Alyse French | Fine Art Portrait Photographer | Houston, TX »

Woodbound Inn Wedding: Stephanie & Nate

I remember us sitting on the edge of my bed. Likely after each devouring a pint of Ben & Jerry’s or singing the Newsies soundtrack in constant, blissful harmony. I was a senior and Steph, a junior. And as we kicked our legs off the side, Steph voiced her infatuation with Nate Krist in a way only Steph could. With eyes smiling, the same smirk all her friends know her for, and a resolute matter-of-fact-ness in her tone. She liked Nate. No, LIKED. But she wasn’t sure he’d ever realize… Or feel the same. But wouldn’t you know, God loves to start stories this way…

Two years later, we found ourselves in Rindge, NH. On a beach where Steph and Nate made their promise to love each other forever. There were smiles and smirks, more tears than I could count, and I even got my Newsies soundtrack back after Steph first borrowed it in 2010. But that wasn’t the best part. The BEST part was witnessing – and documenting – the continuation of this beautiful love story. For two people who couldn’t be more perfect for each other. Dylan and I were honored to share in this day. We love you Mr. and Mrs. Krist!! XOXO!!

A Deux Bridal Paper did a phenomenal job on S&N’s invitation suite. That coupled with Steph’s Grecian-inspired dress and wildflower bouquet from Coll’s Garden Center – and I was in photographer HEAVEN.

Isn’t she beautiful? (Trust me, she’s as much on the inside as she is on the outside…) Many thanks to MJD & Company for making this girl feel her best with a gorgeous ‘do and a flawless makeup job!

While I shot the girls, Dylan shot the boys. I’m not sure what it is about this image that I love so much. But I DO.

And then we moved onto my favorite part of any wedding – the first look. S&N’s first time seeing each other was the single-most emotional first look I’ve ever photographed. You don’t have to wonder if we were in tears also…

With the carefully planned timeline Steph and I worked on together, we were able to spend plenty of time shooting bride and groom portraits. Both before AND after the ceremony. WIN!!

I just LOVE how happy they are when they’re next to each other. Plus they’re hott. There, I said it…

I love these girls and their mismatched dresses. The requirement was COLOR. And I think they pulled it off!

The men looking dapper. But, of course…

And one of my favorites from the day. :)

Ceremony time allowed me to get creative with the hair/dress color of Nate’s sweet momma. :) Loving the effect!

Dylan’s shot!

Dylan and I only ever knew Steph and Nate as individuals before leaving SU, getting married, and moving down south. So to see how in love they are as one was completely beautiful. I’m still a mess over it. :)

And then they made it official…

I’m no longer used to such naturey-nature! It was so fun to shoot in it again. Minus my fear of bears. :)

Fave diptych ever…

Steph (who I’m SHOCKED I haven’t already referred to as Stephiie  – since THAT’S her real name) is a crazy talented artist/designer. Each centerpiece featured a canvas created to point guests to their assigned tables.

And the rest of the night looked a little like this. :)

Congratulations to our sweet friends!!

Happy Sunday. :)

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  • August 26, 2012 - 6:12 PM

    Stephanie Rita - Lysiie, these pictures are amazing & the first look pictures are bringing me right back to that moment! I’m almost crying again! my other fave is the one of little us next to the big trees… I think that might have to be a canvas pic =) I can’t thank you enough! You and Dyl are fantastic! <3 <3 <3

  • August 26, 2012 - 8:29 PM

    Nana ( Genie ) Mule' - Beautiful. Photos………beautiful wedding …….and a most beautiful
    Bride and Groom. I especially like the photo of you 2 lingering ‘neath
    the majestic trees. It was your wedding, and nature honored your wishes

    Love, Nana

  • August 27, 2012 - 10:31 AM

    Stacy K - WOW! These came out out-of-this-world stunning, and the bride/groom aren’t too shabby either! Congrats guys :)

  • August 27, 2012 - 5:24 PM

    Tia - Excellent photos, I must say! Really captures the essence of the two sweet souls who have found each other in this life, as well as the simple elegance of their very personal and unique ceremony and celebration. Thank you, Alyse! Like I said when I passed on the link to other extended family members, I cried all over again!

  • August 27, 2012 - 9:02 PM

    Judi Hills - Awesome photos!!! My niece is so gorgeous!!!

  • August 29, 2012 - 7:57 AM

    Stephanie gets married! « soigné - […] And then we stole away into the small rustic cabin I hung out in before the ceremony and hugged each other for like probably 7 straight minutes, and then we had an awesome rest of the day (another understatement). I didn’t take many blog-worthy pictures during the reception because I was catching up with all my friends and family! But to see more you can visit our photographer Alyse French’s blog here. […]

  • September 4, 2012 - 11:24 AM

    Erica - Oh man! The vertical shot of them and the tall tall trees is begging to be a HUGE print or canvas in their home! Love it!

  • January 1, 2013 - 12:41 PM

    2013. The year of making things happen. » This World Around You Photography - […] Nate & I got engaged, then planned a (lovely!) wedding, and then got married on an amazing day in August. This obviously takes the cake for 2012. If there’s ever a memory […]

  • February 25, 2014 - 9:22 AM

    You, Me & Coffee | Calligraphy » Stephanie Rita Photography - […] I should also mention that on Saturday I will be up at my wedding venue alma mater, the Woodbound Inn, sharing some of my work with their current couples! It’s going to be so surreal going back, I haven’t been there since August 12th, 2012! […]