Ashley & Scott: Camp Kabeyun Wedding

I've finished my wedding season just in time for the holidays, though not my image processing, and not my under-loved blog. I have many more shoots to be posted in the coming weeks, and here is one I am excited to share today. Every wedding is unique, and some are super unique. Ashley and Scott's casual summer camp wedding was one such.

As a young lad, Scott attended boys camp at Camp Kabeyun on Lake Winnipesaukee in Alton Bay, NH. Now living in Brooklyn, NY, when it came time to say "I do", both Scott and Ashley could not think of a better place than Kabeyun. As I understand, there have only been a few weddings at Kabeyun because it has a very short season. You are restricted to a narrow window from when camp closes and when winter sets in, which is perfect for a beautiful Fall wedding day!

Upon arriving at Kabeyun I was thrown back to my camp days in the Adirondacks in upstate New York. I think it was the smell of a pine forest and the feel of a well-worn foot path that transported me back at first. Then the clapping of the dining hall doors. You can't help but stop and stare skywards in such a place just to take it all in...


After wandering along the winding lakeside path, David and I arrived at the Gnat Cabin where we found Ashley beginning to get ready for the day, and took the opportunity to capture all of the rustic details...




Although lacking for luxuries, the cabin was perfect. Big porch, overlooking the water, and lots of diffused light filtering through the trees.


After spending time with Ashley, it was just about time to go. The final preparation was donning a beautiful hand-made necklace made by Ashley's cousin...



On the other side of the two room Cabin, Scott was eagerly waiting to see his bride-to-be...


Ashley and Scott chose to have a private first look -- so no photos of that -- and then head over to the waterfront to shoot all of the family portraits and group shots prior to the ceremony. This worked really well since the majority of the guests were actually staying in other cabins around the camp. Everyone was already around!



With portraits done, it was off to the sunset ceremony at the camp fire ring. Seriously? Awesome. No camp fire this day, just a heartfelt ceremony performed by a close college friend. Here is Scott watching with anticipation as Ashley approaches accompanied by her mother and father...


During the entire ceremony Scott was blasted in the face by the nuclear setting sun, but despite that he managed to keep a smile on his face the entire service. Here is the exchange of rings...


And a wide shot of the camp fire ring with many guests looking on...


Always a favorite, the newlyweds recess from the service to a standing ovation!


Following their vows, Ashley and Scott took a few moments alone at what may be one of New Hampshire's best "thinking" spots. How about that view?


A few minutes alone and then I captured them emerging from the woods and headed off to meet up with their guests at the waterfront for a cocktail hour...




The photographs were obviously important to Ashley and Scott, but so having time with their guests was the most important. I was able to tear them away just long enough for a few portraits, however...


Including a series with the glowing sunset behind them...


As dusk quickly approached, the party made its way to the dining hall, and none to soon, as it was going to get very dark, very soon. Here is a great image captured by my second shooter David of the dining hall all ablaze...


Inside, it was kind of like what I remembered camp being, only done up 100x fancier than my own mess hall experiences. The place looked fantastic with flowers, candles and a roaring fire in the stone fireplace to take the chill out of the air...



There were many toasts by Ashley's dad, sister and step-mom, as well as Scott's best man, mother and father, who is shown below.


Everyone had great stories, both humorous and heartfelt...


Following dinner by The White Apron, and Ashley and Scott's first dance, the party kicked off big time with music by DJ Doug Boucher...



The dining hall was rocking and bouncing and probably even swaying. It was certainly vibrating!




Thank you Ashley and Scott for welcoming David and I into your day. Your wedding was so much fun and you both were wonderful to spend the day with.