I met the couple for the first time at their engagement session down in Beverly, MA at Lynch Park. It was my first time there so I arrived a little early to scout. What a cool spot, right on the shore with a lot of options for great photos. They were an awesome couple to work with and and little did we know at the time how different their wedding was going to be.

Thanks to COVID they were forced to downsize their wedding to only include close family and friends and have it at their new property in Ipswich, MA. It was really the perfect backyard for a celebration. I started with the girls at a house nearby then we travelled over to the ceremony/reception site. I had my trusty second shooter Marc with me who had been covering the guys. 

We went right into the ceremony then had planned some intimate formal photos with just the two of them at the coast which was close by. The light couldn't have been better and we got some super shots by the water.

Afterwards the party started. Despite the changes and crazy situation we all found ourselves in they managed to make it work. There was no complaining or feeling sorry for themselves. We all got on with it and made it the best wedding day it could be. I hope you enjoy some photos from their day!

Please check out more of my work in my portfolio. Getting married? View more info here.

Engagement session on beach

wedding dress

bridal prep

Makeup complete

Dress goes on

Groom and his mother

Processional

Bride reads vows

groom reads vows

Bridal Bouquet

Bride and groom on rocky beach

Big Sky

Wedding rings

The First Dance

The Night Shot

There was a lot of switching things around and modifying dates with clients but I found that a good percentage of couples wanted to try and have their special day even if it had to be modified. 

In the Lupines The first "real" wedding of the year was with Mary and Trent up at the Sunset Hill House in Franconia, NH. There was a big day planned but we worked together to split their wedding into two parts: small ceremony on the original wedding date then the party in 2021 when things were (hopefully) better.

With just family and a few friends we met up at the Sunset Hill House on a beautiful June day. The lupines were out and the backdrop of the White Mountains just can't be beat! There is quite the view from the back of the Inn. 

Bride and groom hold hands I met up with Trent and his groomsmen first and we took some photos before the girls arrived. The couple opted for a first look which is always a great moment to capture. When Mary arrived we set that up and then let it unfold. Great candid photos every time!

Groom wait for his bride Groom waits for his bride The First Look Plenty of great spots for formal photos in the White Mountains so we took the time to incorporate the scenery and then added the bridal party for some fun photos.

Bridal party The ceremony was outside and everyone stayed safe and masked up while they watched. Luckily, NH had been doing very well with low COVID numbers last spring but everyone was cautious, including the kids.

Wedding arbor Flower girl Bride and her dad Groom at wedding ceremony Bride at ceremony Siblings hug Wedding rings Hitched We took some family photos after the ceremony and that was about that. The rest of the celebration is yet to come but I look forward to the one year anniversary celebration this spring!

I've tried my best to accommodate all my clients while they have dealt with moving or modifying dates. It's tough for everyone and I wanted me to be the last thing they had to worry about.. 2020 will certainly be a year to look back on and remember. There will be stories to tell looking back years from now, that's for sure!

Be sure to check out more of my work HERE. Pricing and package information can be found HERE. 

I hope to cover everything from how to approach the timing of your wedding day, the pros and cons of a "first look", traditions and how they're changing, and more. Starting off at the beginning...

Matt The Photographer

We're looking to hire a photographer. What should we be asking them?

There are plenty of photographers these days and it can be hard to decide who is really experienced and who just thinks they are! The market is pretty saturated with photographers more so than other vendors so the first and best way to find someone good is by asking your married friends for recommendations. If you've seen photos from your friend or family's wedding and like them just ask them how was he or she to work with. This will give you a good place to start. Nothing is stronger than a referral!

Looking online is probably the most popular and obvious way to find vendors. This is where the saturation issue comes into play. There are so many! Where do I start? 

Pretty much my sole task when my wife and I were planning our wedding was to find the photographer (go figure). Like I mentioned, this was before being in this business so I defaulted to Google as one does. In hindsight I wish I had done some more research but that's a story for another day. I wish I had known about websites like The Knot, Weddingwire and, locally, NH Wedding Magazine. These are great resources to not only find your vendors but also to do research. There is plenty of information in one place that can help you plan every aspect of your wedding from the flowers to your dress and what to expect cost-wise, etc.

Reviews... Look for a photographer with a decent amount of good reviews. Read enough of them to make you feel comfortable. Getting in touch comes next and, after you make sure they can work with your budget, I would recommend setting up a face to face meeting.

Why meet in person? Can't we get the same info over the phone?

Yes and No. I tell ALL my clients that wedding day is a team effort. The photographer should be working WITH you and not just FOR you. You obviously want good photos at the end of the day but you are also paying for the experience of working with one! That means you want that experience to be a positive one. You should really want to like your photographer as a person and you should want them to like you too! It's a two way street. Photos will be better the more comfortable everyone is. It's very hard to get a sense of this over the phone.

Ok, we are sitting in your office. Now what?

Personally, I don't have a set sales pitch for people. If you're in my office it's safe to say that you like my work so the meeting is to answer any questions and see if it feels like a good fit. Most people aren't too comfortable in front of a camera so you want to make sure the photographer is going to make you feel comfortable. Ask them how they plan to do that. How is the conversation going? 

Is the photographer interested in you or just getting your business?

I always ask about a couple and how long they've been together. I met my wife on Craigslist many moons ago so I'm curious to hear people's stories of how they met. If a photographer doesn't ask about you they should. It's not necessarily a deal breaker but it feels good to see that they're interested in you. For the photographer, personal questions like that are good because it's all part of the fact finding mission to see if things are a good fit. The more I know about you and what you're looking for the more on the same page we would be on wedding day. I've got to like you too! ;)

My initial client meetings have lasted anywhere from a half hour to over two hours. Sometimes you just get talking about things and one subject leads to another. I think that's how things should go. I am extremely happy and grateful that the majority of my reviews talk about how I've worked with my clients not just on wedding day, but before and after as well. Remember, you want good photos but you should be thinking about a good experience from start to finish too! :)

Questions to consider asking a photographer:

- How long have you been doing this and what is your experience? (Remember, it's about good photos but also good time and people management!) 

- How much coverage do you think I need and do I need two photographers? (Are they upselling you unnecessarily?)

- What do you need from us to make the day easier or less stressful? (Ask the photographer's opinions about your ideas. They will most likely have insights you may not have thought about.)

- How long does it take to get our finished photos? (I've heard the horror stories of 6 months to a year+!)

- How many photos will we get? 

- What's the deal with copyright and usage rights? (Make sure you get usage rights!)

- Do you have backup equipment?

- What happens if tragedy strikes and you can't make our wedding? 

These are just a few general questions which should hopefully lead to further questions and answers leaving you more knowledgeable by the end of the meeting and feeling hopefully good about the photographer. A photographer needs to also play the role of coordinator and confidant on wedding day too so go beyond thinking solely about the final photos and how he or she is going to go about getting them!

Some of these questions and details will be gone into in more detail so stay tuned for more blog posts that get into specifics. 

Blocking Traffic

The pair had only been in New England a short while. In fact, they booked me in fairly short order and also opted for an engagement session that we shot in Portsmouth just three weeks before wedding day! Hey... to each their own and it was a great opportunity to get to know them and have them get more comfortable with me and with being in front of the camera.

The ceremony was scheduled for 4pm on the naval base but they decided to do a first look beforehand. Not far from the base I found a fantastic place to set that up and take additional photos of the two of them and the family. Fort McClary in Kittery is an amazing place on the coast of Maine. We had ocean views along with a killer fort to explore. For March 7th the weather was glorious! We managed to get some super photos before heading to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for the ceremony.

More guests came than I think even Danielle expected to the ceremony. Family and friends watched as Daniel and Danielle committed to each other. The mothers lit a candle together before the vows were read then the pair walked down the aisle towards their future. Weddings always go by fast so the elopement flew by but in its wake we managed to immortalize the occasion! I hope you enjoy some photos from their day!

First Look

Seeing His Bride

Port Hole

The wall

Fort McClary

In the Bunker

Candles

Naval Hat

Processional

Groom

Bride and Groom hold hands

Candid Moment

First Kiss

Swords

Outside the Church

The Navy

The girls were getting ready across the road at Yia Yia's House. When I arrived everyone was in good spirits despite the snow and chill in the air. Flannel shirts was the theme but their eventual dresses were a grey/blue blend which really fit the theme of the wedding. After some final hair and makeup touch-ups it was time for the dress to go on. Kelsey looked amazing! The dress was a good choice for her.

I had trusty Samantha with me for this one and she was busy covering the guys getting ready while I was with the girls. There was no first look planned so it was on to the ceremony after some quick shots outside with the girls first. 

