Intimate Summer Wedding in NH | Southern NH Wedding Photographer

As you look through the images from this intimate summer wedding featured on today’s blog, you will be shocked to learn that the beautiful scenery and landscapes seen in the photos is actually the bride’s childhood backyard! The bride and groom, Dray and Greg, had a romantic, intimate affair that had me feeling like I was in a fairy tale. The woodland backdrop, flower lined paths, and the pristine landscaping that Dray’s parents worked so hard on for the past year-and-a-half was all worth it. It was breathtaking!

Dray and Greg are both high school teachers (A.K.A. saints) who met at work. Most people agree that teachers are known for their selfless and kind nature. For Dray and Greg, that is 100% accurate! They are two of the sweetest people I’ve met. Their love and genuine kindness shines through not only in their relationship but their everyday interactions. For instance, at their wedding reception during their first dance together, they invited their siblings on the dance floor to share their first dance, as both of them had got married during the pandemic and didn’t get to have a large wedding celebration. This loving and simple gesture is just one example of many.

wedding rings on invitation from intimate summer wedding

bride and bridesmaids in matching pjs before wedding

While getting ready for their big day, Dray and Greg each opened gifts they had gotten one another. Greg gifted Dray an “H” necklace to represent her new last name, Hall! Her gift to Greg was a pocket knife with an engraved message.

Before the ceremony, we captured a photo of Dray in her wedding dress walking up the staircase of her childhood home, which she really wanted. I love that she will have this beautiful memento of her special day in the place she grew up!

bride walking up the stairs of her family home in wedding dress

Intimate Summer Wedding

Before their wedding ceremony, Dray and Greg also gave letters and gifts to their parents and wedding party. Their heartfelt words and gifts had everyone in tears. It was such a loving and sweet gesture. Dray also had a first look with her dad and brother. I love that Dray’s brother was present for this special moment as well. Next, Dray and Greg had their own private moment together for their first look.

dad and brother during first look with bride

dad's reaction to seeing his daughter for the first time on wedding day

For their stunning backyard wedding ceremony, they had a former co-worker and friend, Sarah, officiate the ceremony. Sarah also created the beautiful artwork for their custom beer cans at the wedding reception! Dray told me that Sarah was the first person who she told about Greg. Sarah was also the first person to predict that the couple would marry!

The couple exchanged the vows under a beautiful wooden arbor built by Greg’s father. Gorgeous florals decorated the arbor and lush greenery surrounded the ceremony spot, thanks to the amazing landscape work by Dray’s parents. During Dray’s vows, she said that Greg is a “quiet person who loves her loudly”, which I thought was beautifully put and another testament to their love for each other.

beautiful handmade wooden arbor decorated with florals for wedding ceremony

groom waits for bride at alter as she walks down the aisle with parents

After their joyful wedding ceremony, the newlyweds and I captured their gorgeous wedding portraits around the property. There were so many beautiful spots and the sunlight streaming through the trees only added to the beauty.

bride and groom in front of barn after wedding ceremony

groom lifts bride up under wooden arbor at intimate summer wedding

Tented Wedding Reception

Once we finished their stunning wedding portraits, the couple continued their celebration in their outdoor tented reception. Their first dance, that they shared with their siblings, was to the song, “Wonderful Tonight”, which was Dray’s parents’ song. Later in the evening, Dray, her dad, and brother put on a performance and sang/played “Invisible String” by Taylor Swift, which Dray and Greg also count as one of “their” songs.

From beginning to end their intimate summer wedding was perfect. Their wedding day was overflowing with love, bursting with joy, and filled with several timeless memories.

table setting at intimate summer wedding reception

Southern NH Photographer with newlyweds at intimate summer wedding

Dray and Greg, It was truly an honor to photograph your magical day! Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of it and I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness!