Chris & Haley Beckett’s Coffee Shop Elopement
Chris and Haley Beckett had the most quintessential intimate and homey elopement in an adored coffee shop on January 26th, 2020. This by far has been my favorite elopement, and it was my first one! When they had reached out to me, informing me of their plans as well as where, I was over joyed.
Wayfarer Coffee Roasters of Laconia (Main St.) has been a seven year spotlight of this New Hampshire city for several of reasons!
Not only does this local coffee shop create amazing coffee and mouth watering waffles, but they also show off local artists in their brand new marketplace, and they rent out their shops for small events!
When Chris & Haley had asked me to photograph their wedding two years ago, I had no idea that renting this adorable location for a few hours would even be an option. Who knew that a coffee shop would be the perfect spot for a marriage? And I mean that wholeheartedly. In total, there were 10 people including them. Haley and her mom got ready in the bathroom while Chris prepared himself in the entryway. While they were getting all dressed up, I took pictures to set the scene. From the back entrance with the sun setting perfectly through the windows, to the small ceremonial set up, ring pictures, and the coffee bar where Rachel the barista at the time (now Director of Community Partnerships) made coffees for us.
Once they were both all dressed up, everyone was eager for their first look!
Because there wasn’t an overwhelming amount of people to witness it (just Haley’s parents), this experience felt way more intimate and special.
Chris stood with his body facing the entryway, while Haley approached behind along the coffee bar. From there, I witnessed one of the sweetest encounters; two best friends about to become one. Their gentle hug is what made me tear up!
After the exciting first look, Haley and Chris joined me inside and outside to get some portraits before everyone arrived! Not only did they choose a dreamy location, but they brought an antique car of Haley’s with them for their “just married” vehicle. Taking pictures in the valiant and running around downtown was certainly a must!
Ceremony time!
After a solid 30 minutes of picture taking and waiting on other guests, Chris and Haley were ready to officially tie the knot!
While Haley’s parents, brother and sister in law, as well as ext. friends and family (3-4) were there, Chris had his parents on Facetime. The guests sat over by the back entryway were the shop roasts their coffee beans, right next to the faux fireplace. The seating area made for a cute display as well as their glass door backdrop that they stood in front of. In total, their little ceremony lasted for 15 min. and was wrapped up with coffee for all and some light congregating for the evening!
The sweet couple took some extra pictures to wrap up their perfect elopement!
Since January of 2020, Wayfarer Coffee Roasters has expanded their home location, as well as building a second location in Lakeport, New Hampshire. Their home location (downtown Laconia) looks a little different from these pictures, since they have remodeled and purchased the location next door that opens up into a marketplace. This marketplace is a wonderful way for local artists to come together and filter in their work every couple of months. A major value of Wayfarer’s, besides coffee, is community. By creating this marketplace, they’ve made a unique and uplifting opportunity for everyone to feel welcome and known. Trying their coffee is a must, but so is checking out local artist’s work from paintings, pillows, clay earrings, amazing soaps, and more! The marketplace also offers Wayfarer merchandise, as well as extra seating!
After you’ve stopped by the home location, go to their sister location in the newly updated and beautiful Lakeport Opera House!
While they offer the same coffee, they have the cutest pastrie bar (partnered with Crumb Bar Pastries in Littleton, New Hampshire), and the YUMMIEST sandwiches on their house sourdough! Have I mentioned that their food they offer is outsourced by local farmers?
Did I also mention that they will be hosting a NEW ENGLAND COFFEE FESTIVAL this May?! This two day event will be another extraordinary way of partnering with local vendors and strengthening the community near and far! The hope is for this to become an annual festival! To learn more, click here https://www.newenglandcoffeefestival.com/!
If you’re looking for private events & catering, Wayfarer is the place (open to both locations)! For more information, click here https://www.wayfarerroasters.com/private-events-request!
If you’re wanting a quirky and individualistic setting for your elopement OR you just want a quality cup of coffee, you have to add Wayfarer Coffee Roasters to your list!
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