Fantastic First Dance – Shayna and Jordan Lyman Estate Wedding

Shayna and Jordan were married on May 28th, with a ceremony and reception at the Lyman Estate.

These two met at Brandeis University during Shayna’s freshman year and Jordan’s sophomore year. They spent 7 years dating before they finally decided it was time to tie the knot—spending their time hanging out with their friends at local bars and enjoying spicy food together. When we first met, Shayna told me that she was wrapping up her studies at Harvard Law and was preparing for the bar exam so they could move to NYC shortly after their wedding and honeymoon. No pressure there!

Their wedding day was super mellow, just like them. When I arrived with my second shooter, Vanessa Walsh, both of them were alone in their respective rooms getting ready. It was peaceful and relaxed, and I loved the chance to get to spend quality time with them prior to the first look instead of the usual stress.

While I photographed Shayna getting ready, I noticed a white jumpsuit hanging in the corner. When I asked her if that was her “departing from the reception” outfit, she informed me that their first dance was so choreographed that she needed a wardrobe change for it. I was intrigued, to say the least. But more on that later.

The weather was beautiful, so we took advantage of the grounds at Lyman for the first look and formals. We did it all completely on the property because… amazing gardens, that’s why!

After the ceremony, led by the fabulous April Ward Stanbrook, it was time to party all night long. It was a blast watching Jordan with all of his friends and watching both of them let loose and reconnect with old college buddies.

And, of course, that meant it was time for the first dance that I had been so intrigued by before. And let me tell you, those two BROUGHT THE HOUSE DOWN. They danced to “Talk About You” by Mika , and I couldn’t get over how amazing it was. Spinning, lifts, grande jetes—the works! No wonder Shayna needed a wardrobe change. They’d told me before that one of their favorite films was Footloose, and I feel like that just about explains everything.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also praise the amazing work that went into this wedding. The dance floor was bumping thanks to their band, Silver Arrow. The food from Capers was over the top. Shayna's flowers by Stow Greenhouses really blended in with the gardens at Lyman Estate. And I don't believe there was one cupcake left thanks to Treat Cupcake Bar.

Shayna & Jordan, thank you for a truly magical day. I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my wedding season last year than with the two of you.