Helen Stamas + Bryan Walsh

May 15, 2021

Portsmouth, NH

When it came time to choose a location and vendors for their wedding, Helen and Bryan knew Portsmouth would be at the center of things. “We had a truly Seacoast wedding,” says Helen, noting that from the reception venue to her hair and makeup, flowers, and even their wedding rings, the couple chose Portsmouth—or nearby—businesses to fill their desires. “And I loved the intimacy of Little Harbor Chapel,” she says of their ceremony site, “that secluded feeling as you drive through the woods down Little Harbor Road. It really fit our motif of an intimate and romantic wedding.”

The couple chose their first look as the time to say their vows to each other. “We didn’t want to do this in front of everyone,” Helen explains. “This made it very personal, and we could be ourselves, not nervous and feeling like we were sort of performing in front of our guests.” The ceremony itself was made very special, she adds, because her aunt officiated and her uncle also played a role in the service.

The reception at Strawbery Banke was part of Helen’s romantic vision. “It was like a backyard garden setting in an antiquated port town. And I thought my dress really fit the atmosphere; it was classically romantic with some Baroque detail. I felt like a Disney princess—not Cinderella, more like Anastasia!”

Written by Pat Chaudoin

{Wedding Recipe}

Photography:
Anna Solo Photography

Ceremony:
Little Harbor Chapel, Portsmouth, NH

Reception:
Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth, NH

Venue Coordinator:
Wendy McCoole

Caterer:
Old Salt Catering, Hampton, NH

Cake:
Popovers On The Square, Portsmouth, NH

Dress:
Madeleine’s Daughter, Portsmouth, NH

Groom’s Attire:
Christopher Cuozzo

Rings:
Market Square Jewelers (his), Long’s Jewelers (hers), Portsmouth, NH

Hair:
Fringe Hair Studio, Portsmouth, NH

Makeup:
Jane Gee Company, Portsmouth, NH

Tent:
Marshall Rental, Kittery, ME

Flowers:
The Flower Kiosk, Portsmouth, NH

DJ:
La Bella & The Beat, Dover, NH

Videography:
Austin Wilder South End Digital