As you recall from Part 1 of Adam & Michelle’s August wedding, we started out in Bellow’s Falls, Vermont with the girls at Halladay’s Harvest Barn, while the guys began the day at The Lane Hotel in Keene, NH. Part 2 of this impeccably orchestrated day brings us to the ceremony and reception site at Cook Hill Farm in Alstead, NH. Michelle grew up here, and knew it would be so special to welcome all their guests here for their wedding. The ceremony was nestled deep in the woods, following a homemade trail of paving stones that meandered into a large clearing with towering pine trees. An old wooden dresser placed at the entrance held a large vase for dried flower petals to toss, a beautifully framed sign requesting an unplugged ceremony, and a jug of water for thirsty guests on a warm August afternoon. Handmade log benches provided seating for the guests, looking towards the Humanist Celebrant, backed by dangling mercury glass jars with flickering candles.
the ceremony
the reception
Michelle and Adam’s reception was an absolute joy to photograph. Every detail was so carefully and tastefully curated, it was hard to believe that they had not utilized a wedding planner, because it looked every bit like it had been professionally decorated. The color scheme of purples, whites, and greens was brought to life by the incredible floral arrangements by a family friend, and the tables were laden with vases, votives and bowls of mercury glass and lanterns and candles, ready for an evening of sensuous candlelight. The fruits of the farm were incorporated with large jars filled with apples and pattypan squash from the property, as well as all the flowers for the arrangements: hydrangea, hops, ferns, and water lilies. Wedding favors of New Hampshire maple syrup were gifted to the guests, made from the very trees at Cook Hill Farm.
Michelle and Adam’s first dance was the epitome of class. They enjoyed a choreographed dance which echoed everything I have grown to know about them: intention. Everything they do is carefully and lovingly under control.
The catered dinner was beautiful and delicious. Like much of the themage of their wedding, the menu selections likewise had an adorable blend of New England and Southern influences, and I seriously had a great chuckle at the southern style biscuits in the shape of maple leaves. Too funny!
As the sun went down, the heat went up at the reception as the drinks flowed and the dancing overtook the evening. The open bar with signature drinks (with a Lavender Collins or the Nor’Easter) was a huge hit, and everyone enjoyed the wedding toasts with a shot of Krupnikas, a North Carolina made Latvian honey-spiced liqueur owned by best man Gabe Vilgalys.
Tent, Farm Tables, Chair Rentals – Lakes Region Tent
Humanist Celebrant- Dr. Daniel Thomas Moran
Wine Barrels – Etsy – Nailedit Biz
Table Number holders – Etsy – Charlotte Champlin
“CHEERS” and “ADAM & MICHELLE” Banner – BHDLN
White lace pennants – BHLDN
Napkins, Jean Balamuth, Mother of the Bride
Catering – Affordably Elegant
Apple Cider Donuts – Allen Brother’s Farms
Cakes, Jean Balamuth, Mother of the Bride
Krupnikas – The Brothers Vilgalys Spirits Company, Durham NC