Rebecca and Drew’s Church Island wedding was so heartfelt and intimate. I loved being a part of it! The couple had family history and meaning woven within almost every aspect of the day.
Church Island is located in the middle of Squam Lake, near Holderness NH. Couples that choose to marry there usually have a close connection with the island and the lake itself, and this was true with Rebecca and her family. It is also true with my own family, which makes photographing Church Island weddings special to me as well.
Rebecca contacted me last fall about her wedding and even in the early stages I could tell we were a great fit. The day ended up being a little windy and chilly for a September afternoon, but the sun was shining and the lake was gorgeous! We started out at a house a few miles from the lake to photograph some details and moments with Rebecca and her mom. The groom’s ring was so unique. It is made of wood!
This bracelet is a family heirloom that Rebecca wore. She also wore pearls handed down to her from her grandmother.
We drove to Rebecca’s grandfathers home to board the 100-year old family boat to get to the ceremony. This location was on the list of important things to capture on the wedding day. I thought the image below of her walking to the dock to get married, followed by her mom and dad holding hands was a sweet one.
The shore and docks where Rebecca’s family spends time together. We waited there for a few moments until it was time to go. Such a beautiful, peaceful view.
The plan was to circle Church Island before docking. The bride and her parents waved to guests who were already on the island.
This image below is one of my favorites. Both of Rebecca’s parents walked her down the aisle, and this moment is them embracing her at the end.
The music played at there ceremony held special significance to the bride and groom, who are both musicians. The piece that was first played was performed by Rebecca’s great-uncle on the organ, and was composed by her great-great grandfather for her grandfather’s (the one performing the ceremony!) wedding. So much family history in one piece of music!
After the ceremony we took some time for portraits. Church Island has yet another connection for this sweet couple; Rebecca’s parents were married in this same spot thirty (something) years ago! So of course we had to spend a moment photographing around the signature benches before moving to the shore and docks.
We traveled to Wolfeboro, NH to board the Winnipesaukee Belle, a private boat run by the Wolfeboro Inn. Guests ate at tables on the first floor of the boat and then danced upstairs in the fresh early fall air.
Thank you, Rebecca and Drew for inviting me to be a part of your Church Island wedding! It truly was a treat to see how much the lake that we love means to other families, too!
