August 21st, 2021

Well, we have entered my favorite time of year! This year more than others it feels like October has come and gone before I knew it. Somewhere between the craze of a busy summer season full of love, laughter, and reconnection with friends and loved ones we’ve missed so dearly-we are nearing the end of 2021.

The change in season and time of the fall harvest brings with it the opportunity for new beginnings. This period has always been a time of growth for me, as I reprioritize and reset after a busy summer season. And as New England wedding season starts to come to a close-I eagerly await all the wonderful couples I’m looking forward to working with as engagement season approaches.

Reflecting back on what has been a most magical summer, I am delighted to share with you this this sweet summer wedding celebration for the “Vermont Bus Couple”! This “camp” inspired intimate wedding celebration for Christa & Keegan was the ultimate DIY wedding day, each and every detail was comprised of unique and creative elements that helped illustrate their beautiful love story. If you know Keegan and Christa, you know they are the type of people who will always be there for you, their love language is most definitely acts of service. Throughout the wedding planning process, I would often hear them say “it takes a village”, and this wedding certainly was the product of their village.

Peep this amazing summer day complete with trolley rides, lakeside sunset vows, and a big old 120 lb Newfoundland flower dog!

A HUGE shoutout to the incredible Sarah Delia of Obsidian Photography for capturing this stunning day.

When I tell you this couple is experienced with DIY, let me tell you…that is probably an understatement. They would probably tell you that this is all part of the adventure, and ultimately what brought them together.

Christa and Keegan met through mutual friends at a bar in Burlington, Vermont 5 years ago. Christa may have initially been intimidated by Keegan’s lovable 120lb dog child Odin who spilled her entire beer, but something about this New Hampshire native and his renovated adventure bus had caught her eye. Before they knew it, miles of long distance romance were racking up on the bus, and Keegan made the big move and made Vermont his home.

Two years, and many hikes and beers later- Keegan proposed to Christa just a few weeks after closing on their first home together. They have spent the last two years lovingly renovating their home, and I will say it was not uncommon to show up for wedding planning and find them with tool belts and power tools in hand (my kind of people!)

Keegan + Christa’s rings were a family heirloom, this antique wedding set belonged to his grandparents.

The groom’s family home- “Camp Carter” was the perfect venue for their relaxed “adventure themed” wedding. The couple was able to house their entire wedding party in the guest quarters, while many out of town guests were offered camp space on the property. A Wood Fired Pizza and craft beer filled rehearsal dinner was followed by a fun filled night of karaoke.

The wedding ceremony took place at a private beach on Lake Winnipesaukee, and a quick trolley ride kept the party going back at Camp Carter.

Christa spent the morning “Glamping” with her bridesmaids in a cabin near the Carter family property.

Mom burst into tears moments after this photo was taken, this is always a special moment!

I love a clog for the wedding day (especially an outdoor wedding). A great way to add a pop of color, and a functional shoe you will surely wear again!

Christa opted for a fresh natural makeup look, and a soft romantic updo. The focal point of her bridal look was this BADASS floral crown-which gave us all the Midsummer Night’s Dream vibes (okay also Midsommar vibes).

The mother of the groom a retired florist handmade all the vibrant florals for their wedding day. Christa’s bouquet and flower crown stole the show.

P.S, can you spy her something old, an heirloom butterfly pin was gently nestled in the bridal bouquet. It belonged to Christa’s grandmother.

An adventure filled “first look” in the woods near “Camp Carter”

Oh hello, Queen Titania and King Oberlin!
Christa was a radiant bride, her minimalist classic Alyssa Kristin gown was perfectly complimented by this Sara Gabriel veil lined with delicate French lace.

Honestly, you can just feel the joy and excitement radiating off their faces! The love these two share is palpable, truly I’m sitting here smiling as I look at these images and remember witnessing these moments all over again…this was a first look for the history books
I’m not crying, you’re crying, it’s fine.

After their enchanting first look, and some golden hour portraits with their wedding parties-an antique trolley arrived to transport wedding guests and the wedding party to a private beach for their sunset wedding vows.

The star of the show? Keegan and Christa’s lovable Newfie Odin.

That morning a summer rainstorm had swept through the lakes region, as though Alanis Morisette herself had sent the storm clouds. But ah, we learned to believe that rain on your wedding day is good luck. Isn’t it ironic?

The rain cleared for a beautiful sunset ceremony overlooking the White Mountains. A minimalist, hand tied birch arch framed the couple as they shared their vows in a short but sweet ceremony. The bride chose “First day of My Life” by Bright Eyes for her entrance, and looked like ever the ethereal queen as she floated down the aisle.

Sweet father and son moment! I am a huge fan of including dogs in the wedding day.

Finally! Husband and Wife! This ceremony was dreamy, sun beams seemed to be like a spot light on their big moment-as if Mother Nature herself had come to witness their union.

A quick trolley ride back to “Camp Carter” brought guests to a tented reception space for dinner and dancing. As a graphic designer, Christa was dedicated to her vision for the day, and I must tell you no detail was overlooked in the design for their reception space.

Custom engraved signs greeted guests as they arrived.

These wooden plaques were hand crafted as a gift for the couple from the Father of the Groom.

In an effort to keep things simple, Keegan and Christa opted for a modern take on the signature drink. They chose Canned Craft Cocktails from Maine Craft Distilling, and even Odin had his own signature drink!

This is a not only a great way to simplify a bar menu for a backyard wedding with no bartender, but also a unique and cost efficient twist on the “signature drink” trend.

A custom bar sign paid homage to the story of how the couple met…

Eclectic and rustic elements were joined with bright pops of color and beautiful wild florals. Found objects graced each farm table, all containing a story from their past.

Fresh herbs and clothespins were used to mark each guest’s place, an element honoring the Bride’s love of gardening.

Christa and Keegan were sure to incorporate family history and sentimental elements into nearly every aspect of their day. Family portraits and childhood photos were displayed to greet guests as they arrived for cocktail hour.

Customized wedding favors featured the iconic “Adventure Bus” that inspired their wedding hashtag. Vermont Maple Syrup and an “Adventure Bus” was gifted to each guest.

A delicious summer meal was served by Annie’s Cafe + Catering, ensuring their guests were well fed for a night full of merriment. A homemade buttercream wedding cake was the centerpiece of their dessert bar. The custom cake topper incorporated their sweet dog Odin, and paid homage to their “adventure bus”.

After a few heartfelt toasts, and a memorable first dance, it was time to party!

And that’s a wrap!

Keegan and Christa-congratulations to you both! Thank you for trusting me with all the little details of your wedding weekend. It was a joy and a privilege to work with a couple with such creative and unique vision. I have loved being able to play a small role in sharing your love story with the world. I wish you the best in your marriage, and know that the rainstorm shed on your wedding morning is a sign of many many good years to come!

-Meg, of I Dews Design & Events

A special thank you to all the vendors that made this a day to remember!

Christa + Keegan’s Camp inspired wedding | Lake winnipesaukee, NH

August 21st, 2021

And that’s a wrap!

A special thank you to all the vendors that made this a day to remember!

I Dews Design & Events, LLC

meg@idewsdesign.com