Meg & Caleb's Wedding | Seacoast Science Center

Some weddings follow tradition. Others rewrite the rules entirely.

From the moment I met Meg and Caleb, I knew their wedding wasn't going to be about checking boxes or following expectations. Their day was a celebration of them—their personalities, their values, and the incredible love they share. It wasn't about doing what everyone else does. It was about creating a day that felt authentic, joyful, and deeply meaningful.

Meg proposed to Caleb. She chose not to take his last name. She skipped the traditional white dress in favor of a flowing blush peach pant paired with a vibrant teal strapless top—colors that felt unmistakably her. There was no wedding party, no elaborate timeline packed with traditions simply because they "should" happen. Instead, every choice reflected exactly who they are, and it made for one of the most refreshing wedding days I've ever had the privilege of photographing.

Getting Ready at Hotel Portsmouth

The morning began at Hotel Portsmouth, where both Meg and Caleb got ready surrounded by their closest friends and family.

Caleb looked incredibly sharp in a classic suit and bow tie, while Meg absolutely glowed in her signature colors. Her flowing pants and teal top perfectly captured her personality—fun, confident, colorful, and completely unapologetic.

Before heading out, Meg shared a sweet first look with her friends, whose reactions said everything. It was one of those simple moments that reminded everyone just how exciting the day ahead would be.

A Colorful Beginning at Seacoast Science Center

The celebration continued at the beautiful Seacoast Science Center in Rye, New Hampshire.

While Caleb waited tucked away inside the aquarium with butterflies building by the minute, Meg arrived in style in a bright red convertible. She was welcomed into a private preparation room where she could relax before the ceremony. There, she shared one of the most emotional moments of the day with her stepmother as they exchanged heartfelt gifts. It was quiet, personal, and had more than a few tears—including mine.

Before guests arrived, we photographed the reception details as everything came together beneath the tent. Bright florals, colorful décor, thoughtful personal touches—every corner reflected the joy and energy of this couple.

One detail was especially meaningful for me personally. Their florist, Lynn, created the flowers for Jesse's and my own wedding almost thirteen years ago (our anniversary was actually the very next day!). Seeing her beautiful work again brought back so many wonderful memories. She remains just as talented and wonderful to work with as ever.

As guests began arriving, they grabbed hand fans to stay cool in the summer sunshine while eagerly awaiting the ceremony.

A Ceremony Filled With Laughter, Love & Personality

With no first look, the anticipation was palpable.

Caleb stood beside their close friend, who officiated the ceremony, waiting for Meg to make her entrance. As she walked toward him, emotions filled the air.

Then, in true Meg fashion, she reached the front, immediately kicked off her shoes, and a friend poured sand beneath her feet. "Feet on the beach," she smiled. It was such a perfectly Meg moment.

Their ceremony was intimate, heartfelt, and wonderfully authentic. Listening to their vows gave everyone a deeper glimpse into their relationship—the friendship, the admiration, the humor, and yes...the passion. Meg even joked during her vows that "the sex is fun," which somehow felt completely fitting for two people who have never been afraid to be unapologetically themselves.

One of my favorite additions to the ceremony was handing them one of my instant cameras and inviting them to photograph each other, and their guests, from their perspective. It ended up being such a fun experience and created memories they'll cherish forever.

They were joyfully announced as Mr. & Mrs. Caleb Howe & Meaghan Cassidy, shared a kiss full of excitement, and walked back down the aisle surrounded by cheering family and friends.

Choosing People Over Portraits

Like everything else about the day, cocktail hour broke tradition.

Instead of disappearing for an hour of portraits, Meg and Caleb chose to spend that time with the people who traveled to celebrate alongside them.

We captured the important family portraits, but the majority of cocktail hour was spent documenting genuine interactions, laughter, hugs, conversations, and all of the little moments that often become the most treasured memories.

There was even a human pyramid—with the pregnant bride proudly at the very top. Only Meg.

