Anna & Jake: An Inn on Newfound Lake Wedding

Continuing my push to blog all of my 2011 weddings before I shoot my first 2012 wedding in a few weeks, I am excited to share Anna and Jake's celebration at The Inn on Newfound Lake on September 17. Their wedding was quintessential New England -- old NH Inn, lake front ceremony, barn wedding. Add in a beautiful couple and glorious weather and, well, the recipe came together wonderfully!

I started the day in Anna's suite as she was getting ready with her ladies. Here are a few details to kick off with...



Meet Anna. I got to see a lot of this smile all day long!


The energy amongst the girls when Anna came out with her gown on was overwhelming, and everyone pitched in and took a turn buttoning up the back, after gawking, of course...



All dressed, I was able to grab a few portraits of Anna before we left...


While I was with the ladies, my friend and talented photographer Tara was hanging with the guys. Here's Jake being helped with his tie...


...and again, trying to get it just right...


They got it right, and Jake looked sharp...


Anna and Jake opted for a first look prior to their ceremony. Here's Anna heading to the "meet" and Jake eagerly awaiting her...


The first look...


Following the first look, we took time for some of the formal group portraits as well as portraits of Anna and Jake. Here's one of Jake that I like a lot...


And Anna...


And of course together...


Then it was off to the lake-side ceremony. Here is the beautiful chuppah as Tara found it prior to guests arriving...


The programs were made by Anna's mom using an old wood block stamp that Anna's sister made years ago...


Here comes the bride escorted by both her mom and dad...


Grooms are always excited at that moment!


The setting was just amazing; worth toasting even...


And the ladies were enjoying things as well...



Their first kiss, captured beautifully by Tara...



We photographed the rest of the family and group portraits on the beach following the ceremony. This lined us up well to take advantage of a sunset for a few more portraits of Anna and Jake. These are among my favorite portraits of the season. I love shooting the dramatic light at sunset, and this night did not let me down...


My favorite...


The sky seemed to change entirely during this portrait session. The final colors captured were so vibrant. Just incredible!


With the sun fully set and light gone, it was time to head inside for the reception. While folks were getting settled we grabbed some details of the room, etc., starting with rings. Bling, bling...


The Inn has this incredible restored barn for receptions. Not the most photographer-friendly room, but still stunning -- high vaulted ceiling, dark barn wood, and an amazing antler chandelier.


Jacques Flowers did the arrangements for the day, and I loved the tall centerpieces in the dining room...


Formally introducing Mr. and Mrs...


There were several toasts, including a heartfelt and humorous one by Jake's father...


...And Anna's sister...



Then the first dance. I love the silhouette captured by Tara on the right. It's so much fun when the second shooter can take a few risks during such important moments...


Party time. The narrow dance floor was packed!


Another great dance photo by Tara during the Hora...


The floor was so packed I literally snuck in between legs and was able to capture this dip...


...and the kiss afterwards!


Thank you Anna and Jake for including me in your wedding day celebration. You both were so incredibly inviting and a pleasure to photograph. Special thanks also to Tara Hamer for joining me for the day.