This backyard bash is loaded with so much charm and personality, we just can’t get enough! From shots of the Bride’s fun floral Converse and haybale seating at the ceremony, to the reception’s cheeky signage and rustic milk jug centerpieces, Kate Preftakes Photography was able to perfectly capture this couple’s sweet and silly sides on their beautiful Big Day. Click through the gallery here for more!
From Kate Preftakes Photography… Maria and Paul were married at Maria’s parent’s home which is adjacent to the Dexter’s Inn in Sunapee, NH. Their theme was a walk through the woods which is exactly what the guests did to go from the ceremony to the inn and reception. God was smiling on them as it was supposed to rain all day but the heavy rain held off long enough for us to get beautiful portraits, and for them to have their ceremony overlooking the mountain. Sure, we got drizzled on, but no one seemed to mind.
This wedding was a labor of love for Maria’s family and everyone worked so hard to make it special. From clearing the trees for the mountain view, to the beautiful tree lit cocktail area, every detail was special. Maria’s mom tracked down old windows, doors, and whiskey barrels to accent the path and cocktail area. Old family quilts and fabric covered hay bales were scattered around for guests to sit on. Adorable candles and signs hung from trees and the overall feeling was pretty magical.
Maria’s dress was perfect for the setting and she and Paul are perfectly paired, not to mention absolutely adorable together. There was an incredible amount of love at this wedding. And even a few surprises! Some friends surprised the couple with doves to release at the end of their ceremony and everyone surprised the couple with a flash mob dance after the toasts. There were tears, and hugs and lots and lots of love. So honored to be a part of this very special day!
From the beautiful Bride… My parents bought their house in Sunapee, NH when I was 13 years old. I made myself a promise that I would get married in their backyard overlooking the mountain. The amount of love that surrounds the home and landscape is truly an indescribable feeling. Lucky for me, my husband felt the exact same way.
From the time I got engaged on August 10th, 2014 (on top of mount Sunapee), I knew that our wedding would be a labor of love. My mother and I have a very special knack for paying attention to detail and going above and beyond expectations. Ironically, Dexter’s Inn is a short walk through the woods and was the perfect venue for our reception. The inn has beautiful grounds, covered in lush green grass, recreational activities and huge white tent to dance the night away.
I envisioned a rustic farm wedding with a whimsical elegance. I traveled to 4 different states picking up whiskey barrels. I traveled to 3 states collecting antique milk bottles from run down farms. Other décor was gathered from various antique shops and flea markets from different travels. I knew I wanted baby’s breath and lavender to create a soft feeling. We ran with those colors and accented them with natural woods and rusted metals. My parents took on their own project and built our wedding arbor from natural birch found in their woods. We focused on creating vignettes and conversation areas throughout the walk from ceremony to reception. We were seeking a humble balance between elegance and comfort. We treated our guests to a southern BBQ, complete with a bride and groom bib. We wanted our wedding to be an extension of our family and the home where our hearts are, I think we did just that.
Photography: Kate Preftakes Photography | Floral Design: Allioops! Flowers | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Cake: Jacques Pastries | Catering: Chill Catering | Groom's Attire: Vera Wang | Wedding Venue: Dexter's Inn