Guests enjoyed beautiful grazing displays, signature cocktails, and an adorable vintage drink truck while signing one of the most creative guest books I've seen: tiny wooden sea creatures that were signed and dropped into a glass display to create a piece of artwork for their home.

Wedding favors featured locally made maple syrup and hot sauces from Stratham businesses, another thoughtful nod to supporting the community they love. That local connection was woven throughout the entire celebration.

One of the sweetest moments during cocktail hour involved someone who wasn't family—but absolutely felt like it. Meg and Caleb made sure to grab a photo with Cyndee, a woman they had only met because of the proposal. When Meg proposed to Caleb at the summit of a hike, she asked a stranger to capture the moment on video. That stranger was Cyndee. After filming the proposal, she waited at the bottom of the mountain to congratulate them and told the couple, "I don't care where the wedding is... I want to be there." And true to her word, there she was on their wedding day, celebrating right alongside them. It was such a beautiful reminder that even the briefest encounters can become part of your love story.

Dinner, Speeches & Sunset by the Ocean

The reception beneath the tent was full of laughter from beginning to end.

After their first dance, guests shared some truly memorable toasts.

Karen spoke beautifully about the meaning of knots and the relationships that had connected her with Caleb's family over the years. Catherine reflected on her friendship with Meg and the moment she knew Caleb was unquestionably "the one."

Then Caleb's father turned his speech into an interactive word game inspired by one of the couple's favorite pastimes. Naturally, Meg and Caleb solved every single one.

Following an incredible dinner prepared by talented local vendors, we slipped away to the rocky shoreline for sunset portraits.

The sky absolutely showed off for us.

Golden light danced across the water while Meg and Caleb soaked in their very first quiet moments together as newlyweds. There wasn't much to say—just the sound of the waves, endless laughter, and two people completely wrapped up in each other.

A Dance Floor Filled With Love

One of the most emotional moments of the evening came after sunset.

Rather than opting for a slow, traditional song, Meg and Caleb chose something upbeat that had them smiling, laughing, and dancing together with so much joy. It was the perfect reflection of their relationship—playful, energetic, and completely authentic to who they are.

Caleb first shared a heartfelt dance with his mother, but before the song was over, she invited his grandmother, Ruth, onto the dance floor to share a special moment with her grandson as well. Watching three generations together was incredibly touching and such a beautiful surprise.

Unable to share a father-daughter dance, she instead invited everyone who loved her father to join her on the dance floor.

Watching friends and family surround her with hugs, smiles, tears, and overwhelming love was incredibly moving. It felt less like replacing a tradition and more like creating something even more meaningful.

It was the perfect way to open the dance floor for an unforgettable night of celebration.

The fun kept coming with not one—but two—bouquet tosses (including an adorable catch by Meg's stepmother), a cake cutting complete with an extra cakey kiss, and a packed dance floor all evening thanks to an incredibly talented live band.

A Wedding That Stayed True to Them

Meg and Caleb reminded everyone that weddings don't have to look a certain way. There isn't one "right" way to celebrate your marriage.

Whether it's colorful outfits, writing your own rules, spending cocktail hour with your guests, or replacing traditions with moments that hold deeper meaning, your wedding should reflect your story. And that's exactly what they did.

Meg and Caleb, thank you for trusting us to document such an unforgettable day. It was an absolute joy getting to witness the incredible love you share, the community you've built around you, and the way you chose authenticity over expectation at every turn. Your wedding was joyful, emotional, colorful, unconventional, and completely unforgettable.

Congratulations again, and thank you to all of the amazing vendors who helped bring this beautiful celebration to life!

VENDOR TEAM:

Venue: @seacoast_science_center | Coordination: @eventsbyelisene | Photography: @dampolophotography | Band: @neonlighthouseband  | Florals: @fasinflowers | Rentals: @revelryeventcollections | Catering: @watershednewmarket & @wickedgoodwoodfiredpizza | Bar: @deeluxebartendering  | Cake: @gingerfoxbakeries