Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden Wedding

Thanks to Shalini and Eric, I now ADORE Portsmouth, NH. When they had me up to do there engagement photos, I was sold on the little harbor town. I anxiously awaited the whole year to photograph their Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden wedding.  Their reception followed at Portsmouth Harbor Events & Conference Center. It was a quick walk between the hotel, wedding ceremony, and reception. While some rain clouds loomed ahead, we only had a few scattered sprinkles!

All the Details

The ladies were ready for me when I arrived. They had all the details pulled aside for me. I love that! I quickly went through and photographed all the little pieces. The watercolor theme spread from the save the dates, to invitations, to the cake. The couple really pulled together their wedding theme. Considering I have watercolor tattoos on each shoulder, this design had a special place in my heart. Save the dates were custom designs by myself, in order for the couple to keep consistent in their vision.

Getting Ready at the Hotel

Bride and Groom got ready at the same hotel. They were actually in the same room on different floors. It was hilarious watching them bang on the floor and cieling to say “hi” to each other! Some of the details that made the day special included the Bride having her late brother’s initial sewn inside of her dress. The guys wore their Boston sports t-shirts before getting ready. The ladies had great custom hoodies for hair and makeup. After everyone was ready, we walked over to the Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden for the first look.

Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden Wedding

The Moffatt-Ladd House sits right on the water in Downtown Portsmouth. With the harbor in front and lush gardens in back, it is the perfect wedding venue! During the rehearsal dinner the night before, I was able to talk to the wedding coordinator and get a great tour of the property. There were so many little nooks and crannies to photograph! Winding paths made their way through the garden behind the house. There was even a barn as a great rain option.

The First Look

First looks are a great way for a wedding couple to enjoy their cocktail hour. That was a priority for Shalini and Eric. They planned almost all of their photos prior to the wedding. First, they had to see each other! Immediately after their first look reveal, we went to photographing the bridal party. Family photos were also done prior to the ceremony at this wedding. We really wanted to ensure we got as much as we could dome before the wedding.

The Ceremony at Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden

Garden weddings are always beautiful. The Moffatt-Ladd House was no exception. With the setting sun streaming in behind the ceremony space, I was in back lit heaven! There was plenty of room for seating in the garden area.

The couple read their own personalized vows. They had me laughing and welling up with happy tears all at the same time. I adore the personal touch that unique vows offer. Spending so much time with them already, it just added another layer of getting to know my couple. Surrounded by friends and family, Eric and Shalini said their “I Do’s” and started their official life as husband and wife!

Wedding Portraits at Sunset

Everyone that works with me knows I love that sweet spot golden hour. Luckily for these two, their wedding ceremony ended right at that moment. We ran into the gardens for a few more golden hour portraits before walking over to the reception at Portsmouth Harbor Events. I really loved that this gave them a few minutes alone before mingling at cocktail hour.

Portsmouth Harbor Events & Conference Center Wedding Reception

Portsmouth Harbor Events was a quick walk from the Moffat Ladd House & Garden. You walk in to a main room, with cocktail hour to the left and a bridal suite on the right. The cocktail hour even had and outdoor patio space. It was perfect for the warm September day. The event staff was fantastic. The room was set up beautifully. The watercolor theme continued to the gorgeous wedding cake. Signature drinks and yummy snack favors completed the couple’s personal touches.

Focus on Family

After spending both the rehearsal dinner and wedding day with these families, I really felt as if they embraced me as one of their own. That is the number one reason I love being a wedding photographer. From the beginning of the planning process, it was clear the couple focused on their family first. The Bride’s grandfather even sang and played harmonica for her at the reception. You can’t get better than that!

My day ended with lots of hugs. I adored every moment of this Portsmouth, New Hampshire wedding day!

Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden Wedding Vendors

Ceremony Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden

Reception & Catering Portsmouth Harbor & Events Conference Center

DJ Pat Tecce

Florist Fruition

Bakery Jacques Pastry Shop

Hair & Makeup Deep Blue Hair Studio 

Invitations Wedding Paper Divas

Schedule your Portsmouth, NH wedding photography with Danyel Stapleton Photography today! I love to travel! Portsmouth has become one of my favorite destinations. I would love to work with you there!