Stormy Salem Wedding at the House of the Seven Gables | Karlyn & Keegan
A Stormy Salem Wedding | Karlyn & Keegan
Karlyn and Keegan tied the knot this past September in Salem, where the weather changed in an instant and added an unexpected, unforgettable layer to their day.
Getting Ready in Salem, Massachusetts
The day began with Karlyn getting ready at the Salem Waterfront Hotel, where the room was buzzing with excitement when I arrived. Karlyn was absolutely glowing, beaming from ear to ear as final touches were added to her makeup. Her bridesmaids filled the space with laughter and anticipation as they prepared together.
At the same time, my second photographer Becky was with Keegan and his crew over at The House of the Seven Gables, surrounded by the historic charm of the property as the day began to unfold.
A First Look at the House of the Seven Gables
Once Karlyn’s bridesmaids slipped into their stunning velvet gowns, the ladies made their way to the venue. Keegan waited tucked away on one side of the Hooper-Hathaway House while Karlyn quietly entered from the other. Built in 1683, the home perfectly captured the moody and historic Salem atmosphere, which meant so much to Karlyn due to her deep love for this coastal city.
With the help of her mom and bridesmaids, Karlyn stepped into her wedding gown, a dress she had purchased when she was just sixteen years old for twenty-one dollars. Paired with incredible shoes, a flowing veil, and bouquet in hand, she was ready for their first look.
Keegan looked sharp in a deep green velvet jacket as he waited between the Counting House and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Birthplace, the iconic red building on the grounds. The moment he saw Karlyn, his expression softened immediately and excitement bubbled over as they took each other in. We captured portraits that felt intimate, emotional, and true to who they are.
A Windy and Emotional Ceremony in Salem
As the wind picked up and the sky grew darker, the ceremony time was moved up by fifteen minutes. Despite the gusty conditions, the ceremony unfolded beautifully and without a hitch, surrounded by history, loved ones, and the unmistakable charm of Salem.
When the Rain Finally Arrived
Once the ceremony wrapped and we completed family, wedding party, and newlywed portraits, the skies finally opened into a heavy downpour. Inside the Hooper-Hathaway House, Karlyn and Keegan took a quiet moment together while Becky and I rushed to secure our gear.
Outside under the tent, rain was hitting sideways. DJ Eazy Jackson relocated his entire setup, I lost a couple of lights to the storm and switched over to my backup system, and the Creative Catering team, Gables staff, and guests jumped in together to move tables, wipe down the dance floor, and adjust plans on the fly. It was one of those moments where everyone rallied and made it work.
A House Party Style Reception, Rain and All
About thirty minutes later, the music was back on and the celebration officially began, rain and all. After introductions, first dances, speeches, and dinner, the night shifted into exactly what Karlyn and Keegan had hoped for.
When I asked them about the reception vibe, they told me they wanted it to feel like a giant house party. That is exactly what it became. The dance floor stayed packed, the energy was contagious, and Becky and I found ourselves dancing and singing along while documenting it all.
Ending the Night on the Best Note
As if the day had not already delivered enough unforgettable moments, Keegan’s uncle surprised everyone by rapping Rapper’s Delight, joined by another family member. It was the perfect, joy-filled ending to an already legendary celebration.
A Truly Unforgettable Salem Wedding
Karlyn and Keegan, thank you so much for trusting me with your day. Your wedding was an absolute blast and you are surrounded by such incredible people. This day was proof that even the wildest weather can turn into something magical when you lean into it and celebrate fully.
Leave some love for the newlyweds below, and until next time.
xo
Katlyn
P.S. Salem has quickly become one of my favorite places to photograph weddings. You can explore another House of the Seven Gables wedding on the blog here, and if you’re drawn to elopement-style celebrations, don’t miss this Halloween elopement in Salem.
Vendor Team:
Photography: Katlyn Reilly Photography
Second Photographer: Becky MacDonald
Venue: House of the Seven Gables
Catering: Creative Catering
Hair & Make-Up: Jacquelyn Sabella
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