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Summer Wedding at the Fells | Newbury NH

Jessica and Zach

Wedding at The Fells, Newbury New Hampshire

Jessica and Zach were married at The Fells in Newbury, NH on August 20, 2016 on a brilliant summer day. They chose the Fells as their wedding location because they fell in love with the history, the gardens, the grand spirit of hospitality that the estate evokes. It’s a place that recalls a time of lawn parties, elegant entertaining, and days gone by. Jess and Zach loved the atmosphere so much, and wanted to share this special place with all of their guests, inviting them to explore and wander the grounds during cocktail hour and the reception.

Their love of historic estates and gardens is completely evident.  The previous fall we did their engagement session at Hamilton House in South Berwick, Maine, which was a wonderful autumnal warm and cozy contrast to the summer garden style wedding at The Fells.

getting ready at The Bradford Inn

Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH
Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH
Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH
Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH
Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH
Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH
Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH

Once the girls were ready with hair and makeup, we took a quick trip down the road to The Fells to utilize the upstairs bedrooms for final preparations. It was a gorgeous location with beautiful wallpaper, and tons of natural light. Meanwhile, the guys were getting ready in the library downstairs.

Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH
Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH
Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH
Garden style rustic wedding invitations
Garden style rustic wedding invitations
Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH
Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH
Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH
Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH
Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH
Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH
Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH

I just adore this iconic photo of Jess. We had a few quick minutes before the ceremony to take some bridal portraits around the upstairs of the main house, while guests were gathering outside. Her Maggie Sottero gown was the perfect style for a summer garden wedding, with beautiful lace details and easy to wear.

Bridal Portrait inside The Fells main house
Bride looks out the window as she awaits her wedding ceremony | The Fells, NH
Jessica and Zach's summer wedding at The Fells in Newbury, NH

the ceremony

Outdoor summer historic estate wedding in New Hampshire

The bridesmaids look lovely in cornflower blue one shoulder dresses by Alfred Angelo….such a perfect weight and texture for a warm summer day.

Outdoor summer historic estate wedding in New Hampshire
Outdoor summer historic estate wedding in New Hampshire
Outdoor summer historic estate wedding in New Hampshire
Outdoor summer historic estate wedding in New Hampshire
Outdoor summer historic estate wedding in New Hampshire
Outdoor summer historic estate wedding in New Hampshire
Outdoor summer historic estate wedding in New Hampshire

Immediately after the ceremony, the bridal party retreated into the formal gardens at The Fells to enjoy some drinks and snacks, with lots of celebrating. This semi-private moment gave them all a chance to collect themselves, and to encourage the guests make their way over to the cocktail hour so that photos could begin without interruptions.  This is a fantastic strategy for making sure all your well-wishers stay occupied so that formal photos can be accomplished in a timely fashion.

Relieved and overjoyed, the bridal party share a toast after an emotionally uplifting ceremony. Time to celebrate!

Bridal Party Celebrates after the ceremony | The Fells, NH
Beautiful summer garden wedding at The Fells in New Hampshire
Outdoor summer garden wedding in New Hampshire | The Fells

The Reception at The Fells

NH summer wedding at The Fells
NH summer wedding photography at The Fells
NH summer wedding at The Fells
NH summer wedding at The Fells
beautiful wedding picture from The Fells NH
Bridal party photography at The Fells
NH summer wedding at The Fells
NH summer wedding at The Fells
NH summer wedding at The Fells
Garden style wedding at The Fells, Newbury NH
NH summer wedding at The Fells
NH summer wedding at The Fells

Heading into the reception, guests were delighted with a cocktail style arrangement where food and drink were provided all evening through stationed courses and passed appetizers, enabling the guests to eat and drink when they wanted and to wander the grounds and join in the dancing at whim. It was a very fluid and relaxed format, utilizing the full expanse of the grounds and porches, with hightop tables perfect for brief pauses for drinks and conversation. It was important to Jess and Zach that everyone felt well taken care of without the formality of being assigned to a table.

wedding catering at The Fells by Mezzanine Catering
Garden style wedding at The Fells, Newbury NH

Summer weddings are my favorite, because the daylight goes on and on for ages and I absolutely love how beautiful the endless natural light is. But once night falls, we are fully prepared with lots of lights to make the reception coverage come alive. I absolutely love the dancing at the end of the night, it’s so much fun to capture.

NH summer wedding at The Fells

Guests went wild over all the different courses of food that came out throughout the night. Every time a tray came out, I had to act fast to photograph it because people were diving for the goodies almost before I could get to it. LOVE these mini pancake stacks!

NH summer wedding at The Fells
NH summer wedding at The Fells

Jess and Zach, your wedding was a complete honor and pleasure to document. It was such a beautiful thing to witness your special day come to fruition after all your thought and planning. It was a joy to see all your friends and family so sincerely happy for you. Thank you for having me as part of your day!

Photography: Erika Follansbee Photography
Getting ready location: Bradford Village Inn
Venue: The Fells
Catering: Mezzanine Catering
Flowers: Susanne Ferris
Hair Styling: Chrystina Moran
Makeup:  Lesley Flanagan
Dress: Maggie Sottero
Bridal Shop: Madeleine’s Daughter
Engagement Ring: Jewelry Creations, Dover NH
Wedding Ring: Tacori
Pearls: Imperial Pearl
Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Angelo
Tent: Lakes Region Tent & Event
Photography Assistance: Christine Tilley

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correspondence:

48 miles ave

Goffstown NH 03045