New England

New Hampshire Mountaintop Anniversary | New Hampshire Elopement Photographer

Meghan & Hilary Celebrate Two Years with Hike to Top of Mt. Major

Swell & Stone / New England Wedding Photographer

Couples hugs at an overlook on Mt. Major in New Hampshire overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee during their anniversary. New England elopement photographer
Couple laughs with golden light on Mt. Major in New Hampshire. New Hampshire anniversary photographer.
Couple hikes a mountain in New Hampshire for their anniversary. Mt. Major photographer.

I met Megan & Hilary at the trailhead to Mt. Major in New Hampshire on a cold, but sunny Monday afternoon in February for their adventure session to take some photos in celebration of 2 years together. It was also a few days after Valentine’s Day, so great timing to have some photos done. They brought their adorable puppy, Walter, along for the hike, and he had the best time running ahead and then circling back to see what was taking us so long. I love when couples bring dogs for the hikes because they have so much fun and the joy factor is increased seeing their pup get to jump and play in the snow.

Megan and Hilary met at the climbing gym and quickly found that their shared passions drew them closer and they often found themselves deep in conversation. As Megan tells it, "I noted our similar values, including outdoor adventure and social justice, and also loved how much the two of us laughed together. We could spend so much time talking- we sat at bars until last call more than once! I also remember her bringing me a "purse beer" for my birthday (that's a beer that you conveniently carry in your purse). I insisted we go back to her place to split it, which is when I first met Walt, and also the first time I asked to kiss her." Hilary, on the other hand, had no freaking idea that Megan had an enormous crush on her. Eventually, she figured it out and they started dating.

As we hiked up the mountain we stopped and took photos where the light was good, and moving quickly when we weren’t throwing snowballs or taking pics. Actually, these two hiked so quickly that we summited way before I thought we were going to, and the reason why became obvious as we were hiking and chatting. They were reminiscing on many of the hikes they’ve done together and noted that they needed more easy days out, like hiking Mt. Major. When I asked what some of the hikes that they are used to doing together were like, they said they had done the Presidential Traverse (20.4 miles and 8,200 ft. of elevation gain) in one day! I had also done the Presidential Traverse, but I did it in 3 days and could not imagine doing it in one. They noted that they often take on intense outdoor objectives together, but that they both love mellow multi-pitch trad climbs, something we could all agree on.

When I asked what their perfect day would like that if they could choose to do absolutely anything, they said it would be like a day they had last summer. “Hands down we would rock climb Standard Route on Whitehorse Ledge in North Conway, or any similar low-grade, long, multi-pitch trad route. We'd then crack an ice-cold beer, meet up with our dog Walter, and jump in a lake. Then we'd definitely head to a barbecue or Thai restaurant for dinner, and finish it out with a bonfire.” Which sounds like a pretty perfect day.

We crested the summit to a cold and windy peak where we hid behind a rock barrier for a bit to crack open some hard cider’s they had brought along and celebrate the summit. After a bit, we ventured out and took some photos of the incredible view looking out at Lake Winnipesaukee and toward the White Mountains. Although I have summited the mountain a few times before, neither of them had, so they were happy to add another summit to their list in an area of New Hampshire they hadn’t visited as often as their beloved White Mountains.

As we hiked back down, the sun lowered on the horizon and Walter’s trail zoomies slowed a bit. We continued chatting about climbing, snowboarding, and hiking, and I was so grateful to have gone on this fun adventure with this amazing couple and their pup. And I was so excited to edit the photos and send them along. Of course, I was over the moon when they were kind enough to leave me a review after seeing the photos.

My partner and I did a photoshoot in New Hampshire with Kat. It was such an amazing experience, one that we will not forget! We had a blast hiking up a mountain, stopping wherever the lighting was good. Kat made us feel at ease and helped us overcome any camera anxiety. She even let us bring our dog along and incorporated him into a lot of the pictures. Kat is super personable and enjoyable to be around and the hike was a pleasure; the photos as the end result were just the icing on the cake to a great day. Not to mention, the photos turned out amazingly, she somehow made our camera awkwardness disappear! I could not recommend Kat more for outdoor couples’ photos.
— Megan & Hilary

Serene Anniversary Adventure Session at Castle Hill Lighthouse

Newport, RI Lighthouse and Cliff Explorations- Makeda & Tej

Swell & Stone / New England Elopement Photographer

Couple celebrates their 10 year anniversary at Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, RI
Couple walks down the staircase at Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island. Rhode Island engagement photographer
Couple celebrates anniversary at Castle Hill Lighthouse in Rhode Island. Rhode Island elopement photographer.
Couple celebrates 10 year anniversary at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island.

Makeda and Tej where visiting Newport, RI from New Jersey for the their 10 Anniversary. Makeda reached out and said she wanted to take photos on the cliffs, and if possible, with a classic New England lighthouse in the background. Of course, my first thought was Castle Hill! This is such a cool, historic, lighthouse with beautiful cliffs, and we were super lucky with timing, because the day before was nothing but rain. The trail was still a bit muddy, but we made due, and we were able to capture her vision, and so much more. Neither of them had ever been there before, and they were in for a treat! We had the lighthouse nearly to ourselves, and I had some of the most beautiful light to capture their love. All of us were excited about the views, and going on a micro adventure on a gorgeous spring evening in March.

The two of them were so sweet together, supporting each other over the rocky terrain, not the easiest place to walk with nice shoes on. Another thing that is hard to tell in the photos is how chilly it was this day. We were lucky to have beautiful sunshine and a gorgeous sunset, but in between Makeda and Tej were putting on their jackets to stay warm. They were both blown away by the beauty of the Rhode Island Cliffs, and couldn’t wait to see more.

After Castle Hill lighthouse we headed over to Fort Adams State Park for more photos, including sunset shots with the Newport Bridge in the background. Because it was cold outside, we walked down the pier first, and captured some of classic New England scenery in the background, and then took at warm up break. These two where champs for lasting as long as they did. I was so honored to be the photographer they chose to celebrate 10 years together. Congrats Makeda & Tej!

Kat was awesome! We wanted 10 year anniversary photos that captured the beauty of Rhode Island and she gave us just that. Lighthouse, ocean, bridges and cliffs... it was wonderful. And even better was seeing the photos when they came through. They were wonderful!! Still can’t stop looking at the photos and showing them to everyone!
— Makeda & Tej

If you’d like to have a wildly different wedding experience or adventure session in Rhode Island, get in touch today. I live in Pawtucket, RI, so although I travel a lot for my work I can usually work our a session close to home. Click the button below to get in touch!