An Elegant Mansion Wedding with a Personal Touch


Commander's Mansion in Watertown, MA is one of those wedding venues that makes an impression the moment you arrive. With its historic architecture, beautiful grounds, and timeless New England character, it's such a wonderful setting for a wedding. Elyse and Aaron chose the mansion for their ceremony and getting-ready photos before continuing the celebration somewhere especially meaningful—their own backyard which was just a few streets over in Watertown.


I loved how they brought together the elegance of a historic estate wedding with the personal feel of celebrating at home. Their backyard was transformed for the reception, complete with a beautiful tent, thoughtful details, lawn games, and a photo booth for their guests to enjoy. It was the kind of celebration that felt polished and beautifully planned, but still completely true to who they are.


One of my favorite things about photographing weddings like Elyse and Aaron's is seeing how couples make their day their own. Commander's Mansion provided an incredible backdrop for the first part of their wedding, while their reception brought everyone together in a place filled with personal meaning. It was such a memorable combination, and a wonderful example of how an elegant wedding can still feel warm, welcoming, and full of personality.