Mike Sears Photography

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An Exeter Inn Wedding, Exeter, NH

Paige and Lance were married at the Exeter Inn on Saturday, June 17th, in Exeter, NH.

I love weddings at the Exeter Inn. Built in 1932 and located on the campus of Phillips Exeter Academy, the Inn’s Georgian style architecture features classic brick façade, manicured grounds, a whole lot of history, and an unparalleled staff making it an ideal venue for weddings. When the venue is a two minute drive from my house, and the couple is as cool as Paige and Lance are, all is good!

My day began with Paige with her Mom and her bridesmaids getting ready in the bridal suite at the Inn. Shooting the wedding dress, shoes, jewelry, bouquets, the pop of a champagne bottle followed by a celebratory toast, portraits of Paige and each of her bridemaids, the “getting ready” photos are always among my favorite to shoot.

I soon caught up with Lance and his groomsmen in the Inn’s lobby were we made some photos of them just as guests were arriving to the ceremony site situated outside in the back of the Inn with a gazebo backdrop and beautifully arranged flowers by Cymbidium Floral of Exeter decorating guest chairs and the gazebo itself.

The ceremony was as heartfelt as it was beautiful and was officiated by Nancy Fauci who has such a gift for personalizing the ceremony with her kind and finely crafted oratory. She is really good at what she does!

Following the ceremony, we chose the front of the Inn to do the family and wedding party formals. Because water and water-related sports and activities are a big part of Paige and Lance’s life together (both are avid boaters and Lance a professional wakeboarder), we made the call to shoot down to Swasey Parkway in Exeter, to capture the bride and groom photos with Exeter’s waterfront views serving as the backdrop.

The reception was a blast and is a testament to Paige’s planning skills; the awesome staff at the Exeter Inn (kudos to Laura Sterrit and Kieran Kelly!); veteran DJ, Bob Fauci; and an especially memorable first dance to a recorded version of the Brandon Flower's song "Between Me and You" produced and sung by Lance as a surprise to Paige. 

There are always certain things that you come away from a wedding that leave an impression on you as the photographer. These somewhat disparate remembrances and casual observations, mental snapshots if you will, help tell the story of the day. It’s the little things. It’s always the little things. The moments in between the moments. Strung together they complete the whole, building upon one another, in a way so subtle, they almost seem insignificant, but are anything but. Capturing these instances through photography, holding the moment in time forever, is powerful. And immensely gratifying.

Congratulations Paige and Lance! I wish you all the best and I am honored to have captured your special day! Thank you!

Special Thanks to the following vendors (click on name for links):
Venue: The Exeter Inn
Florist: Cymbidium Floral, Exeter NH
Music: DJ Music Fantasy
Cake: Jacques Bakery, Suncook, NH
Officiant: Nancy Fauci
Bridesmaid Dress: Adriana Papell/Macy’s
Groomswear: Mens Wearhouse, Newington, NH
Bride’s Wedding Dress: Pure Bliss, Newburyport, MA