The Preserve at Chocorua New Hampshire Wedding Photographers : Liz + Alex

EPIC.

That’s how I would describe Liz + Alex’s Church Island New Hampshire wedding on Squam Lake. It was a day where the weather was going to be unpredictable, the ceremony was to be on a tiny island with an outdoor chapel surrounded by the dark blue waters of Squam Lake, there was a last minute change of the boats that were to bring everyone to the island when a community of local friends of the couple jetted us across the waves because the original ones bailed due to the uncertain weather, the cell phones in our pockets would alert us with blaring alarms of water spouts on the lake and potential tornados, and then later, when the crowd of family and friends were dancing their hearts out, those same phones alerted us of flash floods and torrential downpours…

And the day even started off with a missing wedding gown which initiated a 20 minute search of the great Farmhouse at The Preserve at Chocorua where closets were thrown open, bathrooms were checked, cars were pilfered through, and one bridesmaid starting to undress to donate her dress to the bride, but thankfully Liz’s gown was found safe and secure in a hall closet on the main floor.

Yet in the chaos, in the uncertainty, and in the quick altering of plans, Liz and Alex never wavered. Never once did I see them break, crumble, wither or show concern. They were steadfast with their plan to marry on the island that is so important to his family history, to ride in the wooden boat he inherited, and most importantly to marry one another. Everything else became white noise filling the pockets of the day and nothing more.

This day would be epic.

The love would be abundant, the celebrating would be loud, the energy would be ever-flowing, and the views? Well those views were going to give this photographer eyes with hearts embedded in them like a little emoji. It was all so overwhelmingly beautiful and it resulted in one of my favorite photos I have ever taken. To say these two inspired my heart and my love of photographing that wild and unrelenting love is an understatement.

That photo I’m speaking of is the one you see above.

The rain was coming down, the storm was right on our tail, the wind created from the boats rushing to make it back to land pushed their hair every which way, but all that mattered was they were married, they were with their best friends, and the glass of champagne in their hands were cold. There were no cares in the world for this couple, all was right in their world.

EPIC.

I loved this day and then to top it off that it was at one of my most favorite venues of The Preserve at Chocorua. Not only is this location stunning and invites that closeness of loved ones with cottages on property and the ability to reserve the space for an ENTIRE weekend, it’s also owned by the most wonderful and caring family that I can’t seem to get enough of. Truly, this place is like magic to me!

The day moved at a fast pace which created its own whirlwind storm and I loved getting caught up in all of the moments. I can’t say enough times just how great the couple are, but so are their families. Liz’s mom and I emailed frequently as the seasons changed leading up to the wedding and the second we met in person we both squeezed each other in a huge embrace – she felt like home to me right away!

Thank you all for being such wonderful people and congratulations on building what is going to be an amazing life together. I wish you all the best!

His face says it all

Before they said “I do” their daughter was baptized on the island which continued his family’s tradition further

I think this is my favorite wedding party photo to date – love the water, the soft sun before it disappeared behind the storm, and the abundant love captured in the smiles of this crew.

Little State Flower Co you guys knocked it out of the park with the flowers!

Core strength goals!

Ceremony: Chapel on Church Island
Reception: The Preserve at Chocorua
The Preserve at Chocorua Wedding Photographer: I AM SARAH V Photography (Oscar was my second)
Coordinator: Carrie Lowell
Catering: White Mountain Cider Company
Band: Groove Authority
Wedding Gown: BHLDN
Florist: Little State Flower Co
Hair + Makeup Artist: Cascade Spa at Mill Falls

Maine & New Hampshire wedding photographer, I AM SARAH V Photography, photographs events for wildly in love couples seeking a NH & Maine wedding photographer with a photojournalism & cinematic approach. You can see more of my work online at www.iamsarahv.com or on Facebook. I photograph many locations including being a The Preserve at Chocorua wedding photographer in Tamworth New Hampshire. If you’d like to contact me directly, please email me at hello@iamsarahv.com