Anna is a New Hampshire based editorial and wedding photographer, creating intentional, moment-driven imagery throughout New England and beyond.

Morgan and Matt’s summer wedding celebration in Rye, NH was full of detail and depth from start to finish. Over the course of the day, we covered so much of Seacoast New Hampshire: getting ready in downtown Portsmouth, a ceremony at St. Andrews by the Sea, cocktails and dinner at Abenaqui Country Club, and finally, portraits at sunset on Rye Beach. It was a day so full of close friends, family, and tradition, set against the perfect New England backdrop.

A photo of a summer wedding by Anna Solo Photography in Rye, NH at Abenaqui Country Club, near Portsmouth, NH

After popping open a bottle of Veuve Clicquot with her bridesmaids just before heading off to see Matt, Morgan put on the finishing touches to her dress, jewelry, and shoes with the help of her mom. Just across the hall, Matt gave extra attention to his crimson bowtie, making sure that it was straight, that his navy suit didn’t wrinkle anywhere, and that his black leather shoes were shiny. This is a moment we always find endearing – seeing how eager couples are to see each other for the first time, looking their absolute best.

Matt and Morgan’s first look was in a quintessential New England garden. Surrounded by blooming hydrangeas and lush greenery, Matt patiently waited for Morgan. Her classically styled dress seemed to float over the brick path as she made her way over. Getting to document these first few moments of pure exhilaration and joy is something we’re always keenly aware of; to be the ones witnessing such an intimate and core-memory-making moment.

Matt and Morgan’s ceremony took place at St. Andrew’s-by-the-Sea, where their family and friends gathered inside the historic church to witness their vows. With the summer sun streaming through the stained glass windows, they were officially married. Right before stepping outside, Morgan and Matt rang the bell together, a St. Andrew’s tradition of newly wedded couples. One of my favorite small (but big) moments during the wedding day happens just after the ceremony. There’s a calm, a comfort, the purest exhilaration that takes over and getting to capture that authenticity is really special.

Before joining their friends and family for Aperol Spritzes, appetizers and a string quartet at cocktail hour, we made a quick stop back at the church for more photos. A tiny church mostly for summer residents of Rye, St. Andrews has a seaside charm that Morgan and Matt wanted to make sure to capture. It was another opportunity for unique portraits that displayed Morgan’s elegant wedding dress and airy organza chapel style veil, and any opportunity for extra portraits is one we’ll always take.

As the time got closer to golden hour, we were able to sneak off to the beach. With the sky awash in pink and gold hues, Morgan kicked off her white Jimmy Choo’s and walked barefoot on the beach, hand-in-hand with Matt. It was a moment of calm amidst the whirlwind of their wedding day, the coastal sunset just right for a summer wedding in New England.

By the time the sun set, we swept off as much sand as possible and got back to an energetic dance floor, the guests ready to celebrate the night away.