Anne & Bayard: A Jaffrey, NH Farm Wedding

All of the weddings that I have been so honored to attend and photograph this year have been amazing. I am blessed with fantastic clients. THANK YOU! This next wedding is no exception. In fact, there have been few weddings that I have been quite as excited about. You see, it was the wedding of two of my friends, Anne and Bayard. On top of that, Anne is a super talented photographer (no pressure there!), and Bayard is one of the region's most prolific climbers. So, their wedding for me was basically a collision of friends, acquaintances and generally rad people.

For this post I've gone a little overboard with the number of images, but I think it'll be worth hanging on for them to download. Apparently, when I know so many people at a wedding I find it extra hard to cull them down. So, with that disclaimer, here's Anne and Bayard's wedding...

Our day began at the Grand View Inn & Resort where Anne and her bridesmaids were getting ready. We beat the ladies back to the Inn from their appointments at the salon, so used the time to capture some details...


I love this next image of all of the bridesmaid's dresses. Every dress was different, but within Anne's color palette...


And, she's back. Hello, Anne! Amongst the hustle of just getting ready, Anne paused for a few moments to review her vows...



I love this shot of Anne's mother helping her with her necklace as bridesmaids look on...


A couple of earrings, a feathery clutch, and it's just about time to go...


While I was enjoying time spent with the ladies, my assistant David was chillin' with the guys back at Bayard's family's farm, where the tented reception would also be held. Though the scene below is not uncommon for the guys, I've seldom come across such a completely laid back group.


Figuring enough relaxing had been done, everyone scattered to get dressed. David found himself wandering the guest house in search of great images. And he found some, including the checklist left for the guys. "Pick up Anne;" I love it!


And Bayard's vows...


This group of groomsmen consisted of some of the most well-known and accomplished climbers and alpinists in the northeast, as well as the country. These are folks who spend months each year camped out on sheer cliffs, glaciers and generally remote, fend-for-yourself areas. Tying a figure-eight knot or clove hitch is no problem, but a neck tie is not a part of their regular attire. This is a great image of Bayard and Freddie tying ties for the other groomsmen!


And a few final adjustments by Freddie...


A great portrait of Bayard also captured by David just before heading out to the church...


And one more of all the guys getting ready to go...


Back at the Inn, Anne and company were getting ready to depart as well...


But not before a few portraits, including this group shot with Mt. Monadnock in the background.


And a couple of portraits of the glowing bride. Flowers were by The Vintage Rose.


So, I mentioned a church ceremony. Anticipating gorgeous weather (why not!), the plan was to move the church outside onto the lawn. Prior to getting ready, the guys were all at the church moving the pews out. It was fantastic! Here is Bayard patiently awaiting Anne's arrival...


Is that her off in the distance? As Anne approached she found it hard to hold back the emotion of the moment. Such a touching series of images as she walked down the isle escorted by her father...



It was obvious that Anne is a wedding photographer. She made sure that they were positioned in beautiful, shaded light. Oh, and Bayard's expression on the right is by far my favorite ceremony capture from the year!




And a great image of the "outside church" by David...


Throughout the ceremony there was laughter, some tears, and a whole lot of touching moments, like the one below...


I love the excitement immediately following the ceremony as the bride and groom exit. Here both Anne and Bayard are congratulated by their mother and father, respectively...


Following some family pictures at the church, it was back to the Farm where we had a little time to set aside for portraits. Below are a couple taken next to the barn that Bayard repainted just for this big day!


Climber hands. As I type this I struggle with my own beat and bruised digits after a great day out at the cliffs with friends, including Bayard.


A few quick portraits of the entire wedding party...


And then Anne, Bayard and I took a walk around the farm. The evening light was fantastic, and the setting spectacular...


I am so fond of this next image. The light was great, and the fact that it was just behind the family home with the tented reception behind them makes it for me. I love places that have very personal connections...


At the top of the hill behind the house, the setting sun lit up the trees along the edge of the field, but a grand tree provided a little shade for this next portrait. I can't get over the colors. So vibrant...


Then it was hand-in-hand back to the reception...


During the cocktail hour, I snuck into the tent to capture all of the amazing details that Anne worked so hard to pull together. Here is just a sampling...




Formal introductions led to the first dance, a bluegrass number called "Lovin' in my Baby's Eyes" by Leftover Salmon.



Both the maid of honor and the best man made heart-felt and entertaining toasts...


Very entertaining, and maybe a little embarrassing!


The parent dances are always moving, whether they are highly emotional or highly spirited, as these were. Here is Anne and her father...


And Bayard and his mother owning the dance floor!


With formalities out of the way, and the sun set behind the farm, it was time to party!


And party they did! Music was performed by the fantastic Breakin' Strings bluegrass band...



Can you have bluegrass without hats? I think not!



Near the end of the evening, Cliff Randall from Breakin' Strings brought his mandolin out onto the dance floor and really caused a ruckus. Live bands are the best!


And to end this ridiculously long blog post, a final kiss by the newlyweds...


Thank you Anne and Bayard for having me at your wedding. You both were the best to work with, even down to your encouraging me to drop everything and go climbing... "we don't need our pictures, seriously!" Well, I did not do that, but appreciate the sentiment! And thank you David for another great day's effort shooting with me.