A Mountain View Grand wedding: Shannon + Andrew

This is a tale of Shannon and Andrew, and their inevitable Mountain View Grand wedding in the White Mountains of NH. Why do I start like this? Because their relationship is like a fairytale, and because I’m pretty sure they both knew they’d marry the other the moment they met…after they recovered from a sweet nerve-induced kiss-at-first-sight.

But first…an epic view of their epic wedding venue – the Mountain View Grand, complete with October’s beautiful foliage.

Andrew is a firefighter, and got ready with his best bud. They laughed over suspenders and he shared stories over Shannon’s bottomless gift basket, each item carefully selected for A.

Here’s the thing about Andrew and Shannon – when you meet them, or share just a couple of words with them, you know immediately how kindhearted they are, and how deeply grateful they are for finding each other. Their relationship blossomed in a year when everything else seemed to be tearing at the seams. These two are also blessed to be surrounded by so much support – two beautiful loving families are now joined together, and every single person who showed up to their micro wedding would not have missed it for the world, even in the middle of a pandemic.

So skipping ahead but I’m sure you notice the shirts…after a fairytale wedding, where do you go for your honeymoon? DISNEY WORLD of course! #fellowdisneyloverhere

Shannon’s very best friend is also her coworker! Shannon is a Newport wedding photographer (check her out at shannonmatosphotography.com) and Amanda is her assistant. It was fun to get them on the other side of the camera for the day.

I have to laugh when I look at these pictures, because while these gorgeous-bride moments where happening, Shannon was saying how “not bridal” she was! The pint-sized cutie is Shannon’s first love and daughter Aria. She helped her mom get ready, and waited patiently for her own first look with Andrew.

Their first look – with the White Mountains and magical New England fall foliage backdrop – might be my favorite part of the day.

Here’s the outdoor wedding ceremony space at Mountain View Grand:

Their wedding was officiated by the incredibly-lovely Maureen Cotton. The ceremony was really important to Shannon – in addition to it being meaningful to her and Andrew, she wanted to make sure it meant something to everyone who witnessed as well. Maureen invited participation from all by contributing wishes and words for these two…while the flower girls ran free and happy!

The moment after the first kiss is usually my favorite!

The view from their dining room:

While Shannon went to get bustled, the sun set and the sky turned a vivid purple. They enjoyed their first dance outside as the last of the light faded.

And then Andrew danced with Aria. Cue the tears…but hold on to the tissue. The tears continued – along with laughs – during the toasts.

And this moment is why these two will last forever…

I am so happy that they chose me to capture the day for them. Its a lot of pressure, photographing a wedding photographer’s wedding. My only hope is that I’ve done their day justice. I hope they see every single picture and remember just how magical it was, and how lucky they are to have found each other and have this beautiful tribe of people in their lives. We were welcomed with open arms, and loved every moment of our time with these two and their sweet families.

Congratulations, Shannon and Andrew. We love you!

 

Ok, so who made their day possible? This fab vendor team:

Wedding Venue: Mountain View Grand

Officiant: Maureen Cotton

Florist: In Bloom Weddings & Events

Cake Artist: Mountain View Grand

Invitations: Dreaming in Paper

Stylists: Studio 90

Videographer: The Ewings

DJ: Exceptional Wedding DJs

Want to see another Mountain View Grand wedding? Check out Josh + Molly’s wedding here!