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
