem was one of those rare occasions where every moment seemed to capture something timeless. As a photographer, it’s not often that you get to witness a wedding day that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern elegance. 

This Hawthorne Hotel wedding began in elegant suites, where Emily and Jason prepared for their big day. The historic hotel, known for its classic New England charm, provided the perfect backdrop for their preparations. Emily, with her radiant smile and calm demeanor, was surrounded by her closest friends and family. At the same time, Jason shared a few quiet moments with his groomsmen before the festivities kicked off.

Once they were both dressed and ready, we made our way across the street to the nearby park for portraits. The September afternoon was perfectly mild, with soft light filtering through the trees, and the park offered just the right amount of space for us to capture intimate moments between Emily and Jason. What made this even more magical, however, was the surprise element of the antique automobile fair happening right across the way. Who could resist a vintage car photo op?

Not only did Emily and Jason look absolutely stunning in front of the antique vehicles, but the car owners were incredibly gracious and allowed them to hop in for a few shots. The scene felt like something out of a classic romance movie—elegant, nostalgic, and completely unforgettable.

After we wrapped up the portrait session, it was time for the main event: St. James Church. The air was thick with emotion as Emily walked down the aisle, the soft strains of the organ filling the space. The church, with its high arches and beautiful stained glass windows, created the perfect atmosphere for this sacred moment.

Once vows were exchanged, it was time to head back to the Hawthorn Hotel’s ballroom for the reception, which was nothing short of stunning. As the evening unfolded with heartfelt toasts and lots of dancing, there was a perfect opportunity for a little adventure. We sneaked away for some unique portraits within the hotel. The hotel's charm didn’t disappoint. From the grand staircase that wound its way up in elegant curves to a tiny window overlooking the ballroom, we found some fantastic spots that added a touch of whimsy and character to the collection. But my absolute favorite moment from this Hawthorne Hotel wedding came when we took a few portraits by the vintage elevator. The aged, brass door and intricate details of the elevator made for the most intimate, timeless backdrop.

The rest of the Hawthorne Hotel wedding was filled with laughter, joyful toasts, and plenty of dancing. Guests were treated to delicious food, beautiful speeches, and an atmosphere that was both elegant and incredibly warm. Emily and Jason’s love for each other was evident in every detail—from the personal touches in their decor to the heartfelt exchanges throughout the evening.