Now offering our Bed & Breakfast special which includes nightly lodging and daily breakfast, allowing you the freedom to plan the rest of your day exactly how you’d like it. Reservations for seasonal activities or additional meals can be added a la carte at check in based on availability.
ESCAPE TO THE MOUNTAINS WITH A WINTER ELOPEMENT
Imagine a winter wonderland where the world is covered in a blanket of fresh snow, the air is crisp, and the trees glisten with frost. At The Preserve at Chocorua, we offer the perfect setting for couples seeking an intimate, romantic winter elopement. Our winter elopement package provides everything you need to make your special day unforgettable.
Why Choose a Winter Elopement?
Winter elopements are all about intimacy and romance. With fewer distractions, you can focus on what truly matters: your love for each other. The serene beauty of a winter landscape provides a stunning backdrop for your ceremony and photos. Plus, there's something magical about exchanging vows as snowflakes gently fall around you.
A Unique Experience Tailored to You:
At The Preserve at Chocorua, we understand that every couple is unique. That’s why our winter elopement package is fully customizable to ensure your day is exactly how you’ve always imagined. Our team will work with you to create a personalized experience that reflects your style and love story.
Escape the ordinary and embrace the enchantment of a winter elopement at The Preserve at Chocorua. Whether you're envisioning a small, simple ceremony or an elaborate celebration, we’re here to make your dream wedding a reality. Contact us today to learn more about our winter elopement package and start planning your perfect day.
NOW BOOKING YOUR THANKSGIVING GETAWAY
NH BRIDE ONLINE FEATURE | SARA & LOGAN
A modern resource for NH brides, NH Brides Online is set to launch this fall and we are thrilled to be their first real NH wedding featured on their blog. Head on over to their site to read all about Sara & Logan’s rainy yet romantic day. If you’re looking for a place to be inspired by all the New Hampshire has to offer in the world of weddings be sure and give them a follow.
Photography By: Clay Taylor Photo
Winter Events & Retreats
We are thrilled to offer a winter full of wonder this season for all sorts of gatherings. Join us this winter in our very own winter wonderland for some old fashioned fun. We hope to see you soon!
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4th | WINTER FEST
Chocorua Lake Conservancy & The Tamworth Outing Club present Winter Fest. A winter gathering of friends and neighbors to celebrate all this season has to offer. We are also offering overnight accomodations for this event so guests can unwinde and enjoy this lovely season in the White Mountains. All processes from this event benefit the CLC and The Tamworth Outing Club.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 24th - SUNDAY FEBRUARY 26th | WINTER ESCAPE
Come enjoy an elevated winter experience filled with relaxation, wonderful food, and outdoor adventure. Our Winter Escape weekend is offered just once a year and is a true New England experience.
HYGGE WINTER SUPPER | FEBRUARY 25th
Inspired by the Danish tradition of Hygge we bring to you a farm to table dinner experience that evokes the feelings that embody this lifestyle. Coziness, comfort, warm food, good drink and time with family and friends. Join chef Will Robinson who brings to us a plethora of knowledge not only of food but also of craft distilling. Gather round a crackling fire under our pavilon as you enjoy pre-dinner bites. Then transition into our warm barn for an experience unlike any other. We invite you to pull up a chair and join us this winter.
AND WE'RE BACK!
After too long of a hiatus (thanks covid) we are back, and boy do we have some good news to share! We are thrilled to announce that we are once again hosting Burgers, Brews and Beats, as well as our Souper Club Mondays.
Join us for some fun this summer as we fire up the grill, enjoy live music, and reconnect as a community.
Food will be locally sourced and prepared with love. A vegetarian option will also be available. Bring your own beer, wine, or other summer beverage. Water and tea and ice will be available. Specific menu details will be available prior to event.
20.00 per person
Purchase tickets online or rsvp to reserve your spot
info@reservethepreserve.com or call 603.323.8333
BURGERS, BREWS, AND BEATS DATES
June 28th
September 20th
SOUPER CLUB
(dates to be determined)
People of the Preserve | Jim Dodge of Sugar House in the Pines
Jim Tapping at The Preserve
New Hampshire native Jim Dodge has been tapping the sturdy Maples at The Preserve as long as he can remember. “I started when those two boys (his sons) were eight years old. One is turning fifty this year.” So you do the math, he’s been tapping trees and producing the sweet stuff for a long time! He works alongside his two boys Matt and Dennis. Each March we look forward to his phone call to check-in and see if it’s a good time to come up and set the buckets.
“I like to set bucket when it’s still cold” he says, “so you don’t break through the snow.”
Jim’s knowledge and and willingness to share the process with anyone interested has been a wonderful benefit to us. He helped up map out and mark our new Sugar Bush area on property, and given us valuable tips and tricks about maple sugaring over the years.
He produces roughly ten gallons of the liquid gold for us each season which we offer in our “Camp Store” as well as online. Our favorite use is in our Preserve Makers recipes such as our Maple Pecan Granola. Wedding couples and guests also offer our delectable maple syrup as a hostess gift or wedding favor, a sweet treat your guests are sure to savor.
