The Perks of Having Married Friends: A Styled Elopement Session in Central MA


One of the best perks of having married friends is getting to celebrate their love in the most unique ways—even after the wedding day is over. My friends were married this past fall on the Cape, I was even a bridesmaid! It was the most beautiful day and they truly adore each other, I even cried during their vows which was a first for me. I wanted some more practice with woodsy locations as I just moved back to Massachusetts from a beach and I needed help to ensure my portfolio showed my relevant skillset to the area. We decided to take a little trip into the heart of Central Massachusetts, visiting the stunning Wells State Park in Charlton, and the tranquil beauty of Pratt Pond in Upton, to create some dreamy elopement-style photos.

My friends, who were willing to pull on their wedding attire once again, gave me the perfect opportunity to capture the magic of love in a completely different setting. With the charm of their wedding looks paired with the natural beauty of the woods and lake, we had the ultimate backdrop for some breathtaking images.

Why Choose A Styled Elopement Session With Married Friends?

It’s a Great Way to Relive the Magic

  • Weddings are special, but sometimes there’s a longing to relive the magic of that day. My friends were able to step into their wedding outfits once more, and it felt like a second chance to capture their love—but in a more relaxed, intimate environment. It was a beautiful reminder of their bond and a great way to preserve the memories in a completely new way.

Creative Freedom

  • Without the pressure of a formal wedding timeline, we had the freedom to explore unique, creative photo ideas. We ventured through the woods, caught the perfect candid moments, and captured stunning portraits that felt both timeless and spontaneous. The result was an elopement-style session that felt completely personal and authentic to their love.

Natural Beauty of Central MA

  • Wells State Park and Pratt Pond were the perfect backdrop for this adventure. The picturesque lake, towering trees, and peaceful surroundings created an atmosphere of serenity and romance. Central MA truly offers some of the most picturesque spots for intimate photo sessions like these, making it an ideal location for couples looking for a scenic elopement experience.

A Chance to Celebrate Love Again

  • Having married friends willing to jump into this experience not only brought a new layer of fun but also gave me the chance to show the beauty of their ongoing journey together. It’s amazing how capturing their connection in these stunning settings can remind them—and anyone who views the photos—of the deep love that continues long after the vows. They even were able to reread their vows to each other which can truly never be overdone.

It's Relatively Inexpensive

  • Styled sessions can be fun, but there is quite a large investment that is tied to them. The cost was a cake and some flowers. We were able to reuse items from their wedding for some flat layouts and everything else was already purchased. I'm grateful to have friends that were happy to model in exchange for the pictures.


The Best of Both Worlds: Wedding Looks and Nature

Whether you’re thinking about an elopement, anniversary shoot, or just want to relive your wedding day in a completely new light, having married friends dress up in their wedding attire and head into nature is an experience worth considering. These moments, filled with laughter, love, and adventure, create images that feel both timeless and true to the couple’s unique story.

So, if you're planning an elopement or styled shoot in Central Massachusetts, take a cue from my fun, creative shoot. The beauty of nature paired with the magic of love always makes for unforgettable photos!


Check out the full gallery here!