An All-Day Elopement in the White Mountains Incorporating Both Old & New Experiences
Hiking enthusiasts Stephanie and Matt scaled not one, but two peaks, in a picturesque celebration of their partnership. After climbing to the site of an early outdoorsy date, they changed into wedding attire and exchanged vows at the foot of a waterfall. The effervescent cascade mirrored Stephanie’s dress, her Keens the perfect match for the slippery rocks. (She went barefoot for the ceremony itself, November temperatures be damned!). Matt was no less dapper in his jacket and handcrafted wooden boutonniere. But more than their impeccable aesthetic, the fundamental quality this couple radiates is a palpable care for—and delight in—each other. Their ease and joy at life in each other’s company shone through each glance, goofy giggle, and gentle assist on the ascent. After frolicking down railroad tracks, scaling sun-dappled trails, kissing on footbridges, and sharing laughter at exquisite overlooks, Matt and Stephanie concluded their day with another stunning view. This one was new to them and I was so excited to introduce them to one of my favorite lookouts! On a rocky perch above a dramatic river valley—still decked out in full nuptial glory—they enjoyed an intimate charcuterie picnic. Donning hats and mittens as evening fell, gazing at the forest sprawled out beneath them, the two cuddled close to greet the rising crescent moon.
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IN THEIR OWN WORDS: MATT & STEPHANIE’S STORY
THE ORIGINS STEPHANIE: I felt an instant connection with Matt. It was this weird magnetism that I’d never felt before. Neither one of us knew [the other] felt this way. We continued to live out strangely similar, almost parallel lives for the next decade until reconnecting. Our first date started off as an early dinner. We ended up moving to my jeep where we continued talking for hours. All it took was an 8 hour jeep date and I knew he was it. MATT: I was instantly drawn to Steph. Her personality was absolutely magnetic and adorable. Flash forward to our first date and everything just felt natural and comfortable and we hung out and talked for hours and I don’t think I stopped talking for a couple of years.
DECIDING TO GET MARRIED STEPHANIE: We are both divorced so the initial idea of marriage was pretty terrifying. But as time went on I just knew I wanted it all with him. The house, big family, marriage, babies. I wanted my happily ever after and I knew it was with him. MATT: I very much knew I wanted to settle down with Steph early on. Marriage was a little scary at first but she started talking about maybe having a kid and the idea was actually beyond exciting and doing the rest with her just felt natural. Whole package!
CHOOSING TO ELOPE IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
STEPHANIE: Matt and I hate attention. We get weird during posed photos and forced interactions. We both wanted a stress free day of just plain fun and laid back relaxation. We recreated a part of one of our first adventure dates where Matt dragged me on a 16 mile Arethusa Falls loop which I completed wearing sketchers.
MATT: We both spent a long time trying to make plans for even a small wedding and nothing was clicking or felt right and Steph suggested just running away and doing it. And that idea just felt perfect. It was just us in every way. We wanted to pick a memorable and photogenic spot and we always loved the falls and that area. It’s been our most talked about return date.
FINDING MOLLY & OUTDOOR CHRONICLES PHOTOGRAPHY
STEPHANIE: I didn’t really care where or how we got married; it was just really important to me to have nice pictures. I googled elopement photographers hoping I could find someone to snap a few pics at town hall. Then I found Molly. An adventure elopement photographer, who is also an ordained minister, takes amazing pics AND had the perfect last minute opening for our elopement. I got amazing pictures, a new friend and the best wedding day I could have asked for. I wouldn’t change a thing. MATT: I trusted Steph with [finding a photographer], and she had almost given up hope when she found Outdoor Chronicles Photography. Between their pictures, Molly’s bio and everything we found online, we just knew we’d love them. And they were perfect!
ELOPEMENT LOOKS AND VENDORS MATT: I wanted to do something classy but not too over the top; I took Molly’s color recommendations and ran with it. Really, I was just worried about being presentable and making our day perfect for Stephanie.