His sugar shack is located just down the road in Chocorua where he boils the sap with the help of his children and grandchildren. That’s about as local as it gets!
Buckets Set.
What we believe to be the oldest Maple on property.
A family business. Jims son tapping trees.
Our vintage inspired Maple Syrup tins. Made in the USA.
PRESERVE TRIPLE BERRY SCONES
Enjoy this Preserve staple recipe. We lovingly prepare these delectable scones often for our guests in our Preserve Maker Breakfast Baskets. Use fresh berries in summer time or frozen during the winter months, either way they are perfection!
INGREDIENTS
2 cups all-purpose flour + about 2 to 4 tablespoons for work surface and hands
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
pinch salt, optional and to taste
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold (1 stick)
1 large egg
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 heaping cup mixed berries and combination we like to use a combo of three for a nice balance (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries; if using frozen, keep frozen so berries bleed/run less)
1 tablespoon lemon or orange zest, optional (I didn’t include any in scones shown)
turbinado, raw, or coarse sugar, optional for sprinkling (granulated sugar may be substituted)
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
about 1 tablespoon cream or milk (or substitute with orange or lemon juice)
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat or parchment; set aside.
In a large bowl, add 2 cups flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, optional salt, and whisk to combine.
Add the butter, and with a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter in. You can use a food processor, but I find not having to wash it is a big time-saver. I smoosh the butter with forks and when it’s the size of large marbles, I use my hands and knead it in. It will feel like semi-wet, cool sand. Some larger pea-sized butter clumps are okay; set bowl aside.
In a small bowl, add the egg, sour cream, vanilla, and whisk to combine until smooth.
Pour wet mixture over dry, and fold until just combined with a soft-tipped spatula; don’t overmix or scones will be tough. Dough will be wet and shaggy.
Fold in the berries and optional zest.
Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons flour over a Silpat or clean work surface and lightly coat hands.
Turn dough out onto surface and knead it into a 8-inch round, approximately. Dough is very moist, wet, sticky, and tacky, but if it’s being too stubborn or too wet to come together, sprinkle with flour 1 tablespoon at a time until you get it to come together and into a round.
With a large knife, slice round into 8 equal-sized wedges. Or use a round biscuit cutter if your prefer.
Using a flat spatula or pie turner, transfer wedges to prepared baking sheet spaced at least 2-inches apart. Do not crowd because scones puff and spread while baking. Tip – try to make sure there are no exposed berries touching the baking sheet because they’ll be prone to burning.
Optionally, sprinkle each wedge with a generous pinch of turbinado sugar, about 1 teaspoon each.
Bake for about 18 minutes, or until scones are very lightly golden and cooked through. 18 minutes in my oven with frozen fruit is perfect, but if using fresh fruit, baking time will likely be reduced. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no batter. Because they’re baking in quite a hot oven, watch them closely starting after about 15 minutes to ensure the bottoms aren’t getting too browned.
Allow scones to cool on baking tray for about 5 minutes before removing and transferring to a rack to finish cooling. While the scones cool, make the glaze.
In a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and cream (or citrus juice).
Whisk together until smooth. Depending on desired consistency, you may need to play with the cream and sugar ratios slightly.
Evenly drizzle the glaze over the scones before serving.
NOTES
Scones are best fresh, but will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 4 days. Glaze only the scones you plan to consume immediately. ENJOY!
WINTER WARMER COCKTAIL RECIPE
Temperatures are dropping, the snow is falling - stay cozy with our treasured delicious recipe that has been passed down through generations. Enjoy this fireside sip from the comfort of your own home by following our recipe below. Cheers!
Pa’s IRISH CREAM
8 ounces coconut cream
1 can of sweetened condensed coconut milk
½ cup of strong coffee or espresso
4 eggs
2 tsp of coffee syrup
1 tsp of vanilla extract
½ tsp of almond extract
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend well.
Refrigerate overnight or longer.
Add 1 cup of WhistlePig whisky if desired.
Serve chilled on the rocks or combine with freshly brewed coffee or espresso & enjoy!
2021 WE'RE SO GLAD TO SEE YOU!
As we prepare to enter a new year we can’t help but reflect upon what a wild ride it has been for us all. They say hindsight is 2020 (pun intended) and although we may not have always felt it, looking back on this year we have an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
We are so grateful to our community of friends and family far and wide that supported our Preserve Makers program. Every purchase was followed up by someone on the other end of that order doing a happy dance! Grateful to the vendors we have cultivated close relationships with to help us get through a difficult season for all in the event industry. Grateful to couples and their families that chose to postpone vs. cancel, grateful to those who forged forward against all odds to write some of the most epic love stories we’ve ever seen. Thank you!
As for 2020 – you bent us, but you didn’t break us!
You caught us just coming off the coattails of some incredibly challenging previous years that were filled with heartache and significant loss.
You brought an emotional load that was oftentimes too heavy to carry on our own.
You brought us more working hours than waking hours, often forcing us to choose between being good parents or good business owners.
