chakara and dean — Mountain View Grand wedding

They met through friends one November. Then, a few years later, they got engaged in November. When they considered having their wedding in November, Chakara said to Dean, “maybe not November, it could possibly snow.” So they decided to schedule their wedding for the fair weather Memorial Day weekend. The venue: the majestic Mountain View Grand Resort in the mountains of New Hampshire. The flowers: fresh pastel peonies. The guests: dressed in their spring finest. The weather: SNOW.

In May.

I’ll tell you what, though. Not for one single moment did the inclement weather dampen the spirits of these two amazing people. I saw Dean before the ceremony in the lobby of the hotel, and he told me that this was the day he had waited for his entire life, and no rain or snow, not even a volcano, was going to stop him from making Chakara — the love of his life — his bride. We weren’t able to get photos with the mountains in the distance, but that didn’t matter at all. Chakara and Dean were all that mattered, and on a snowy Memorial Day weekend in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, these two made the sun shine all day long.

Dean braved the rain to get a few shots outside of the hotel.

Meanwhile, Chakara, who laughs pretty much always, got ready in her room and made her new father-in-law tear up with pride. She also read a letter that Dean had written to her that week…

I had to add this one, not just because Chakara looks so radiant descending the stairs of the hotel, but because my sweet and wonderful boyfriend Erik — who came with me to “assist” during the wedding — unknowingly photobombed at least a third of the images while keeping guard over my gear. I forgive him, though, since he’s so cute. And because he lugged my stuff around all day for no money.

Chakara looks like a princess, doesn’t she? The tiara was her “something borrowed”: it was previously worn by a Miss Universe contestant!

Any wedding photographer will tell you, one of the best shots you can get is the groom tearing up when he sees his bride. Dean delivered for me!

Jumping the Broom!

Right about here is when it started to snow. Still smiling!

I love this photo of Chakara and Dean with Chakara’s gorgeous attendants: sister Nicki and bestie Luisa. And how cute is Chakara trying to stay warm with her veil? LOVE her.

Off to the reception where Dean and Chakara showed everyone their very smooth moves on the dance floor. Chakara is a competitive ballroom dancer, so it was amazing to watch them together. Also great to see so many guests who really knew how to dance!

Snow does make for some really pretty photos!

Dean and Chakara were serenaded into their marriage by an old friend. I had such a wonderful time at this wedding, and I am so grateful to the bride and groom and their families for letting me be a part of their amazing day. Chakara and Dean, I wish you all of the happiness in the world!