Caroline and Bill were enthusiastic to book me as their wedding photographer after having just a phone call. They signed the contract that same day! It's important to shop around when looking for wedding photographers, or any vendor for that matter, but it makes me feel good when a couple is enthusiastic and knows that I am a good fit for them. I always strive to work with my clients and not just for them. You have the wedding photos at the end of the day but you will also have the memories and I will be a part of those too like it or not!
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!