Rain settled over The Preserve at Chocorua for nearly the entire day. A steady drizzle moved in early on May 17th, wrapping the mountains and surrounding trees in fog that never fully lifted. The kind of weather that softens edges and quiets everything down a smidge. At a venue like this, tucked into the landscape of the northern Lakes Region in New Hampshire, it somehow made the entire celebration feel even more intimate.

This wasn’t the couple’s ceremony day, which shifted the energy in the best possible way. They had married privately in the fall of 2023 with their immediate family, allowing this spring celebration to exist purely as a reception centered around gathering everyone together. There was less pressure attached to the day and more space for people to simply enjoy being there. You could feel it from the beginning.

The design leaned classic and restrained in a way that fit the setting perfectly. Crisp whites and layered greens carried throughout the reception filled with soft candlelight, balancing beautifully against the darker tones outside from the rain and overcast skies. The groom wore a sharp black tuxedo with a bowtie and slicked-back hair, while the bride chose a strapless crepe gown with a fitted silhouette and soft flare that felt timeless without trying too hard. Everything about the styling felt clean, intentional, and quietly editorial.

One of the details that made the day feel especially personal was the floral design, created by a family friend of the couple. The arrangements never felt overly formal or disconnected from the atmosphere around them. Instead, they added softness and movement throughout the space, complementing the mood of the day rather than competing with it.

Throughout the entire celebration, the team at The Preserve at Chocorua was exceptional. Even with rain lingering outside for most of the day, everything moved seamlessly. The staff created an environment where guests could settle in fully without ever noticing the logistics behind the scenes. It’s the kind of venue experience that stays with you afterward and the kind of team that makes you want to return again and again.

As the evening unfolded, the energy shifted completely. What started as quiet and atmospheric turned into one of the most packed dance floors imaginable. The DJ kept the room moving all night long, and guests never really left the floor once the music started. It changed the tone of the evening in the best way—less formal reception, more celebration in the truest sense of the word.

From a photography perspective, the weather ended up giving the entire gallery a sense of depth that bright sun never could have. The fog hanging low around the property, the muted light filtering through the windows, the contrast between the calm atmosphere outside and the energy inside—it all worked together naturally. Nothing felt forced. The day simply unfolded as it was.

At The Preserve at Chocorua, even a rainy spring wedding felt warm, grounded, and completely alive by the end of the night.

Vendors:
Photography: Kate Elaine Photo
Venue & On-site Lodging: The Preserve at Chocorua
Coordination team: Willow Tree Events
Catering: Mezzanine Catering
Make-up: Making Faces Weddings
Hair: Hair The Moves
DJ: La Bella and The Beat
Rentals: Showcase Events
Dress: Madeleine’s Daughter Bridal Boutique, Amsale
Shoes: Franco Sarto
Suit: State and Liberty