Blog— Weddings — New Hampshire — 2021 —
Woodbound Inn Wedding Photos
Aleksey & Leda*
Woodbound Inn, Rindge, New Hampshire (Ceremony & Reception)
August 20th, 2021
I've been shooting weddings in New England for over a decade now and, as such, there aren't a lot of places I haven't been. So you can imagine my joy when I got asked by a friend to help photograph the wedding of Aleksey and Leda at Woodbound Inn in Rindge, New Hampshire.
Even though the event was a full two hours away from my house, and took place on one of the hottest days of the year at that point, Aleksey and Leda's wedding was a beautiful reminder of why I do what I do.
Not only were the bride and groom incredibly fun people to meet and spend a day around but their lakeside wedding was absolutely stunning and everything a couple looking for a genuine, rustic New England wedding could ask for.
Seriously. This was one of those weddings you just can't help but see and think "Man. I do some cool stuff."
* These photos were taken as part of my work as a second photographer for New England Portrait.
and are presented here strictly for portfolio/display purposes.
My time with Aleksey and Leda began with one of the most fun groom prep sessions I've had in quite some time as Aleksey and his groomsmen were joined by several members of the soon-to-be newlyweds' family.
And whether it was the groom trying repeatedly to make sure everyone ate part of the MASSIVE party sub he had made or watching in vein as the guys tried to figure out how to properly iron their dress shirts, there were no shortages of laughs as Aleksey got ready to see his bride for the first time on his wedding day.
I knew we were in for a special wedding day when Aleksey and Leda shared a quick first look right before their wedding ceremony. This couple was MADE for formal portraits and Leda looked absolutely stunning in her sleeveless gown. Watching the way they laughed and interacted told me everything I needed to know about this bride and groom and I, like those in attendance, couldn't wait for them to say "I do" a few moments later.
Without question, Aleksey and Leda's wedding ceremony was my favorite part of their wedding day. I loved the way the groom looked so happy and proud as he saw Leda walk down the aisle. I loved the way they started at each other like they were the only two people in the room. And I loved the view.
My goodness what a view.
Aleksey and Leda chose to get married by the water and the New Hampshire mountains in the back only heightened the amazing backdrop they had for a beautiful ceremony full of a lot of little, silent moments that told quite the amazing story.
As a second shooter, sometimes the hardest part of my job is stepping back and not hogging a bride and groom's time, particularly during formal photos, and while most of my time spent with Aleksey and Leda during this part of the day was spent keeping everything organized and on time, I still loved the few shots of the two of them I was able to get.
Talk about a beautiful couple.
Aleksey and Leda have a wonderful chemistry together and it made for some really great photos ... even if we did have to rush a bit because of passing showers. But, hey, rain on your wedding day is considered lucky, right?
As is the case anytime I'm shooting in a new venue, I honestly had no idea what to expect from the Woodbound Inn for Aleksey and Leda's reception. Given that everything I'd seen that day had a summer camp/rustic vibe and/or took place on a lake, I couldn't have even guessed what their reception room would look like.
The minute I walked in, I knew we were in for a great time as not only was the room beautiful but it was expertly decorated with some truly awesome little details that I adored.
But a reception is only as good as the couple at the center of it and Aleksey and Leda's was quite awesome because, well, they were.
Right from their introduction into the room as husband and wife, I knew we were in for quite the party and they did. not. disappoint.
As Aleksey and Leda's reception began with a beautiful first dance and several lovely toasts, it only made sense that, after dinner, the night would continue to be full of touching moments.
I especially loved the father-daughter and mother-son dances, though for difference reasons. I loved the emotion in Leda's dance with her father but Aleksey's totally not serious, full of fun dance with his mother made me chuckle as the two had a blast busting out some crazy moves, much to the delight of those in attendance.
Still, I had no idea what to expect once the dance floor opened up.
Aleksey and Leda's reception could have gone one of a number of ways as some of their guests seemed pretty traditional and some looked like the type that would party all night.
One song in, I knew exactly what kind of night it would be and that was one where the dance floor was never empty. To say this made me giddy with excitement is an understatement.
As I prepared to head out of the Woodbound Inn and call it a night with Aleksey and Leda, I couldn't help but think how much fun their wedding was and how glad I am that I had the opportunity to experience a new venue, in a different state, with a couple as cool as this bride and groom.
Wedding photography in 2021 is pretty unpredictable and I really never know where I may end up week to week but I'm glad I've lucked out thus far and had the opportunity to work with some really amazing couples. So thank you New England Portrait for asking me to tag along and help document this day and a special thank you to Aleksey and Leda for making my little August exertion to New Hampshire such a memorable one.
Good luck and congratulations on this new step in your life!
-Paul J. Spetrini
