Naomi & Dylan's Romantic Micro-Wedding at Ristorante Massimo in Portsmouth, NH

A fellow industry professional, Naomi works with floral installations and tablescapes and is the creative mind behind Nectar & Vessel - a name we’ve followed for some time - and before we even finished reading her inquiry we knew we wanted to try and fit her into our busy 2023 schedule. The plan was to have the ceremony and dinner all within the walls of Ristorante Massimo, their go-to spot for celebrations and special treats, with a brief walk around historic Portsmouth if the weather was to cooperate. Naomi described a ceremony plan that incorporated and honored the immediate family in attendance underneath a chuppah hand-made by Dylan, followed by a ‘reception’ consisting of a seemingly endless course dinner set around a tablescape styled by Cailla Quinn (owner of Ephemirus and a dear friend of Naomi’s) and inspired by the Dutch Golden Age. Without seeing the space in person beforehand it was a bit difficult to visualize what we would be walking into when we arrived there last Thursday, but suffice to say that the vision remained true. Naomi and Dylan, surrounded by their parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, spoke their vows in the dimly lit lower level of the restaurant, cried happy tears along with family, and were joyfully wed in a setting one hundred percent crafted specifically by and for them.

While family awaited upstairs at the bar, we dipped out into the light drizzle with these two and let them show us around the neighborhood a bit. Portsmouth is actually incredibly charming in the evening and in the slight damp the streetlights reflected on the wet asphalt, setting a mood that we couldn’t possibly have created otherwise. The walk outside felt like an exclamation, an acknowledgement of the achievement that is planning and pulling off a wedding, and photographing them in that moment was euphoric. Naomi’s custom red dress and golden boots juxtaposed with Dylan’s black-watch plaid suit on those historic streets was a sight to behold.

A bespoke wedding calls for a bespoke celebratory dinner afterwards, and from the floral arrangements to the candles to the ephemera hand-placed about the table this scene absolutely delivered. Everyone, including us, were in awe of what awaited post-ceremony, and we mean it when we say that we’ve waited our whole careers to photograph something so beautiful. Every inch of the dining space was thoughtfully curated, decorated, and lovingly preened to perfection. Naomi specifically wanted this scene captured on film and in the twinkling candlelight with a healthy mixture of flash we could have spent literal hours in there. The rest of their evening was spent eating, drinking, and conversing with family over dish after dish - shout out to the pasta carbonara specifically which was delicious - filling their bellies with the most decadent quick bites and full plates from the menu. Sheer beauty aside, this was such a lovely celebration to photograph. It felt so them, and having the opportunity to document it and collaborate with another incredibly talented artist left us humbled.

Venue: Ristorante Massimo
Florals/Ephemera: Ephemirus
Dress: REVOLVE / Nookie - overskirt and veil custom made by Naomi
Boots: Marc Fisher
Jewelry: Ariella Powers
Makeup: Julie Marie Makeup Artistry
Menswear: Custom suit from Indochino in Dylan’s family Scottish tartan
Custom Coasters: Jo Grubman
Bouquet Silk: Silk and Willow
Rings: Market Square Jewelers / The Moon’s Forge
Film/Processing: Kodak Portra 400/800 + Cinestill 800T / Kerry’s Warwick Photo