The ceremony was pretty short and sweet then we headed out in the snow for some bridal party shots. The snow was on and off but came down pretty heavy while we were out there. Luckily it wasn't a super wet snow so it worked out well to get some "winter wonderland" type photos. It was challenging but everyone was game and that's always more than half the battle!

Kelsey and Brent with with different types of cookies in jars for the table centerpieces. Their thought was it would make people mingle and get to know each other while collecting a variety to take home. A really creative way to get people to interact with each other and get both families talking. 

After the intros, first dance and toasts the party began lead by DJ Dave Lynch and Indian Head's always amazing Jennifer Aruda! I hope you enjoy some photos from the final Wilton Brothers Photography wedding of 2019! :)

A Magical Moment

Hair Time

Reflections

Cuteness

Bridal Hair Detail

Bridesmaids

Getting Dressed

Groom Prep

Help for the Ring Bearer

Dad makes a funny

Wedding Rings

Groom and Groomsmen cheer

Groom awaiting his bride

The Processional

Happy Groom

Flower Girl

I do

Knot Tied

Bridal Portrait

Bride and Groom Pose Together

Arcade Love

Snow Fun

Bride and her girls

Wedding rings on bouquet

Wedding Cake

Cookie centerpieces

Introductions

First Dance

MOH toast

Cake Cutting

Father Daughter Dance

Candid dancing

Bouquet Toss

Cigars

We didn't meet up before the wedding but hashed out all the details over the phone and through my online questionnaire. Jessica and James chose the Cliff House in Maine for their celebration with their ceremony taking place down the road in York at the First Parish Church. I hadn't been to the Cliff House before so I arrived early and took a good look around. It is quite the sprawling resort with amazing views of the Atlantic. When they call it the Cliff House they aren't kidding! It sits on the cliffs and offers great spot on the rocks for photos. We made good use of them at sunset as you will see below!

The girls were getting ready when I arrived and B & L Wedding Films were there shooting video. They were also at Jessica's sister's wedding the year before. We covered the girls for a while then bounced over to the guys which turned out to be quite the hike to the other side of the complex. James and his guys were on track and when James was ready we got him set up for the first look overlooking the ocean. It was November and chilly but sunny at least! 

After the first look we took some photos on the cliffs then got the family photos done before heading to the First Parish Church in York for the ceremony. 

The church was nice and bright for the ceremony which is not typical for most churches so the light was nice and made things a little easier for me. Jessica's dad handed off her daughter and we got underway. The marriage certificate was signed afterwards then it was back to the Cliff House for the party!

The Atlantic Ballroom is a great space. Clockwork Boston was setting up and I managed to get some details before heading to the cliffs one more time to just catch the end of sunset with Jessica and James. Introductions came shortly after and the evening got underway starting with the first dance and toasts. The band took it from there and the rest is history! I hope you enjoy some photos from the Cliff House and remember to check back for more every week! Also make sure to browse my other wedding work HERE. 

Coastal View

The Wedding Dress

Bride Gets dressed

Siblings

Wedding dress details

All dressed

Groom getting dressed

Cufflinks

First Look

He sees his bride

On the cliffs

Ceremony Time

Ring Bearers

Processional

Groom

Tight Grip

I Do

Recessional

Reception Venue

Wedding Cake

Wedding Rings

First Dance

Cheers

Friends having fun

Cake Cutting

Bride dances with her dad

Groom dances with his mother

Clockwork Boston

Party Time

Sunset Love

Jessica and Jacob were not doing a first look which meant we had to get all the photos done during cocktail hour. It's always the toughest part of the day for me so to help lighten the load I try to make sure we have time to do some photos of the girls and guys separately before the ceremony. Jessica and her girls had their hair and makeup done before they arrived.... 30 minutes late! I know I know, weddings rarely stay on schedule but there's a lot to do in limited time so I was a little concerned!

When the girls arrived we just got right to it and everything fell into place. After getting some dress shots in front of the cool circular window Jessica and the girls got dressed. We had a "first look" with dad in the bridal suite which is always a really nice moment. I had time for a few shots with the guys before ceremony time then it was time to get them hitched!

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Married at Hidden Hills

The ceremony was a bit tricky to shoot from a lighting stand point. The sun was pretty high in the sky and cast shadows on the guys from the bushes they were standing near. This meant when I was pointed at the girls the sun was behind them which was a good thing. Better than the other way around though. (Sorry guys!) Either way it means for a lot of camera adjustments as you move around. 

It was great working with videographer, Rebecca Curtis, on this one too. I highly recommend her if you're looking for a wedding film. Check out Curtisweddings.com.

It's not often grooms get too emotional but Jacob was struggling to hold back tears as he saw Jessica coming down the aisle with her dad. She looked absolutely stunning. After the hand off things were underway and the two tied the knot in front of all their family and friends.

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I don't think that I need to tell you that Hidden Hills has one of the best backdrops for photos of all time. Places like this really excite me and offer a totally unique set of photos for the couple. Most cocktail hours become a bit of a blur since I'm always working furiously to get everything done but this image in front of me makes it memorable. 

We had some fun with them and the bridal party before it was time to prep for the reception.

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It's clear that cupcakes have been the sweet of choice this last year. I'm not a frosting kinda guy but there have been some delicious ones over the year. Yes, I steal one here and there! 

One of the good things about Hidden Hills is that everything is together in one area. It's like a compound. The reception area is a great size and perfect to accommodate a party. My buddy Greg Kassapis from NRG Entertainment was the DJ for this one. Greg's a character and you can be sure he will get the party going, which he did, after we got through dinner and some formalities. 

I hope you enjoy some photos from their day!

The couple opted not for getting ready coverage so when I arrived downtown I met up with Jonathan and Ashley's dad as we were setting up a first look with both of them. Ashley's dad warned me he might get emotional and he was right! When he saw his little girl the tears flowed. It was one of my favorite moments of the year with brides and their fathers. There's no faking those reactions! The same was true but in a different way with Jonathan. His jaw hit the floor when he saw Ashley. True excitement! He then tried his very best to keep her warm while we took some photos around the area. We dragged their bridal party out of their warm cars after a while and made them suffer too but everyone was a good sport.

Luckily the ceremony was indoors at the Immaculate Heart of Mary church not far from downtown. We stayed on time and after Ashley's dad handed her off the ceremony got underway. Once the knot was tied we did our family photos then it was off to Dell-Lea for the reception.

Dell-Lea Weddings and Events is a great location for a wedding whether you're having your ceremony there or not. The grounds are expansive with great views out back beyond the gazebo and ceremony site. The reception room itself is big and rustic with the dance floor in the corner of the room. Big windows at the back look out over the view. An added bonus is that is probably the closet venue to me and very easy to get to! Always nice when I don't have to drive for hours to a wedding venue!

I got set up and shot some details while the wedding party took a few minutes to relax then it was time for introductions. After the first dance we moved into toasts that started off with Ashley's dad who tried as best as he could to keep his emotions in check! The struggle was real however :). The rest of the evening was full of fun and laughter spearheaded by the amazing DJ Nazzy. My season was coming to a close but not quite done yet! This was a good one for sure! 

Happy Couple

Reveal to Dad

Emotional father of the bride

About to see her Man

Shocked at his Bride

State Capital

Bride and Groom at State House

Bridal Party Fun

Attack the Groom

Bride and her girls

Chapel

Boutonniere

Processional

Preparing for Vows

I Do

Wedding Rings go on

Recessional

Trolley Photo

Wedding Rings on Bouquet

The Cake

Centerpieces

Introductions

First Dance

Blessing

Candid Kiss

Cake is Delicious

MOG Dance

Cowboy hats

Sis

Group Photo

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They didn't want to do a traditional "first look" but did want to talk to each other before the ceremony. On either side of a door they held hands and had a moment of quiet together before the craziness of the day began. I love these photos of them.

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Reflecting

From the first time we spoke Caley & John had these railroad tracks in mind for some of their formal photos. I knew the general area they were talking about as Concord, NH isn't too far from me but to actually be there and photographing them there was quite a treat! Not only did it provide a truly unique background for them but we were lucky to have the best natural light at the best time of day too! 

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On The Tracks

The reception was at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord. For me this kind of a space is great and it allows me some good lighting options since I use a lot of off camera flash. The formalities were great and the party got going soon after dinner. It's nice seeing everyone let loose after dinner. For wedding couples it must be a big relief that the stressful parts of the day are behind them. 

