There is just something about a summer wedding in New England. Maybe it is the humidity, the longer days, the blooming hydrangeas and the smell of salt air; but there is absolutely nothing that makes me happier (and sweatier) than shooting tent weddings in New Hampshire.
Aubrey inquired after I photographed her brother's wedding during a Nor'Easter six months before. It is always more comfortable when I have already met a lot of the family and guests; which means I can take a step back and really shoot intentionally.
The Westbrook Inn, a newer venue in Derry, New Hampshire is the perfect backdrop for any wedding. With great lighting indoors and plenty of room on the grounds for portraits; there is also a tent for parties on the lawn. I enjoyed the staff and venue so much that I am looking forward to shooting there again next year and still talk to the coordinators often. 10/10 reccomend for my New England couples.
I also got to work alongside my Floral soulmate Ali with Fern Floral NH. She and I are like peanut butter and jelly and her sustainable florals always make me gasp.
The simple details of Aubrey's wedding dress were so reminiscent of classic bridals. There was a lot of connection and emotion at this wedding; especially during the private vows under The Westbrook Inn's beautiful tree on the lawn. Aubrey gave Josh a banjo as a gift; while Josh had beautiful jewlery made from Aubrey's grandmother's who had passed.
This summer had the best range of Hydrangea blooms I had seen in years in New England and so I couldn't resist photographing them constantly!
I don't even care that Josh blinked. Film isn't perfect, no human being is perfect; but the shadows dancing on Aubrey's dress were irresistable.
As a photographer, I am really starting to slow down in the way I shoot. A sense of calm came over me on this day and I was really looking at the love between Aubrey and Josh. Not only were tears of joy shed (mostly by Josh lol) but there were so many ways for me to document this day without being too involved. Sometimes, backing up and being a documentarian reflects more emotion between the specks of grain on film.
My 2025 New England calendar is mostly full; but 2026 is ready for more intimate weddings on film like these.
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