At this point, we may need consider endorsing OK Cupid! Amanda & Tara are yet another story of the online dating site and we can personally vouch for the success! After a 2-year engagement and a home they’ve created with their golden retriever, four cats and a chinchilla, their White Mountains Wedding is the cherry on the top. Everything about their Waterville Valley Resort wedding was a reflection of their tremendous combination of two amazing personalities.
Amanda’s parents are from Lewisburg West Virginia but she grew up in Illinois. It’s easy to confuse were she is from, since she is in the Coast Guard and seems to have hit many corners of the US. In the service over nine years, she was stationed in Kodiak, Alaska, Boston and now Portsmouth, NH. It’s turned into a fulfilling career and one she is excited to follow through until retirement. The only downside is the distance is creates between her and Tara.
Tara grew up in Holliston, MA. Going to Lesley University and now living in Taunton, she is definitely a New Englander in every way. She works for the family construction company in Rhode Island, and while far from Amanda during the week, they have a wonderful lake house in Holderness, NH where they escape to for quality time with their golden retriever, Duke.
Amanda is full of energy and always smiling, with a snarky sense of humor, strong sense of loyalty and outgoing love of adventure. Tara might seem a bit more quiet and reserved, more contemplative, organized and compassionate. Put her in the same room as Amanda and these two feed off one another’s energy and create an amazing amount of fun.
Their first date was at a bowling alley. Tara chose the location, possibly a strategic move knowing that Amanda was a former bowling champion. Her plan proved a success as Amanda won that night’s competition at the alley and ended with their first kiss in the parking lot. Tara further won over Amanda’s heart by showing up at her place for their second date with a 6-pack of beer rather than the more traditional bouquet of flowers.
Our first encounter was not too far from this level of charm. We met at Book N Bar in Portsmouth on a Friday night after Amanda’s work week there had completed. And instantly, we were captivated by their love of life and infectious smiles. We like to keep things professional, but were quickly laughing and letting the jokes fly. When we asked about their wedding they said, “There won’t be anything gay.” Um, what? “Like a rainbow cake.” Which started the posts back and forth of tacky wedding paraphernalia.
Their engagement session didn’t deviate as goofiness came out full force and Duke showed us how goldens make up for their lack of brilliance through devotion and unlimited moments of cuteness. The bowtie he wore may have sealed the deal!
Amanda is one who doesn’t hold back. Some may say she could use a verbal filter, but we find her exuberance and honesty downright awesome! She was the first to say “I love you”, while Tara worked her way up to it. Tara fills in the blanks perfectly by grounding Amanda, and bringing some logic to her impulsiveness. And after seeing how they were able to co-create a wedding, we’re expecting to see them start-up as wedding planners!
Tara may get teased for her spreadsheets, but together they were able to create something beyond amazing. With wooden chargers made by Amanda’s parents, and oodles of Pinterest inspiration made into reality (including a gift they made for us, which nearly brought us to tears!) Amanda and Tara have inspired us, with their love for adventure, devotion to friends and family, and amazing ability to always smile and make us feel appreciated, loved and valued!
If there was a friend version of OK Cupid, we would promote their profile and tell everyone they need to become their friends! We’re pretty sure Amanda will loose the fight to move back to Kodiak Alaska, but wherever they end up we hope to visit often!
Their honeymoon in Turks and Caicos was a well deserved break from wedding planning. From snorkeling to conch shell hunting, lizard chasing and beach lounging, they celebrated Tara’s birthday and recharged their spirits. But honestly, we have a hard time imagining them ever lacking in energy!
As life returns to normal after the wedding, we have no doubts the adventures will be continuing! Thank you, to two amazing women who made us a part of such an incredible celebration and will be a part of our home forever! We’ll see you and Duke in the mountains!
Waterville Valley Resort Wedding Venue Details:
Waterville Valley Resort Wedding – New Hampshire White Mountains Wedding Venue
Lotus Floral Designs – Florist
BHLDN – Tara’s Gown
Casablanca – Amanda’s Gown
125 Bridal – Bridal Shop
Jenny Yoo– Bridesmaids Dresses
Men’s Warehouse – Groomsmen’s Attire
Joya Beauty – Makeup
JMC Weddings – Hair
Ken & Dana Designs – Rings
Minted – Stationery
Silver Birch – Videographer
Jacques Fine European Pastries – Cake
Greg of Sowa Entertainment – DJ
Are you looking for a wedding photographer for your Waterville Valley Resort Wedding venue or other equally epic adventure? Send us a message, we’d love to hear all about your plans.