I started coverage with Emily, her girls and mom at the Homewood Suites in Nashua. Luckily the rooms there are bright and airy which makes for better pictures so I was already feeling good about the day. Hair and makeup were being finished when I arrived and then we started to get Emily into her dress. We were planning a first look with her dad in the lobby followed by another one with her soon-to-be husband next door by a pond with some super colorful trees. By the time we got to the first look the sun was coming down and popping the color even more. 

Bryan was dressed to the nines in his Army attire and was ready to see his lady. All the family was there to see so we had quite the audience! After seeing Emily in all her glory we took some photos around the property then got our family photos done before heading to Hollis for the ceremony.

They had rented the Brookline Chapel in Brookline, NH to say their vows. If memory serves it wasn't used as a church anymore on a regular basis but was available to rent for weddings and special occasions. To me, it really epitomized New England. I can see why they chose the place. Emily's best friend married them as family and friends watched. Emily had made beautiful flowers out of paper than surrounded them during the vows. 

After they became Mr and Mrs we headed over to Alpine Grove banquet Facility where the wedding reception was to be held. The sun was dying at this point but we grabbed a few more photos with friends before heading in to start the party. Emily and Bryan were introduced and then went into their choreographed dance followed by toasts and dinner. They then danced the rest of the night away with friends and family. Another super wedding day in the books! :)

The Wedding Dress Icecream Shoes Bride and her girls sit on couch Portrait Jewelry Bride with fall foliage First Look with Dad First Look Stunner Bride and Groom Pose In the Trees Bride and her friends Bridal Party Fun Processional Handshake The Chapel I do Finally Hitched Wedding Cake Wedding Rings Intros First Dance Dance Cake Cutting Father dances with daughter Party Time

I arrived to start coverage with Michelle and her family in Peterborough at a house they had rented. Michelle was still out getting her hair and makeup finished when I got there but dad and her brother came out and were very welcoming. After showing me around the house I took a quick tour of the property and made a plan for some photos as Tim was arriving a little later and we were going to do a first look and photos there before heading to the Mile Away Restaurant for the ceremony and reception. 

Michelle had her sister and sister-in-law as her bridal party and when they arrived at the house she started getting into her dress. Shortly after Tim arrived and we got set up for the first look. After he saw his bride in all her glory for the first time we took some photos around the property making sure to get the colors. The photo (below) of them walking down the road is one of my favorites of the year!

We kept everything on schedule then it was time to head to the Mile Away Restaurant in Milford, NH. It is known for it's restaurant but step out back and an amazing garden spreads out to the back of the property with very well kept landscaping and a big tent for the reception. In my opinion it is one of the nicest wedding venues in the area. Great for photos and the perfect space for weddings big and small. The staff is very welcoming and great working with vendors. They understand weddings days are a team effort and it shows.

Michelle's dad happily walked her down the aisle and handed her off to Tim. The ceremony went off without a hitch then we efficiently got our family photos done so the newlyweds could enjoy their cocktail hour. The always fun Tom from Blue Ribbon Entertainment headed the reception festivities and the rest of the evening was a blast complete with cake cutting, parent dances and partying. Please enjoy some photos from an awesome fall wedding day at The Mile Away! 

Welcome The Wedding Dress A smile from a bride Final Touches Best Friends Bride Reflection First Look Time His Bride Bridal portrait The Fall Walk Mile Away Ceremony Site Signage Venue Details Processional Groom Looks at Bride Happy Bride Ceremony Site Hands Knot Tied Wedding Flowers The Stroll Wedding Cake Reception Tent Introduced First Dance The Toast Cutting the Cake FOB Dance Party Time Candid Grandma

This was my third same sex wedding of the year and the second at Castle in the Clouds! Well, partially. Lance and Daniel live out of state so it was a phone call before they booked but they did come up this way for their engagement session in Portsmouth, NH. Right out of the gate, yet again, it was abundantly clear that love has no rules or boundaries. These two were meant for each other and were super excited for their wedding day even though, at the time, was a little ways off.

However, as usual, wedding day rolled around quickly and we were at peak foliage here in NH. It's the most popular time of year and there's no questioning why that is! The colors are amazing in October and makes me excited to capture that along with a loving duo. Their color choices matched the scenery too. Blue suits with orange accents really worked.

I started coverage with the guys and girls at the Preserve in the morning then headed over to Castle in the Clouds for the ceremony. Guests arrived and took the trolley up to the ceremony site while Lance, Daniel and their crew got the final touches in place. I took the trolley up last with the two of them while they had one last quiet moment together before it was ceremony time. 

They walked in together and the ceremony got under way. Right off the bat I ran up to the balcony of the castle to get a big wide shot. The view from up there has to be one of the best in the state! The weather was perfect to top it off. 

After the "I do's" we spent some time taking photos around the castle before heading back the The Preserve for a lunch with guests. This was my first time at The Preserve since the original barn had burnt down a couple of year earlier. They did a super job with the new one. It is rustic yet modern with a second level for larger guest counts. All the decor had been custom done by Lance and Daniel. They even had an epic ice sculpture in the middle of the room of a Homunculus Loxodontus! It was certainly their spirit animal! 

The lunch was more of a formal affair followed by a break then the evening was set up to be more of a casual party atmosphere. Daniel put together some of his signature cocktails and Taco Bell and pizza was ordered for food. It was a fun and casual evening with a champagne toast and dancing. The kids especially loved the glow sticks! 

I hope you enjoy some photos from a super day!

Two Grooms The Wedding Barn Fixing the Tie Help with the Cufflinks Bowtie Custom Shirt That view though McCallen On the trolley Walking in Together Ceremony Site Candid Moments Ceremony traditions First Kiss On the Balcony A Hug Those Socks The Trolley Road The Preserve The Crew The Head Table Table Place Holders The Ice Sculpture Reception Space in the barn Groom toasts Wedding gifts Custom Cocktails Taco Bell Dancing with the kids No Fear The toast Dance with mom

From the initial meeting onwards I do my best to provide insight and help people know what to expect on their wedding day. If it's the first time doing something you're not going to be an expert or know what to expect at every turn so part of my job is to help fill in any holes and offer suggestions to make things not only easier, but more efficient.

So what's the biggest thing to nail down from my point of view?

Timing. 

One thing I hear the most is that couples aren't sure what they need as far as coverage goes. From my experience you can get a good idea of how long you might need your photographer by working your way backwards from the end of the day to the beginning.

From my experience two and a half hours is the magic amount of time to comfortably cover everything important during the reception. From the introductions through the first dance, toasts, and dinner service to the cake cutting, parent dances and party time, 2.5 hours should get you all that covered. The time it takes for dinner service can vary depending on the number of guests, number of courses etc but in general it doesn't affect the timing of things unless there are a large number of guests and three dinner courses. If this is the case for your wedding you'll most likely need more coverage time during the reception.

Working from that 2.5 hour number now just work your way backwards and you'll be able to put together a clear idea of what you are looking at for coverage time. Before the reception you have your cocktail hour. Before that, the ceremony and then your getting ready time to start the day. 

First Dance at the Margate

What are some things to take into consideration when figuring out timing?

Where is everything taking place? If you are getting ready and having the ceremony and reception at the same location that will obviously be more time efficient versus if you are getting ready at a hotel, your ceremony is across town at a church, and then your reception is at a country club 15 minutes away from there.

Keep in mind the time it will take for your guests to travel from one spot to the other but, more importantly, you and your bridal party. Do you have a large bridal party? A big family? How many vehicles are involved? Could parking be a pain? 

All this will take longer than you think. I promise.

Next, are you thinking about doing a first look? If so that's extra time that needs to be scheduled prior to the ceremony. If your ceremony is at 3pm and you plan on doing a first look and bridal party photos before the ceremony I would say be dressed and ready to go by 1:30p at the latest. We will most likely have to be done with these photos by 2:30p when guests start arriving and I have to start prepping for the ceremony and start shooting candids etc. 

An hour is typically good for getting ready coverage. Less than that can be a bit rushed. If you time everything out and there is a little extra to work with I recommend adding that time to the beginning of the day rather than the end. It's early on where the risk for delays is greater. Hair and makeup often drags on later than expected. The arrival of flowers can be late. Traffic can be bad and cause unexpected delays for family, friends and your vendors. The tux place can forget to put the shoes in so the groom is scrambling to find a fix. The list can go on! 

I try to go over all this with my clients before the big day to make sure they aren't caught off guard when the day arrives. 

Avoid unnecessary stress!

If your wedding coordinator is playing a big role in your day I have one piece of advice... DON'T go crazy with scheduling every single part of your day! I've seen timelines where every small detail is scheduled, sometimes in 10-15 minute increments. You are destined for extra stress if you plan on trying to keep to a schedule like this. Just plan the timing for your most important parts of the day. Everything in-between will get done at some point!

Just know when...

