Sarah & Matthew
Sarah and Matt are a totally sweet couple who planned a fun, laid back backyard wedding at a camp in Dunbarton, NH. They wanted a simple day filled with the closest family and friends, great food, and lots of laughs. Lakeside views of Gorham Pond provided a beautiful and peaceful setting for all their homemade DIY crafts. It really couldn’t have been a prettier day for these two, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with them.
When I was at the hotel with the girls while they were getting ready, Sarah warned me that sometimes her smile for photos gets a little faded and that she needed me to remind her to re-smile occasionally if I noticed it. Then she said, “But somehow I think today I’m just going to have so many real smiles.” I loved that!
the ceremony
Nestled on the shore of Gorham Pond, the backyard was the perfect setting for an outdoor summer wedding
the reception
My favorite moment of the reception was when Sarah shared a sentimental dance with her brother on the dance floor, when suddenly the music stopped and the opening chords of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” rang out. An epic Journey singalong ensued from the bathos, and it was hilarious.
Their wedding cake was decorated like a birch tree, and topped with garden gnomes (a running theme/joke between the two of them). Unfortunately the cake met with some hot weather the day before, and was a little lopsided (lopsided cake still tastes wonderful….). They also offered an amazing assortment of whoopie pies from Wicked Whoopie–in allllll the flavors! This entire tower of whoopie pies was decimated by the guests in a matter of minutes. I am not joking.
epic taco bar
Matt is an amazing chef, and it was easy to see that one of the ways he shows his love for his family and friends is by feeding them. He created this amazing taco bar, and spent days before the wedding cooking and getting everything ready. I’m pretty sure this was the first time I’ve ever seen a groom cater his own wedding! Everyone loved the huge spread he created.
new hampshire lupines
For our very last shots, Matt and I wanted to go out on the dock for some water photos. Sarah, who had seen too many You Tube videos of brides falling off docks into the water, had her reservations. Eventually she agreed, as long as she went barefoot for a little extra stability. I’m so glad she did, because these portraits are among the best of the day. Totally romantic. I hope you agree, too.
Sarah and Matt, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to document your day. It was a true pleasure.
Dress: David’s Bridal (DBstudio)
Cake: Frederick’s Pastries
Whoopie Pies: Wicked Whoopies, made in Maine
Catering: by the groom himself (he’s a chef!)
Tent and Rentals: Monadnock Tent & Event