“We met at the dinner theatre in Boston called the Medieval Manor. I was a singing/serving wench and he was the minstrel. We both worked there for many years until it shut down. We remained friends afterwards and didn't even start dating until we'd already been friends and co-workers for six years! We worked on creative projects together… I did a lot of videography for him and other musicians. We were both very surprised this turned in to a ‘thing.’ Jay proposed in NH by tying the ring to our dog Ruby’s collar and letting her come in to the room where I was getting ready for us to go out to dinner that night. I had no idea anything was any different about her, so he eventually had to come and tell me to, ‘Look at the dog, Kayte. No…. Kayte look how cute she is... LOOK AT THE DOG…..’ as he knelt next to her. Once I figured out he was being way too weird about the dog, I leaned down to look at her and noticed it on her collar. I don't even think he asked me to marry him because all I remember saying is yes.
Jay and I have always loved visiting NH. As a kid, Jay was a boyscout and I used to go to sleepaway camp every summer. A camp wedding made sense for our aesthetic as friends. We have a firepit in our backyard that we invite people to all the time and love cooking outside. Being out in nature with our friends in a casual, woodsy setting just makes sense for who we are. The space is going to be decorated with collected jars and bud vases that have either been generously donated to me or acquired throughout the year, silver kerosene camp lanterns, cheesecloth runners, lace bunting, and lots and lots and lots of stringed lights! We wanted everything to feel earthy and natural.”
We’ve known Kayte through photography for many years- she and Jay are both artists in their own ways, and we were so thrilled when they asked us to capture their summer camp wedding - which really turned into a magical woodland festival of music, friendship and fun. With Kayte’s background in making things for theater and the young students in her teaching position and Jay’s interest in woodwork, painting and drawing, they to put together lots & lots of details that made the day feel like a magical adventure. Amazing performances by Abby and Luke and Ryan Tennis and the Clubhouse Band brought all the moods together: natural, relaxed, intimate, and fun. Jay took the stage as the dance party got hot, and later into the evening Kayte’s sister DJ’d while everyone celebrated into the wee hours of the morning!
Congratulations to Kayte, Jay, and Ruby!! xoxo
Venue: Camp Waukeela in Eaton, NH / Florals: La Flora Couture / Caterer: Celebrations Catering / Rings: Keezing Kreations / Live music: Abby and Luke and Ryan Tennis and the Clubhouse Band / Polymer clay fox "cake toppers", Save the Dates & invitations, signage & place cards, felt flag table numbers & dessert table wood slabs: DIY!
To view the rest of the photos online or to order prints, visit the full gallery here.