- Your photographer is going to start.

- What time your dress needs to go on.

- What time the ceremony starts.

- What time the reception and introductions are.

That's it.

It's good to know when certain reception traditions are occuring like cake cutting or parent dances but at this point your DJ or MC will keep you on track with when to do these things. 

Looking at your day this way will reduce stress. Have faith that with your pre-planning your vendors will know what to do and when. I would honestly you rather plan out the timing of your wedding day with me rather than a coordinator at your venue. Priorities lie in different places with the different people involved in your day so make sure you talk to your key players about what to expect.

At the beginning of your day the photographer should be keeping you on schedule and making sure you know what the timing situation is and letting you know what they need to do while also asking you what you want. Remember, vendors are here to work WITH you and not just FOR you! It's the best way to ensure a super wedding day with as little stress as possible.

Emily and Josh are two of the most fun people I've had the privilege of getting to know. From their engagement session in Bear Brook State Park they had little camera shyness and were excited to get creative and just be themselves. I was looking forward to their wedding and, like usual, it snuck up on us quickly! They were getting ready together at Church Landing but the ceremony and reception was going to be at a friends rustic barn down the road in Holderness, NH. 

I had Kael with me on this one and we both arrived and helped over the final touches of hair and makeup before Emily got into her dress. The wedding dress was really unique. The design and texture of the material was different than I had seen before. It was also a bit strange that they were getting ready together, which isn't the norm, but hey... you do you!

We did hide Josh from Emily while the dress went on so he could be surprised to see her in all her glory. We set up a first look near the water's edge then took some photos before heading over to Holderness.

The barn had only just started hosting weddings so I hadn't been there before but it was beautifully set up with the barn playing home to cocktail hour and dancing while there was also a tent with tables for the dinner. The two were connected so if there was inclement weather nobody has to go outside to get from one to the other. We were lucky to have a beautiful fall day so that, thankfully, wasn't an issue.

Back behind the barn was a vast field with views that played host to the ceremony. Guests were arriving as we got there and we moved along with the schedule. We gathered family for photos after the ceremony then had some fun with the bridal party. They were a lively buch so I tend to go with the flow and see what we can come up with. I don't usually plan on bridesmaids jumping on trampolines but bring it on I say! Do what you want! 

Introductions into the barn were followed by the first dance and dinner. Even though there were no real clouds in the sky we had a great sunset so we went out to get some shots. After the fact I made them a little more magical just to mix things up a bit :) 

I hope you enjoy some photos from their amazing day!

The Wedding Dress Final Touches Besties Buttoned Up First Look Wedding Flowers The Bride Rustic Barn Ceremony Site Processional Ceremony MOH To Have and to Hold First Kiss Married! Late in the day Under the Veil A Walk With Friends Trampoline fun Best Man Wedding Barn Centerpieces Wedding Rings First Dance The Roast Cupcakes Dance with Dad Party Time Dancing Magic in Holderness, NH

Kaitlyn and Chris had come to the office for a consultation prior to booking. We didn't have an engagement session but it was great to at least have a face to face before working with them. They are also good friends with two former clients of mine, one of which was a bridesmaid, so it was nice to see some familiar faces too! 

I started in the bridal suite with Kaitlyn and the girls then bounced over to the guys for a few to get the final touches while the girls got into their dresses. Kaitlyn chose a stunning dress! She was all smiles. There was no first look so we made sure to schedule time for some photos with her and the girls before we left for the ceremony. Most of the time I'm at the Atkinson Country Club the ceremonies are there but Kaitlyn and Chris were having a church ceremony down the road in Plaistow at St. Luke the Evangelist Parish. 

Church ceremonies can be a bit tricky from a technical standpoint. Light levels are usually low and most of the time flash is either not permitted or would be a distraction to the service. I often switch to prime lenses with wider apertures to get as much light into the camera as possible. On the other side of things, church ceremonies typically last longer which gives me more time to get the photos I need to it's a give and take.

We knew daylight was on it's way quickly after the ceremony so I was a little nervous about our family photos and other formals once we got back to the Atkinson Country Club. I had to work quickly but we managed to get everything done and snagged some nice photos at sunset and once the sun went down. If a bride has a killer veil I will make use of it! 

Everyone was itching to party following formal photos so after introductions and a lovely choreographed first dance we moved on with the evening. Along with the grounds, the inside reception spaces are pretty epic. Big rooms with high ceilings and good layouts make photographing there easier than a lot of places. Tall table centerpieces look good in these rooms! 

Another super wedding day with these two and I hope you enjoy some photos from their wedding day!

The Wedding Dress Final Touches The Excitement is Real A Smile The Veil goes in A Portrait Jackets On Bowtie First Look with dad The Church Mom pins boutonniere Processional Vows First Kiss Knot Tied The Bride Wedding Bouquet Bride and Groom Over the Stream Bridal Party Bridal Party Fun The Girls Reception Details Wedding Cake Wedding Rings Introduced The Dance A Roasting Cake Cutting Ceremony Dance with Dad The Gang Eric the Man Night Shot

The ceremony was at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Manchester followed by the reception at The Bedford Village Inn. The girls looked great in their light gold/beige dresses and furs. With it being so cold everyone took it like champs and stuck it out while I dragged them around for photos. We ran out and took some pictures then ran in to the warmth then repeated the cycle a few times! I don't mind the cold when I'm working but my hands go numb holding the camera!

The Bedford Village Inn seems to be popular for winter weddings. I feel like I'm there every year in January or February. Now with their new salon and Grande Hotel it really caters to events and weddings better than ever before. It offers some great spots for photos so it's a place I enjoy being for weddings.

I hope you enjoy a few photos from their day!

Winter BlissTara and Rich stare into each other's eyes shortly after tying the knot in Manchester, NH.  

I had shot Leigh and Cory's engagement session the prior November at The Nubble Lighthouse in York, ME along with their cute pup! Leigh is a bubbly personality with a great smile and the pair were great together. Candid moments were no problem with these two and the same was the case on wedding day.

I started with the girls at the Homewood Suites in Dover, NH. Hair and makeup was making good progress when I arrived which is always a good sign! The dress was going on at The Oaks in their bridal suite so after about an hour we headed over to the venue to complete the preparations. Kael, my trusty second shooter, covered the guys.

Since there was no first look we scheduled time to photograph some formal photos of the girls before the ceremony. I always recommend this as it helps lighten the load of photos that need to be taken during the cocktail hour. Please read more about the benefits of a first look HERE. 

The JP was quite late but other than that we went on without much of a hitch. Cory was quite excited to see his bride walking down the aisle as you can see! Show some emotion fellas! ;)

After the ceremony we got our family photos out of the way then had some fun with the bridal party. Everyone was game to have a little fun which makes my job easier. The sunset that day also had to taken advantage of!

The reception introductions and first dance kicked off the party along with some fog courtesy of Gregg from Get Down Tonight. The ventilation didn't quite cooperate with the fog but it certainly added to the ambiance. Toasts followed and then dinner. The photo booth was a big hit and then there was the (spoiler alert) surprise fireworks towards the end of the night. A great wedding with a great couple. Please enjoy some photos from their day at The Oaks!

The Wedding Dress Bridal Prep Besties Fun on the bed Buttoned up Bridal Reflection Bride Cheers Those Remembered The Oaks ceremony site Waiting for the Bride Processional Excited Wedding Vows Bride Looks at groom The rings go on All Married Wedding poses The Spark Magic in the sky Girls and their flowers Up on the Hill The Invitation Wedding Cake Reception Details Introductions First Dance MOH Toast Cake Feeding FOB Dance Photo Booth Fun Party Fun Fireworks

Wedgewood Granite Rose is a real wedding and events venue. It's what they specialize in so the space is set up to be a great choice for wedding celebrations. There are two different ceremony and reception areas and we were the only wedding that day which gave us free reign of the grounds to explore and take photos.

The day started off a little late thanks to hair and makeup being on their own schedule (which happens all too often) but we managed some getting ready photos and a first look before ceremony time. A little stressful but I can't say I haven't been in that position before. Luckily I'm a pro and moved things along ;)

Michaela is such a happy and bubbly person. It was just a pleasure to be around her! Stephen is a lucky guy and you could see the love when they looked at each other. Sometimes couple's are a little nervous during the ceremony with everyone's eyes on them but these two were focused on each other and the commitment they were about to make.

We had some fun with formal photos after the ceremony and then it was time to start the party. An epic dip at the end of the first dance led into dinner and then the rest of the fun. Main Event Entertainment MC'd the evening and everyone had a great time! I hope you enjoy some photos from their wedding day at the Granite Rose!

