I had the pleasure of photographing Lesley and Rudy's wedding last weekend up in the mountains of New Hampshire. To say it was beautiful would be an understatement. But what was even more beautiful was the love, innocence, and commitment that I had the privilege of witnessing that day between two people that are truly dedicated to one another. Lesley had emailed me just a couple of months before her wedding and immediately hired me to photograph her big day. I hadn't met either her or Rudy before the wedding day, and on top of that it was going to be just us and the two of them because they were eloping...so I didn't know what to expect when I got there. Couple that with the fact that the weather forecast called for rain and heavy winds, and it looked even worse when my husband and I drove up the Kancamangus to find that it was snowing! SNOWING! Now, if you're from the area you know that the weather you get going up one side of the Kancamangus isn't necessarily what you'll get on the other side, so after a little convincing on Brian's part, I had hope. Sure enough, when we got there, the sky at that gorgeous little Inn was blue, the birds were chirping, and Lesley and Rudy enjoyed marrying on a fine fall day in the mountains of New England. Together. Alone. And with me to document it. :-) When I met Lesley and Rudy, I immediately felt like I had known them forever. They are warm, welcoming people, and though I often felt like I was intruding upon their very intimate experience, Lesley kept assuring me that I helped to make her day complete. :-) I am so, SO, grateful that I was able to witness the simplicity, beauty, and honesty that can come from an elopement. Having a larger wedding myself, I never understood why someone may want to celebrate without their friends or family by their side... but I can honestly say that after witnessing Lesley and Rudy be completely wrapped up in each other all day, with no distractions, no fillers, no show, no chaos, I have been enlightened. Lesley and Rudy, it was more of a pleasure to meet you and spend the day with you than you'll ever know. Thank you for enlightening me, for making me feel welcome, and for dinner. :-) It really was an honor. So, with all that said... on to the photos!
A little fall foliage...
And who doesn't love hot cocoa on a crisp fall day!?
A little ring-a-ding ding shot....
And another....
The amazing Lesley and Rudy :-)
Rudy, looking handsome... he told me he doesn't like to smile in pictures, but I don't think I had to ask him to smile once :-)
Lesley looking beautiful and glowy...
The ceremony was pretty short, but I LOVED this moment between them during the ceremony...
First kiss.... woot!
Mr. and Mrs.
They took a carriage ride to a little clearing, and told me about how breathtaking the view was... maybe next time I'm up there I'll take one myself :-)
Okay... so, before last weekend, I don't think I have ever pat a horsey... well, these girls were adorable and FULL of personality... check them out...
We were trying to get a nice picture of them with the horseys but the one on the left kept nudging Lesley and giving her horsey hugs. It was adorable.
This cake was beautiful and delicious and I love the fact that even though they eloped, Lesley took the time to design and order her own flowers and cake.
Cheers to you both, Lesley and Rudy! May you have a very happy, healthy, and wonderful marriage :-) It was such a pleasure to meet you both, and Brian and I enjoyed our conversations with you and the entire day, really. It was beautiful and I couldn't be happier for you!