You ushered in change we weren’t ready or prepared for.
2020 – you brought us to our knees, tested our patience, sanity, and our ability to just carry on in our daily lives.
Despite what curveballs you threw at us, we attempted (not always successfully) to see a silver lining.
2021 — We’re so glad to see you! As we usher in a New Year, we welcome the sharp clarity and focus we’ve gained while being tested by such seemingly insurmountable circumstances. This may not be “the year” for big expansions or grand projects and improvements, but it will be the year that we are more thankful than ever for the simple pleasures in our lives we were stripped over the past year.
If 2020 taught us anything it might be that we just need to slow it down. Get to the core of what makes our family and this property so special. Dig deep to find the true meaning of legacy while perfecting our vision so that generations will enjoy this bucolic property for years to come.
We are grateful for the years of struggle that made us stronger, and look to the future full of hope!
We wish you a year that is full of hope, health, happiness, and abundance however you define it.
With Love,
The Preserve Family
The Face Mask | Make it Wedding Fashion
Last spring when we all started wearing face masks we just needed something to cover our faces. Now with the face mask being an everyday staple we want a little bit more from this new accessory. If you haven’t noticed masks have become somewhat of a fashion statement and the wedding industry is no exception to that. We have enjoyed seeing how creative guests, brides, and grooms have gotten and how they have elevated their mask game.
On another note as we continue to host weddings and events we can’t help but notice how these events are still filled with an abundance of joy and happiness. Just because you have to wear a mask doesn’t mean you still can’t break it down on the dance floor!
We’ve scoured the internet for some of our favorite mask picks, and also have included some photos of past events that have incorporated fashionable masks.
The Classic
Soft satin, a tried and true classic to coordinate with all things bridal. Comes on three soft neutral colors. $20 BHLDN
FOR THE BLACK TIE GROOM
Lets give the groom a fashion moment shall we…a bit of a spurge but how amazing is this dressy groom face mask? $80 Mason De Carine
The Beaded Show Stopper
This face mask just screams bridal elegance. Hand beaded a true one of a kind jewel piece. $32 ETSY
HAPPY NEW YEAR
New Years bride or wedding guest this mask is a must. $25 by Kate Prichard Designs
The Summer BridE or FLOWER GIRLS
A hand embroidered linen mask made to wear at even the most elegant of occasions. Comes in several sizes including toddler and child. $42 Larkin Lane
The Prepster
Perfect for those spring and summer weddings, comes in a variety of colors, mix and match for a fun look. $9.99 via ETSY
FOR THE BOYS
Endless colors and patterns to complement any wedding color palette. You can’t beat the tie bar selection of face masks for the groom and his crew. $30 The Tie Bar
FOR YOUR GUESTS
Make the best of the required face coverings by personalizing them. We found a ton of options at foryourparty.com
Masks In Action
Carolina Marles Photography
Carolina Marles Photography
Haley O’Callaghan Photography
Haley O’Callaghan Photography
Carolina Marles Photography
Carolina Marles Photography
Bethany & Dan Photography
Carolina Marles Photography
Hitches and Unions Photography
Carolina Marles Photography
SIMPLY SUMMER
Emily and Justin navigated tough circumstances together before they even said “I DO!” A looming pandemic threatened to cancel their July wedding they had been diligently planning from North Carolina for well over a year. When N.H. was given the green light they decided to push forward and host a wedding that was intimate and full of meaning. Emily spent her summers growing up on Squam Lake, for her a ceremony on Chocorua Island Chapel was a must. Guests enjoyed a weekend of relaxation and laid back yet refined events. The weekend kicked off with an al fresco rehearsal dinner and was completed by an elegant wedding reception. Enjoy these beautiful images from Carolina Marles. Full wedding gallery here. Vendors listed below.
VENDOR TEAM
Photographer | Carolina Marles Photography
Floral Design | Lotus Floral Designs
Rentals | Lakes Region Tent
Planning | Private Weddings & Events
Videography | Rebecca Drouin
Hair & Makeup | Marissa Schoen Artistry
A HAPPY BEGINNING
In these unprecedented times we can be sure of one thing now more than ever…love conquers all! The past few months navigating the COVID-19 pandemic was something our couples (nor us) saw coming, we’ve all had to pivot, adjust the game plan, or in some cases keep the game plan in place with some adjustments made. The history of our property has always included great love stories, and we will continue to celebrate those magical moments. Today we’d like to highlight one of those love stories that has conquered all…including a pandemic and we hope that you are inspired to think about this journey in a new light. Know that no matter the date, or how big the party is, or isn’t, your day will be about your profound love for each other. So let’s dive in!
Kristen & Jay at Lake Chocorua in the Fall.
GIVE US A BRIEF OVERVIEW FROM ENGAGEMENT TO PLANNING.
My fiancé proposed to me in November 2018. We weren’t in a rush to get married. Instead, we wanted to enjoy our engagement, save our money, and take the time to plan a wonderful wedding. For us, that meant having our guests with us for several days and not just one evening. It also meant getting married in the White Mountains during the summer.