The DressWedding Dress hangs in bridal suite at Granite Rose in Hampstead Getting the Dress OnBride gets into her wedding dress at Wedgewood Granite Rose in Hampstead, NH Wedding RingsWedding Rings in box in Hampstead Custom HangerBride holds custom wedding dress hanger Bridal Portrait The First LookBride walks up behind groom Happy GroomGroom sees his bride for the first time at Wedgewood Granite Rose in Hampstead Bride and GroomCouple embrace in Hampstead, NH ProcessionalBride walks down the aisle at Wedgewood Granite Rose Ceremony LocationOne of two ceremony sites at Wedgewood Granite Rose Holding HandsBride and Groom get ready for their vows Groomsmen DetailsBoutonieres of the groomsmen First Kiss as Husband and Wife Bride and Groom Candid BridesmaidsBride and her girls pose for a picture at Wedgewood Granite Rose Bridal Party Fun Granite Rose Reception Space Creative Wedding CenterpiecesWedding Details at the Granite Rose Wedding CupcakesSweet treats Wedding RingsMacro photo of wedding rings placed on the bouquet IntroductionsBride and groom introduced into the reception at Wedgewood Granite Rose. The DipGroom dips the bride during the reception at Wedgewood Granite Rose. Wedding Cake CuttingBride cuts the wedding cake A funny KissGroom kisses the bride at their head table Father Daughter DanceBride dances with her dad at the Wedgewood Granite Rose Mother Son DanceGroom dances with his mom Party TimeReception party begins. Bouquet TossBride tosses her bouquet to the single ladies. A Sunset KissBride and Groom share a kiss at Sunset at Wedgewood Granite Rose in Hampstead, NH.

Victoria had come to my office for a consultation before booking roughly a year prior to the wedding. The White Mountains were going to be the spot and you really can't go wrong with Indian Head if you are looking for mountain views. The areas for photos are fantastic and the reception room has floor to ceiling windows that look out over the pond and mountains. Hard to beat.

The girls were getting ready at Yi Ya's House across the street when I arrived. Everyone was in good spirits and after getting some photos of hair and makeup being finished I ran over to meet the guys for a few minutes. A first Look was planned and, despite the weather, everything stayed pretty much on schedule. We needed umbrellas but still managed to set up a really nice first look followed with some intimate photos with the two of them. Victoria's dress got so wet! I can only imagine the weight she was pulling around with here but she didn't seem to mind at all. 

We added the bridal party to the mix shortly later then it was time for the ceremony. Luckily the rain and died down a little but even if it hadn't the ceremony was going to be outside! It wasn't a long ceremony and we moved right on to family photos followed by the reception MC'd by the one and only DJ Nazzy. Indian Head's coordinator, Jennifer, is great and super helpful with whatever the couple's need. She's also amazing with us vendors which is always appreciated. As far as wedding venues go Indian Head and the staff really put together a great celebration for their couples.

The reception was a big party and everyone had a great time. I hope you enjoy some photos from their awesome wedding day!

Bride having lips painted at Indian Head Resort Assessing the Progress Buttoning up the wedding dress A moment with the mother of the bride Final details for the bride Bridal Portrait at Indian Head Resort Groom gets dressed with his groomsmen Groom gets his Boutonniere pinned on Groom waits for his bride The First Look at Indian Head Resort The Groom sees his bride for the first time A private moment on the bridge The Happy Couple at Indian Head Resort A candid walk in the rain Fun with the bridal party The bouquets Groomsmen Looking sharp at Indian Head Bridal Party Fun Ceremony Site at Indian Head Resort The groom waits for his bride Dad walks the bride down the aisle Soon to be Man and Wife The Wedding Rings go on Finally Married! A Champagne Toast Reception Venue at Indian Head Resort Wedding Rings on the Bouquet Introduced as Man and Wife A Kiss during the First Dance Groom Ready to be Fed his Cake Bride tosses her bouquet Bride dances with her sister Besties having a blast

On this occasion, however, I started with Kristin and her girls just down the road at the Cottages of Wolfeboro. I hadn't been there before but had driven by countless times. There are some cottages on the property and then there's the main house which is where the girls were getting ready. Hair and makeup was close to done when I arrived and after a few shots of Kristin's stunning dress it was time to get her in it! Mom helped while her bridesmaids got in their dresses.  

Once everyone was dressed and ready we took some photos on the property before heading to the Wolfeboro Inn for the first look with Brendan. I set them up near the gazebo and let Kristin handle the rest. I think Brendan was pretty pleased with what he saw :)

With the first look we had plenty of time scheduled for some nice photos with the two of them before adding the bridal party to the mix then it was time to get prepared for the ceremony. After a couple of adorable flower-girls laid some petals Kristin's mom and dad led her down the aisle to meet her soon-to-be hubby. 

Family photos followed the ceremony then it was time to get the party started. Toasts followed the first dance and I honestly wish I had the best man toast on video because it was one of the best I've seen in a long time. A good roasting of the groom is always a good time! Dinner was buffet style and the rest of the evening was a great party. It seemed like everyone was dancing which seems like it's always the case at The Wolfeboro Inn. Of course, you can't go wrong when Jeremy from Get Down Tonight is running the party!

I hope you enjoy some photos from their big day!  

The Bride and Groom at the Wolfeboro Inn The Cottages of Wolfeboro The Wedding Dress at the Cottages of Wolfeboro The Bridesmaids at the Cottages of Wolfeboro Flowers in her Hair Mom zipping up Bride Bride in her Wedding Dress Bride and her mother at the Cottages of Wolfeboro A Bridal Portrait The First Look at the Wolfeboro Inn The Groom sees the bride for the first time A candid stroll at the Wolfeboro Inn Bridesmaids at the Cottages of Wolfeboro Groomsmen at the Wolfeboro Inn Ceremony site by Lake Winnipesaukee Ceremony Flowers Flower Girl Bride walking down the aisle at the Wolfeboro Inn The groom adores the bride The Bride during the wedding ceremony Exchange of wedding rings at the Wolfeboro Inn The first Kiss as Man and Wife The Reception tent at The Wolfeboro Inn Custom napkins The Wedding Rings Wedding Cupcakes First Dance as Husband and Wife at The Wolfeboro Inn Toasts to the bride and groom Candid best man speech Bride dances with dad Party Time at the Wolfeboro Inn Bride and Groom in the gazebo

The Barn at Wight Farm is in Sturbridge, MA so a little bit of a hike for me. I had visited Sturbridge Village many years ago but rarely get to that neck of the woods otherwise. When I arrived I made sure to walk around the grounds and pick some nice areas for pictures. The main wedding barn and adjoining ceremony area are really nice with wood beams and vaulted ceilings. It is barn-like but modern at the same time. I got married at Zorvino Vineyards in Sandown, NH and that has a similar vibe.

It was a beautiful summer day for a wedding. Once situated I found the bridal suite on the lower level and waited for Brandon and Prachi to arrive. The two of them had been together all morning so once they arrived they got dressed together. There was no bridal party and the typical day a wedding goes wasn't going to be the case with these two but I love when things are a little different from the norm. In true Indian style Prachi had amazing henna work done. It was truly awesome to see and a photographer's dream I do have to say. The detail and texture of not only the henna but also the outfits was great. I was excited for the formal photos!

Once dressed we headed out for some photos prior to the ceremony. Brandon and Prachi were really natural together and we made sure to use the surroundings to our advantage. There is a little gazebo and some historic buildings on the property so I had some areas to work with for sure.

Before ceremony time formal photos were done and it was time to see how the ceremony would play out. As I'm sure you can imagine things weren't like a typical western ceremony. The parents sat with them, fire was involved along with the pouring of water through the hands known as a kamandalu. As Brandon was not Indian the ceremony was sort of a hybrid as he changed into a traditional suite and they finished the ceremony with western vows and, of course, the first kiss as man and wife.

We took a few more photos after the ceremony with Brandon in his suite and then it was time for the reception. Their wedding cake was spectacular and the party soon got under way after several toasts and a beautifully choreographed first dance that took place later in the evening before the dance floor opened. 

It was quite the wedding experience for me and I hope to be a part of more culturally diverse wedding celebrations in the future. I hope you enjoy some photos from their day at The Barn at Wight Farm!

