Anna and Justin’s Preserve at Chocorua wedding in Tamworth, NH, was a beautiful, joy-filled celebration that perfectly reflected their love for adventure, family, and connection. With a weekend full of meaningful moments, thoughtful details, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, their wedding was everything they had envisioned.
From the Slopes to “I Do”
Anna and Justin’s love story began on the ski racing team at Tufts University, and skiing has remained a central part of their lives. After six years together, Justin proposed at the summit of Taos Ski Valley, a fitting milestone for a couple whose adventures together include skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and raising their pets—two cats, Nemo and Avy, and their puppy, Wally.
Choosing The Preserve at Chocorua
Planning a wedding from afar had its challenges, as Anna and Justin were living in Boulder, CO, but wanted to marry near their families in New Hampshire. “The beginning was tough, especially selecting vendors,” they shared. “But hiring Meg Thomson at Willow Tree Events was a game-changer. She connected us with an amazing team, and planning became fun! Everyone was so kind and talented—it was a joy to work with Mezzanine for a custom menu, Jay La Bella for incredible music, Moonset Farms for breathtaking flowers, and of course, Maxine Cadman Photography, who helped us feel so comfortable in front of the camera.”
The venue was an easy choice. “We’re both from the Northeast—Justin from Greenwood, ME, and Anna from Thetford, VT—so we loved that The Preserve at Chocorua was conveniently located between our hometowns. Since many of our guests were traveling, we wanted a venue with on-site housing so we could spend as much time as possible with everyone. The Preserve’s rustic charm, combined with its variety of spaces for different weekend events, made it perfect for us.”
A Wedding Weekend Full of Meaningful Moments
Anna and Justin’s wedding weekend began with a trip to the lake, followed by a laid-back BBQ and lawn games the day before the wedding. “It was great to relax with everyone and catch up before the big day,” they said.
When it came to the wedding itself, the couple made thoughtful choices to ensure the day reflected their personalities. “We decided to have speeches during cocktail hour instead of at dinner. It made the speeches less formal and more fun, which was exactly what we wanted. Two of our friends acted as MCs, providing comic relief between speakers, and it ended up being our favorite part of the wedding. Hearing from our friends and family about how much love they see in us was incredibly moving.”
Embracing the Natural Beauty of The Preserve at Chocorua
Anna and Justin embraced The Preserve at Chocorua’s natural charm with a color palette focused on lush greenery. “We wanted the wedding to feel like a big family reunion, where everyone could relax and have fun. The venue’s rustic beauty paired perfectly with our vision.”
Their celebration blended elegance with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel at home while honoring the beautiful surroundings.
Advice for Future Couples
Looking back on their day, Anna and Justin emphasized the importance of being present.
“With so much planning leading up to the wedding, it’s easy to get caught up in the details. On the day of, just focus on being in the moment, taking everything in, and having fun. Also, make time for each other! The day goes by so quickly, and it’s easy to get pulled in different directions, so prioritize being together.”
The Best Part of Their Wedding Weekend
For Anna and Justin, the highlight of the weekend was seeing all their favorite people together.
“It was amazing to look around and see our friends and family—many of whom had never met—hitting it off and making connections. The weekend was packed with special moments, from catching up with old friends to eating incredible food and celebrating the life we’ve built together. It truly felt like a culmination of everything we love.”
Venue: The Preserve at Chocorua | Photographer: Maxine Cadman Photography | Florals: Moonset Floral | Planner: Willow Tree Events | Makeup: Joya Beauty | Hair: Marissa Ann Artistry | Catering: Mezzanine
For more wedding inspiration, expert planning tips, and real love stories, check out the latest issue of Evergreen Weddings Magazine. Click here to purchase our latest issue.
Be the first to comment