I came across the Preserve’s website on one of my very first web searches for venues. I immediately thought it was amazingly beautiful. We visited it that winter, and even covered in snow, it lived up to our expectations. We did our due diligence and looked at other venues, but none were as beautiful as the Preserve. It met all of our criteria: exclusive to our event, multi-day, ability to house a large number of guests on site, and beautiful facilities that could be used to the best of our imagination! We booked it for an August 2020 weekend.
By the time COVID shutdowns started in New England, our wedding was 90% planned and we had 50% of our investment paid out in deposits to our carefully selected vendors. Our wedding was just under 6 months away as we, along with the rest of the country, began to navigate the effects of the COVID pandemic.
We had every bit of faith that everything would be sorted out and our wedding would proceed as planned. As we entered May and reopening wasn’t underway yet, we started to feel a little nervous but, right then, restrictions started to be lifted. Still, we reached out to our vendors and learned from all of them that they would be extremely flexible if we needed to postpone or cancel. It was good to have that peace of mind, but all of our plans were made for the August weekend and we were sticking with it as long as we could, especially as restaurants, ceremonies and lodging began to open and hope seemed to be on the horizon!
On June 5th, we got the best news ever: Receptions were finally allowed which meant we could press on with our wedding as planned. So, some might call this a story with a Happy Ending, but knowing that we are starting our new life together, as planned, this August is actually more what we consider a Happy Beginning!
DID YOU CONSIDER A SMALL CEREMONY or ELOPEMENT and then a large “reception” at your 1 year anniversary?
No. Although the reception is certainly a large part of the wedding day, we think the ceremony is of equal importance. Our guests are not making this trip just to have a party. They are making this trip to see us exchange our vows followed by a celebration of having been witnesses to that. They are coming for THE DAY that we start our new life together. The ceremony makes the wedding day so special, so we really did not want to disconnect it from the reception.
ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT EXPOSING GUESTS TO COVID AT YOUR WEDDING?
No. Restaurants and many stores have been open for quite some time now and the curve continues to flatten/decrease. We have been in groceries where people are far less than 6 feet away from us and those people are COMPLETE strangers. We know and trust our family and friends will only attend our event if they are well. Also, we have talked directly with a large cross section of our guests and found that (1) those who are in a high risk category for COVID will not come and they want us to proceed, (2) we have only invited close family and friends all of whom want to see each other and share in our special day, (3) our event is being hosted at a site that is private and exclusive. The site is being cleaned and prepared STRICTLY for our guests and will be used only by our guests. And (4) all of our vendors will be following the guidelines put in place to ensure our guests’ safety. For all of these reasons, our wedding will arguably be a lot safer than going into a grocery store, gas station or restaurant.
GIVE US THE PULSE ON YOUR GUESTS’ LEVEL OF COMFORT ATTENDING
Even though the vast majority of our guests are still planning on attending our wedding, they do have varying levels of comfort with direct or close contact. So we thought about how we can "signal" those varying preferences. Jay came up with the brilliant idea to offer one or two colors of leis for people to wear on site. Upon arrival, guests can choose red, yellow or none. A red lei would signal that this person prefers 6ft personal space around them at all times and no contact. A yellow lei would signal that closer proximity is acceptable to him/her but that they still prefer no contact. We may offer the leis for the Friday night BBQ Welcome Dinner because it fits with the theme and something more discrete or polished for the ceremony and reception.
The hilarious thing is that Jay's idea was inspired by how a SINGLES PARTY he had gone to "a long time ago" designated if you were greatly, moderately or not at all looking for a relationship (green, yellow, red). HAHA!
No matter where the inspiration came from, I think it's a fantastic and comfortable idea for our guests.
WHAT ARE SOME REASONS THAT COMPELLED YOU TO STICK WITH YOUR WEDDING DATE?
Under the current guidelines, we can do everything we had planned. Our guests can stay on site and at nearby lodging; our ceremony can happen exactly as planned; our reception can accommodate all of our guests and have dancing! Also, all of our vendors are all available and up for the task and the season is the one that we picked.
Another huge reason we wanted to stay with our date is because we thought, and now we know that our wedding will be taking place nearly at the soonest possible point after the COVID stay-at-home orders end. Many of the guests we have spoken with are so excited that, after all this time of isolation, they will be seeing so much of our family. The stay-at-home orders have been so trying and nerve-racking. It’s time to celebrate being together with the ones we love!
Kristen & Jay being the fun loving silly couple they are!
DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE MAKING ANY SACRIFICES GIVEN THE CURRENT GUIDELINES?
No. If our wedding were to take place while the current guidelines are in effect, the following three things are the only changes we need to make to our wedding: Reception tables must seat 6 rather than 8; guests must wear masks for the 5 minutes that they go through the buffet line; our reception may need to be in the sailcloth tent rather than the barn due to the 50% capacity restriction. NONE of those changes will affect my fiancé and I exchanging our vows, our first kiss, our first dance, our meal, our flowers, our photos or anything! Also, between now and August, I am confident that there will be another change to the guidelines that will give us more freedom still.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST DRAWBACK TO STICKING WITH YOUR DATE?
