Melissa and Elliot’s Jackson, New Hampshire wedding weekend embodied all of the reasons we LOVE it when we get the opportunity to capture the more complete story that unfolds over the entirety of the celebratory weekend.

We always take time to get to know more about our couples than just their wedding plans, but in this case, beginning with the bridal shower and welcome party, we’re able to begin to get to know Melissa and Elliot’s community of loved ones, too. We take note of the infinite ways their community surrounds and supports them. Then we begin to weave those individual threads into the story of their wedding. This strengthens our ability to catch the nuances of those threads throughout the wedding itself. To lend their story more depth and breadth. All the way into Monday as their entire guest list rotates through brunch at the local diner to offer a few more hugs and well wishes before departing.
But before we dive into all of the details of Melissa and Elliot’s Jackson, New Hampshire, wedding weekend, we have to share a little bit about these two incredible people and their story!
Snowboarding and Bonding
Our first hint that these two were going to be awesome was when Melissa listed “snowboarding the back glades in Japan” as her favorite adventure. Yes and yes. (Also, they live in New Jersey and I looooove to bond with people who share my roots in the Garden State!)
After working in sister science labs and knowing each other professionally for years, Melissa and Elliot began getting to know each other on a personal level. When Melissa’s lab shut down “The Bourbon Club” began as a way to keep everyone connecting socially since they no longer saw each other down the hall.
It was there that they discovered their shared love of SNL. And then went on a date to Asbury Park. And then another tailgating at a Princeton game. (Did we mention that these to are so. much. fun?)
Eventually there was a 4th of July proposal in Schuller Park.
We all know where this is leading right?
To a gorgeous, fall, Jackson, New Hampshire, wedding weekend of course!
While Elliot might not be as into snowboarding as Melissa is (she’s traveled the world in search of great powder and backcountry adventure!), he has a deep love for and family ties to the White Mountains and it was important to both of them to bring the outdoors and the mountains of New England into their weekend. After an unusually warm early autumn, we got lucky and hit peak foliage right in time for their wedding weekend! It created a stunning backdrop to all of their events and was the epitome of why they were so committed to making their weekend so tied to the outdoors and the mountains.
They kicked off the weekend with a welcome party pig roast for their guests that followed golf and a bridal shower.
Between the fiery golds and oranges and reds of the maples and the perfect weather, it set the tone for all of the laughter and hugs and real-ness that defined the entire weekend. We love having the chance to capture all of the initial greetings and excitement as everyone arrives- it just gives us added layers and dimension to our couple’s wedding story that helps it feel that much more complete and well rounded.
On their wedding day, Melissa and Elliot chose to do a first look on the iconic covered bridge. This gave them a chance to connect to each other in a more private and quiet way before the big celebrations began. In addition to providing a great opportunity for some classic portraits.
And- bonus!- Elliot had a personal connection to some property that offered stunning views of the White Mountains and was exactly what we had in mind when we began brainstorming locations for their portraits! It fit the bill perfectly and we were able to create images that truly captured the magic of autumn in the Whites and created
From there, it was on to the outdoor ceremony at Whitney’s (don’t you love the old fireplace?!).
These two brought so much personality to their vows and ceremony and their guests were engaged in every way. It was truly so special and personal and really reflected each of them as well as their partnership. Of course, it was a blast! I mean, do people ever have solemn wedding ceremonies? Our couples always fill theirs to overflowing with joy and we love every second of it!.
From signature cocktails tied to their early days, to toasts that had everyone laughing and crying, the reception was as authentic and full of personality as the rest of their weekend!
There were cocktails outside in the crisp fall evening and late night snacks to keep the revelers’ energy up. And in case you feared that Melissa and Elliot had gone allllll New England, they brought a little Jersey with them in the form of their band, who kept their guests groovin’ all night long!
Melissa and Elliot’s Jackson, New Hampshire, wedding weekend didn’t stop there.
It continued right into the next morning as they hosted a morning after brunch at the local favorite, Yesterday’s.
Despite the energy spent putting the dance floor to very good use, Melissa and Elliot’s guests all filtered through the brunch the next day. We were there to capture the hugs that held on an extra minute and the bursts of laughter over the antics of the evening before.
Each piece of a wedding weekend carries its own energy. The anticipation and buzz of the rehearsal or welcome dinner. The full spectrum of the wedding day. The ease and casual joy of the morning after brunch.
Being a part of all of the events of the weekend allows us to tell the story in its fullness, capture that energy in all its many facets. There’s added dimension, added depth, as we layer each aspect into the story.
And we love every single one.
Melissa and Elliott, your weekend was truly spectacular. Thank you for trusting us and being such wonderful “collaborators” throughout the process and weekend. It was an honor and a pleasure!
Now…check out just a few of our favorite images from Melissa and Elliot’s Jackson, New Hampshire, wedding weekend!

The welcome party pig roast took advantage of the gorgeous location and perfect fall day!




How cute are these honey favors from Wolgast Farms in New Jersey?


Casual enough for a little lawn football…









…but formal enough to include full-contact cake cutting!


When it came to dancing shoes, “Comfort above all else,” was Melissa’s war cry! (How gorgeous are these comfortable, danceable shoes??)


Special family jewelry and outdoorsy stationery? Yes, please!








Did you know that our Lobster Van is a multi-purpose vehicle? It not only makes for a mean adventure mobile, but it serves as


The covered bridge is classic New England. Especially with those fall colors!


Having a first look provides such a great opportunity to connect to one another and get grounded together before the big stuff gets underway…

Look at that fall foliage!






Seriously, is there any place better than New England for autumn color? And we’re extra partial to the White Mountains here in New Hampshire!




















Rock on, Melissa. We love your sense of humor!



Laughing couples + amazing stone fireplaces (complete with fire!) = very, very happy photographers.



Taking the first kiss to dip-level greatness!

Married!!











Whitney’s and The Shovel Handle created such a warm and inviting space- rustic and beautiful, elegant without any stuffiness…




Telling a little bit of their story through chalkboard signs and signature cocktails!



Cheers!



P. Funk North kept the dance floor packed all night!



When the wedding weekend doesn’t end with the reception…the fun continues with brunch!











We worked with so many great vendors over the course of Melissa & Elliot’s wedding weekend!
Check them out:
WEDDING VENUE:Whitney’s Inn | WELCOME DINNER VENUE:Linderhof Country Club | BRUNCH VENUE:Yesterday’s | HAIR:Root Cellar | MAKEUP:Self | BRIDAL SHOP:David’s Bridal | GOWN DESIGNER:Jewel | BRIDE’S SHOES:Naturalizer(“comfort above all else!” said Melissa) | RINGS:Tim Psaledakisfrom North Conway | JEWELRY: her mom’s wedding jewelry | GROOM’S ATTIRE:Men’s Clothing Center, East Brunswick NJ | STATIONERY:Vistaprint | FLORIST:Gorham House Florist | BAND:P. Funk North(from NJ) | VIDEOGRAPHER:Derrick Fortin | CEREMONY MUSICIAN:Mountain Aire Strings | BAKERY:The Sugarmaker Bakery | CATERING:Whitney’s Inn | LATE NIGHT FOOD: pizza from The Shannon Door | CAKE TOPPER:WM Couture Designs | GUEST BOOK/PUZZLE: Cat and Bear Creations | MAPLE SYRUP FAVORS: Davis Farm, Jackson NH | HONEY FAVORS: Wolgast Farms, Somerset NJ