Portsmouth NH Micro Wedding
Portsmouth NH Micro Wedding
A very coastal celebration across New Castle, Great Island, and beyond
Portsmouth NH Micro Wedding - A very coastal celebration across New Castle, Great Island, and beyond
My first instinct was to apologize for the number of photos in this post.
But then I remembered… I’m not sorry.
Not even a little. #sorrynotsorry
Because this Portsmouth NH micro wedding was full of beauty, intention, and heart — and I’m honored to have documented every last bit of it.
Garlande and David gracefully navigated wedding planning during COVID, including a last-minute venue closure. But instead of giving up, they reimagined the entire day — and ended up with something that couldn’t have been more them.
And yes, it’s true: Garlande may or may not have cleaned out the floral section of Trader Joe’s the day before. With the help of her mom and bridesmaids, she turned those blooms into the most stunning, personal bouquets. Resourceful and radiant — what more could you want?
This wedding turned into a true Tour de Tiny NH Coastline — and I was absolutely here for it.
We began the day in New Castle at the bride’s parents’ home, then headed to Fort Stark for their first look and wedding party photos. From there, it was a short drive (or a hypothetical boat ride) up to Great Island Common for their ceremony. The skies had been overcast, but right as the ceremony began, the sun broke through. Garlande lit up — literally. It was one of those “am I tearing up or is it just allergies?” moments. (Spoiler: it wasn’t allergies.)
Our final stop was the South End Yacht Club — an under-the-radar gem that served as the perfect backdrop for an evening of coastal celebration. Endless passed apps, heartfelt toasts, a dreamy first dance, and a fiery sunset sealed the night.
This wasn’t the wedding they originally envisioned during our Fort Foster engagement session… but honestly? I can’t imagine a more meaningful, joy-filled way to celebrate their love.
Garlande and David — thank you for including me in such an intentional, love-soaked day.
xoxo,
Melissa
Micro Wedding Vendor Props:
Portsmouth NH Wedding Photographer: Melissa Koren Photography
Ceremony Venue: Great Island Common, New Castle, NH
Officiant: Helen Heiner
Reception Venue: Southend Yacht Club, Portsmouth, NH
Caterer: Great Circle Catering
Florist: Trader Joe’s
Ceremony Music: DJ Fred Pappalardo
Cake/Dessert: Paints and Pans, Kittery, Maine
Hair: Bliss Studio Hair
Makeup: Kelly Ford Makeup
Videographer: Harrison Evans Films