It is true that some of the family and friends we had invited have elected not to attend. They either have health or financial impacts that prevent them from doing so. In a perfect world, we would have had them with us. However, (1) moving our wedding does not guarantee that their financial situation or level of comfort will be any different at that time and (2) they are not upset with us for continuing without them, they are overjoyed that we are ABLE to still get married as planned. The future is always unknown - and we have here and NOW.
ANY OTHER CLOSING THOUGHTS THAT MIGHT HELP CURRENT AND FUTURE COUPLES?
Life is full of all sorts of challenges that we must overcome. Whenever I am confronted with a challenge I consider the following options:
1. I can either let the challenge take control of me, or I can take control of it.
2. I can choose to view the challenge as a setback or I can view it as an opportunity.
From my perspective, COVID is just one of those challenges. COVID restrictions have been part of my way of life since March. It turned my routine on its head!!!
#1 I have taken control of it: I have grown closer to my fiance than I could have ever imagined. I have been able to start a routine of jogging during the middle of the day. I am eating more healthily because everything is homemade and fresh. I am less stressed because I don’t sit in 2 hours of traffic each day. I was able to transition to work from home seamlessly. And now, finally, the country is repairing and restoring itself economically. Our wedding is possible because the risks have decreased sufficiently for the restrictions to be lifted.
#2 I am going to seize this opportunity and celebrate it with my closest friends and family. I feel like I have been given a gift that so many April, May and June couples didn’t have. I am not going to pass it up.
SPRING BLOSSOM DAY
Okay okay so our last post was a summer soiree unlike any other, and today in the bitter cold of winter we are bringing you the ultimate spring wedding. We promise we’re not trying to tease you…spring IS just around the corner! If you are considering an early spring wedding (May to be exact) look no further for confirmation that early in the wedding season can be glorious! Apple blossoms, crisp air, a sense of renewal, spring has a uniqueness all its own.
Emily and Mike infused pops of color into their color palette to compliment this cheerful season. You will see some of springs best hues incorporated throughout their florals by Lotus Floral Designs. Do not miss this first look at Chocorua Lake. The slightly warm breeze wrapped its arms around the couple and made for some stunning portraits. Being avid national park travelers Emily and Mike named each one of their guest tables after all the parks they’ve visited. Where was the honeymoon you ask? A national park of course!
View the full gallery here and all vendors listed at the end of this post.
VENDOR TEAM
Photography - Ashley Helen Photography | Florals - Lotus Floral Design | Cake - Henny B Cakes | Catering - White Mountain Cider Company | Dress - Maggie Sottero via Kleinfeld Bridal | Hair & Makeup - REFEYEANCE | DJ - Double Platinum Celebrations | Rentals - Showcase Events | Invitations - Basic Invite
LATE SUMMER DREAM
Ahhhhh the days of late Summer….they seem so far from us now, but before you know it we will be sporting golden kissed skin and rocking the Ray Bans! Katie and Jeff hosted a destination weekend of fun filled events on property throughout the weekend and decided they wanted to tie both the best of the lakes & the mountains together on their wedding day. The ceremony was held on Squam at Chocorua Island Chapel and guests returned to The Preserve for an absolutely stunning reception. Check out Molly the Trolly and other details that just make us smile! Captured by J. Harper Photography you will see that this “late summer dream” is classic New England with a delicate and feminine touch. Enjoy a glimpse of the weekend with this gallery, and see the full feature here.
VENDOR TEAM
Florist - Lotus Floral Design | Photography - J. Harper Photography | Band - Clique Wilson Stevens Bands | Hair & Makeup - J Despres | Trolley - Wolfeboro Trolley Company | Boat Rentals - Squam Lakes Science Center | Cake - Ooh La La Creative Cakes | Brides Dress - Marchesca | Groom’s Suite - J. Hilburn | Month of Coordination | Private Weddings and Events
THANKFUL | THANKSGIVING 2019
It is with much gratitude that we write this post. Thanksgiving is not just about that big turkey, in fact we won’t even be cooking one of the big birds (shhhh don’t tell anyone.) Thanksgiving is about spending quality time with family and friends. For us it’s also about being part of a bigger picture. It’s about creating memories that families will cherish and reflect upon for years to come when they gather around their own holiday tables.
Thank YOU for letting our Preserve family be a part of your love stories, timeless adventures, and precious memories. Wishing you all a day filled with joyous hearts and bountiful plates! Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.
Imagery | Lindsay Hackney Photography
PEOPLE OF THE PRESERVE | ERICA BOUTWELL BOYNTON
There aren’t many people who just have that “certain something.” A knack for doing it all - and making it look effortless. Erica is one of those gifted women, and we have the incredible fortune to call her a member of our team.
When trying to describe Erica these are the words and phrases that came to mind…hard working, loyal, well-spoken, an incredible community activist, classic, just an all-around good person. If you’ve met Erica you know what we’re talking about!
