A Whimsical New England-Inspired Wedding in New Hampshire

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Erin and Ari

When Erin Osher, a public relations executive, and Ari Yaun, a television editor, were set up by a mutual friend, not much came of it. Sure, they each thought the other was cute, but they stayed casual acquaintances for five years, seeing each other at group gatherings. But then Ari moved to Erin’s neighborhood. He called her for a second attempt, and this time there was chemistry.

Three years later, on August 27, 2011, the Brooklyn-based duo tied the knot in the groom’s charming seaside hometown of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The Moffatt Ladd House & Garden, a historic landmark, was the perfect location for their low-key celebration. With help from talented family members and loved ones, they personalized their nuptials and gave their 98 guests a weekend to remember.

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The Invitation

The groom designed the stationery suite and incorporated hand lettering by friend Danita Reese. The invite was based on a ship itinerary from the early 1900s.

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The Bouquet

The bride carried an incredible clutch of succulents, ranunculus, zinnia, air plants, rose hips, lemon basil, andromeda, and snapdragon by Poppies & Posies.

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All in the Family

Erin wore her mother’s wedding dress down the aisle. Since her parents have been married for more than 35 years, she thought it’d make a great good-luck charm.

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The Boutonniere

A mini succulent paired with fresh-picked raspberries and mountain mint adorned the lapel of Ari’s Zara suit.

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The Bridal Party

Marcus Haraldsson

The groom’s siblings, Sierra and Shoren, and Erin’s brother, Dave, served as attendants. Sierra wore a dress designed by the couple’s friend and wedding photographer Whitney Deal of Oh, Darling! Photography.

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The Programs

White and navy programs played up the affair’s nautical tone and even included knot-tying diagrams. Twine was attached to the top of each one so guests could practice prior to the afternoon service.

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The Ring Pillow

The bands were tied to a heart-shaped cushion fashioned by Ari’s aunt, Dorothy Weiss.

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The Ceremony Decor

Bales of hay covered with canvas served as seating, and arrangements of ranunculus, zinnia, snapdragon, Queen Anne’s lace, garden spray roses, air plants, and lemon basil bordered the aisle.

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The Ceremony

Guests took their seats to music played by Danny and David Tuss of Umbrella Men. During the ceremony, performed by the couple’s friend Kyle Pearson, Erin’s aunt Connie read love letters written by the bride’s grandfather to her grandmother. Erin and Ari followed this by reading love letters of their own. Then the mother of the bride and father of the groom recited modern interpretations of the traditional Jewish “seven blessings.”

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Cocktail Hour

To kick off the celebration, Cab Cove Oysters served guests small shellfish delicacies with sauces like piri piri, mignonette, and tequila lime out of their Shuck Truck.

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The Escort Cards

The seating cards, designed by Poppies & Posies, were inspired by vintage train tickets.

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The Tables

And to share their love of travel, the couple named each table after a city or state significant to their relationship. Instead of numbers, maps were used to label each table.

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The Place Settings

"How to eat a lobster" watercolor diagrams were placed around the tables, along with lobster crackers, place card tags, and customized moist towelettes. Each napkin was rubber-stamped with the couple’s initials using waterproof ink, helping to keep guests’ fingers clean.

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Mess Management

A lobster bib was placed over each chair back.

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The Centerpieces

Poppies & Posies created beautiful arrangements of ‘Juliet’ garden roses, ranunculus, zinnia, Queen Anne’s lace, garden spray roses, andromeda, succulents, air plants, lemon basil, rose hips, and mountain mint to dot the table runners that were custom made.

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The Menu

In true New Hampshire fashion, guests enjoyed a lobster bake complete with clam chowder, corn, potatoes, and steamers, prepared by Foster’s Downeast Clambake.

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Sent with Love

In lieu of a guest book, the groom designed and set out vintage-style postcards featuring a photo of the Portsmouth riverfront. Guests were asked to pen a note and pop it in the old mailbox that sat on the table. Erin and Ari received the special deliveries when they returned from their honeymoon in Spain.

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The First Dance

The newlyweds hit the dance floor to Sam Cooke’s “Nothing Can Ever Change This Love.”

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Picture Perfect

Poppies & Posies attached tissue-paper party supplies for a custom backdrop for the Smilebooth photo booth.

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Late-Night Fun

Following dinner, guests moved to the barn for dancing and pie from Pie in the Sky Bakery.

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Sources

Photography: Oh, Darling! Photography

Location: Moffatt Ladd House & Garden

Catering: Foster’s Downeast Clambake

Planning, Event Design, and Florals: Sierra Yaun and Juliet Totten of Poppies & Posies

Rentals: Marshall Tent and Event Rental Center

Photo Booth: Smilebooth

Hair: Abbie Klenzman of Arte Salon

Bartending: Blue Mermaid

Engagement Ring: Catbird

Wedding Bands: St. Kilda Jewelry; Alie Jewelers, 603-436-0531

Oyster Truck: Cabin Cove Oysters

Music: Umbrella Men (ceremony); DJ Cassette

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A Whimsical New England-Inspired Wedding in New Hampshire

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Erin and Ari

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The Invitation

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The Bouquet

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All in the Family

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The Boutonniere

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The Bridal Party

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The Programs

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The Ring Pillow

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The Ceremony Decor

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The Ceremony

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Cocktail Hour

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The Escort Cards

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The Tables

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The Place Settings

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Mess Management

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The Centerpieces

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The Menu

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Sent with Love

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The First Dance

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Picture Perfect

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Late-Night Fun

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Sources

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