Getting Ready in Downtown Portsmouth
Sarah and Joey live nearby in Portsmouth so they already knew it was a perfect location to celebrate their marriage with their family and friends. Their original wedding plans were altered because of the Covid-19 pandemic so they chose to get married privately with just the two of them. This celebration of their love with family and friends just a little later than planned was so much fun!
Sarah and Joey chose not to do a first look before the ceremony. They got ready separately so I went to photograph each of them and their bridal parties respectively. All of them were having a blast! Sarah and her bridesmaids got ready at her family home just a block away from where Joey was getting ready. Her dad kept them laughing as we took photos of them together, and with their dog of course! Sarah and her sister decided to do pushups on the kitchen counter to make their arms look their best. There was a lot of laughter and fun. Joey got ready at a friend’s house so I captured some portraits and candids of him and his groomsmen together before heading to the ceremony.
Sarah and her bridesmaids looked stunning! The bright pink and navy bridesmaid dresses were so unique and different. The halter top and bold print were flattering on all of the women. It was the perfect pop of color for a summer wedding! Sarah’s aline dress was also gorgeous for the occasion. It was light and flow-y but had a beautiful touch of sparkle and lace on the top. The hair vine she added to her updo added an extra touch of shimmer. All the ladies carried simple, local summer bouquets with white hydrangeas, roses, and colorful with dahlias.
Outdoor Ceremony and Tented Reception at the Langdon House
Guests were seated in the private lush gardens in front of the carriage house on the property. It was such a beautiful place with a view of the house in the background and the arbor in sight. Joey and his groomsmen waited at the altar for the rest of the bridal party to join them as they walked down the aisle from under the arbor. Their dog was of course a highlight for all of their guests! He did such a great job walking down the aisle! Sarah then joined everyone with both of her parents – all arm in arm and she was beaming! Even though they were already married it was so special to have their family and friends there to witness their marriage ceremony. Sarah and Joey decided to exchange heartfelt vows publicly. It was such a sweet moment for everyone!
After the ceremony, there were passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails for their guests to enjoy in the garden area. Everyone loved having time to take lots of photos and mingle in the warm sun. As guests entered the tent they were greeted with unique, personal touches made by the couple themselves. Sarah and Joey are big sports fans so they had a sports-themed seating chart and table numbers. They also used a rustic ladder to display precious family photos. I love when couples add in personal touches that are special to them!
To kick off the reception, the bridal party did some awesome entrances! Sarah and Joey went right into their first dance played by a live band! Their first dance song was “Thunder Road” by Bruce Springsteen. I felt like they were “my people” when I heard this song choice because it’s a favorite of mine and a unique choice. Their guests enjoyed a barbecue dinner, delicious seasonal pies and danced the night away! It was such a great celebration that was casual, but so personal and unique. We had a great time celebrating Sarah and Joey! Congratulations and cheers to a life full of happiness!
Venue – Governor John Langdon House, Portsmouth, NH
Planner – Laurie Mantegari – Everyday Details
Photographer – Linda Jennings
