Renee and Theodore’s wedding in Concord, NH a couple of weeks ago was a unique, fun, and beautiful celebration. They had actually married a few weeks earlier in Hong Kong, where they both now live, and immediately traveled to Botswana where they spent their honeymoon, not just on safari, but also volunteering their time and expertise. But as well as their magnificent celebration in Hong Kong, they decided to travel back to the place where it all began: St. Paul’s School. This is where they spent their teenage years, at a sweet boarding school in the New Hampshire countryside, and it is where they began their relationship, at the tender age of fifteen … fifteen years ago!

So it was a little different to the weddings I usually photograph. It was also a reunion for their high school friends and teachers, and there were few of the wedding traditions that I normally photograph. Instead there was a full day of fun activities for the 40 or so guests that celebrated with them.

I started my day at the salon with Renee and two of her lovely bridesmaids. They actually found the salon that morning, walking in. They figured that if they couldn’t find somewhere that could squeeze them in last minute, they would DIY instead. What an awesome attitude to have!

Doesn’t Renee look calm and relaxed? She was an amazing lady to work with!

Much of the wedding took place on the school grounds, and I loved the beautiful buildings, old lamps, and spires:

Theodore and Renee started the festivities with a luncheon at the boat house. Aside from the delicious pan-Asian food, my favorite part was documenting the reunions that took place as everyone arrived:

So many hugs, and huge smiles, and even a baby or two!

After eating, Theodore set up a game of Taboo, so that guests would have something fun to keep them entertained while we took some couples portraits around the school grounds. Love this!

Soon after, we headed out for some couples portraits. It was crazy hot out, and these guys were troupers. I have to give a little shout-out here to awesome Toronto wedding videographer Norris of Norris Films who was such a pleasure to work with. Clearly he travels for weddings, so if you’d like some creative Canadian flair documenting your wedding day, I highly recommend calling Norris!

The school buildings were the perfect backdrop for some couples portraits:

This hallway is right outside the school dining room … wow!

After portraits, we headed back to the hotel for a quick clothing change. Renee’s friend Philina Fan made her wedding dress and it was absolutely perfect. Clean modern lines with intricate details and the most glorious soft, cool fabric. Philina works for Carolina Herrera, and included both the company label and her own handmade label with Renee’s new initials. It was so beautiful!

Here’s the sweet Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul on the school campus:

Guests gathered outside the chapel for a short concert before the ceremony:

Theodore was so sweet, and so handsome in his tux. I love how happy he was waiting for the ceremony to begin:

The ceremony was really emotional. It makes me so happy to catch a tear falling!

The ceremony was jointly officiated by the wonderful pastor of the chapel, and by this fabulous lady above who was Theodore’s teacher and Renee’s house mistress. She told a great story about when she first saw Theodore and Renee walking hand in hand as she was driving past, and how she knew right then what a perfect match they were for each other.

The final blessing:

After the ceremony we took some more photos on the school grounds. I really love this next one of Renee and Theodore walking back towards the chapel.

The wedding party was so sweet and very fun. It consisted mostly of friends from their school days.

I love seeing little ones at weddings – and I hope this super cutie’s parents don’t mind me posting this funny shot!

The reception was held at a nearby hotel, The Centennial Hotel. There were no dances, but there were some really fantastic toasts (and some fun party props!)

Thank you both for a beautiful day, and for being so wonderful to work with, especially in that crazy heat! I can’t wait to hear about your adventures together in Hong Kong, and I’ll be sharing your full set of images in the next couple of weeks.