We can all agree that the wedding industry is shifting quickly. Many couples are taking the road less planned for their weddings versus the traditional 250+ ones. What I mean by that is that many are scaling down their guest lists, but not their budgets. Spending more money on what matters them; quality over quantity. I wanted to showcase how you can have the most amazing wedding weekend whether you have a guest list of 8 or 75.
This styled shoot was all about love and connection. I called this shoot, "Something Green in the White Mountains." The "something green" represented my favorite color as well as the color of the heart chakra. Green was shown in Martin's suit, the napkins, Amanda's earrings, and pops in the floral arrangements with white being the foundational color. White symbolizes a blank canvas; a new start; the new beginning of a forever bond. The pops of green were to show that love and life are all around the couple in abundance during their wedding weekend. I also included the jade stone which made an appearance in the flat lay as well as my grandmother's jade ring that is featured in all of my styled shoots. To capture the magic of the whole weekend, one of the photographers Marissa of Marissa Young Photography was there the entirety of the weekend events.
Friday: Arrival Day for guests
Guests were greeted to a homey airbnb stay with a fully stocked fridge upon arrival. After the guests settled in, they headed over to the Mountain View Grand Resort for dinner. After dinner and drinks, most guests retired for the night while others enjoyed a beverage by the bonfire at the airbnb.
Saturday: The Wedding Day
Breakfast was served for guests including birch benders pancakes, berry platter, and freshly brewed coffee. The guests then went for a hike nearby which allowed us to begin transforming the space for the ceremony and dinner reception, and allow the couple to begin getting ready and do a first look before the guests returned for the ceremony.
The bride's look was kept simple yet elegant and timeless. Amanda wore a simple updo with a staple headband, and emerald earrings for the touch of green. Her makeup was natural yet subtly bold to bring out Amanda's already gorgeous features. The gown was sleek and simple to keep the timeless theme going, and an added white faux fur shawl for some of the outdoor photos.
The groom's look was an evergreen suit with a floral pocket instead of a boutonnière. I went with no tie to keep the look simple and more laid back.
The first look took place on the porch inside so they could stay warm while still getting the insane background of the mountains.
The ceremony took place outside with a breathtaking backdrop of the White Mountains. Amanda and Martin said their vows, and shared their first kiss surrounded by a half-moon floral display.
The tablescape for the dinner reception overlooked the mountains and ceremony florals. It was the perfect size farm table. The table was set with simple white plates, white goblet glassware, silver and crystal flatware, and evergreen napkins. A simple yet grand floral display included mainly white dried and real florals with feathers and moss.
When the guests sat down for dinner, I wanted them to know how important they were to the bride and groom. Each place setting had their own petit cake, and surprises on their plates. At first glance, guests would find their place card, menu card, and cake. When they picked up their menu card, a personalized letter was revealed explaining why they were chosen to be a guest for their wedding weekend with an explanation of a gift from the couple (quite the twist, I know). Under the letter was a mountain sugar cookie in case they didn't have enough sweets to satisfy them after dinner.
Once finished with dinner, Amanda and Martin cut their wedding cake, shared cookies, popped champagne, and gave a toast thanking their guest for their friendship.
After the toast, I pulled Amanda and Martin away for some more portraits of just the two of them. They shared cake and drank the rest of their champagne in mugs by the indoor fire. Amanda wore Martin's suit coat and her fuzzy slippers while snuggling up on the faux fur rug. It was a vibe that I think every bride and groom should be able to experience on their wedding weekend. They then shared a private dance on the porch as the day moved into night while I got a bonfire going outside.
The night concluded over high noons and soulful conversations. The late night snacks of choice were s'mores and pizza I ordered from a local shop. Oh...and one must not forget about ending the night with a sparkler dance. The guests surrounded the couple for a magical dance from music on a bose speaker. It was intimate. It was memorable. It was elopement perfection.
Sunday: Relaxation, Hiking, Departure Day
Breakfast was leisurely served while guests enjoyed each other's company over that breathtaking mountain view whether it was at the table or out by the still smoking fire. After the morning R&R and packing up their belongings, the adventurous guests headed out for a hike on a trail nearby while others headed to Littleton (20 min drive) to explore and try out the brewery there. Guests said their goodbyes which are never fun, yet knowing that the memories they made over that glorious wedding weekend will stay with them for a lifetime made it that much less painful.