Cuddle at the Barn at Wight Farm in Sturbridge The Barn at Wight Farm in Sturbridge, MA Indian Bride Henna on Indian Bride in Sturbridge, MA Shoes and Henna of Indian Bride Groom getting dressed at the Barn at Wight Farm The grom's Indian sash Indian Bride and her outfit Indian bridal portrait at the Barn at Wight Farm Bride and groom at the Barn at Wight Farm Bride and Groom in Sturbridge MA A Walk at the Barn at Wight Farm in Sturbridge, MA Ceremony Site at the Barn at Wight Farm Groom and his parents Indian wedding processional at the Barn at Wight Farm Indian ceremony traditions Sturbridge MA Water Pouring ceremony Indian ceremony at the Barn at Wight Farm Outfit Change Groom reads wedding vows First kiss as man and wife Wedding Cake in the Barn at Wight Farm Wedding Rings Cocktail Hour at The Barn at Wight Farm This Guy Reception Introductions at the Barn at Wight Farm Reception Space at the Barn at Wight Farm Wedding Cake cutting Choreographed first dance at the Barn at Wight Farm Reception Kiss Dancing at the Barn at Wight Farm Party time in Sturbridge MA

I feel like the Wolfeboro Inn is my wedding home! I seem to be there a lot and I'm glad I am. The staff are fantastic and the venue itself is perfect for weddings. With lakefront access to Winnipesaukee and a great view from the ceremony and reception site it's easy to see why it's a special place for so many people.

As wedding day arrived I started coverage with the girls. They were a great bunch and all excited to be a part of the occasion. The dresses were already hanging nicely which is a big help and things seemed to on schedule which was also a pleasant surprise! After a champagne toast Matt the videographer from Fisher Video Productions bounced over to the guys to cover jackets and boutonnieres going on. Mom helped Ross with his.

There was no first look planned but I managed to get some nice shots of the ladies before the ceremony then we tackled the rest of the formals during cocktail hour. The bridal party were a lot of fun and we got everything done fairly efficiently. I was particularly a fan of the matching race car socks. As a car enthusiast myself I thought it was pretty cool that racing cars was a big part of their lives. (Next time you're out you can come for a spin in my new Shelby, Ross ;)

At the reception DJ Nick from Get Down Tonight MC'd the festivities. Gina and Ross had a choreographed first dance which started with them doing the "floss" (No comment). Dan struggled to find words without getting a little emotional so Gina's brother took over. Dinner was next followed by cake cutting and the always fun shoe game! Just how compatible are the bride and groom really? Perhaps the shoe game should be played before tying the knot but I digress lol!

All in all one of my most memorable weddings of 2019 and I was honored to be a part of their day. I hope you enjoy some photos!

Married Couple by Fence Wedding Dress Hanging Champagne Toast Bridesmaid Fun Bridal Prep The Bride First Look with Dad Help From the Best Man The Groom Mom pins on the boutonniere Ceremony Site Bride and Groom at Altar Candid Ceremony Moment Creative Bouquets Ceremony from the back First Kiss as Man and Wife Finally Married Bridal Portrait Couple on the dock Under the bouquet Tunnel of Love The Bridesmaids Race Car socks Custom Sign Reception tables Wedding Rings Choreographed First Dance as Husband and Wife First Dance Toast Custom Socks Shoe Game Cake Cutting Ceremony Party Time Dancing Kiss at Sunset

There were no prep photos so the day started for me at the waterfall on the way up to the amazing Castle in the Clouds. We met in the parking lot then took the short walk up the trail to the waterfall. The guys looked great in their matching white tuxedos. They had gotten ready together so there was no first look. We just jumped into some photos and it kicked off a super wedding day at one of the coolest venues in the state!

The Castle in the Clouds sits high upon a mountain in Moultonborough, NH and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. It was a hot July 6th and the chance of rain and thunderstorms was high. Luckily everything was timed well and we managed to avoid any drenchings! 

We were getting all the formal photos done prior to the ceremony so after the waterfall we met family and took the trolly up to the castle to get them done. The sky was amazing and the light really worked to my advantage. 

We trekked back down to the Carriage House before the ceremony started as the guests started to arrive. The theme was white so everyone looked the part. Once everyone had been taken up in the trollies it was time for the wedding party to head up and we got under way. After the vows we took some more photos and the clouds rolled in just in time to take a few magical photos with Matt and Ryan (see last photo).

I wasn't there for too much of the reception but, of course, the important moments were captured. I love seeing how couple's are with each other as wedding day progresses. Love is love no matter who you choose to share it with and Matt and Ryan sure looked like they were starting an awesome new chapter of their lives together. I hope you enjoy some photos from their day! 

By the waterfall Tuxedos Strike a Pose Bowties Bridal Party The Kids Wedding Puppy On the Trolly Ceremony Time Groom Walks in Groom number two Getting Married Holding Tight The Flower Girl In the Clouds First Kiss View from Above Kiss in the Castle The Reception Space Love is Sweet Wedding Cake Mr and Mr First Dance Toasts Candid Fun Flower Girl Love Party Time Reception Candid A Moment at the Castle

Betsey and Jen had come in from New Jersey to celebrate their union at the Wolfeboro Inn on July 5th. We had met for their engagement session in Portsmouth in 2018 so it was great to have gotten to know them a little before wedding day. They opted to skip the prep photos and had planned a first look before ceremony time. This was my first same sex wedding ever so I was a little nervous. Ironically I had another the very next day which will be featured in next week's blog post. Posing a bride and groom is a little different than two brides but ultimately love is love and if they feel good together it will all fall into place. They both looked stunning and we started at the gazebo then worked our way down to the dock. They wanted all the photos done before the ceremony so they could enjoy the rest of the day which is a great way to do it.

Betsey and Jen were both escorted down the aisle by their parents as friends and family looked on. Their friend said some words and stressed the importance and acceptance of marriage equality. As I'm sure you know, the struggle has been real for same sex couples and continues to be for equal rights. I was honored to be a part of their day and am happy to be showing their love for each other through these pictures. 

The reception party started soon after the ceremony ended in the lower level ballroom of the Wolfeboro Inn. Jen danced with her dad after her and Betsey shared their first dance as wife and wife then dinner was served after some words from Betsey's mom and Jen's dad. The dancing and celebration started soon after and ended with a quiet moment at dusk down on the dock for a night shot. I hope you enjoy some photos from an awesome NH wedding at the Wolfeboro Inn! 

First Look Two Brides Two bouquets Moment Together By the Lake Ceremony Time Processional 1 Processional 2 Candid Ceremony Moment Wolfeboro Inn ceremony The Rings go on Mrs and Mrs Wedding Cake Head Table Center Pieces Wedding Rings First Dance Wife and Wife Dance with Dad Party Time Cake Cutting Ceremony Photo Booth Fun Kiss at Dusk

Christina and Mike were getting married at the Manchester Country Club in Bedford New Hampshire. I've been there several times before so I had an idea of how the day would go and what I had to work with for photos. We had our engagement session a few months earlier which always makes me feel better going into wedding day. They had also booked a second shooter so I had Kael with me to help cover the guys and assist me with the day. 

It turned out to be a really warm day in late June and thunderstorms were predicted so I was a little nervous as to how the day would pan out. The cloud cover kept the temperatures lower early on but out came the sun just in time for the ceremony and we all started to sweat! The Manchester Country Club has some great areas that cater to weddings really nicely. The balcony on the second level overlooking the golf course was set for the ceremony and the sun goes down nicely in the back which makes the light easier to work with for me. The views are exceptional. The reception space is large and clean and there are two bar areas for cocktail hour. To top it off the wedding coordinators are great with us vendors and treat us like part of the team to make sure everything goes smoothly for the couple. 

Mike has a bit of the tough guy persona but when he saw his bride walking towards him for the first time during the ceremony you could tell it was an emotional moment. She looked stunning! After they were pronounced husband and wife we got going on cocktail hour photos before it was time to party. After the first dance and toasts dinner was served followed by some games and a pretty solid dancing crowd emerged making the evening a lot of fun to be a part of. 

There weren't too many clouds in the sky but we went out at sunset and got some nice photos in the failing light. A super day with a great crowd! I hope you enjoy some photos from Christina and Mike's epic New Hampshire wedding! #mahoneyrosetotheoccasion

Love on Course

Dress reflection

Emotional Bride

Flower Girl

All Dolled Up

Visit from dad

Almost ready

Christina

Venue

Flowers

Processional

The Groom

Ring Bearer

A funny Moment

Rings

Married!

Bride and Groom

A Moment Between

Bridal Party Fun

Bouquet

Cupcakes

In with a Bang!

First Dance

Best Man Toast

Games

Father Daughter Dance

Party Time

Fun

The Dip

I did meet the couple before wedding day at Caroline's family home where the wedding was going to take place, and what a super home it is! Dover is a beautiful town and the house sits with great views right on the Piscataqua River. The reception tent was to be set up in the spacious front yard while the ceremony was to be on the lawn in the back overlooking the river. 

