Saphire Estates

1. What makes Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA a great place to get married?

They get it.  They know weddings and do them better than anyohe.  Enough said, they're top of the game.

2. Where are the best places for wedding photos at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA?

By the fountain is my favorite spot.  They have a plot of land with a bridge to nowhere that they push, but I always decline because it just doesn't make sense.  The ceremony area and fountain are the jewels of the property.  They have a really cool pathway through the woods to give a natural and authentic vibe as well as the beach overlooking the lake at the end of the road.  You get SO much - like WAY more than most venues as far as wedding photos go.

3. What's the best time of day for portraits at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA?

Family and wedding party pictures would typically occur either immedaitely following "First Look" or direclty after the ceremony during cocktail hour unless you built in a gap between a church ceremony and arriving on property.  

Regardless, at some point just before or near sunset I'll take just the two of you outside again for those soft-light intimate shots.  It should only take like 10 minutes but these are the shots you hire me for.  These are the jaw-dropping, tier enducing, OMG shots.  

4. Is a first look a good idea at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA?

Absolutely!  The first look gives you a chance to truly see each other.  Express your thoughts.  BE together for a moment - away from everyone else.  Now you get to enjoy your own cocktail hour.  Now it's not such a whirlwind.  You're not as rushed, so less anxiety.  Totally worth considering.  

For the traditional "I want to see her coming down the aisle", let me give some perspective.  First, when she gets there you need to just shut up and get married.  You can't stop and talk.  At a first look you can.  Second, that heart-fluttering HOLY CRAP feeling when all your guests stand and you realize this is real, this is happening!  That feeling doesn't go away just because you already saw each other.  It actually may be enhanced.

5. What happens if it rains on your wedding day at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA?

In all my years, I've only had maybe a handful of weddings that were 100% completely washed out.  It's so rare it's not worth discussing.  Yeah, maybe the ceremony gets moved indoors.  Maybe the family and wedding party pics are on the dance floor but there will almost certainly be an opportunity between drops to run outside for a few pics of the two of you.

This is a "you'd prefer outside obviously" kind of place.  Indoor is ok, but it's really all about the gardens and landscaping.

6. How much time should we set aside for wedding photos?

I typically like an hour, but I'm SUPER efficient.  It really comes down to how large your group is.  How many in the wedding party?  How big is your family?  Are there divorces with step family?  Are there grandparents?  Do you want to include aunts, uncles, cousins?  The smaller the group the easier it is obviously.  

The Villa very strict on their timeline and it's often not up to me.  They run a tight ship and will direct things.

7. Can we stay on schedule without feeling rushed?

This is my super power.  You could be WAY behind schedule, then it comes time for the family and wedding party pics and poof, you're back on schedule.  I can be amazingly efficient to power through all those combinations so you can lower the anxiety and not lose any of your wedding.  

But, as I said before, the event staff guides the flow of timing and they will shut it down and pull you away if we take too long.  They're not very flexible with that part.  

8. What's your favorite photo location at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA?

The lake.  It has a perfect sunset right over the lake and it's simply stunning.  I'll be across the street zooming in with a flash in the middle of the road stopping traffic to get the best shot and screw it, right?!  It's worth it.  

9. Have you photographed weddings at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA?

More than I can count.  

10. What should couples know before getting married at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA?

They're perfect.  Their only flaw is sticking too strictly to timelines and not being flexible.  They try to always make it work and in most cases it does, but if the sky is exploding in color and you're supposed to cutting a cake or dancing with dad, then you're not getting outside for that picture.  

11. How many guests does Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA work best for?

It's tight.  I personally wouldn't go over 125.  The more guests, the smaller the dance floor and the tighter everyone feels.  

12. Is Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA good for indoor and outdoor weddings?

The point here is the landscaping.  Indoors is nice, but you're there for the gardens.

13. Where do you usually take family photos?

By the fountain.  It's convenient, easy, beautiful and efficient.

14. Is sunset really worth stepping away from the reception?

OMG yes.  The sun setting over the lake is the reason most people choose this venue.  They know it, so often will build that into the timeline knowing exactly when sunset is.  It's funny, they put an emphsis on it at Saphire but tend to not care at their other properties.  

15. What makes photographing weddings at Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA unique?

It's easy.  Anywhere you turn is a great shot.  I don't have to think.  From the couples perspective it's convenient.  HUGE bridal suite easily accessible all night, delicious food, it's just kinda perfect honestly.