When I left for Leah and Cameron’s wedding at Milliken Manor in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, I wasn’t quite sure what kind of day we were going to have. The drive there was filled with pouring rain and wind gusts nearing 50 mph. As if that wasn’t enough, the rain eventually turned to snow as I got closer to the venue. At that point, I was seriously questioning whether my rain jacket was going to be enough for the day ahead.
Miliken Manor, one of New Hampshire’s newer wedding venues, sits on a historic estate with roots dating back to the early 1900s. The beautifully restored property combines timeless New England charm with modern wedding amenities, making it easy to see why it has quickly become a sought-after venue in the Monadnock region.
When I arrived, Leah and her bridesmaids were getting ready and somehow completely unfazed by the weather outside. Everyone looked incredible, with beautiful boho-inspired hairstyles and flawless makeup. Leah had gifted her bridal party matching silk pajamas and personalized sweatshirts, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere as everyone prepared for the day.
Then, something amazing happened. As everyone started getting dressed, the clouds began to part. The rain stopped, the snow disappeared, and sunshine broke through. Before long, patches of blue sky were stretching across the horizon.
Stepping outside to explore the property, I immediately understood what makes Milliken Manor so special. The backyard overlooks rolling hills with stunning views of Mount Monadnock. It was impossible not to be obsessed with the scenery.
One thing that stood out throughout the day was Leah’s thoughtfulness. Despite it being her wedding day, she continually checked on family and friends, making sure everyone felt cared for and included. She shared a heartfelt first look with her father, one of the sweetest parent first looks I’ve witnessed. Having recently lost her mother, it was clear that this first look was special in more ways than one. She also gifted her dad custom cufflinks and a handwritten letter to read later, creating a quiet moment neither of them will forget.
The emotions continued during Leah and Cameron’s first look. Cameron couldn’t hold back tears as he saw Leah in her stunning lace A-line gown, complete with subtle hidden sparkle. The way he gently held Leah, hugging and kissing her, was a piece I wanted to make sure I captured.
Their outdoor ceremony featured Mount Monadnock as the backdrop, and it included so many personal touches. My favorite moments were their dogs making their way down the aisle, the combination of personal and shared vows, the tequila shots they took to officially kick off married life, and the beautiful tribute to Leah’s mother-a reserved seat.
The reception that followed was an absolute celebration. A live band kept the dance floor packed all night, and the speeches had many guests reaching for tissues- Including me. Family and friends shared touching memories of both Leah’s mother and her godmother, another important loss Leah experienced this year. Through every speech, it was clear how deeply loved and supported these two are.
By the end of the night, Cameron could be found on the dance floor with a drink in one hand, a feathered boa around his neck, and a huge smile on his face. It perfectly summed up the energy of the evening- joyful, genuine, and full of life.
Leah and Cameron, thank you for trusting me to document such a meaningful day. It was an honor to witness your story, and I wish you both a lifetime of laughter, adventure, and love.
xo, Chelsey