When I arrived their German Shepherd, Hank, came bounding over to say hello. This was a relief because if he wasn't going to say hello I could have been in some trouble! Hank is Caroline and Bill's pride and joy and very friendly and well trained. Of course he was going to be a part of the day! I took a tour of the property and got some ideas for photo spots and how the day was going to play out.

Wedding day was in June and warm with blue skies. The guys were getting ready off site so I hung with the girls (and Hank) while they got ready. Final touches were being done in the tent and at the ceremony site but everything was ready to go. Ceremony time approached and we got set for Caroline's grand entrance. She was coming in on a boat with her dad then escorted up the hill to her soon-to-be husband. Everything was going to plan until the freak hail storm came in and soaked everything for 10 minutes! It was a warm 80 degree day and yes... a hail storm rolled in! A first for me but a story to tell for sure! 

Before long everything cleared up and we got under way. Musician Chad Verbeck played some live music during the processional which was a nice touch. After the ceremony we started with family photos then did some shots with the bridal party down by the water. It's great to have a location like this for photos! With it not being a typical wedding venue you really get some one of a kind backdrops to work with.

Reception in the tent was a blast MC'd by DJ Coach and ended with a bang as fireworks were set off over the river. I hope you enjoy some photos from a super backyard wedding in Dover, NH!

The Wedding Dress

Hair Prep

Flower Girl

Group Hug

Contemplation

Ceremony Site

Grand Entrance

Important Job

Here Comes the Bride

Hand Off

Wide Shot

I do

The Kiss

Groom

Love by the water

Bridesmaids

Stroll

Home

Tables

Wedding Cake

Wedding rings

First Dance

Dance

Dance with mom

Mom and dad

Bridesmaid toast

Reactions

Bride feeds cake to the groom

Party Time

Sunset Love

We had a gorgeous day at Odiorne and wedding day was no different at The Oaks Grandview Ballroom in Somersworth, NH. I've worked there a lot and it's a great venue. Leslie, the coordinator, runs a tight ship so you know things will happen when they are supposed to. The sun was shining and the grounds were lush. A good spot photography-wise inside and out.

I started the day with Arielle in the bridal suite. Hair and makeup had been done prior so all she had to do was get into the dress. The bridal suite at The Oaks is small but offers some cool options for creative pictures with the mirrors. They also make the room look bigger than it is. 

The girls were there early enough that we got some formal photos done before ceremony time to help lighten the load during cocktail hour. The ceremony site is a great spot. It's set up on the side of the main ballroom with a view over the pond and golf course. The hedges and landscaping keep it private from the driving range and parking lot. After the vows we went down to our designated photo area with even better views of the golf course. After family photos we tried to get creative with the bridal party. I can never resist my silhouette shot up on the hill!

The reception was a party complete with the usual festivities. Cup cakes seemed to be the feature but there was a small cake that they cut before parent dances. There are always fireworks towards the end of the night which are kept as a surprise for the guests.. (Spoiler alert!). The bride and groom have a private spot for the show which makes for great photos. Leslie is great and makes sure photographers are set before the order is given to start the display.

Another happily married couple for the year! I hope you enjoy some photos from their day!

The Oaks Entrance

Wedding Dress

The Bouquet

Getting dressed

Bride's Reflection

Happy Groom

Here Comes the Bride

Ceremony

Bride

First Kiss

Bridal Portrait

On the green

Bride and groom kiss on grass

Silhouette

The Friends

The Ballroom

Cup Cakes

Center Pieces

Wedding Rings

First Dance

Best Man

Cake Cutting

Dance Floor

Big Hug

Party Time

Fireworks

It was funny because they had chosen Indian Ridge Country Club in Andover, MA as their reception venue and I could have sworn that I'd been there before. When I pulled up it was not the venue I was thinking of! I had the Tewksbury Country Club in my head for unknown reasons! Luckily I always arrive early to get situated so I gave myself a quick tour and made a plan of action. As a wedding photographer things rarely go as planned on wedding day but mistaking one venue for another was a first for me. Oh well.. I'll move on from this now lol.

Usually I start with the bride getting ready but Allison and Nick weren't too bothered with those photos so we started with the first look out on the lawn by the building. The landscaping is beautifully done at Indian Ridge and with it being an early June wedding the colors were vibrant. I set Nick up on the lawn after we got his boutonniere pinned on. Allison arrived shortly after and we got the ball rolling. 

It's always nice when couples decide to do a first look before the ceremony. We can budget more time for formal photos which dramatically reduces stress later on when time is limited. We had an hour or more before heading to the Methuen Memorial Music Hall for the ceremony.

I had never been to the Methuen Memorial Music Hall either (go figure) and boy, what a building it is! The interior is epic and has one of the biggest organs I've ever seen! The craftsmanship is amazing. It felt like it should exist somewhere in Europe! 

The ceremony was fairly short. There was no official bridal party and Allison and Nick walked down the aisle together. We did some family photos after along with some super shots of Allison. I don't always use my fisheye lens but this place was screaming for it! I was very happy with how everything came out.

After the ceremony we headed back to the Indian Ridge Country Club for the reception and I rounded out the day with some great sunset photos with the two of them overlooking the golf course. I hope you enjoy some photos from their wedding day!

Boutonniere Pinning

Bridal Portrait

First Look

Checking out the dress

A moment together

The Bride

Under the bouquet

Bridal Party

Bride in Music Hall

Methuen Memorial Music Hall

Grand Design

Processional

At the Altar

Exchange of rings

First Kiss

Indian Ridge Country Club

center piece

The Wedding Rings

Introductions

The Dance

First Dance

Toast

The Hug

Dance with Mom

Sunset Love

I met Stephane and Matt last year for their engagement session in Portsmouth, NH. Right away you could see the love between them. Although a little nervous at first they warmed up after a bit and I knew we would have some fun on wedding day. May is a beautiful time of year and luckily the weather cooperated. The girls arrived and went right up to the bridal suite which is one of the best around. Lots of space, a big couch and even a sun room at the back. The guys were across the hall in another room. 

The ceremony was off site at St. Patrick's Church in Pelham, NH so we headed over once everyone was ready to go. With Stephane's African heritage there was quite the dress worn by a lot of the guests. Bright colors and even brighter personalities! Everyone was excited and extremely prepared with their cell phone cameras! As a professional wedding photographer I cringe a little when I see the phones come out but at some point it just has to be embraced. It is now, undeniably, the world we live in! 

After the Catholic mass we headed back to Searles Castle for photos then it was time to party! The reception at Searles is in a big tent in the courtyard. I like tented receptions as it's easier to bounce light and keep things looking soft and clean. Stephane and Matt had a large guest count which made for an even more lively celebration. I got to see some traditions that were new to me like money being thrown on them for their first dance and even the parent dances later on. I wish I had cash thrown at me at my wedding! 

Everyone had a great time and Stephane even got to toss her bouquet out of the stone tower in the courtyard! Certainly a first for me but that's why it's so great to see couple's making their weddings unique to them. 

I hope you enjoy some photos from a super Searles Castle wedding!

Castle Front Doors Wedding Dress Bridesmaids Stephane Bride necklace Groomsmen antics Candid guys prep St. Patrick's Church Here Comes the Bride Bride Processional Rings Almost I'do's Just Married A kiss Outside the Church A walk at the castle Bride and Groom in Tower Bridal Party Bridesmaids bouquets The Grounds The Cake Head Table Macaroons The rings Introductions First Dance Cutting the Cake Father and Daughter dance African Traditions Party Time Bouquet Toss

I had gotten to know these two the year prior during their engagement session. They are very natural and candid together and both down to earth and easy to get a long wth with. There were some nerves for Peter on wedding day but Kait seemed more excited and ready to go. The guys and gals got ready at the Marriott in Westford, MA before heading to Gibbet Hill. Kait opted to have her mom help her into her wedding dress then let her girls in for the big reveal. There are a handful of moments during a wedding day where you get those excited and genuine reactions on people's faces and this was one of them! 

Arriving at the Barn at Gibbet Hill you can clearly see right away why someone would choose it for their wedding venue. It's a beautiful structure with rustic yet modern charm. It sits looking over the fields where the cows roam just beyond the lawn where the ceremony is set up. Inside it is a blend of rustic and modern. Tall wooden beams go up to the vaulted ceiling. There are two upper balcony areas for larger events and a good sized dance floor. On the back side there is a big deck for the cocktail hour that overlooks the lawn and fields. They keep this closed in for colder days but it's a nice space for a large amount of people.

