Surprise Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH | Black tie affair

Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH

There’s always a story, and this one is fun and romantic.   Sometimes our stories have an amazing ending, and other times… not so much.  But today- today it’s a VERY happy ending!!   Honestly there is no way that I can possibly give this story the justice it deserves…. there were so many moving parts and little mini love stories that make up this one Epic Novel.  But what I can say-  Is that what I witnessed on April 21st… was the most romantic Surprise Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH…. EVAH!
 
  Let me set the scene… Riverside Hotel In NH.   Set up for a surprise wedding,  though the groom thought he was getting ready to attend a private, black-tie fundraiser… when in fact… it was his own wedding.
 

Dorrie + Gary

 
If there ever has been a surprise… this was it!  This was by far the most romantic gesture I have ever seen.   Gary and Dorie had been engaged for some time.  Just about every day Gary had been asking his fiance to marry him.  Saying things like… “Let’s get married today”.   Each time Dorrie had a reason why they should hold off a little longer.   But… in reality… he didn’t have to wait.

Off White (pinkish) wedding dress hanging for a detail shot.

The Surprise

For weeks- Dorie had been planning this surprise wedding. And 70 of their closest friends were in on the secret.  Can you believe it?  Everyone kept it secret!  Gary had no idea.  This is the perfect venue for a surprise fundraiser, oops… I mean wedding.  I’ve shot here a couple of times and it’s the most bright and airy venue that boasts a beautiful view.   Dorrie and her girls got ready in the bridal suite that has a wonderful balcony.    (And while Dorrie was preparing for her wedding… Gary was preparing to attend a fundraiser.  LOL

Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Wedding shoes, flowers and wedding rings.

I’ve been shooting weddings for quite some time-  and I have never shot one where the Groom didn’t know he was getting married. 

Black and white image of mom putting on daughters necklace in preparation for her Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Boutonnière and wedding rings Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Black and white image of little boy in tuxedo and bride putting on shoes. Bracelet from monamie and boutonnière with lots of greenery.

From the Bride

I’m still in a little bit of shock over how our wedding night played out. Never in a million years did I expect it to end up so perfect.  I’m so thankful for my closest friends that helped me make it all happen. But also so thankful for all you that kept the secret and the magic of the moment alive. Gary’s face was unforgettable, genuine and made me love him even more than I did already.
 
The planning, scheming all-out l out foolish lies to him made it so worth it. We’re now days later and he is still so happy and impressed that WE pulled this off. I only have a few regrets. One regret being not spending time with those that traveled to be there for our special day. The other, not having photos were taken with me and my Pedraza’s family. I apologize for that but hope to make it up to all you.

Special Thanks

Special thanks to Dan Nowill, (who refuses to get Facebook) for getting Gary there..the long way. When I return from our honeymoon, I will explain all the shenanigans that it took to make our wedding day happen. Thanks to all you. I love you.

Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Getting ready photo of bride and her son. Photo of a Beautiful Bride on her wedding day at the Riverside Hotel in NH. Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Wedding shoes and perfume. Photo of Bride holding her pink Rose bouquet and her two daughters wearing light pink bridesmaids dresses. Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Wedding detail images of rings, bouquet and boutonnière Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Boyfriend and girlfriend photo. Black and White photo of toddler boy wearing a tux. Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Black and white image of bride in hotel. Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. The Bride and her son. Pink and White Balloons adorned the reception area at the Riverside Hotel Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Family Photo of Bride and Adult children. Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Three beautiful women at a wedding reception. Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. 3 year old boy in Tux with older sister on balcony. All dressed up. Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. pictures of the details. (Shoes, rings, balloons.)

The Team

A huge piece of why this event was successful was because of the friends and family that kept the secret.  Another huge piece was because of the team put in place to help Dorrie Execute her vision.  Memorable Events-  was on hand to help Dorrie was able to pull off this colossal, and epic surprise! Riverside Hotel NH wedding.    Jenn and her staff were on site for hours setting making sure everything was perfect for the big reveal.  They had soft pastel pinks and whites that decorated the venue… and simple flower arrangements from Holly over at Naturally Elegant Designs.    Everything looked amazing!

Ceremony and Reception site for a wedding at the Riverside Hotel Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. A surprised Groom Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Black and White photo of Groom hugging DaughterWedding at Riverside Hotel NH- Wedding Ceremony Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Bride laughingWedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Ceremony Candids of Bride and Groom. Candid moment of bride and groom during their wedding ceremony at the Riverside Hotel NH. Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Black and white photo of sisters hugging. Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Bride and Groom during the reception Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Bride and Groom Getting introduced into the receptionWedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Photos of the simple floral center pieces.

From the Groom

What can I say….It’s been a whirlwind 24 hours!! I still haven’t processed it yet. I’m still shaking my head wondering what happened. I can’t believe Dorrie Lynn Masten (now Moreau 😁😍) was able to pull off the best wedding ever! And without me having any clue whatsoever. I know she had tons of help executing this masterful plan. There is so much thanks that I want to give to all her besties that helped her do this crazy surprise wedding!! She is lucky to have you all in her life. To the 70+ people that knew about this and kept it a secret for weeks…. y,’all are the reason why I have trust issues. I am going to question everything that anyone says from now on. 😆  This was one of the most beautiful and amazing surprises/weddings ever. Without the help of everyone, none of this would have been possible.

I’ve been blessed…

I’ve been blessed with an amazing woman. She’s not only beautiful on the inside, but also the outside. I will cherish her with all my heart. I look forward to finally starting this life together as Mr. and Mrs. Moreau. I know a lot of people are as well. It’s been a long time in the making. I’m so happy that we were able to join families and that we were both accepted with opened arms.
 
I will never forget such a wonderful day filled with so many surprises. Thank you all that came and shared in our memorable day. I love you all!!! And I love you, Dorrie Lynn Masten! You made my dreams come true even though you did lie to me every day for 3 weeks straight. I’ll forgive you for that….143 tnb 😊 #garyanddorriesstory

Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH- Bride and groom looking into each other eyes Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Bride and Groom Portraits Black and white photo of Bride and Groom at the Riverside Hotel. Family formal photograph taken at night on the patio at the Riverside Hotel. Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH. Candid phots of Bride and Groom Dancing and laughing  Black and white image of Bride and Grooms first dance at their Wedding at Riverside Hotel in NH Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH . First Dance with Bride and Groom Candid moment of Bride and Groom Laughing during their reception at the Riverside Hotel in NH Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH Guests Dancing to a line dance Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH- guests laughing Wedding at Riverside Hotel NH- Reception Dancing w/ fun lightingWedding at Riverside Hotel NH- Reception Dancing

Congratulations to these two!!!   We hope they are enjoying their honeymoon!!

xo

Vendors

Venue: Riverside Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member
Wedding Planner: Memorable Events
Florist: Naturally Elegant Wedding Design
DJ: Edward Whitehouse   With a Good time Dj’s
Officiant: Jane Miller Rokes
Photographer: K. Lenox Photography, LLC
Makeup: Bethany Priest (Friend)
Hair: Trisha Moore.  from A Cut Above
Cupcakes: Torrie Doucette (Friend)

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