Jenna Cole Photography – Palo Alto, CA

Rachel and Nick were married at a beautiful resort in New Hampshire called Church Landing. They told me from the get-go that they wanted a wedding that was fun and exciting for their guests, and I think you can see in the photos that they did exactly that.

I started the day off photographing pink sparkly Toms. What a great way to start a wedding day!

While I worked with Rachel and her ‘maids.

My oh-so-talented second shooter Jen Ing worked with the guys. I’ve been so lucky to work with second shooters in Dallas, Maine, and now New Hampshire that have a shooting style that blends in so well with my own.

Sunglasses were present throughout the wedding day, as you’ll notice when you get down to the dancing photos.

Rachel started to tear up when she saw her dad for the first time…

but she was beaming by the time her walk down the aisle began.

I loved this kiss! Passionate (yet appropriate ), and nice and long which gave me more than enough time to capture it.

These two were kissers, and all of the kisses you see for the next little bit were not prompted by me. Nick could not stop telling Rachel how much he loved her, how beautiful she was, and how happy he was to be married to her.  He sealed each of those proclamations with a kiss to let her know he really meant it.

That kiss on the right was unscripted as well! I was around the corner rounding up family members and I came back around to find them doing this.

Rachel’s first glimpse of the reception decor. She worked really hard on the details for her wedding (while planning from Texas!) and it showed.

When she saw her cake, she was jumping up and down. I loved her cake too, and it actually tasted really delicious. Good call you two!

Each table was named after a different location they had visited (with a photo of them together) and each place setting had a pair of sunglasses for the guests to wear on the dance floor.

Another fun detail? Mustaches on a stick!

Rachel and Nick danced in to “You Make My Dreams” and I admit I started to cry a little bit. They were so happy, their guests were so happy, and it all just felt so right. These two are so genuine and good and I really loved spending the day with them.

 

Once the cake was cut, the party really got started. The band was absolutely terrific, and I caught myself dancing over and over throughout the night.

Things started off nice and sweet.

And then it was crazy and wild and oh-so-fun to photograph!

I think this is my favorite from the day. Rachel and Nick are cheering up front, grandma is having a ball in the middle of the frame, and I just adore the couple dipping in the bottom left corner.

I was able to steal them away for a few minutes to get a nighttime portrait on the beach. During that time the dance floor died down and I was worried taking the bride and groom had killed the party.

Never fear! These guests knew how to party all night long.

The bride and groom ended the night singing with the band as the last die-hard dancers broke it down on the dance floor.

Rachel and Nick,

Us working together was a really good idea. I loved to watch how genuinely excited Nick was about the wedding, and Rachel I am now convinced that you are the sweetest person on the planet. Thank you again for that sweet necklace, I’ve been wearing it regularly every since and I think fondly of your wedding whenever I do so.

I know I had a good time, and I think your guests did as well. Enjoy your new married life!

Best,

Jenna