Everything managed to stay on schedule and the ceremony got underway on time. Cocktail hour followed and I got to my formal photos with family and the bridal party. It was a fun bunch so we we enjoyed ourselves getting some nice photos of everyone but then had some candid fun too. The girls especially like to mix things up a bit and crack some jokes. 

Introductions came next followed by Kait and Peter's first dance. Toasts preceded dinner then it was time to party. We managed to squeeze in a couple of nice sunset photos too which is always great to make time for. It also gives the newly weds a breather from the fray! I hope you enjoy some photos from their big day at Gibbet Hill. 

Bride and bridesmaids on bedBride and bridesmaids getting ready in Westford MA Bride getting dressedKait getting laced up in her wedding dress by mom. Bride and bridesmaids cheersBride and bridesmaids cheersing in bridal suite at The Barn at Gibbett Hill Groom getting readyGroom gets help with tie from best man Guys helping groom get readyGroomsmen help the groom with his jacket Ceremony site at The Barn at Gibbet HillA great location for a ceremony at the Barn at Gibbet Hill Ceremony flowersThe flowers at the ceremony site at the Barn at Gibbet Hill Bride and dad during processionalDad walks the bride down the aisle at the Barn at Gibbett Hill. Wide shot of the ceremonyBetween two barrels the bride and groom prepare to exchange rings. Groom dotes on bride Funny moment during ceremonyThe justice of the peace gives the groom a big kiss. First KissThe first kiss as husband and wife. Bride by stone wallkait poses by a stone wall at The Barn on Gibbet Hill. Bride and groom formalKait and Pete on a hill Married Couple in front of venue Sunset at the Barn at Gibbet HillKait and Peter at sunset sharing a kiss. Bride and BridesmaidsKait and her girls enjoying the day Groom and GroomsmenPeter and his guys in front of the Gibbet Hill Grille. Inside the Barn at Gibbet HillInside the reception space at the Barn at Gibbet Hill. Champagne glasscustom champagne glass for the bride. Birds Eye view of first danceThe first dance between Kait and Pete Bride enjoying first dance Cake cuttingcutting the wedding cake Father and Daughter danceKait dances with her dad. Party time View of reception spaceThe reception space at The Barn at Gibbet Hill

I met Briana and Ethan last year for their spring engagement session at Durham Landing in Durham, NH. A great, outgoing couple who were so natural together for their photos that I knew wedding day would be a blast. To my surprise both of them were twins so I was curious to see how alike they were with their siblings!

Wedding day arrived and I started coverage at the Doubletree by Hilton in Andover, MA. The girls were getting ready in the conference room while the guys were up in a suite. I found a bit of a different spot than usual to hang the wedding dress: The lobby! You never know what you're going to see and want to use in photos and the Doubletree offered some really nice and clean looking spots for a dress. I opted to use a 15mm Sigma fisheye to get an even more unique perspective.

The dress went on after spending some time with the guys getting ready then it was time to head out to Wedgewood Granite Rose for the rest of the festivities. The Granite Rose has a couple of super bridal suites. They're really some of the nicer ones I've seen and offer a great area for a fairly large bridal party to prep and get the final touches done before ceremony time. The girls arrived pretty much ready to go but I did get Briana to lounge on the couch for a couple of photos :)

The skies were blue and it was a great day for an outdoor ceremony. Proud dad walked Briana down the aisle and handed off his daughter to a very happy Ethan with all his guys by his side. The rings went on and it became official!

They had a large bridal party but everyone cooperated for formal photos and we got to have some fun before it was time for introductions and dinner. The drinking photo at the bar is one of my favorites! We didn't ask permission so I hope that was ok! 

The rest of the evening was a lot of fun highlighted, for me at least, by Ethan's dad putting the garter on a girl having no idea what was happening initially. "Catching the garter? What do I do with it now??". Everyone had a good laugh at his expense but such a good sport he was!

We ended my time there with a night shop up at the gazebo. I hope you enjoy some photos from their day!

Wedding Dress hangingWedding dress hanging at the Double Tree hotel in Andover, MA Candid BridesmaidsBridesmaids in their robes having fun. Bride in MirrorBride in her dress reflected in mirror at Doubletree Hilton in Andover, MA. Bride on CouchBrianna posing on the couch at the Wedgewood Granite Rose in Hampstead, NH. Groom prepEthan gets help with his tie by his twin brother. Groom fixes tieEthan straightens his tie. Groom and groomsmenEthan and his guys ready to go on wedding day at the Granite Rose. Grooms portraitEthan poses outside the Granite Rose in Hampstead, NH. Ceremony site at Wedgewood Granite Rose Flowers on ArborA beautiful flower arrangement on the arbor at Wedgewood Granite Rose in Hampstead, NH. Brianna and her dadDad walks Brianna down the aisle. Bridesmaid Flowers Bride at the altar Groom and his groomsmen Wedding Rings Wedding RecessionalBride and groom walk down the aisle at the Wedgewood Granite Rose in Hampstead, NH. Bride and Groom portrait Wedding rings on hands Bridal Party fun Bridal Party at Bar Wedding Cake Mr and MrsThe head table Wedding Rings on Flowers First Dance Candid Bride Mother and Son Dance Cake Cutting Garter Bride Having Fun Big Group Photo Bride and Groom in Gazebo

Cocktail Hour is the time after the ceremony and before the Reception begins when the formal photos are shot. The guests mingle, eat horderves and get drinks at the bar while the wedding party and family get their photos done. 

Timing is key to getting what is needed throughout the wedding day so I always make a plan going in and make sure that when Cocktail Hour hits I've got my pre-determined list of family photos ready to go and also an idea of how to go about the bridal party photos. Even with being as prepared as possible things can always take longer than expected which often leaves me with 5 minutes to take photos of the two stars of the show before they have to get ready for introductions. Not my favorite scenario! I always try to get photos before the ceremony of the girls and guys separately to lighten the load during cocktail hour but sometimes that works out and sometimes it doesn't.

So the 'First Look'... What is it and why should we consider it?

The First Look is when the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony and opt to get most of their formal photos done ahead of time. From my point of view this is great as that leaves cocktail hour open to grab any shots we didn't get before and often to tackle family photos. This in turn gives me time to get more candids and detail shots before introductions. Obviously the more time I have to work the more photos a couple will get and without being overly rushed.

As a bride and groom why would we want to do this other than having it benefit the photographer?

The First Look is obviously based on personal preference and whether that fits in with your grand vision for the day. Often seeing the bride walking down the aisle at the ceremony is the only option and I totally respect that. On the other hand as the years have gone on I've found that couples are more and more interested in the first look for a couple of reasons:

- They think the first look is more intimate and gives them some time to spend together quietly before the whirlwind of the day takes them away.

- They would rather spend their cocktail hour mingling with their guests than spending the whole time grinding through formal photos.

- They understand that the time of day will make photos better earlier if their ceremony is scheduled later in the afternoon with the sun going down quickly afterwards.

I've found that first looks have generally been more popular in the later months due to this third reason. When October hits the sun goes down quickly in the afternoon so that alone often sways people in that direction when they are otherwise unsure of whether they want to go the 'first look' route or not.

First Looks have certainly become more practical in recent years and it's easy to see why. They are more time efficient, they reduce cocktail hour stress and allow for some time together alone before they get swept up in the craziness of their wedding day. 

As a photographer, I believe the first look is the way to go but as a couple I completely understand how it can go either way. Talk with your fiance and see what you think!

White Mountain First Look

It was another brisk November day but the sun was out and spirits were high. Kate and Spencer chose Birchwood Vineyards in Derry, NH for their venue. Birchwood has become a hotspot for weddings since it was newly taken over and renovated by Sally and Rue Nijhof a couple of years ago. In fact, the first wedding I ever shot was here when it was Promises to Keep and boy what a different place it is now! Sally and Rue are fantastic and played a big part in my wedding day back in 2011 when they ran Zorvino Vineyards. 

I arrived to the girls getting ready in the bridal suite and I could tell they were having a good time as I walked up the steps to the suite. The hair and makeup was mostly done so we grabbed some shots with them in their robes before it was time to get dressed. We had two first looks planned; one with dad and then with Spencer. This time of year the sun goes down early and quickly so I recommend first looks if your ceremony is going to be early or mid-afternoon. They're actually one of my favorite things to shoot as it's one of those moments where you really get that genuine emotion coming out. If you follow me on social media you'll know I'm a sucker for the dad and daughter photos! I have to say though, Spencer really shows it on his face more than a lot of grooms do. 

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Kate and Spencer

After the first look we battled the chill for a little longer and got some photos out in the vineyard area. The vines were a bit bare this time of year but we made it work. All of Kate and Spencer's girls and guys were a lot of fun and we managed to get some nice photos before running back inside. 

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