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](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2023.jpg)
![bride and bridesmaids in matching pjs before wedding](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2026.jpg)
![MOH helping bride with jewelry](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2039.jpg)
![wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2025.jpg)
![bride getting her wedding dress on with her mom](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2028.jpg)
![bride putting on her earings](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2029.jpg)
![best man helps groom with jacket](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2022.jpg)
![groom getting ready for NH Wedding](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2024.jpg)
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.
![groom opens pocket knife](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2020.jpg)
![engraved pocket knife to groom](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2021.jpg)
![bride opening wedding gift from groom](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2027-scaled.jpg)
![necklace from groom](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2040-scaled.jpg)
![](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2049-scaled.jpg)
![gift to mom from bride](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2032.jpg)
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](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2053-scaled.jpg)
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](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2030.jpg)
![dad's reaction to seeing his daughter for the first time on wedding day](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2041-scaled.jpg)
![brother hugs his sister](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2042-scaled.jpg)
![bride and groom share first look before intimate summer wedding ceremony](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2043.jpg)
![intimate summer wedding](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2044-scaled.jpg)
![couple walking along flower lined path during first look moment](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2047-scaled.jpg)
![bride and groom during first look](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2031.jpg)
![bride and groom before intimate summer wedding](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2048-scaled.jpg)
![groom kisses his bride's cheek](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2046.jpg)
![bride and groom portraits from intimate summer wedding](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2045-scaled.jpg)
![Bride wedding dress and bouquet](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2037.jpg)
![wedding party from intimate summer wedding in Conway NH](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2033.jpg)
![wedding party stand behind bride and groom as they kiss before intimate summer wedding](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2034.jpg)
![groomsmen and groom before wedding ceremony](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2050-scaled.jpg)
![bride and bridesmaids hold wedding bouquets](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2035.jpg)
![groom and groomsmen](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2038.jpg)
![bride and bridesmaids in blue dresses and classic summer bouquets of white and dusty blues](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2036.jpg)
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](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2055-scaled.jpg)
![groom waits for bride at alter as she walks down the aisle with parents](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2054.jpg)
![outdoor wedding ceremony in garden setting](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2056.jpg)
![bride and groom during intimate summer wedding](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2057.jpg)
![couple kiss and are announced husband and wife during intimate summer wedding](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2058-scaled.jpg)
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](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2060.jpg)
![groom lifts bride up under wooden arbor at intimate summer wedding](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2070-scaled.jpg)
![bride holds summer wedding bouquet](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2067.jpg)
![intimate summer wedding in Conway NH](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2069.jpg)
![intimate summer wedding in Conway NH](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2071.jpg)
![wedding portraits on gravel path in wooded area of Conway NH](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2059-scaled.jpg)
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.
![backyard summer reception](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2051.jpg)
![table setting at intimate summer wedding reception](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2052.jpg)
![custom artwork on custom beer for wedding](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2066-scaled.jpg)
![first dance of bride and groom at intimate summer wedding](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2061-scaled.jpg)
![bride and groom share first dance with siblings at intimate summer wedding](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2062.jpg)
![siblings of bride and groom share first dance with newlyweds](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2063.jpg)
![couple listening to wedding toasts](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2064-scaled.jpg)
![bride and groom laugh during wedding toasts at intimate summer wedding](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2065.jpg)
![bride and her father and brother perform at wedding reception](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2072.jpg)
![bride and groom share dance at reception](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2068-scaled.jpg)
![parents dancing at reception](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2073-scaled.jpg)
![couple cut their wedding cake](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2075.jpg)
![newlyweds dance at wedding reception](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer-_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2074-scaled.jpg)
![Southern NH Photographer with newlyweds at intimate summer wedding](https://acphoto.pics/wp-content/uploads/sites/7252/2022/08/NH-Wedding-Photographer_-Allison-Clarke-Photography_2841-683x1024.jpg)
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!
Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Allison Clarke Photography
Wedding Coordinator/Planner: The Wedding Bird NH
Florist: Designed Gardens Flower Studio
Wedding Dress: Marry and Tux
Cake Artist/Baker: Chef Allen of Ooo La La Creative Cakes
DJ: DJ Jay Malette of Main Event DJs
Hair stylist: Bride’s mom, Melissa Engen of Tondeo Hair Salon, and Elsah Davis of Salon Veritas
Please Contact Me to learn more about my wedding photography. I’d love to hear from you and discuss how I can capture your precious memories!
Here are a few more beautiful wedding moments on the blog!
Modern + Rustic Wedding at The Barn on Bull Meadow
Beach Wedding in Kennebunkport, ME
Bright + Colorful NH Summer Wedding at Waterville Valley Resort