A resident of Tamworth - Erica stays engaged in the community by serving on as many boards and committees as time will allow, and maintains her role as Program Director at the Chocorua Community Church. Lastly Erica is also is the owner and operator of Eb’s Kitchen - a gluten free specialty bakery.
We sat down with Erica for a short Q&A - we hope you enjoy getting to know this integral part of our Preserve team a little better!
Name: Erica Boynton
Title: Venue Coordinator/Community Event Liaison
Role at The Preserve: Facilitate events for wedding couples and local community groups
What you love most about your work at The Preserve: Meeting new people and witnessing the lasting connections they make with each and the property
Hobbies: Cooking, gardening, reading
Favorite Color: Navy blue
Favorite Flower: Wildflowers
Favorite Season: Summer!!
What is your Vision for the future of the property: To help create an oasis where visitors connect with the history of the property and its past role as a summer resort and working farm. Future development of interpretive gardens, trails and events that focus on the natural beauty of the estate and its historic value will encourage this connection.
Dream Travel Destination? Scotland
EAST COAST CLASSIC
Sean and Andi (Andrea) packed The Preserve with their closest friends and family and took full advantage of a long celebration weekend that kicked off with a square dance, and wrapped up with a laid-back BBQ dinner! This September 1st wedding walked the line between summer and fall so perfectly with a classic color palette and a Squam Lake ceremony. Anne Skidmore captured the beauty of the day flawlessly as you will see. We can’t thank Sean & Andi enough for sharing their experience about planning a destination wedding, and for those planning a Squam Lake ceremony there are some fantastic tips! Enjoy this spectacular East Coast classic wedding and view the full gallery here. Be sure and catch the full length video at the end of this post.
What were your thoughts on the new barn and tent?
We LOVED the new barn. Obviously, we loved the old barn as well, but the new barn had such a similar feel to the old one, except that it streamlined many of the potential issues. It was great to have four bathrooms and the bar set up and catering set up were obviously much more streamlined than they would have been in the old barn. The tent itself is a truly a stunning addition to the property. We also can't even begin to count the number of compliments we got from our guests about the beauty of the barn!
Your wedding evoked a very classic and timeless feel, was that what you were going for?
I wanted it to feel intentional and natural at the same time. We didn't really want to go overboard with anything, but we also wanted to make sure our bases were covered. I think our primary focus was making sure that everyone felt really welcomed and comfortable at our wedding, because again, we felt a little extra having a destination wedding. Pretty much everything came out feeling exactly how I imagined though, so I guess, yes!, I did want a classic and timeless feel :)
The “First Look” with your dad...can you elaborate on that? So so sweet!
I don't think either of us expected to react so emotionally. Like I said, Squam and RDC have always been something that my Dad and I have shared a deep affinity for (more so than probably the rest of our family) and I think that added a layer of emotion to that moment. It wasn't actually expected -- he was walking in and everyone decided it should be a first look, so they made me go around the corner and hide. It meant a lot to both of us to share Squam with so many friends and family, and to bring such a big piece of our family tradition into Sean's and my wedding.
Tell us about your ties to Squam Lake and why the ceremony was so special?
Squam Lake has been my favorite place since I was a child. My family has been coming to Squam Lake since my dad was a kid, and I came up every summer growing up with my dad (and grandparents and cousins). My brother and I were both baptized on Church Island by Rev. Campbell Lovett, who was one of the two officiants at our wedding. The other officiant was my godmother/aunt Cindy, who happens to be a Deacon in the Episcopal church, so it was really special to carry that forward. My dad and I have a tradition of swimming from Rockywold Deephaven Camps (where the bridal party got ready) to Church Island every summer. Sean also grew up spending a lot of time at lakes, so when I first brought him to Squam a few years ago, he fell in love with it as well, and could recognize how special of a place it is. From the day we got engaged we knew we wanted to get married on Squam. I have so many memories from my childhood at Squam and on Church Island, and I love that now Sean and I have begun to make our own memories in such a special place.
We love the sunglasses? What a great idea - and so much fun!
That was kind of both of our idea (with a little nudge from my brother)! We just thought they'd be fun. We didn't really want to do "favors" per say, but we wanted to make sure we provided as much as possible to make our guests comfortable in an environment that was very new to many of our guests. We also provided tubes of sunblock and bug spray, flip flops for those who might accidentally wear heels to the island (which is prohibited) and blankets in case it got cold.
That dessert display…drool worthy! Tell us about that deliciousness….
Well, that had a lot to do with Lisa!! She is such a visionary. We knew going into it that we'd want a number of cakes, because we wanted to do some kind of crazy flavors, and we figured we'd give folks an option. She also has such a wide array of flavors and ideas, we definitely couldn't have decided on just one or two. Plus, I love cake....everyone knows it. We had to go big! We asked her to put Kira on the main cake, because we'd seen a photo somewhere of a dog digging up the cake, and we thought it was hilarious. We did the main cake with tiers so that we could keep the tradition of freezing the top tier for a year (we probably should have thought through the size of the cake though...RIP freezer space :). Then Lisa helped us come up with what the rest of the display would look like, helped us hone our many desired flavors down to a few that would pair nicely together etc. The one I never got to try was that root beer bundt...easily the most popular of the options!
