On May 24, I had the absolute pleasure to photograph the wedding of Ashley & Matt with a ceremony and reception at Searles Castle in Windham, NH! This wedding was full of fun, love, and family.

Ashley and Matt are both so funny and sweet; they have known each other since high school, and it shows in how comfortable they are around each other.

The morning of the wedding, I spent time with Ashley while she got ready with her bridesmaids at her parent’s house.  At the same time, my second shooter, Shawn Read, was spending time with the groomsmen at the hotel. ( Shawn, you rock) Even though Ashley’s brothers were getting ready with the groom, her brother’s pup was there in his cute little tux! ( I am a sucker for pups)  From there, we all met at the Searles Castle for their first look and some photos.  It was a pretty rainy day, but luckily the sun came out for the ceremony, and remained dry for photos and most of cocktail hour;  it was perfect timing! Someone was looking out for them…

Some of the most memorable moments from their wedding, for me?

During the reception, Matt’s Grandfather sang their first dance song; he was an unbelievable singer! I just loved this personal touch.

Sadly, Matt’s beloved Mom, Janice, passed away just a couple of weeks before the wedding. You could feel her absence all day, but, especially when Matt danced with his Aunt during the mother/son dance and everyone rushed the dance floor for a hug at the end. All of Ashley and Matt’s family and friends really made an enormous effort to surround the couple with love; it was extremely emotional and beautiful. As someone who lost a parent herself… my heart went out to Matt on this day.

The rest of the reception was full of  fun.  I had photographed the wedding of Steve, one of the groomsmen, last December and have been so fortunate to photograph special life moments for some of the other guests. This was a great wedding for me because I felt so comfortable with this amazing group of crazy ( I mean crazy awesome) people. haha 😉

Ashley and Matt, You felt like very old friends by the end of the night… I had a blast with you both! Thank you for the honor of letting me capture your day!

Hugs – Andrea

Thanks to Shawn, for grabbing these amazing shots of the guys!!
cutest ring bearer!

Special kudos to this amazing team that made this wedding possible:

Wedding Coordinator: Shaun DeLoris & Scott Robb from Searles Castle
Hair & Make up: LaBella Salon
Florist: Ford’s Flowers
Gown: Maggie Sottero, purchased at Chantilly’s Place
Rings: Denis Nee Jewelers
Band/DJ: Chip McConney, Music Management
Tux/Suit brand: Vera Wang Tuxedo purchased at Men’s Wearhouse
Catering: Searles Castle
Videographer: Precious Moments
Cupcakes: Fredericks Pastries, North Andover, MA
Stationary: D&H Fitzgerald