I first met Declan and Sophia when I photographed their engagement session in the summer of 2020. We met first at Sankaty Lighthouse and finished our session at the beach. The Sconset area has a lot of meaning to this wonderful couple so it only made sense to have their session here. Photographing the love that these two have for each other was beautiful. They laughed and smiled during the entire time of their session. Declan and Sophia were so easy-going and fun to work with. We had a session that was candid and relaxed. While on their shoot I felt I was spending time with friends. Having such an amazing session with them only made me more excited to photograph their beautiful Nantucket wedding. You can view their engagement session here.

The day had finally arrived for Declan and Sophia to finally say I do! They had the most gorgeous fall day in October which was great. I first met Sophia at the rental home where all the girls were getting ready for the big day. So much excitement and anticipation filled the rooms while everyone was getting prepped. Everything felt easy-going and relaxed. As Sophia was getting her makeup and hair done by the lovely Emily, I was busy capturing all the pretty details and candid moments that were happening. Sophia had such pretty details! Everything was white and gold which looked really great together. I loved that the bridesmaids all had black sequined dresses which I thought were really unique and beautiful. Sophia chose a style of bouquet that was true to her. The bouquets just tied everything all together and were so gorgeous. Sophia wanted to share a champagne toast with her girls to celebrate the big day! There was a lot of laughter during this moment which was so fun to capture. After Sophia slipped into her dress and was all ready she shared a first look with her father. They were smiling from ear to ear and it was such a heartfelt moment that was so special. This was my favorite part of the getting ready time. We then took some bridal portraits. Sophia looked stunning! Her dress had the prettiest detailing and it looked so beautiful on her. She wore her hair up in a long braid and wore gold accessories that were the perfect touch. After we took some more portraits of everyone it was time to head to the church.

Sophia and Declan had a beautiful ceremony at the First Congregational Church. They were surrounded by their friends and family. Unfortunately, Declan wasn’t able to have his family attend the wedding because of Covid restrictions. However, they were watching the ceremony all the way from Ireland and were there in spirit. This was so heartbreaking for the couple but they were so strong, positive, and kept their spirits high. Seeing Sophia walking down the aisle with her father was beautiful. Declan’s reaction to his gorgeous bride was so special. He was completely blown away and it was hard for him to hold back his tears. There wasn’t a dry eye when they shared their handwritten vows with each other. They had waited a long time for this moment to happen and I was so happy for them. After they said their I dos we took some photos upstairs in front of the big church windows and then they had their grand exit out of the church as their friends and family blew bubbles at them. It was such a joyous moment!

We then took portraits of the bride and groom as well as their family formals. Once that was all through Declan and Sophia decided to walk from the church to the White Elephant where their reception took place. This was a fun opportunity to take some candid photos of them. We stopped at American Seasons where they had a delicious dinner to kick off their wedding weekend the night before. During the walk, Declan called his Mom and Dad to tell them that they got married! This was such a special moment to capture. Once we got to the Hotel we then took some more portraits around the grounds at the garden and the docks. We had such gorgeous golden light during this time. My favorite part of their portraits is when Declan lifted up his bride as she threw up her bouquet. The reception area was so beautiful with the flowers, white linens, and candles. Each table also had signs of places that had special meaning to the couple which I thought was nice personal touch.

It was time for the couple to be introduced as Mr. and Mrs. McCavana to the dance floor. They had a beautiful first dance as husband and wife. Then Sophia shared a father and daughter dance and Declan danced with Sophia’s mother. After their formal dances, it was time for dinner and speeches. There was one extra special speech during dinner. This speech was from Declan’s friends and family from home. It was such an emotional time for the couple and their guests. There were a lot of tears and laughter that filled the room. I too was also crying. After speeches and dinner, it was time to turn up the music and listen to The Sultans perform. Everyone was enjoying themselves mingling, laughing, eating cake, and dancing the night away.

It was such an honor to be the one to capture their beautiful wedding day. Declan and Sophia were a dream to work with and were so easy-going. I had such a fun time with them and their family. I wish them nothing but the best and a lifetime of happiness together. Cheers to the wonderful couple!

Videographer | Natural Focus Films
Entertainment | The Sultans
Reception| White Elephant
Church | First Congregational Church
Makeup & Hair | Emily Nantucket
Cake| 45 Surfside
Wedding Dress | Molle Bridals
Florist | Soiree Floral