A New England barn wedding venue is far from a fad for Kelly & Joe. Despite their having briefly lived in California, they are New Englanders to the core, and completely in love with all the adventure and activities the area provides. In fact, their love for the outdoors was how they met.
Kelly grew up in New Hampshire, an avid bicyclist. In college she competed and while she is too modest to admit, she was ranked 9th in the country as a cyclist. While her career took her into science, her love for biking continued recreationally and led her to a biking club in Southern New Hampshire.
Joe grew up in New England as well, and while also working indoors in the computer tech world, is passionate about his time off. His love for biking, hiking and anything outside led him to take notice when the new girl joined his mountain biking club. Kelly, being a vibrant, highly intelligent, athletic woman will make most anyone turn their head in her direction. The fact that she is gorgeous is icing on the cake.
So Joe made it his mission to create an impromptu “random” encounter. Knowing Kelly was biking at the Horse Hill Nature Preserve in Merrimack, NH Joe set off on his bike hoping to cross paths. Well done, Joe! He literally ran into her at a trail intersection which began the casual conversation leading to a first date.
Two and a half years later, mid-winter, Joe proposed at that same intersection. The science brain in Kelly engaged, she did her research and within three days had a wedding dress and meeting with us!
We originally met Kelly & Joe while photographing her twin sister’s wedding at Saint Anselm College in NH two years prior. Their connection stood out back then in the early stages of their relationship. They have an enormous respect for their environment, visiting as many National Parks as possible, choosing a Moissanite ring over a diamond due to the the conflict within the industry, and responsibly enjoying as much outdoor recreation as possible. Their compassion extends deeply towards the friends in their lives, Joe literally willing to give the shirt off his back.
And while they could easily have a large wedding showdown, it wouldn’t be reflective of who they are. The thought of a backyard DIY wedding appealed more. So they began their search for a low key barn, the kind that isn’t a venue made to look like a barn, but an actual “animals used to live here” kind of barn. After much searching, they landed the perfect spot in Sandwich, NH a short distance from Squam Lake where they had their first look.
Aside from catering, we were the only vendor at their wedding. Kelly & Joe skipped their engagement session in exchange for a few hikes. We enjoyed a hike at Horse Hill, the scene of the proposal, and another at Mine Falls Park in Nashua. There was very little wedding talk, and much more laughing and learning about these two down to earth amazing people. By the time wedding day rolled around, we felt as though these were two old friends. Staying in the farmhouse the night before, meeting their friends, making breakfast together and helping set up for the big event, we blended in pretty seamlessly.
We worked around rain delays, frolicked with the sheep, and borrowed the neighbor’s ATV for Kelly’s mud-free delivery to the alter. Then we danced the afternoon away with her dad shaking Polaroids to Outkast. It’s been awesome to get the email updates of their Flickr account as they roamed Vermont for a bike-friendly honeymoon. Every time we see something bicycle related we think of them, and we get excited for our next hiking opportunity. We love you Kelly & Joe!!!!
So many fun barn wedding ideas filled the air at Partridge Hill Farm!! The main entrance barn door served as the perfect backdrop for a makeshift photo booth. A tandem bicycle with a long Rhode Island Craigslist story and worked double duty as a prop. String lights and rustic charm were everywhere, and there were no strict schedules or stress to get in the way of the fun!
Intimate Barn Wedding Venue Details:
Partridge Hill Farm – Barn Wedding Venue
Common Man Spa – Hair & Makeup
The Flowersmiths – Flowers
Maggie Sottero – Bride’s Gown
Marry & Tux Bridal – Bridal Shop
Vera Wang – Groom’s Attire
Men’s Warehouse – Groom & Groomsmen’s Shop
David’s Bridal – Bridesmaid’s Dresses
Charles & Colvard – Engagement Ring
Bliss Bakery & Market – Cake
Common Man – Catering
Are you looking for a Sandwich, NH wedding photographer? or dreaming of an equally epic weekend wedding at a New Hampshire barn wedding venue? Give Kate & Keith Photography a call!!!
