When Rachel and Zach began planning their wedding, they weren’t after bells and whistles—they were after something personal, elegant, and welcoming. Enter: The Thompson Inn, a charming New England venue that delivered all the magic.
Planning from afar meant they had to book vendors early—18 months in advance!—but once they found their venue, everything clicked into place. The Thompson Inn had that perfect mix of comfort and elegance they were looking for, plus a sweet coincidence: their dream date, August 3rd, was open. It just so happened to match their jersey numbers—Zach wore #8 as a pro hockey player, and Rachel was #3 back in her college field hockey days. Meant to be? Pretty much.
A Love Story that Spans Ice Rinks, Countries, and Christmas Trees
Rachel and Zach met at Brown University—she played field hockey, he played hockey-hockey—and they bonded over ice cream dates and study sessions. After college, life took them across the globe. Rachel stayed in Boston, while Zach followed his pro hockey career across the U.S., Canada, and now Sweden.
The proposal? Classic holiday magic. Zach tucked the ring box under the Christmas tree, calling it “the first present of Christmas.” Now living together in Sweden, they’ll always have that moment—and the memory of their incredible summer wedding in New Hampshire.
A Thompson Inn Wedding That Felt Like Home
Located in Durham, New Hampshire, The Thompson Inn offered everything Rachel and Zach wanted in a venue—New England charm, beautiful outdoor spaces, and enough room to host all their favorite people. Rachel grew up in NH, so celebrating close to home made the day feel even more meaningful.
They envisioned a day that felt timeless, elegant, and completely unpretentious—something that felt just as natural for a champagne toast as it did for a full-on dance party. And thanks to their incredible team of vendors (see the list below!), they nailed it.
Dancing, Laughter, and Garden-Party Vibes
There’s no shortage of magical memories from Rachel and Zach’s Thompson Inn wedding, but one moment stands out: the dance floor. As Rachel put it, “We’ve never had more fun!” The energy was high, the music was incredible, and it felt like everyone was dancing all night long.
The florals—initially envisioned as classic white—blossomed into a colorful mix of peaches, blues, soft pinks, and greenery. The result? A garden-party vibe that felt light, fresh, and effortless, perfect for a warm August evening.
The aesthetic was “comfortable elegance”—a celebration where guests could show up as their best selves and truly feel at home. From heartfelt vows to wild dance floor moments, the joy was palpable from beginning to end.
Wedding Planning Advice from the Couple
Rachel and Zach’s top tip? Start with your venue. That one decision sets the tone, the date, the location, and helps guide every other choice you’ll make. Once they found The Thompson Inn, everything else fell into place.
They also recommend trusting your team of vendors and focusing on the feeling you want to create. Whether it’s timeless romance or a laid-back garden party (or both!), go with what feels right for you as a couple.
Photography: Esra Y Photography | Venue & Catering: The Thompson Inn, Durham NH | Florist: Natures Art Floral | DJ/Band: DJ Brandon Despres / Get Down Tonight Entertainment, Inc. | Cake: Cakes By Alexa Marie | Hair & Makeup: Hair by NMG, Brittney Eileen Beauty | Dress: Madeline’s Daughter Bridal | Invites & Paper Goods: Minted, Etsy, & Zola
Planning a New England Wedding of Your Own?
Whether you’re dreaming of your own Thompson Inn wedding or another charming New England venue, we’re here to showcase the love stories, celebrations, and real-life inspiration that make our region so special.
Thinking about submitting your wedding for a feature? We’d love to hear your story—reach out to us at Evergreen Weddings Magazine!
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