September

February 2, 2017 New Hampshire, Weddings

Lake Winnepesaukee Summer Camp Wedding: Anna and Brian

I literally had to take a good deep breath just now.

This wedding.

I’ve been avoiding writing this blogpost for a while because it’s just been too big, too heavy on my mind. How exactly am I supposed to sum up something that is both really happy and really sad? I’m going to give myself some grace on this one and just write how I feel and what I can and then just let you guys read it and not worry about actually trying to do it justice because I don’t think that’s really possible.

Anna and Brian were already married before this day. They had to rush a small wedding in the summer because both of their fathers were terminally ill with cancer. Knowing that they just wouldn’t know for sure if they would both be around for the big New Hampshire wedding, they went ahead and got married with both their Dad’s present. Fast forward to this day, both their dads were there for this one too so the celebration was whole and complete.

We met Anna and Brian in 2015 at Anna’s brother’s wedding to Nji. You gotta see their wedding too by the way. Such a good time. We love their family so we were so happy and honored to be invited back to photograph Anna’s wedding. This also meant that the fact that her father was sick hit a little harder with us because we knew their family.

The wedding was so much fun and was one of those days I was again reminded of how cool the weddings we photograph are. I mean look at the bridesmaids dresses you guys! I adored all Anna’s styling from head to toe. They were married in the outdoor chapel along the lake, with her brother Russell officiating. The way Brian looked at Anna throughout the day was so tender and we were digging it. After the ceremony we headed to the outdoor cocktail hour and then into the camp dining hall for dinner and toasts. Next we all headed over to the dance hall for a party to remember, complete with my favorite moment of the night when Anna’s sister Tizzy accidentally unplugged the DJ and sound system during the party. Amazing. (Love you Tizzy).

A mere two weeks after this special day, Anna, Tizzy, and Russell’s dad passed away. It broke my heart but I was also filled with gratitude that I was able to meet him and photograph such momentous events in their family with him present. His ashes are to be spread right in the outdoor chapel they were married in so the whole place will hold a rich meaning (as Anna told me). Thankfully Brian’s dad is doing ok at the moment so hopefully he will be there for Brian’s brothers wedding this summer!

Coordinator: Private Weddings and Events | Venue: Sandy Island Family Camp

Gown: Truvelle | Hair: The Galleria | Florist: Lotus Floral Designs

Cake: Ooo La La Creative Cakes

December 19, 2016 New Hampshire, Weddings

Portsmouth New Hampshire Wedding: Monika and Paul

The first thing you’ll notice about Monika is her electric smile. She literally BEAMED all day on her wedding day and that joy was contagious. Paul was the most gracious host, welcoming everyone and being a generally warm person. It was good too since Dan and I were meeting them for the first time on this day! Thankfully they put us both at ease within moments, which set the tone for the day. I loved that Monica wore a cathedral veil, which you’ll see we had a lot of fun with, from fluffing it while also photographing it as she walked down the aisle (you’ll see) to lots and lots of under the viel snuggle photos.

After the ceremony and portraits, we headed to the Portsmouth Harbor Events ballroom and the party started! I had two favorite moments of the night. The first was when Monica and her father skipped the father-daughter dance in exchange for a father-daughter duet! They sang together for all of us and it was such a fun twist. My other favorite moment was when all the groomsmen came onto the dance floor and ripped off their dress shirts, revealing “Saturday’s are for the Boys” tanktops, which they rocked for the remainder of the night. So funny. The dance party was rockin as well, which is always a favorite of ours.

Reception: Portsmouth Harbor Events | Ceremony: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

Makeup: Maryelle Artistry | Hair: Halos Hair Salon | Cake: Jacques Pastries

December 12, 2016 Interior Maine, Weddings

Outlook Farm Maine Wedding: Kate and Mike

Not to sound like we were walking in the room with a judgement, but we really did know what we were walking in to with these two. We knew it was going to be a rocking party with good friends. It was a sure bet. We have photographed a two other weddings from this friend group and there were both incredible parties, (See Kelsey and Chad AND Sara and Dave). I remember walking up to the DJ and saying… “Get Ready.” Ha!

The couple got ready in Portsmouth NH and then headed to the church for the ceremony. I loved watching them giggle and make eyes with each other throughout the ceremony. Catholic ceremonies are ripe with incognito cuteness. After the recessional, we headed to the reception. Once the wedding party and Kate and Mike we introduced, the party began and didnt stop even after the venue lights went up after the last song. It was exactly what we thought would happen and that made us very happy.

More from Kate and Mike: Engagement Session and Meet Our Couples

Venue: Outlook Farm | Videographer: SH Videography

Florist: Minka Flowers | Cake: Bread and Roses Bakery | DJ: World Records DJ

November 27, 2011 California, Weddings

Eirik and Deanna’s Napa, CA Wedding

Deanna and Eirik (pronounced “Eye-rick”) met on Facebook if you can believe it! Eirik is Norwegian and has a mutual friend to Deanna, Jarred, who was the best man. Jared started a conversation with Deanna on Facebook, forgetting he was on Eirik’s computer logged in as him instead. After a while of talking back and forth online, Eirik offered to meet with her in Venice and she agreed. Now that’s a good first date! Deanna and Eirik were married in Deanna’s family’s front yard in Napa, California. It was a home grown event, full of sweet touches and gifts from everyone, including a family friend who was a chef providing the meal, Deanna’s brothers building the dance floor, music written and sang by family, as well as a special song written and sang by the groom and performed by her siblings. Three of Eirik’s friends flew from Norway for the wedding, as well as his Father and Sister. His mother couldn’t make it but she was able to be there for it all via skype! Eirik’s Dad filmed a lot of the day and always had her within the reach of an iPad. It was very cool to be able to have her see what was happening and even talk to them! During their couple portrait time, Eirik said “Wait I forgot I need to do something! I need to change my facebook status to married!” Deanna will begin a new life with Eirik in Oslo, Norway, but not before they travel the world for a few months as an extended honeymoon!