Favorite part of the weekend?
Oh man, that's a tough one. Honestly, I think for me it was being able to share such a special place with everyone we loved. The Preserve was large enough that we were able to be really inclusive with our guest list, and it meant that so many wonderful people from so many corners of our lives (and the world!) made the trip to the mountains to be a part of our wedding. Having the property for three days allowed us so many opportunities to see everyone, which was really important to us after friends and family took so much time to travel the distance to see us. I think my most favorite moments (aside from getting married on my favorite island) were the amazing dance floor, the after party on the patio with Ken and the pizza, and the bbq the next day.
I loved that we could just drag the big green couch from whichever part of the Preserve we were taking advantage of, and have a comfy place to congregate no matter where the critical mass of people were. Sean's favorite part was probably the Sunday BBQ. We had so much help from our friends and family, and it was a very organic, natural (kind of messy, and very us) way to close out the weekend with our loved ones.
What did you enjoy most about The Preserve as a venue?
Being able to truly host our family and friends in such a beautiful corner of the world. Having the Preserve for three days allowed us opportunities to see everyone and to celebrate in a range of ways that made it really feel like we covered all of our bases. It gave us opportunities to see everyone in a range of different capacities, and actually catch up with a lot of our guests, which we wouldn't have been able to do if we hadn't been able to all hang around the house all weekend. I also felt like I was in such good hands with Mary and Ed. They are so hands off and unintrusive, but seemed to pop up always at the exact right time to help with things or to answer questions like the fairy godparents of weddings! The Preserve is also just so beautiful and relaxing, so just walking around was a vacation in and of itself.
VENDOR CREDITS
Hair & Makeup: Sarah & Co Designs
Shoes: (were these your something blue?): Klub Nico
They were one of my "something blues" - I also wore my grandmother's aquamarine earrings and a sapphire ring that belongs to Sean's grandmother.
Dress: BHLDN
Bridesmaids Dresses: Shop Revelry
Photography: Anne Skidmore
Flowers: Moonset Farms
We LOVED Jackie!! Sleeper favorite vendor. Who would have thought we'd get so excited about flowers?!
Wedding Film: S | P Films
Stationary: Minted - Save the Dates, Little Ivy Paper Company - Invitations & Programs. Andi did the menus and table cards herself.
Catering: White Mountain Cider Co. - Dinner, White Mountain Catering - Late Night Pizza. BBQ Shak for Friday's BBQ Meats...mom did everything else!
Desserts: Cakes for All Seasons
DJ: Jeff Erwin
Coordination: Doting & Details
SEASONAL NOTES | SPRING
As Winter is coming to an end here on The Preserve, we are slowly creeping towards one of our favorite seasons Spring! As the snow begins to melt away, the rolling hills begin to brighten with the tide of Spring, we can’t help but get excited during this season of rebirth. Wildflower buds will begin to sprout, trees will begin to blossom, and the sky with all its blue brightness sets the perfect scene for a visit to The Preserve.
As we make the shift into the new season, it is always a bustling time of year for all sorts of activities. With the warmer weather we start to see hikers and adventure seekers again, Maple Syrup production is is full swing, and you can feel the excitement in the air.
This spring we continue with our ‘Souper Club” on April 15th as well as a few other exciting events. Our TVC meeting (Tamworth Visitors Council) meeting will be held Tuesday April 2nd at 5:30PM. We encourage community members and business owners to attend. Please RSVP to tamworthnh@gmail.com if you are interested in attending the event.
Our annual Tamworth Wet Paint - Plein Air Painting Festival will begin on April 29th and run through May 5th. We have artists coming from all across the country from Texas, to Ohio, to Maine and everywhere in between. See the full calendar of events here.
The Preserve at Chocorua Farmhouse - George Van Hook
LAUREN & PATRICK | “FEEL THE GRATITUDE”
There was not a more appropriate season for these two to tie the knot than fall. The coziest season of the year packed with warmth and full of vibrant color. That’s exactly how we would describe this couple. Cozy, welcoming, joyful, full of vibrancy and life. Lauren and Patrick wed on an exquisite fall day that won’t soon be forgotten.
Custom Rose’ bottles from Whippletree Winery welcomed guests as they arrived for the weekend.
This couple above all else wanted their weekend to be not about them, but about the relationships they had cultivated along the road that lead them to say “I DO.” Lauren said “it was just about bringing everyone together, it was a destination for everyone including us. We wanted everyone to have a total sensory experience. Experience how much we loved The Preserve, loved everyone there, our love of good seasonal foods, craft beer and cocktails; we wanted all who were there to ‘feel the gratitude!’”
These two food and beverage industry movers and shakers pulled out all stops when it came to food, beverage, and entertaining. Patrick brewed all the beer for the entire weekend celebration. Talk about an undertaking! Lauren worked closely with the gals of Whippletree winery here in Tamworth to create three wines for their welcome baskets, one that showcased Lauren and Patrick on the label, and the other two their precious pups Toby and Hazel. Completely adorable!
