It’s no surprise to us that it took a while for Amy & Tom to arrive at their wedding in the White Mountains. They are both the unassuming types. Enjoying the small moments in life and not trying to make anything happen unnaturally. So naturally we were honored when they asked us to be their Waterville Valley wedding photographers.
Tom had been on OK Cupid about a year and a half. So had Amy. They were both about to give up. Then Tom saw Amy had looked at his profile.
It’s also not a surprise that Amy hadn’t written Tom upon first view. She naturally would have to think about it for a while to weigh out the pros and cons then formulate a well versed response.
Amy grew up an “army brat” joining her sister in a worldwide childhood as their parents relocated every few years. While New England is her father’s home base, Amy’s upbringing revolved around Japan, South Korea and Hawaii. It wasn’t until college that she ended up in Boston.
Tom enjoyed a slightly more traditional childhood, growing up in Southern New Hampshire. Enjoying the White Mountains, lakes and ocean, Hawaii was never even on his radar. He went to the University of New Hampshire for college before ending up in the Boston area.
Their first in person meeting was at the Starlight Lounge in Somerville, MA. Tom walked in, saw Amy and turned around. Ok, it wasn’t quite like that. He didn’t recognize her as her hair was up, while it had been down in all her online photos.
From there it all seemed so natural. Tom took three long days to call Amy after the first date. After the third date Tom was sent to CA for work and Amy told him she missed him.
They fit well into each other’s families. They created hobbies together. From camping to skiing and now hiking the 48 4,000 footers in the White Mountains.
Through their love of the outdoors it was obvious they needed to have their wedding in the mountains. A Waterville Valley Resort wedding was the perfect choice so friends and family could stay the whole weekend. And there were plenty of recreational opportunities.
Waterville Valley Resort is one of our favorite White Mountain wedding venues for a reason. It’s a valley town bursting with activity, an oasis surrounded by 770,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest. Nearby Welch-Dickey mountains for a fun 3 hour hike with amazing 360º views. Oceola Arbor for a private lakeside ceremony location with mountain views. Snow’s Mountain accessed by a chair lift for a perfect first look and group photo location. Legends Bar, a campfire by Corcoran Pond, SUP and paddle boating, Mad River, Cascade Falls, Osceola Mountain, and dinner at Coyote Grill. And all of this is within walking distance! The resort offers private areas for wedding guests only, from the ceremony location, campfire area, to the Speakeasy Lounge and reception tent nestled by the river. We never tire of spending time here in any season, and were so excited for Amy & Tom’s choice!
Amy & Tom aren’t the loudest ones at a party or the ones to invite you to go sky diving in your underwear in the middle of winter (is that allowed?) But they will be the first ones you call when you need a friend. And they will be the ones who show up no matter what.
When we let them know of our random travels to Boston, they make time to see us. And we always leave their presence with a sense of fulfillment. These two are the ones you want in your corner for life.
Amy’s sister Joyce pointed this out perfectly when she spoke of her daughter’s potty training. Amelia desperately wanted to show Tom was she could do. And Tom didn’t hesitate to follow Amelia to the bathroom, dutifully turn his back and be there for all her proud releases.
Wedding day was completely reflective of the couple. It showed up in all its beauty with not a single complaint about storminess the night before. Releasing a blanket of morning fog to reveal a natural perfection in blue skies and mountains.
Amy & Tom shared their emotional first look at the end of a ski lift overlooking mountains. Their closest friends joined and then it was off to the ceremony. Amy’s brother in law Andrew officiated, also telling stories about the couple. Halloween was how he knew Amy & Tom were right for one another.
Their first year together they went to a friend’s Halloween party. No light event, this came with a challenge and an award for best costume. Amy & Tom went as a bride and groom from Beetlejuice and owned that competition. The next year, Joyce, Amy’s sister, asked if Amy & Tom could babysit while her and Andrew enjoyed a rare parent’s night out. Without hesitation Amy & Tom agreed, even though it was the same evening as their Halloween party and had been planning for the past year to defend their title. Andrew knew Tom was family when the two showed up to babysit in full costume with supplies to help the nieces make their own costumes.
You won’t ever hear Amy or Tom speak badly about someone. Nor have we ever heard them reflect negativity. They are appreciative and happy and that becomes contagious.
We are extremely lucky to have them in our lives and can’t wait to hike some 4,000 footers with them after their return from an Italy honeymoon!
Waterville Valley wedding photographers details:
Waterville Valley Resort – Venue & Catering
Lara Keefe – Hair & Makeup
Andrew Joyce – Officiant
Willowby by Watters – Bridal Gown
Cole Haan – Bride’s Shoes
BHLDN, Hitherto – Bridesmaids’ Dresses
Men’s Warehouse– Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire
M.K. Benatti Jewelers – Bride’s Ring
Bernard Jewelers – Groom’s Ring
Sowa Entertainment – DJ
ElloThere – Stationery
Lotus Floral Designs – Flowers
Herko Imagery – Videography
Jacques Fine European Pastries – Cake
Are you looking for Waterville Valley wedding photographers? Or are you planning another equally awesome wedding? We’d love to chat with you and learn more about your wedding plans. Here’s where you can contact us!!
