Rainy day portrait at Hammond Castle wedding on the Massachusetts coast

A Hammond Castle wedding in Gloucester, Massachusetts is about as New England as it gets! Ocean views, stone archways, and moody coastal light that changes every minute. This one was especially meaningful because Hanna and Firas were actually my first Boston wedding couple. They both grew up in Chicago, just like me, and I met Hanna while shooting a wedding there. We hit it off and they asked me to shoot their Gloucester wedding! And to photograph it all at a seaside castle? Pretty unforgettable.

Hammond Castle - A Castle by the Sea

If you’ve never been, Hammond Castle Museum sits about an hour north of Boston and is one of the most unique venues on the Massachusetts coast. It’s a beautiful castle by the sea, built nearly a century ago with stone archways, tall windows, and an ocean view that stretches for miles. It’s filled with medieval architecture, dramatic staircases, and windows that look straight out to the Atlantic. Seeing it for the first time, I was a bit in awe.

The weather that day kept us on our toes. Wild wind, dark clouds, and pre-storm tension in the air. But honestly? It fit the setting perfectly, and Hanna and Firas embraced the moodiness of it all. Hammond Castle on a rainy day is so cinematic, and the weather honestly gave their photos so much depth and texture.

Check out Eden and Brian’s wedding at Wychmere Beach Club for more beautiful East Coast wedding inspiration!

The Day of the Wedding

Just as the beautiful outdoor ceremony wrapped and everyone began heading inside for cocktail hour, the skies opened up. The rain was torrential, a true New England downpour that came out of nowhere. Guests hurried inside as the rain started to fall, where the sound of raindrops really added to the castle ambiance.

Hanna, who’s also a photographer herself, loves shooting with film and asked if I could incorporate some into their wedding day, and I’m so glad we did. It ended up being such a perfect fit for the atmosphere at Hammond Castle. (See more of my favorite film photos from their day!) The colors and the texture all brought such a timeless feel to their gallery, and now they’re some of my favorite photos!

Bride at Beauport Hotel before her Hammond Castle wedding

Guests line up to go inside Hammond Castle wedding reception

Bride and groom portrait in the library at Hammond Castle Museum wedding

Details of the day

Every detail of this Hammond Castle wedding was so personal to the couple. Hanna’s sister, Olivia, hand-painted the invitations, and Sage Florals brought in soft, organic arrangements that fit perfectly against the castle’s stone textures.

The tables were lined with books (!!) a nod to Hanna and Firas’s shared love of reading, and the cake featured tiny cats representing their own fur babies. It was those kinds of thoughtful touches that made the day feel so true to them.

Hanna wore a Jenny Yoo gown paired with Dior heels, and Firas looked classic in his Ralph Lauren tux. Their vibe was very “effortlessly elegant”.

The ceremony music was played by Hanna’s cousins, Chris Kalkbrenner and Courtney Sullivan, while their friend Jarod Apple performed on the saxophone later in the evening. Custom Sounds DJ kept everyone dancing well into the night, and dinner from Creative Catering was nothing short of incredible + delicious.

They got ready that morning at The Beauport Hotel, which has probably the best ocean views in Gloucester! It was the perfect calm before the energy of the day kicked in.

Inside A Personal Celebration

This day was overflowing with connection and sweet moments with family. Firas’s sister stood beside him as one of the groomspeople, and the couple’s families were deeply involved throughout the day. One of my favorite moments was during the reception when Hanna’s sisters gave their toast - they turned it into a mad lib game and had the guests get involved! So much fun, highly recommend.

What I loved most about their wedding day was how personal it felt. Every single part of it felt like a true reflection of who they are and the people who love them.

Guests mingling at Hammond Castle Museum wedding

“Ashlyn is an incredible, kind, professional, talented photographer and you should highly consider her for your East Coast wedding. I couldn't have dreamed up a better photographer and could not have imagined my wedding photos would have come out as incredible as they did.”

Hanna & Firas

Getting Married in New ENgland? Let’s Chat.

Getting to photograph my first Boston wedding for this truly gorgeous couple was an amazing experience. If you’re planning your own Hammond Castle wedding or dreaming up a celebration somewhere along the New England coast, I’d love to be there to capture it with an artistic and documentary approach that feels true to you. You can see more of my work, and reach out to chat about your wedding plans. I can’t wait to meet you!

Vendor Team

Venue: Hammond Castle // Photography: Ashlyn Henry // Florals: Sage Florals // Invitations: Designed + painted by Olivia Sutton // Dress: Jenny Yoo // Shoes: Dior // Firas’s Tux: Ralph Lauren // DJ: Custom Sounds DJ // Caterer: Creative Catering // Saxophonist: Jarod Apple // Guitarists: Chris Kalkbrenner + Courtney Sullivan // Hotel: The Beauport // Signature Scents: Byredo + Le Labo