STEPHANIE: I loooove vintage, repurposed and inexpensive finds. Sadie Green’s in Sturbridge MA has all that and more. I went in for one pair of earrings and left with two pairs and a necklace. I can’t wait to go back. Forever Floral for the bouquet. Wasting money on flowers drives me crazy. Now I have my bouquet on our mantle which serves as decor and is awesome to have a piece of our day displayed. The ring was from the estate section at Dioguardi Jewelers in Ware, MA. Lulus for the dress. [Our picnic was from] Viand Charcuterie.
FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM THEIR NEW HAMPSHIRE WEDDING DAY
STEPHANIE: Omg so many. Our fall charcuterie [picnic]. Matt frolicking. Vows on the top of the falls. When I realized the amazing view Molly introduced us to at the top of Mt Willard. It was all just amazing MATT: Oh my goodness! I don’t think I could pick a single one. The whole day was amazing. If I had to pick: I loved the first walk when [strangers on the hiking trail] realized Steph was in wedding makeup and the smiles and sparkles in their eyes when that realization hit them.
THE PHOTOGRAPHS
MATT: I’m blown away! Seriously take my wildest high expectations and it’s on another planet away from those. My favorite singular is us looking out at the hills from the top of the falls with the wind whipping at us but they are all so awesome. Love us walking toward the tunnel of light at Willard.
STEPHANIE: Astounding. Amazing. Breathtaking. So far the mountain top smooch is my favorite but I love the train track walk and others.
BEST THINGS ABOUT WORKING WITH OUTDOOR CHRONICLES PHOTOGRAPHY
STEPHANIE: Molly made it so easy. Anything we needed or wanted, they had a variety of suggestions. Color pallets, what to pack, hair/makeup, snacks, locations etc.
MATT: It was awesome having someone basically help make our day come true with local talent. It was amazing and made everything flow. It quickly felt like we were just friends walking around the woods and messing around. We had so much fun and that just felt easy and natural. STEPHANIE: Absolutely laid back and so much fun.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
STEPHANIE: Seamless. Perfect. MATT: Absolutely amazing. Could not have been any better. STEPHANIE: Yes! I have been telling anyone and everyone [about Molly]. I’ve told four engaged/soon to be engaged couples so far. MATT: Just come live with us! Seriously though the photography is beyond stunning. Everything about our day was just easy; the prep work Molly put in beforehand shows off in how easy the day was. Beyond impressive!
WOULD YOU DO ANYTHING DIFFERENTLY IN RETROSPECT?
STEPHANIE: Nope. Not a single thing. Wait…maybe be more adamant that Matt should change into his hiking boots instead of sambas MATT: After falling I would have worn my hiking shoes 😂
ADVICE TO OTHER COUPLES
MATT: Make the day you. The little things you guys like are really the big things that make you guys you!
STEPHANIE: Less is more. Don’t stress and just enjoy your day.
THE FULL GALLERY: AN ALL DAY NEW HAMPSHIRE ELOPEMENT DAY IN IMAGERY
Meet Your New Hampshire Elopement Photographer
Your New Hampshire elopement isn't complete without finding the right photographer to capture your wedding day. You will want to find someone who is an experienced adventure wedding photographer who is a local expert -- and that's me! I'm an award-winning photographer who has been featured in several publications. And when I'm not photographing elopements, I'm usually out hiking, skiing, or biking to find new, amazing locations in New Hampshire. As a local expert, I'm here to guide you through planning your elopement in New Hampshire. And then I'll be there to photograph every moment.
My New Hampshire packages range from $4,500 to $8,900. Packages range from 5 hours of coverage to 2-days of coverage. Are you planning a longer adventure, such as a multi-day hike during which you will exchange vows on a secluded peak? I offer custom packages for your multi-day hut to hut hiking elopement. Packages include overall planning assistance, helping you find the perfect location to get married, vendor recommendations, and establishing the perfect timeline for adventuring without feeling rushed. I'm here as your New Hampshire expert and I want you to have the best wedding day!
Picture taken at the Mount Kearsarge trailhead- one of my favorite New Hampshire hikes!