As a queer traveling photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing love stories in a variety of settings, but there’s something uniquely magical about witnessing two souls coming together in a place that feels both personal and breathtaking. Rachel and Connor’s wedding at Monadnock Berries Farm in Troy, New Hampshire, was just that—a celebration of love, nature, and community against a backdrop of raw, untouched beauty. Despite the storm clouds looming overhead, the day was filled with moments that would forever be etched in my heart.

A Cloudy, Stormy Start

The morning of Rachel and Connor’s wedding was calm, but stormy. The sky was a deep shade of gray, and the clouds hung heavy, promising rain. As I arrived at Monadnock Berries Farm, I could feel the tension in the air—mother nature seemed to have other plans. But the energy among the wedding party was warm and hopeful, and there was a palpable sense of anticipation, as though everyone knew the storm would pass and the sun would find its way through.

I’ve often found that the weather on a wedding day holds a certain magic. Storms, while they might seem ominous at first, have a way of amplifying the emotions of the day. They make the moments that much more precious, reminding us that love, like weather, is unpredictable, but always beautiful in its own way.

The Calm Before the Vows

Though the rain started to fall lightly as guests arrived, the ceremony was scheduled to take place outdoors on the farm’s sprawling lawn. The ceremony site was simple yet stunning—an elegant wooden arch draped with soft florals, perfectly framing the sweeping views of the surrounding New Hampshire hills. But with the rain still coming down, there was a nervous energy in the air. Would the weather hold out?

Just as the ceremony was about to begin, the clouds began to break. The rain tapered off, and the sun peeked through the still-heavy sky, casting a soft golden glow across the landscape. It felt like a sign—an affirmation that the day would unfold just as it was meant to, no matter the weather. And it did.

As Rachel made her way down the aisle, her smile was radiant, not just because of the love she felt for Connor, but because of the miracle that was unfolding. The air felt crisp and fresh, and the rain that had threatened to ruin the day was nothing more than a fleeting memory. It was the perfect moment—everything aligning just as it should, even in the midst of stormy uncertainty.

A Love That Defies Expectations

Rachel and Connor’s love story is one of authenticity, joy, and unwavering support. As a queer photographer, I’m lucky enough to witness couples who are breaking the mold and creating their own definitions of what love, commitment, and family mean to them. Rachel and Connor exemplify this. Their love is real, unfiltered, and as grounding as the land around them.

During their vows, there was no performance—just raw, heartfelt words exchanged between two people who had built a life together. Rachel’s vows were tender and thoughtful, speaking of the quiet strength and stability Connor brought into her life. Connor’s words were full of gratitude, expressing his admiration for Rachel’s endless patience and love. Watching them speak to one another with such vulnerability was a reminder that true love isn’t about grand gestures or perfection; it’s about deep connection, trust, and being there for each other, no matter what.

Being a queer artist, I realize that there’s something profoundly powerful about capturing love like this—a love that transcends traditional expectations, one that is simply about two people finding their way to one another in a world that often tries to tell them otherwise. Watching Rachel and Connor exchange vows on that stormy afternoon felt like witnessing a small revolution, a love so fierce and genuine that it could weather any storm.

The Reception: Cozy, Intimate, and Full of Joy

After the ceremony, the reception was held in the barn, which had been transformed into a cozy, rustic space. The air was filled with the smell of fresh flowers and delicious food, and the barn’s wooden beams were strung with twinkling fairy lights that added a soft, warm glow to the atmosphere. The storm had passed, and the night had settled into a calm, cool New England evening.

Guests gathered around long wooden tables, sharing laughs and stories, with cookies and brownies and a delicious dinner of chicken and salad- making for a perfect farm-to-table experience. There were no extravagant decorations or over-the-top theatrics—just an honest celebration of two people, their families, and their friends. It was simple, intimate, and beautiful.

Capturing the Magic of the Moment

What makes this wedding so special to me, beyond the stunning setting and the perfect couple, is the way it reflects the unpredictability of life itself. The storm that loomed over us as we waited for the ceremony to start was a metaphor for the way love can appear in moments of uncertainty and change. And just as the rain cleared to reveal sunlight, Rachel and Connor’s love came through stronger than ever, a beacon of light in a world full of storms.

I’ve come to learn that every wedding tells a unique story. Rachel and Connor’s story was one of resilience, joy, and the kind of love that bends but doesn’t break. The storm that passed was a reminder that love is always worth waiting for, even when it seems like everything is uncertain.

Their love is also beautiful because it serves as a reminder to never judge a book by it’s cover. Both Rachel and Connor are queer, even though they are in a hetero-presenting relationship.

Their wedding wasn’t just about the details or the decor—it was about the shared experience of standing together in the face of uncertainty and celebrating the love that can weather any storm.

Final Thoughts

Monadnock Berries Farm, with its rustic charm and breathtaking views, served as the perfect backdrop for a wedding that was as beautiful as it was unpredictable. Rachel and Connor’s day will forever be a reminder that love doesn’t wait for perfect weather—it shines through, rain or sun.

For anyone looking to get married at this incredible New England farm, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether the sky is clear or stormy, it’s a place that celebrates the authenticity and beauty of life, love, and the journey we all take together.

To Rachel and Connor, thank you for letting me be part of your beautiful day. You’ve shown me, and everyone around you, that love is never about perfection—it’s about embracing the unexpected and finding beauty in the moments we can’t predict.

Your Queer Traveling Photographer,

Lizzy xoxo