August 19, 2022
Sandwich, NH
Unique and intimate describes the elopement sunrise wedding ceremony of Lauren and Anthony atop West Rattlesnake Mountain. As a wedding planner herself, Lauren says she wanted something completely different for her special day. That meant waking up at midnight to start getting ready and, along with her officiant/best friend Chelsea, driving to Concord to have hair and makeup done at 1 a.m. They then gathered with the groom, who brought their 5-year-old bulldog mix, Leo, and the photographer and her husband, who are friends, to arrive at the mountain at 4:30 a.m.
“We all carried stuff up, including champagne and our wedding clothes in a garment bag,” says Lauren. “We also carried beers that we shotgunned as part of the ceremony. Whoever won the shotgun got to say their vows first—and yes, it was Anthony.” The mile-long hike took about 45 minutes, and they changed into their wedding attire in the dark, by flashlight.
Lauren admits she was very emotional during the sunrise ceremony. “Chelsea introduced me to my husband, and everything she said was very heartfelt. She read a poem and a quote from one of my favorite Nicholas Sparks books, Safe Haven. Probably my favorite moment was when Chelsea opened up our ceremony by saying, ‘Let’s take a second to look around and take this all in.’ I wish I could wake up every morning and experience that again.
Written by Pat Chaudoin
{Wedding Recipe}
Photography:
Kelly Stevens Photography
Dress:
Lulus Weddings, Online
Lamnhi Bridal (cape veil), Etsy
Hair:
Braids by Boucher, NH
Makeup:
Madeline Jude Beauty, NH
Venue:
West Rattlesnake Mountain, Sandwich, NH
Planner:
Your Day with LK, Manchester, NH
Flowers:
Vera Flora Farm, Gilsum, NH
Wedding Day Breakfast:
Tuckers, Concord, NH
Groom’s Attire:
Lavish Bags, Etsy
Rings:
Groom’s, Jjem Story, Etsy
Bride’s engagement, Bario Neal, Brooklyn, NY
Bride’s wedding, Kay Jewelers, Manchester, NH