A photographer, a storyteller, and someone who deeply believes your wedding day should feel like you.

Whether you’re throwing a joyful, full-sky dance party with 100 of your favorite humans or spending the day wandering through wildflower fields with just your partner, I’m here to help you stay grounded in the moments that matter. My work is rooted in presence, connection, and the wild beauty of your love story - whether that’s shared under a sailboat sky, by a mountaintop fire, or across a packed dance floor beneath the moon.

I'm Melanie
ruth.

meet melanie ⟶

Hello,

@melanieruthphoto

Explore Posts

01.
02.
03.
04.
05.

next ⟶

Weddings

engagements

Weddings

engagements

"..to us her work is not just pictures, it brings back a feeling, and it's the greatest feeling ever to relive the best day of our lives.

- Katie & Michael

learn about the wedding experience ⟶

Willowdale Estate in Topsfield MA, Nora + CJ’s Spring Wedding

Wedding

5/20/2025

Celebrating Nora + CJ’s Spring Wedding at Willowdale Estate, Topsfield MA

Happiest one year to Nora and CJ, who tied the knot at the stunning Willowdale Estate in Topsfield MA and what a day it was 🙂 Their wedding captured all the best things about a spring celebration. This post walk’s down memory lane and highlights the magic of their day at this special venue!

Bride and groom kiss in the doorway at Willowdale Estate in Topsfield MA.

Why Willowdale Estate is the Perfect Wedding Venue

Willowdale Estate is a charming wedding venue in Topsfield, MA, known for its historic beauty and serene atmosphere. The estate blends elegant architecture with New England charm, creating the perfect backdrop for any wedding. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, Willowdale offers a timeless setting. The venue features both outdoor and indoor spaces, each designed to make your day unforgettable.

Willowdale Estate, with rock walls and pine trees in Topsfield MA.

White dogwood flowers bloom on Willowdale Estate.

How to Plan Your Morning without a First Look

Nora and CJ kept their morning low-key and stress-free by getting ready off the estate property. They arrived at the venue fresh and ready, with the wedding suites prepped and waiting for them. This thoughtful decision kept the space relaxed, allowing them to enjoy their champagne and treats without feeling rushed. The whole vibe was easygoing- perfect for setting the tone for the day!

Bride and bridal party walking the door at Willowdale.

Pro-tip:

Have one of your humans drop off your dress/invitation suit earlier with all details, so your photographer can capture them on the property and be ready before you arrive
Stagger your arrival times with your partner by 15 minutes
Have a point person on both ends to confirm any changes

Details on a table include invitation suite with Willowdale Estate, shoes, perfume, purse.

Groom places cufflinks on at Willowdale Estate.

Bride places shoes on at Willowdale Estate.

Wedding Day Highlights at Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, MA

The couple chose not to do a first look, which meant we carefully crafted a timeline that allowed each of them to have special, private moments with family and friends before the ceremony- without crossing paths. This gave them quality time with their wedding parties and their guests during cocktail hour. With 90% of the important photos done ahead of time, they were free to fully enjoy the rest of the day.

Bride dances in sunlight at Willowdale Estate in Topsfield MA.

Bride looks at dress holding bouquet at Willowdale Estate.

Bride cry with mother while getting ready.

Pro-tip:

Your wedding party photos can happen before the ceremony, freeing up space during cocktail hour
If you want individuals with your family members without your partner, you can also do these earlier
After the ceremony, have your family + friend photographs done first with your partner + you, so all your special humans can get to partying
Having extra time in your schedule will lower any stressors for you as well, so you can just enjoy their presence

Groom and groomsmen hang out laughing and smiling as they walk.

Guests mingle during cocktail hour at Willowdale Estate in Topsfield MA.

Groom smiles as he walks in front of Willowdale Estate.

Family playing with children at wedding with trees in the background.

The Perfect Ceremony Spot at Willowdale Estate

The ceremony took place on the picturesque front lawn, where a keyboard player and flutist serenaded guests as they arrived. To close the ceremony, bagpipers ushered everyone into cocktail hour, adding a touch of grandeur to the day. Nora had the perfect view of the guests arriving from the wedding suite, creating a stunning entrance. As each member of the wedding party made their way down the aisle, the estate’s beautiful backdrop made for an unforgettable sight.

Ceremony takes place with white lawn chairs and guests, seen through a window.

Bride and Groom hold hands during ceremony at Willowdale Estate in Topsfield MA.

Guests smile during ceremony at Willowdale Estate.

Ceremony with white chairs, bag pipers and Willowdale Estate Topsfield MA.

Bride and Groom wave and smile at their guests after the ceremony with bag pipers walking at Willowdale Estate in Topsfield MA.

Cocktail Hour with a 360 Degree Bar

Guests were greeted with specialty drinks as they entered the main doors and moved toward the back patio for cocktail hour. The 360-degree bar that Nora + CJ chose was a showstopper, surrounded by a lush floral display and a sign bearing the couple’s names. Guests enjoyed the perfect spring evening under the blue skies, sipping drinks, nibbling on hors d’oeuvres, and mingling with one another as the bagpipers continued to play in the background.

360 degree bar shown surrounded by tea lights and Willowdale Estate in Topsfield MA.

Cocktails on a silver tray being held by women.

Cocktail hour takes place on the back patio surrounded by Willowdale Estate in Topsfield MA.

360 degree bar is shown with flower wall.

A flower wall is shown behind a bar with the name of the couple.

Guests are seen through a window during cocktail hour.

Outdoor flower wall around a 360 degree bar at Willowdale Estate in Topsfield MA with the groom and bride cheering.

Nora + CJ During Golden Hour

Nora + CJ took a little bit of cocktail hour to enjoy time together with all their humans. Since we did the individual side portraits earlier in the day, we were able to save some of cocktail hour for them to enjoy!

Bride and Groom walk together on lawn at Willowdale Estate Topsfield MA.

Bride and Groom smile together at Willowdale Estate in Topsfield MA.

Bride and Groom hug together during golden hour.

Bride and Groom hold each other at Willowdale Estate Topsfield MA.

Dance the Night Away in Willowdale Estate’s Elegant Reception Area

For the reception, the couple chose to celebrate under Willowdale’s grand sailcloth tent, where the incredible light display by Social Light Boston set the mood for the night. Nora, CJ, and their guests danced the night away, with the amazing Clockwork East Coast band that kept the fun going until late. With plenty of space to mingle under the stars and the 360-degree bar to keep the drinks flowing, it was truly an unforgettable evening.

Pro-tip:

If your wedding guests LOVE a good dance floor – start the night off with a dance set either before or after your first dance. It gets everyone up and celebrating right away with you and sets the tone for a really fun night.