Camp weddings are hands down some of the most fun weddings we have ever been to (yes, even the ones we are “working”!) Basically, the couple gets to relive their childhood with their closest friends and family for an entire weekend…and no camp counselors! In the case of Samantha’s camp wedding, this was more than true as she had attended New Hampshire’s Camp Takodah as a child.

Camp Wedding in New Hampshire
Camp Wedding in New Hampshire
Lakeside camp wedding
Cozy camp wedding in NH


Friday afternoon starts the fun as everyone converges at the camp. Samantha and John’s two stars, her mom, Lynn and their dog, Molly (with a mysteriously blue belly) oversaw the rehearsal before celebrating with a buffet dinner, ice cream truck and campfire.

camp wedding fun
camp wedding cups
ice cream truck at wedding
bride and groom at ice cream truck
wedding camp fire


With each cabin settled in with sleeping bags, a range of casual to fancy clothes and plenty of games, the night was long and laughter echoed through the woods.

cabin at camp wedding
lake view at camp takodah wedding
breakfast at camp takodah wedding


Wedding day began with fog skimming the lake, a few Dirty Dancing moments and hefty appetites (and a sideshow of pajama onesies!) Now it’s time to tell you a bit about the couple being celebrated!

groom with guitar before wedding


No, not John and Molly (although she’s an awesome dog!) Samantha is where it all began. Way back in junior high she met John and crush-at-first-sight began. However, not much more than a few slow dances in 8th grade were shared before Samantha transferred to Dublin High, leaving John with no number to call. Her journey began, with adventures back packing through Europe, kayaking down the Sea of Cortes and eventually graduating from Keene State with a degree in Geography.

bride prep camp wedding
bride camp wedding
camp wedding flowers
wedding hugs
camp wedding bridesmaids

John moved on past his down trodden heart, venturing into the world of motocross and then joining the Army, serving two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He then moved to Phoenix for five years.

groom at camp wedding

Wait, wait! John’s not getting off this easy! Let’s not forget to reveal what was really going on around the camp while Samantha and the other ladies were hard at work getting ready and decorating the reception hall!

fun swimming at camp wedding
fun swimming at camp wedding
lawn games at camp wedding
barbecue at camp wedding


I mean, this is the fun of camp weddings, right? Lawn games, swimming, canoeing, trespassing…the usual. Anyway, on to 2012 when John returned to New Hampshire and a mutual friend reconnected him with Samantha. It was as though time had stood still and their connection remained innocent and pure, bursting to be renewed.

groom tie
groomsmen at camp wedding


And so the road to Camp Wedding Extravaganza 2015 began, filled with hiking, travel, tons of Molly love and adventure along the way! Leading to a Takodah convergence with an extremely fun-loving crowd!

guests at camp wedding
wedding sign
Blog-Compass
bride and father at camp wedding
first look at camp wedding

Samantha and John based their ceremony off The Road Ahead, written by her grandfather. Officiated by a friend, many organic elements were integrated into the ceremony, with a family-built stone cairn, sage burning and words of love and wisdom.

camp wedding details
wedding cairn
camp wedding ceremony
camp wedding details
bride and groom camp wedding


And so the union was born, in a wood surrounded by late afternoon sun, a lifetime of memories and a family spanning beyond that of blood.

chapel ceremony site at camp takodah
camp wedding first kiss
camp wedding pictures
camp wedding pictures
camp wedding party
camp wedding group hug


While guests met in the warmth of the boat house for cocktails, Samantha and John enjoyed a few moments of solitude to absorb the long awaited reason for celebration. It’s here where we revisited the “power pose”, throwing arms into the air and gratefully receiving all the earth’s many wonders and joys. (We learned this one during the engagement session and have busted it out on more than a few mountain tops since!)

camp wedding celebration
bride and groom portrait at camp wedding
bride and groom fun
bride and groom on dirt road

Another reason why we adore camp weddings, especially in New England, is for the gorgeous settings with woods, lake and many recreational opportunities. Sam and John chose the lake to stage a little reenactment.

bride and groom american gothic camp wedding
camp wedding rings


Then it was off to the reception in the camp’s main dining hall, decorated with handmade centerpieces, messages in bottles, and honey gifts from the family farm.

wooden wedding details
wedding details
honey wedding favors
camp wedding reception
camp wedding first dance

So began a night of rambunctious fun, with dancing, a guest appearance by Camp Takodah’s awesome staff and the party spilling out of the hall for an evening under the stars.

camp wedding cake
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Congratulations to a couple whose sense of adventure and love of life is infectious! Their road has been paved with the love of many!

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Are you having a camp wedding? They are probably the most relaxed, enjoyable wedding you could possibly plan! Tons of time with friends and family rather than trying to squeeze all that love and fun in to six hours. We would love to chat with you about it,  head over to our contact page, and send us a note.

Camp Wedding Vendors

Camp Takodah – Venue
Memorable Events NH – Planning
Sarah Mustin Flowers – Flowers
Doug Boucher of Sowa Entertainment – DJ
Emily Megas-Russell  – Officiant
Maggie Sottero – Bridal Dress
Sugar Bits – Bridesmaids Dresses
Modern Bride – Bridal Shop
Jamie Teague – Catering and Cake
Betsy at B & B Style Salon – Hair
Jeni Skin Care – Makeup
Mister Frosty – Ice Cream Truck
Stoneman Custom Jewelers – Rings

Kate & Keith Photography! – Having a camp wedding? Or other equally awesome wedding? We’d love to be your wedding photographers!