A Chic Summer Wedding at The Lakehouse in Halifax, Massachusetts

A modern summer wedding at The Lakehouse in Halifax, MA with editorial portraits, heartfelt moments, and floral-forward.

The Lakehouse Wedding Venue

Set on the waterfront in Halifax, Massachusetts, The Lakehouse provided a beautiful backdrop for Mariela and Gregory’s celebration. With a modern getting-ready space and sprawling lawn overlooking the lake, the venue was a perfect match for their vision.

Mariela got ready with her bridesmaids in the light-filled bridal suite, wearing a custom wedding gown lovingly handmade by her mother.

Exterior photo of The Lakehouse wedding venue in Halifax Massachusetts
Bright indoor reception space at The Lakehouse wedding venue
Handmade bridal gown hanging in natural light at Lakehouse venue
Flat lay of wedding invitations with florals and accessories
Emotional moment between bride and mother before ceremony
Bride preparing in elegant bridal suite at The Lakehouse in Halifax MA
Bride preparing in elegant bridal suite at The Lakehouse in Halifax MA
Bride preparing in elegant bridal suite at The Lakehouse in Halifax MA
Bride preparing in elegant bridal suite at The Lakehouse in Halifax MA
Groom getting ready in modern suite at The Lakehouse in Halifax
Groom adjusting tie during final prep moments
Groom adjusting tie during final prep moments

Mariela + Gregory's Story

Mariela and Gregory first crossed paths as nurses at Rhode Island Hospital. She worked the day shift, and he came in at night. What started as brief handoffs during shift change quickly turned into a growing connection. As travel nurses, they navigated cross-country assignments together—from Hawaii to Texas to New England, deepening their bond along the way.

Now back in Rhode Island, they’ve built a life that includes launching businesses, pursuing graduate studies, and always prioritizing the people they love. Their wedding was a reflection of that, bringing together guests from across the globe, from California to Albania, to celebrate their next chapter.

Bride and groom’s first look on lawn at The Lakehouse
Bride and groom’s first look on lawn at The Lakehouse
Bride and groom’s first look on lawn at The Lakehouse
Editorial-style couple portrait with clean lines and natural light
Editorial-style couple portrait with clean lines and natural light
Bride and groom sitting in sculptural chairs during wedding portraits
Bride and groom sitting in sculptural chairs during wedding portraits
Editorial bridal portrait with sculptural florals and rattan chair
Editorial bridal portrait with sculptural florals and rattan chair
Editorial bridal portrait with sculptural florals and rattan chair
Fashion-forward bridal portrait with modern details
Candid portrait of groom on wedding day in Massachusetts
Candid moment with bridal party laughing together
Candid moment with bridal party laughing together
Candid moment with bridal party laughing together
Bride with bridesmaids in pastel dresses holding florals
Groom with groomsmen in modern suits at waterfront venue

A Fresh Take on A Lawn Ceremony

Their ceremony took place under a blue summer sky on the lakeside lawn, surrounded by full-size planters overflowing with sculptural florals in blush, green, and white. The setup felt lush and elevated, but still natural, thanks to textures like rattan and layered greenery that grounded the design.

After exchanging vows, Mariela and Gregory were greeted with a joyful shower of flower petals tossed by guests as they walked back up the aisle.

Ceremony setup with floral planters on lawn at The Lakehouse
Ceremony setup with floral planters on lawn at The Lakehouse
Ceremony setup with floral planters on lawn at The Lakehouse
Bride walking down aisle during waterfront ceremony
Groom sees the bride walking down aisle during waterfront ceremony
Bride walking down aisle during waterfront ceremony
Bride walking down aisle during waterfront ceremony
Couple exchanging vows by the lake with greenery and florals
Couple exchanging vows by the lake with greenery and florals
Couple exchanging vows by the lake with greenery and florals
Couple exchanging vows by the lake with greenery and florals
Couple exchanging vows by the lake with greenery and florals
Couple exchanging vows by the lake with greenery and florals
Joyful exit after wedding ceremony at lakeside venue
Joyful exit after wedding ceremony at lakeside venue
Joyful exit after wedding ceremony at lakeside venue
Guests tossing flower petals as couple exits ceremony
Guests tossing flower petals as couple exits ceremony

Golden Hour Portraits by the Water

We planned their portraits around the golden hour light, and it paid off.

Mariela, who has experience in front of the camera, wanted portraits that felt composed but natural. In fact, we had a pre-wedding posing consult to help them feel confident and natural, and it showed.

Golden hour portrait with editorial pose and lake view
Golden hour portrait with editorial pose and lake view
Golden hour portrait with editorial pose and lake view
Couple walking on dock at sunset during wedding portraits
Couple embracing in golden light with trees and water behind
Couple embracing in golden light with trees and water behind
Candid moment between bride and groom at golden hour
Candid moment between bride and groom at golden hour
Candid moment between bride and groom at golden hour
Couple embracing in golden light with trees and water behind
Couple embracing in golden light with trees and water behind
Couple embracing in golden light with trees and water behind
Couple embracing in golden light with trees and water behind

Personalized Guest Experience

The reception, held indoors in the Lakehouse’s open, modern space, focused on connection and comfort. Guests found handwritten notes waiting for them at each place setting, individual letters from Mariela and Gregory thanking them for being part of the day.

The space itself featured blush-toned florals, greenery in full planters, and rattan textures that echoed the design from the ceremony. It was one of the hottest days of the year, but with the AC flowing, guests were ready to celebrate.

Indoor reception tables with rattan, greenery, and florals
Modern wedding reception decor with sculptural flower arrangements
Modern wedding reception decor with sculptural flower arrangements
Close-up of styled place setting with menu and floral touches
Bride and groom sharing their first dance at The Lakehouse wedding reception
Bride and groom sharing their first dance at The Lakehouse wedding reception
Couple’s first dance in elegant indoor reception space in Halifax MA
Emotional first dance moment between bride and groom
Bride smiling during heartfelt speech at reception
Bride and groom hold hands during heartfelt speech at reception
Maid of honor giving emotional toast at summer wedding
Maid of honor giving emotional toast at summer wedding
Best man giving emotional toast at summer wedding
Candid reaction from bride and groom during wedding speech
Bride thanking guests during reception toast
Albanian cultural dance during reception celebration
Evening celebration on the dance floor in Halifax MA
Couple cutting minimalist wedding cake at Lakehouse reception
Couple cutting minimalist wedding cake at Lakehouse reception
Couple cutting minimalist wedding cake at Lakehouse reception
Guests dancing on packed floor at Lakehouse wedding
Albanian cultural dance during reception celebration
Couple with hands in the air on crowded reception dance floor
Groom performing “Mariella” during reception surprise
Groom performing “Mariella” during reception surprise
Evening celebration on the dance floor in Halifax MA

A Night of Music and Meaning

One of the most memorable moments came during the reception, when Gregory sang “Mariella” by Leon Bridges to his new wife, bringing the room to a standstill. Later in the evening, traditional Albanian dancing added even more energy and joy to the celebration, a beautiful nod to Mariela’s family and heritage.

CREDITS

Photography: Photos by Annalee x Soleil Levant Weddings

Venue: The Lakehouse, a Saphire Event Group Venue

Florist: Jenny Events Co.

Makeup Artist: Fine Line Artistry

Hair Stylist: Hannah Kelly Stylist

Dessert: The Icing on the Cake

Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Bank

DJ: Mercier Music

Rings: Jared Jewelers

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