Ahh, New Hampshire lake wedding photography (err…New Hampshire lake elopement. Or is it NH kayak wedding?)! Any way you look at it, “You may have to be in a kayak taking photos” is always music to our ears. And also starts us in a match of Rock-Paper-Scissors to see who gets the coveted role. Almost always ending in Keith admitting that he’s not as confident a kayaker anyway.
That should answer the question of “Can you photograph from a boat?” And also leads in to our version of an ideal wedding. (Okay, there are actually a few, but they all involve being outside!) Imagine a small gathering of your immediate family for a full weekend, to celebrate a quiet New Hampshire lake elopement. Spending the weekend in the lake house, on the water, and enjoying amazing food. We can’t think of many better ways to commemorate the union of two amazing people.
Michael and David originally planned on their elopement being a Covid prelude to the main event. A party in their hometown of New York, with live music and dance performances was to be the ultimate declaration of their relationship. David and Michael met online five years prior. David is an orchestral conductor, originally from Alabama. Michael, from San Diego, has left behind his legal work to embark on a fiction writing career. Together, they live in Tribeca, in one of the most creative cities in the world.
Michael’s sister in law owns the Ledge Pond house in Sunapee, NH, but was unable to make it due to pregnancy. There’s nothing we love more than listening to loons calling across a lake. And falling asleep below the window overlooking the water, we were in heaven hearing their shrill calls.
David and Michael took full advantage of a small New Hampshire lake wedding. With a full morning of sunrise kayaking photography. Then family time with paddle boating, SUP, kayaks, and swimming. Their ceremony had no officiant, and took place on the dock. Meaning our ability to photograph was rather limited. So, one of us stayed on land to get photos from the shore, while the other hopped in the kayak for a different angle. Next time you’re in a kayak, try paddling silently, and you’ll get an idea of the challenge!
Afterwards, we had a private session of wedding photography at the Fells Estate in Newry, NH. And while we could have spent all evening there, a semi-private dinner awaited at the Inn at Pleasant Lake wedding patio. But the most special part of a NH lake wedding weekend for us is the time spent together. We truly get to become a part of the family, and there’s no greater honor. As we build relationships, it enhances our ability to authentically tell the story of the weekend. And we leave with full hearts, inside jokes, and dreams of owning a lake house.
Sadly, Covid canceled the big celebration in New York, which we were thrilled to be joining. But, we are excited to continue following the creative pursuits of Michael and David. And have no doubt we’ll be seeing them again. Maybe next time Keith can win the kayak role.
Location: Ledge Pond, Sunapee NH
Photo Session: The Fells Estate, Newry NH
Dinner: Inn at Pleasant Lake
Attire: Bindle & Keep
