Ashley & Derek- Manchester Country Club Wedding

This will be my last blog post of 2016. This is also an extra special blog post. Ashley and Derek’s Manchester Country Club wedding was my last wedding of 2016. It was particular special because I grew up riding horses with Ashley. We have been friends for years. Getting to shoot her wedding was such an honor! It was also fun to shoot a wedding in my home town.

We started the day in the bridal suite at the Manchester Country Club. It was such a great experience entering a getting ready room and knowing all the girls in there. The mood was light and excited. Hair and makeup was done by Jesslyn Dolan and Krista Ginnety. The girls looked gorgeous. I spent some time taking photos of Ashley’s beautiful details and then got her into her dress.

Ashley and Derek decided not to see each other before the ceremony. In order to cut down on the photos between the ceremony and reception, we did a few family formals beforehand. The day was a little rainy and pretty chilly, as it was black Friday in New Hampshire. We found an overhang outside that allowed us to get family formals with an outdoor feel while still keeping everyone dry. We left the girls to relax a little and then met up with Derek and the guys. The guys had some champagne while the kids played with trucks on the floor. We did Derek’s family formals and got ready for the ceremony.

The ceremony took place in one half of the ballroom in front of the fireplace. Ashley and Derek’s nieces and nephews walked down the aisle wearing adorable signs and tossing petals. Ashley was escorted down the aisle by her dad. The room was teary as readings were read by close friends and Ashley and Derek exchanged vows. Ashley’s uncle played the guitar. It was very personalized and very sweet.

After the ceremony, we finished up the family formals. The rain had cleared allowing us out on the golf course for Ashley and Derek’s portraits. The chill in the air was not stopping them from getting their photos done. They were so much fun to work with. I also really loved working with Kristin Phelps as my second shooter for the day. We also rode horses together a million years ago. She now has her own wedding photography business in NH. We also worked closely alongside the guys from Fisher Video Productions. We all really enjoyed working together. Ashley and Derek’s easy personalities also made the day a breeze.

While guests were enjoying cocktail hour upstairs, the ballroom was converted over for the reception. The room was lit with purple uplighting that went along with the gorgeous florals from Britton Designs. After the bridal party was introduced, Ashley and Derek shared their first dance. Toasts were made and guests enjoyed dinner. Parent dances followed dinner. Guests danced the night away with music provided by Jeremy from Get Down Tonight. The gorgeous cake was provided by Jacques Pastries. A special birthday cupcake for Ashley’s nephew Aiden was made by Blackberry Bakery.  Ashley and Derek decided to do a grand sparkler exit which made for some great photos!

I loved getting to shoot this wedding for my friend in my hometown. I loved seeing so many familiar faces and catching up with some great people. I wish Ashley and Derek so much happiness. They deserve it all.