Doreen and Rick’s Bear Brook State Park elopement was an incredible day that took some time to plan, but ended up perfect. With what started as a New Years winter elopement day, turned into a sunny 50 degree Spring day. When they reached out at the beginning of December, they were hoping to quickly turn around an epic elopement day. With some thought around logistics at the location they wanted to get married, they opted for the perfect day of April 3, 2021.

Choosing their location and logistics

Doreen and Rick are big mountain bikers and they often bike at Bear Brook State Park. This place is extremely special to them and their relationship, so they couldn’t think of anywhere else to get married. Unfortunately, the location they really wanted was over an hour walk, and they didn’t want to make their family and friends do that in the cold winter weather. In New Hampshire, you never know what type of day you’re going to get, so they opted for waiting until the park opened it’s gates.

Their Spring elopement day

On the day that they’ve been waiting for, it turned out to be absolutely beautiful weather. Since Doreen had bought everything for their winter elopement already, the 50 degree day ended up being perfect for the blankets and details. We all arrived at the park entrance, then drove to the location where the trail started. The location they chose is one they normally ride their bikes to for lunch. It is a stunning spot right on a little lake with a large rock with plenty of space.

Rick along with their family and friends walked down first. They had decided beforehand that the first time they see eachother was at the ceremony. Doreen walked behind with her best friend and got ready in the woods. While she was getting ready, Rick was so excited to surprise her with a Chuppah, a Jewish ceremony arch tradition! It was made out of birch trees and wow was it perfect. Once everyone was ready, including Doreen, her son walked her down the wooded “aisle” to meet Rick who was emotional and so happy.

Their ceremony was intimate and thoughtful. Rick’s brother officiated and did a fabulous job. Rick and Doreen wrote their personal vows to one another. Their vows were a perfect mixture of silly, passionate, and loving. They also got their kids and their partners involved, which I always find really meaningful. Their ceremony ended with a kiss and a breaking of the glass as another Jewish tradition.

Afterwards, they celebrated with everyone popping champagne, taking family portraits, and getting ready for the next part of their amazing day.

The after party

They were lucky enough to have friends who let them use their home on the lake. It was a perfect little spot, but it got really chilly in the late afternoon! Rings and Ridges, an elopement planner based in New England, helped set up a beautiful space for them outside. She created some picnic areas for each grouping, along with a table with their charcuterie boards by Buck and Bloom. They had a beautiful cake and opened some gifts from their guests.

Doreen and Rick put so much thought and detail into their day. It truly was so perfect and special.

VENDOR TEAM:

• Photography: Me! Kelsey Converse Photography
• Elopement Planner/Stylist: Rings and Ridges
• Florist: Cobblestone Florist
• Charcuterie: Buck and Bloom
• Cake: E(at)xactly Cakes