Rachel + Adam - Angela Marie Weddings

A bright and floral celebration at Toad Hill Farm

6.10.23

Love Story

Rachel and Adam met the "modern way" on a dating app. As an introvert, Rachel says she grumbled through the experience of meeting new people in this way the summer she moved back to Boston- Adam was her third first date, and she says that if he had been another bust, she would have stopped trying! Luckily, he made quite the impression with his bright eyes, big smile, and his brilliant idea to skip a second round of drinks to go for ice cream instead.

That first date was over 5 years ago now! Adam is her extrovert opposite, and they are different in many ways that complement one another and keep things interesting. They met when they had both just finished professional school, and they have been honored to support each other through different phases as their careers have evolved. They still share a love of ice cream, and of growing and adventuring together: hiking, traveling, and settling into their home with their pup Tilley.

Engagement

Rachel and Adam had planned a fall weekend trip to the White Mountains, so Rachel says she was rushing home from work that Friday to hit the road and get up there. Still in her scrubs from her work (as a dentist!), she opened the door of their apartment to find Adam with a spread of candles, flowers, charcuterie (his forte), champagne, and a beautiful ring he had designed. It was a perfect moment, just the two of them at home. They called their close family and friends from the car to share the news. The newly engaged couple had the best weekend celebrating in Franconia, hiking Moosilauke and enjoying one of their favorite areas. They laugh remembering how they took the cable car up Cannon Mountain and even though it was cloudy that day, they were so happy that they were completely unbothered by the lack of a view!

Wedding Planning

When they got engaged in the fall of 2021, they had a lot going on! In addition to both working full time, her as a dentist and him as a corporate life sciences lawyer, they were house hunting and about to bring a new puppy home. Wedding planning on top of that was pretty overwhelming!

A residual COVID impact they experienced was that dates/venues/vendors were booking up quite far out/had to be booked quickly, due to many people who had postponed their celebrations. The couple felt pressured to make those decisions ASAP. For example, they inquired about a potential welcome party spot a full year in advance and it was already booked!

They say that a big pro in their wedding planning experience was hiring Angela! They needed guidance on where to start and what to consider for a DIY tented event. It was so essential to have a checklist/check-ins to stay organized and on track. A struggle for Rachel was definitely decision fatigue! There are so many choices to make and finding the time and mental bandwidth to think them all through was difficult for her.

The Wedding Venue

When touring venues, the couple realized they wanted something that felt personal and natural. They honed in on the White Mountains area, as they love hiking there together, and had just celebrated their engagement in Franconia. They both fell in love with Toad Hill Farm the moment they visited, saying that “the setting is just stunning!”

Rachel and Adam’s favorite thing about getting married at Toad Hill was celebrating with their favorite people in the mountains, in nature, in a beautiful place rather than just in any old event room or banquet hall. Another unique aspect of the venue was having access to the old main house on the property all weekend. It was so cozy and special to stay there with the bridal party, soaking up every moment of the weekend, the farm and each other's company outside of the reception itself.

A Cute Cameo

The couple’s pup, two year old Wheaten Terrier Tilley, is a “lovable kook with a bit too much energy to have been an easy guest at the wedding”, so she did not attend, but she did make an appearance! She was their cocktail napkin mascot.

Cocktail Napkin Mascot

An Unforgettable Moment

They will never forget at the end of the night, walking back up the hill in the dark to the ceremony spot with the bridal party, to star gaze!

Another special moment was when they were getting a golf cart ride back up the hill for sunset photos, seeing all their loved ones celebrating under the tent as they rode away, and seeing the beautiful mountains in the golden light!

And of course, the giddy thrill of seeing one another for the first time on the wedding day and being unable to believe how lucky they were to have found each other!

Advice from the Newlyweds

Rachel advises engaged couples to hire a wedding planner, and to enjoy every moment. Here’s what she had to say:

“I would definitely recommend hiring a wedding planner, and planning early! And remember to enjoy the process and the engagement phase- follow what feels true to you and you will end up with a beautiful day.”

The Vendor Team

Wedding Day Management - Angela Marie Weddings (Angela and assistant Chloe)

Venue - Toad Hill Farm

Photography - Addie Roberge Photography

Hair - Fresh Salon and Day Spa

Makeup - Kelly Ford Beauty

Dress - Your Dream Bridal

Alterations - Betsy Griffin

Cake - Eatxactly Sweet Cafe

Catering - Chef Joe's Catering

Food Truck - Cheese Louise

DJ - ECF Entertainment