This generational session at Old North Wharf was everything that is magical about Nantucket. The location was the perfect backdrop for this sweet family. With weathered gray shingles, climbing blush roses, and a quiet road, every little detail added to the memories.

This family gathered on the island for a week together under one roof. Gathering all 11 people is something they do not take for granted!

After hearing so many wonderful things about Nantucket from family members who had visited before, they knew it would be the perfect place for this year’s trip.

When I asked them about this vacation & why they chose to hire a photographer, here’s what they said:

We were drawn to Nantucket for its natural beauty, charming island setting, and relaxed, slower pace. Our daughter and son-in-law had visited before. They spoke so highly of it, and it absolutely lived up to everything we hoped it would be.

One tradition we’ve come to cherish is hiring a photographer on each trip to help capture these moments together.

And The Old North Wharf location felt especially special to us: the combination of the water, boats, and beautiful flowers created such a quintessential Nantucket backdrop. It was the perfect setting to document this time with our family.

The styling for this session fit the setting beautifully.

I give suggestions to all my clients about what to wear for their sessions, and this family really leaned into the coastal vibe. It looked so cohesive and beautiful!

The soft blues, whites, and light neutrals complemented the charm of the island without feeling overly matched.

The children’s outfits ranged from breezy striped dresses and gingham prints to light blue polos and simple khaki shorts. The adults kept things polished yet effortless with airy dresses, crisp button-downs, and relaxed textures that moved naturally in the ocean breeze.

Why Families Love Old North Wharf

There is something especially magical about this part of Nantucket. The flower-covered cottages create such a beautiful & classic Nantucket backdrop.

And this location tends to be very convenient for my families, because it’s close to the beach and restaurants.

And The Juice Bar is just around the corner! (A favorite post-session stop for most families!)

A few more details that made this session feel especially meaningful:

• The old coastal homes lining the road
• Blooms growing everywhere (especially this time of year!)
• American flags waving in the wind, adding to the patriotic feel that belongs seamlessly in Nantucket
• The unpaved road giving that island charm
• And the beach is so nearby, if your kids want to go collect sea shells after your session!

One of my favorite parts of photographing families on Nantucket is watching everyone settle into the slower pace of island life.

There is no rush. Just cousins laughing together, grandparents soaking in every moment, and parents holding onto memories that pass far too quickly. Whenever I get an inquiry for a generational extended family session, I know we’re going to have fun capturing their memories here.

That’s the magic of Nantucket!

Many of the families I work with have the tradition of booking a photo session with me every visit to the island.

I love this so much because these vacations hold memories that deserve to live beyond a phone camera. It’s a really impactful way to watch your kids grow up.

And to capture the in-between moments often become the ones families treasure most later on.

A quick glance between grandparents, children holding hands while walking down the street, or the joyful chaos of everyone laughing at once can tell the story of a the seasons of life better than words ever could.

Nantucket has a way of slowing people down and bringing them closer together. Sessions like this are a reminder that family photographs are not just about what everyone looked like during a vacation.

They are about honoring and documenting the time together as a family.

So next time you’re planning your Nantucket vacation, let’s plan a time to meet up at Old North Wharf (or any of the other incredible locations on the island), so we can document this time for the years to come.