Tamara Merri
- Apr 4

Squam Lake Wedding | Jessie + Joe

Welcome to the blog that affirms you can create your wedding in any capacity that fits your vision. From a luxury backyard wedding ceremony overlooking Squam Lake and New Hampshire's White Mountains to a private boat ride to their intimate reception at Squam Lake Inn, J+J had the perfect wedding!

newlyweds on a boat to travel to wedding reception at squam lake inn in holderness, nh

Jessie's family lives all around Squam Lake in Holderness, NH and it's a tradition amongst their cousins to celebrate their wedding ceremony in the backyard of her grandparents house. And for a good reason - the home is BEAUTIFUL!

Although their wedding was in the backyard, they hired a wedding coordinator which made ALL THE DIFFERENCE in keeping their wedding running smoothly. She was a task rabbit for not only J+J but all their guests, as well as setting up the ceremony site, coordinating with the florist, trolley, and reception venue to ensure plans were on track.

Their vendor team were rockstars!! I'll link to all of them at the end of the blog.

Wedding Preparatory Photos

Jessie got ready at her grandparents house while Joe got ready at her mom's house down the road. Prep photos are always so fun because the anticipation is palpable and everyone's buzzing with the progression of getting wedding ready. This day was even more special though as Jessie shared memories of her time spent hanging out at her grandparents - in the very same loft area where she was now getting ready for her wedding.

First Look & Wedding Party Portraits

First looks are so wonderful in order for the couple to see each other before the ceremony to spend more time together, shake off any nerves, and do some photo formalities so later on after the ceremony there's more time to spend enjoying the day.

J+J shared their first look at the bottom of the steps below where their ceremony was held. Can we talk about this view? I mean, having the White Mountains as your backdrop when you're in a backyard can't be beat!! This view is better than some other New England wedding venues!

Squam Lake Wedding Ceremony

One of their besties officiated their ceremony while a small group of their closest family and friends (and doggy Lady!) witnessed their "I dos". I don't believe that they're not professional writers because they both knocked their vows out of the park while their officiant crushed it!!! It must have something to do with their improv background or something because I swear every word from the three of them were so heartfelt, personalized, and silly.

Cocktail Hour

Since I was solo shooting this wedding I didn't get many photos during cocktail hour since we were doing fam + couple's portraits but I just love cocktail hour for all the candid photo opportunities! Jessie is in the improv scene and so many of her friends are as well. They're all characters and were so much fun to hang around with. I LOVE a group who loves to be silly and are down for photos.

Boat Wedding Portraits on Squam Lake

After taking some portraits on their grandparents property it was time to travel to their reception at Squam Lake Inn. While their guests took a trolley, we arrived in style - on their parent's speed boat!! Jessie's parents surprised them with the front of the boat decorated with florals and a "just married" sign off the back. I had so much fun playing around with that sign as it whipped in the wind!

I started off on the same boat as J+J and then transferred to a different boat so I could get photos of them in the distance (as well as provide them with privacy).

As we approached the venue, all of their guests were waiting on the bridge to wave hello to them for a super special "entrance" into their wedding reception!! Honestly one of my favorite parts of the day - the hype was SO real with all their guests hooting and hollering for them.

While the summer of 2023 was extremely rainy in the Northeast, we were fortunate to have a clear sky day for Jessie & Joe's wedding! However, while their wedding was a beautiful it landed on one of THE hottest July days. Neither the house nor the venue had AC so it was a sticky day and getting to ride on the boat brought sweet, sweet relief!!!

Wedding Reception at Squam Lake Inn

The Squam Lake Inn is the cutest micro-wedding venue and the ideal location for J+J's intimate reception. The tables were decorated beautifully with small floral arrangements in mismatched vases and vintage glassware. The "Squam Lake" signage decor on the wall and overhang lights made the space perfect. I love that the Red Barn has a loft area I was able to access to take some cool overhead shots for a unique perspective!

After a quick entrance into first dance and tearful toasts everyone mixed and mingled til it was time to take the trolley back to the grandparents house to jump in the lake (not pictured) and rinse off the sweat of the day! Congratulations again to J+J for planning a wedding that felt very them. It is my wish for all couples to craft their wedding day in such a personalized way as well.