Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, Kara and Steven’s joyful spring wedding celebration was filled with vibrant energy. It was intentional, full of color, and one big party. Imagine misty mountaintops as your backdrop, bursts of fuchsia, coral, and hints of lilac in every floral arrangement, and a feeling in the air that everyone was exactly where they were meant to be.
This wedding wasn’t just an event – it was a full-blown celebration of community.
From a Rehearsal Speakeasy to a Mountain View Welcome Party
The weekend began in the most inviting way: with an intimate rehearsal dinner aglow in the soft flicker of candlelight at the Omni Mount Washington’s Cave bar. The setting was cozy and elegant, the kind of place where stories come to life and laughter feels inevitable. Lifelong friends of Kara and Steven offered heartfelt toasts, sharing memories that stretched across years. The room was full of warmth, joy, and humor.
Just before the welcome party began, we stole a few golden minutes with Kara and Steven. The sun had just dipped behind the historic Omni Mount Washington Hotel, casting a warm, peach-hued glow across the mountainous landscape. For this adventure and outdoors loving couple, it was the ideal setup for a weekend of celebration.
The Welcome Party Details
Then came the welcome party: a hearty gathering that filled the glass-walled conservatory to the brim and spilled out onto the stately covered porch. It was one of those rare late spring days in northern New Hampshire: breezy, picturesque, and alive with early evening light. Friends and family mingled happily, sipping cocktails and soaking in the panoramic views of Mt. Washington.
Inside, toasts continued – this time with a little more teasing. Kara’s brothers delivered hilarious stories of growing up with her, including a particularly memorable tale about her childhood ballet practices (which her brothers “helped” by participating in). Stephen’s parents and sister spoke as well, sharing sentiments that were loving, funny, and endearing. Their stories wove together a fuller picture of who Kara and Stephen are, not just as individuals, but as a couple surrounded by support, laughter, and so much love.
By the end of the evening, the whole place was glowing. Not just from the lights and candles, but from the sheer joy and anticipation of what the weekend would bring.
A Day Built with Love (and Color!)
Saturday arrived with an unmistakable excitement in the air – and the colors! Kara and Steven’s palette had so much life: coral, soft lilac, pops of bright pink, fuchsia, and light blue. Everything, from the custom stationery suite to the ceremony florals, felt handpicked, with every detail thoughtfully applied.
Kara’s gown, a strapless piece by Rita Vinieris, was the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern romance. From a distance, the gown looked timeless with clean lines, but up close, the floral pattern revealed itself, intricately woven into the fabric for a softer romantic detail. The back featured a subtle cutout, elegant and modern, just above a line of delicate buttons that cascaded all the way down to the hem. The look was completed with her veil, a piece her mother had worn on her own wedding day, now lovingly paired with Kara’s gown. Edged with tiny flowers, it echoed the floral motif of the dress and floated behind her, tying generations together in a subtle yet meaningful way.
Steven was Kara’s perfect counterpart in a tailored blue suit, sharp and classic. His floral tie pulled in the colors of the day, adding a dash of personality without overshadowing the formality. It was polished but playful. Sophisticated with a wink!
How We Got the Portraits
Before the ceremony, we had time for portraits and…did we get lucky. Nestled in a corner restaurant of the venue, we discovered an emerald green crushed velvet couch with gold trim that felt like it had been waiting for these two. Kara and Steven curled into it for some beautifully timeless portraits, her gown flowing over the side, the two toasting with a glass of chilled bubbly. It was one of those moments that just clicks. We also caught a brief break in the weather (thank you, New England!), which gave us time on the Jewell Terrace for wedding party photos. The backdrop of misty mountains, stone terrace, and lush forest made everything feel ethereal, and Kara and Steven’s adorable niece and nephews stole the show more than once with their tiny suits, tulle, floral crown, and giant grins.
The Ceremony
The ceremony, set beneath a chuppah draped in gauzy white fabric and alive with spring florals, was nothing short of magical. The soft fabric fluttered in the breeze, the colors popping vividly against the mist-covered peaks and the green of the forest. Family members stood to read the seven blessings while Kara and Steven shared deeply personal vows in front of 200 friends and family. It was a ceremony that didn’t just unite two people, it brought everyone present along for the beginning of something meaningful.
A Celebration of Families (and a Really Good Party)
The reception space felt like stepping into a spring-themed gala. The floral centerpieces seemed to bloom right out of the tables, bringing the garden indoors. Soft, ambient lighting washed the room in a warm glow that echoed the vibrant colors of the flowers, creating a setting that was inviting and celebratory.
From the moment the band started playing, the dance floor was full. Joy poured out in every direction, nowhere more so than during the hora. It was wild in the very best way, Kara and Steven lifted in the air, surrounded by their friends and family. It didn’t stop there! Both sets of parents joined in too, thrown up on chairs in a circle of excitement. This wasn’t just a customary dance, it was a full-family celebration, alive with tradition and love.
Everywhere you looked, there were signs of Kara and Steven’s thoughtfulness. It was in the seating chart, the signature cocktails, their guest book, and their personal vows. During one of the most touching toasts, Kara’s father spoke about the values that shaped them: community, mentorship, travel, and giving back. Those values were felt – infused into every detail, every conversation, every interaction.
More than anything, Kara and Steven wanted their guests to feel celebrated too. They wanted the day to feel not just like their wedding, but like a party thrown for everyone they love. And in every possible way – it was. It was a wedding that reminded everyone in attendance that love is expansive. it brings people together, builds new families, and creates space for something entirely new.
Creative Partners:
Planning and design: Blissful Beginnings
Venue: Omni Mt Washington
Florals: The Fuchsia Peony
Gown: Rita Vinieris
Makeup: Making Faces
Hair: The Crown Boutique
Stationary: Albertine Press
Photography: Anna Solo Photography
Videography: S/P Films
Catering: Omni Mt Washington
Entertainment: Splash! A Wilson Stevens Band
Lighting: Pink Tie Productions