Derek + Josh - Wentworth by the Sea Wedding
Where Cultures and Celebration Meet
What happens when two grooms, two vibrant cultures, and one stunning coastal venue come together? A wedding day filled with joy, tradition, and nonstop celebration. This Wentworth by the Sea wedding was more than a ceremony, it was a beautiful fusion of Chinese and Jewish traditions, infused with laughter, color, and heart from start to finish.
From the very beginning, it was clear this day would be less about formality and more about meaningful moments shared with family and friends.
A Playful First Look on the Lawn
The day kicked off with a first look on Wentworth’s lush lawn, and instead of quiet tears, it was pure laughter. As the grooms turned to see each other, the moment erupted into smiles, jokes, and an impromptu happy dance that instantly set the tone for the rest of the day.
It was relaxed, genuine, and completely them, a reminder that first looks don’t have to be emotional to be powerful. Sometimes joy says it all.
Planning a Wentworth by the Sea Wedding?
If you’re envisioning a wedding that blends elegance, culture, and personality, Wentworth by the Sea offers a stunning backdrop for celebrations of all kinds. Reach out here to start planning your wedding photography!
Traditions Intertwined
The Chinese tea ceremony and ketubah signing beautifully reflected the grooms’ shared values and cultural heritage. During the tea ceremony, they served tea to their families in a space filled with warmth, playful teasing, laughter, and heartfelt blessings. That sense of connection carried seamlessly into the ketubah signing, where a custom marriage contract blending Hebrew and Chinese calligraphy became a meaningful work of art. Every detail felt intentional, honoring tradition while celebrating the start of their marriage in two languages and two cultures, quiet moments rich with emotion and significance.
An Outdoor Chuppah Ceremony
The ceremony unfolded on the open lawn beneath a chuppah, with fresh ocean air and wide open skies creating a calm, intimate setting. Heartfelt vows were exchanged, blending laughter and tears as the grooms shared promises that felt deeply personal and true.
The moment concluded with the iconic glass smash, followed by cheers of “Mazel Tov!” echoing across the lawn. It was emotional, joyful, and full of life.
Portraits at Wentworth by the Sea
Wentworth by the Sea offers some of the most elegant portrait locations on the New Hampshire coast. We created romantic portraits by the white trellis tucked into the gardens, where soft greenery and classic architecture framed the grooms beautifully. Later, we walked to the dock overlooking the marina for ocean view portraits with sailboats in the background. The waterfront setting added a peaceful and cinematic feel, perfectly complementing their burgundy suits and meaningful ceremonial details.
A Joyful Reception Beginning
As the celebration moved into the reception, the energy shifted instantly. The grooms made an epic entrance to roaring applause, setting the tone for a night that was equal parts heartfelt and high-energy. Their first dance followed soon after, a moment that balanced joy and connection with effortless style. Surrounded by family and friends, the dance floor became a shared space of celebration, marking the start of an unforgettable evening filled with movement, laughter, and love.
An Unforgettable Lion Dance Performance
As the reception began, a vibrant red lion dance burst onto the dance floor beneath sparkling chandeliers, its rhythmic drums symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the newlyweds. If you are curious about the deeper meaning behind the lion dance and other traditional elements, you can read more in my Chinese and Vietnamese Wedding Traditions Guide.
Hora, Lifts, and Nonstop Energy
The dance floor truly exploded during the hora. The newlyweds were lifted high in chairs as guests surrounded them with laughter, music, and pure celebration. It was joyful chaos in the best possible way.
This wedding proved that tradition doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful. It can be fun, loud, colorful, and deeply personal all at once.
Planning a Multicultural or Same-Sex Wedding in New England?
If you’re planning a Wentworth by the Sea wedding, a multicultural celebration, or a same-sex wedding in New England, I’d love to help tell your story with honesty, joy, and intention.
Get in touch here to check availability and start the conversation.
Mazel Tov! 恭喜! And yes, that lion absolutely deserves an invite to the next family reunion 🦁✨
Venue: Wentworth by The Sea
Cake: Hanami Cake Design
Band: American Midnight
TUX: Yaly Couture, Men’s Warehouse
Lion Dance: Gund Kwok Lion Dance
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A collection of elegant wedding venues across Boston, Cambridge, and the surrounding Massachusetts area, featuring real weddings I’ve photographed along with the stories behind each celebration.