Their cocktails were perfectly curated by one of Lauren’s best friends who is of course a cutting edge mixologist. Her ode to the couple in cocktail form included heart shaped lemon peel and rose gold edible glitter.
Friday night was a showstopper in itself. One of their closest friends Chef Daniel Gursha (who just happens to be hot on the Boston culinary scene) curated an entire rehearsal dinner based on the couples favorite foods. From oysters, to lobster tail, aged steaks, fresh produce, chef Daniel showed his love for Lauren and Patrick through his culinary skills.
Photo collage that included family, friends, relatives, and lots of fantastic memories.
Friday night was all about enjoying good food, good cocktails, and each others company.
We did a little quick-fire Q&A with Lauren here is what she had to say…
Where did you get that incredible fur coat?
“It was Grandma Pearl’s fur coat.” We think it’s pretty much amazing!
Best part about Harvest Moon Catering?
“Harvest Moon was fantastic, nothing but wonderful feedback. We loved getting to see the actual food, how it’s made and carefully prepared, and all the love goes into it.”
What food style did you opt for?
Seated salad, and family style with several beautifully presented platters for dinner.
Favorite part of the day?
“First and foremost was the ceremony. All the build-up to one big moment was just wow! Being in that moment surrounded by everyone and their love was really special.”
Lauren and Patrick said their own vows and had an interactive ceremony. They wanted people to be engaged and to be part of the moment. Throughout the ceremony they asked questions like how long have you been married? What’s the key to marriage? The answer was compromise if you were wondering. The vows were not just about Patrick and Lauren, they were about all the people in their lives that got them to where they are today.
Favorite reception elements?
“How our photo booth came together, it was ‘cute’ a little bit kitschy, not perfect, but perfect the way it ended up! My nieces and nephews had the opportunity to enjoy the photo booth as well, taking the camera around to guest and getting all sorts of goofy fun snapshots.”
Where did you find your dress?
“Davids Bridal.”
If you could do it all over again would you give your future self any advice?
“I would say not to rush into selecting vendors. Trust your gut on how you feel about connecting with different vendors. Work with people you genuinely like – and whose philosophy you connect with.”
“Also as an events person myself I thought I wouldn’t need help with the planning aspect. So wrong! Hire a planner! Megan of Willow Tree Events was so wonderful. She did full planning and coordination. Having someone to bounce ideas off from, someone to give advice, and help with all of the other emotional pieces of planning was so valuable.”
If you could recap your wedding weekend in a sentence what would that sentence be?
“A collaboration of the people that love us!”
What feeling or vibe were you hoping to achieve?
“Well we could just imagine how it all would come together and knew it would be a collaborative effort. We wanted everyone to feel like family. By the end of the weekend we wanted all who were there to know why they were there, and to feel the love. Really it was all about bringing everyone together so they could know why they were so incredibly important to us.”
Lauren and Patricks vendor team is listed at the end of this post, and these beautiful images are courtesy of Alyssa Hitchcock of Lovely Bones Studio. We asked her thoughts on the weekend and here’s what she had to say…also you can view the full gallery here.
"Lauren and Patrick had a very clear vision of what they wanted their wedding day to be. They brought it ALL to life with the absolute best team of vendors! I am so honored to be among them. They started by partying with a bonfire, Groom-made beer and so many friends and family ringing their wedding weekend by the bonfire! I could tell immediately that they were going to have one of the most fun and enjoyable weddings and in the most perfect setting of The Preserve at Chocorua. The morning of their wedding was so calm and beautiful. Their set up was truly just as amazing as they are down to every detail and intimate moment. I have thought about this quite a bit and I cannot choose a favorite moment of the day, it was all filled with so much happiness. I'm so grateful to have photographed their wedding and capture their memories. Thank you Lauren and Patrick for throwing one beautiful bad-ass celebration! Wishing a lifetime of happiness to this remarkable couple!"
VENDOR TEAM
Catering - Harvest Moon
Bartending - On the Rocks
Planning - Willow Tree Events - Megan Thompson
Florals - Apotheca - Alyssa & Ricky
Photos - Lovely Bones Photography
Dessert - Cider Bellies
Beats - La Bella and the Beat - Jay La Bella
Rentals - Lakes Region Tent and Events
Make up - Cara Raskin
Hair - Mallory Patterson
Rehearsal dinner - Daniel Gursha
Hospitality & Bar Specialist - Hannah Welans founder of Hanewel Hospitality
Wine - Whippletree Winery
Calligraphist - Natalie Chaves
Jewelry - Passed onto me by her Nana Ruth who is no longer with us. My mom and Patrick worked with Harry's Jewelers to create the perfect ring with her stone as the focal point. “She is my hero! I lived with her growing up and have countless memories of her and my Papa. I wish they could have joined us. But I know they were with us surrounding us with love.”
Fur coat - Grandma Pearl
Wedding dress - David's bridal bought by my Grandma Linda who flew from FL to help me pick out my dress
JP - Jane Roth
