Noelle Lambert & Mark’s Wedding

There are wedding days that just radiate joy from the first moment to the last — and then there’s Noelle Lambert and Mark’s wedding day. From the instant I arrived at Danversport in Danvers, Massachusetts, I could feel the energy. It was bright, happy, a little coastal, a little classy, and so perfectly them. As a Massachusetts wedding photographer, I’ve seen a lot of celebrations filled with love — but this one? It had that kind of laughter and energy you can feel through the photos.

And of course, if you know Noelle Lambert, you already know her story. She’s a Paralympian, Survivor Season 43 contestant, motivational speaker, and founder of The Born to Run Foundation, which helps children and young adults receive specialized prosthetics so they can live life to the fullest. She’s the definition of strength and positivity, and watching her marry Mark surrounded by her favorite people (and her golden doodle, Ollie!) was something truly special.

How They Met

Every great love story starts somewhere, and Noelle and Mark’s began thanks to a little sibling matchmaking. Both grew up in New Hampshire, went to different colleges (she went to UMass Lowell, he went to SNHU), and played lacrosse. Their paths had brushed before but never quite aligned until Noelle’s younger brother stepped in and suggested they finally meet.

Fast-forward to the summer of 2020. The “first COVID summer.” While the world slowed down, their love story sped up. They spent those long, golden evenings on outdoor dates, getting to know each other in a time when the rest of the world felt uncertain. Noelle always says that despite the pandemic, “COVID couldn’t keep us apart,” and honestly, you can feel that connection between them every time they look at each other.

The Proposal — Bermuda Beach Magic

Mark’s proposal story is pure rom-com material. The two went on a family cruise to Bermuda, and Noelle was sure she’d figured out when it would happen, she thought he’d propose a few weeks later in Gloucester. She says, “There were so many signs I should’ve noticed, but I totally missed them.”

Instead, Mark completely surprised her by proposing right on the beach in Bermuda. Surrounded by family, ocean waves, and sunshine. It was the perfect start to this next chapter.

A Dream Day at Danversport

When you think coastal Massachusetts wedding, Danversport might as well be the definition. Tucked right on the water, it has that breezy, seaside feel while still being elegant and timeless. Noelle and Mark’s September wedding day was the perfect blend of relaxed and refined — the weather was incredible, the light was chef’s kiss, and the pops of purple throughout the décor tied everything together beautifully.

The vibe of the day matched them completely: laid-back luxury. The florals by Harrington Flowers were a mix of soft purples and creams — lush but not overdone. Every detail felt intentionally effortless, like it just belonged there.

Getting Ready — Matching Sneakers & Good Vibes

You could hear laughter from down the hall the moment I arrived at the bridal suite. The girls were sipping champagne, singing along to throwback hits, and — my favorite detail — wearing matching sneakers from NoBull.

Noelle is a NoBull ambassador, so they made sure her whole bridal party had matching sneakers to get ready in. (Such a fun and practical gift idea — and so them!) They switched to heels for the ceremony, but I’ll never forget the sight of all those sneakers lined up next to the classic white dresses.

Hair was by Hair We Go Weddings and makeup by Kiss the Girl Glamour, and they nailed it — everyone looked glowing and effortlessly polished. Noelle’s look was timeless and confident — soft glam makeup, and that contagious smile she always wears.

Her dress was from Allure Bridals (style #9956) via Madeleine’s Daughter — a perfect blend of romantic and modern. The fitted silhouette, delicate lace details, and subtle sparkle were pure elegance.

Ceremony by the Water

The ceremony took place outside overlooking the harbor — soft breeze, sunshine, and the kind of calm that feels almost cinematic. But the true show-stealer? Ollie, Noelle’s golden doodle and service dog, serving as ring bearer.

He trotted down the aisle like a professional model, wearing a little ring case on his collar, and absolutely nailed his moment. I think every single guest melted. It’s no surprise that one of my favorite photos from the entire day is Ollie running toward Noelle and Mark with the rings — pure happiness in one frame.

The ceremony was officiated by Femita Ayanbeku, a fellow Paralympian and one of Noelle’s close friends. It was heartfelt, funny, and personal — the kind of ceremony that had everyone laughing one minute and tearing up the next.

Coastal Details & Purple Perfection

Purple can be tricky to style, but the way Noelle and her mom, Judy, pulled it together was stunning. Judy deserves a huge shout-out — she was the MVP wedding planner behind the scenes. Noelle decided to dedicate her bouquet to her mom instead of doing a traditional bouquet toss, which was such a touching moment. You could see how proud Judy was — not just of the wedding itself, but of the incredible woman Noelle’s become.

The Funniest Garter Toss Ever

Garter tosses have kind of gone out of style lately, but leave it to Noelle to make it iconic. Because of her prosthetic leg, she turned it into a hilarious, joyful moment that had the entire room cracking up.

Her bachelorette party theme was even “Noelle’s Last Leg” — and she completely owns her story with humor and grace. It’s part of what makes her so magnetic. She doesn’t take life too seriously, and it shows in every photo.

Star-Studded Guest List

If you’re a Survivor fan, this wedding was basically a reunion episode. Several contestants from Survivor Season 43 were there — including winner Mike Gabler, Dwight Moore, Ryan Medrano, Jesse Lopez, and Jeanine Zheng.

It was so fun seeing them all celebrate together, cheering for Noelle, and filling the dance floor all night. You could tell how close-knit that Survivor community is — and how much they adore her.

Reception: Pure Energy & Joy

Let me tell you — the reception was one for the books. The dance floor was packed from start to finish thanks to Meritage DJs, who kept the party going non-stop.

The speeches were heartfelt, the energy was contagious, and there was this consistent feeling of celebration. You could tell that everyone there wasn’t just attending a wedding — they were there to celebrate two people who truly inspire everyone around them.

I love capturing those in-between moments — hugs during the toasts, tears during the parent dances, the laughter between songs.

About Noelle Lambert & Her Foundation

Beyond being an incredible bride, Noelle Lambert is genuinely one of the most inspiring people you could meet. After losing her leg in a moped accident in 2016, she refused to let that moment define her. Instead, she turned it into her mission — competing in the Paralympics in Paris, founding The Born to Run Foundation, and inspiring countless others to embrace life with courage and humor.

The foundation provides specialized prosthetics for young adults and children so they can continue doing the things they love — from running and swimming to dancing and playing sports. You can learn more or donate at The Born to Run Foundation.

Noelle embodies resilience, grace, and joy — and her wedding day reflected all of that. Every detail, every laugh, every tear was filled with that same fearless energy she brings to everything she does.

Final Thoughts

Noelle and Mark’s Danversport wedding was the perfect mix of heartfelt, hilarious, and elegant. It was a reminder that love isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up fully as you are, sneakers and all, and embracing every moment.

As I look back through their gallery, I’m still smiling at the energy of that day — how Ollie proudly trotted down the aisle, the packed dance floor, and the sparkle in every frame.

This is why I do what I do — to capture stories like this.

If you’re planning your own wedding in Massachusetts and love the bright, natural, coastal aesthetic, I’d love to photograph your day. You can explore more of my work or inquire about availability through Sarah Surette Photography.

Because at the end of the day, your photos should feel like you — natural, happy, effortless, and full of life.