Introduction
There are weddings that are simply beautiful and then there are weddings that feel like you — where every detail, from the first welcome drink to the last group dance, reflects the people at the center of it all.
Michelle and Wayne Rose’s wedding on May 16, 2026 at Zorvino Vineyards in Sandown, New Hampshire was unmistakably the latter. Elegant and bright, blooming with cornflower blue florals and May sunshine, it was a celebration that poured as much heart into the small details as the grand ones. Their guests came for a wedding. They left with a memory.
Michelle & Wayne Rose | May 16, 2026 — Zorvino Vineyards, Sandown, NH | Photography: @markrducharmephotography
The Setting: Zorvino in Full Spring Glow
May at Zorvino Vineyards is something to witness. After months of bare vines and quiet grounds, spring arrives like a held breath finally released — the 80 acres bursting into lush green, the koi pond fountain catching the afternoon light, the gazebo nestled among flowering trees, and the vineyard rows stretching out under an open New Hampshire sky.
Michelle and Wayne had the full canvas. Their day unfolded across the venue, wedding suite, gazebo, and outdoor patio — making full use of every spectacular inch of the property.
Their ceremony took place at 5:30 PM in Zorvino’s beautiful indoor fireside space — romantic, candlelit, and intimate — before the evening opened outward into the glowing May evening for cocktail hour on the outdoor patio, a Zorvino experience available only May through October. There is simply nothing like sipping wine on that patio as the last of the golden hour light falls across the vineyard.
The First Look: A Private Moment in the Afternoon Sun
Long before guests arrived, Michelle and Wayne shared something that belonged only to them: their First Look photographs at 3:15 PM, captured by @markrducharmephotography. The bridal party of 14 was on-site for portraits — and the Zorvino grounds offered every backdrop imaginable, from the ancient stone walls in the woods to the vineyard rows, the koi pond, and the lush green lawns.
Fun Fact: First look moments like this allow for couples and bridal parties to participate more in the celebration later on, as they get to share these private moments for capturing memories prior to the guests arrival.
Michelle and Wayne share a quiet moment among the stone walls of Zorvino’s woodland grounds | Photography: @markrducharmephotography
The Ceremony: Indoor Fireside
At 5:30 PM, surrounded by the people they love most, Michelle and Wayne exchanged their vows in Zorvino’s indoor fireside ceremony space — one of the venue’s most beloved settings, where the warmth of the interior perfectly complements the season just outside the windows.
Their officiant, Katie French (@atykay), presided over the ceremony with the kind of presence that makes a moment feel both timeless and deeply personal.
The bridal party was a beautiful procession: five bridesmaids, three groomsmen, two Matrons of Honor — Erin and Megan — and three of the bridesmaids’ own daughters, Hannah, Teah, and Ella, walking alongside them. A wedding party that spans generations is a wedding party that tells a story.
Michelle carried her mother’s champagne flutes to the altar — one of those quiet, breathtaking details that takes a wedding from lovely to unforgettable.
Michelle and Wayne among the vineyard rows at Zorvino Vineyards — the vines just beginning their spring awakening | Photography: @markrducharmephotography
The Welcome Drink: White Sangria & a Golden Hour Arrival
As the ceremony concluded, guests were greeted with something utterly perfect for a warm May evening: White Sangria, with mocktail alternatives ready as well. The sangria flowed directly into the outdoor cocktail hour from 6:00–7:00 PM, where guests spilled onto Zorvino’s patio with the vineyard at their backs and the spring air around them.
It was exactly the kind of moment that makes outdoor vineyard cocktail hours legendary.
The Signature Cocktails: Miles & Nina
Here is where Michelle’s and Wayne’s wedding became completely, irreplaceably theirs.
Their two signature cocktails were named after their cats:
Miles Strawberry Mischief — vodka, fresh strawberry purée, lemon juice, basil, and a splash of sparkling wine
The Nina Aperol Spritz — bright, bubbly, and effortlessly elegant
TIP: If you’re looking for the moment that makes guests smile every time they reach for a drink, this is it.
First kiss as husband and wife — Michelle & Wayne among the Zorvino vineyard rows | Photography: @markrducharmephotography
The Details: Cornflower Blue, Candlelight & a Whole Lot of Heart
@fordflower brought Michelle’s floral vision to life in cornflower blue — pairing beautifully with silver charger plates, round mirror centerpieces reflecting the glow of votive candles, and ivory overlay linens at every table. The gazebo florals were designed to repurpose into the reception space, keeping the entire venue cohesive from ceremony through last dance. Sheer drapery framed the dance floor, and gold foil-stamped coasters reading “Please Don’t Take My Drink, I’m Dancing” sat at every place — because Michelle and Wayne have impeccable taste and a sense of humor.
Two touches carried the real emotional weight of the evening. The “Generations of Love” Photo Table honored the family love stories that shaped their own. And in lieu of traditional favors, the couple made a charitable donation to Dana Farber Cancer Institute on behalf of every guest — a quiet, powerful act of generosity that said everything about the kind of people they are.
The Feast: A Grand Crû Menu
Michelle and Wayne chose Zorvino’s Grand Crû Wedding Package — the pinnacle of the Zorvino culinary experience — and every course reflected that.
Cocktail hour opened with two stunning stationary displays:
Formaggi e Frutta — imported and domestic cheeses, baked brie en croûte, gourmet crackers, crudités, and fresh fruit
The Tuscan Display — charcuterie, seasonal fruit and berries, spinach and artichoke dip, tri-colored tortilla chips, fresh breads with dipping oils
Plus five passed hors d’oeuvres that are genuinely among the best bites of any wedding we’ve seen:
- Potato Rosti with trout roe, sour cream, and dill (GF)
- Beef Skewer with soy, lime honey, and sesame (GF/DF)
- Arancini with marinara, spinach, and parmesan
- Deviled Crab with Old Bay, dijonaise, and scallions
- Scallop in Bacon with maple, black pepper, and lemon (GF/DF)
Dinner opened with a mixed greens salad before guests chose between Filet Mignon with herb butter (Wayne’s choice, with a few butternut squash raviolis on the side), Panko-Crusted Baked Haddock with lemon butter (Michelle’s choice), or Butternut Squash Ravioli for vegetarians.
At 8:00 PM, Espresso Dave arrived with his specialty cart for two hours of lattes, cappuccinos, and everything in between. And then — at 9:30 PM — the kitchen sent out the surprise that had the whole room talking:
The Late Night Snack: Smash Burgers & Garlic Fries.
Smash burger, cheese, bacon, special sauce, and garlic fries — served to 101 guests who had been dancing for hours and absolutely did not see it coming. It was, by every measure, the perfect ending to a perfect dinner program.
The Cake: Chickadee Hill Cakes
@chickadeehillcakes delivered a stunning custom wedding cake — served with a coffee and tea buffet — alongside cupcakes and cannoli for the dessert tower.
The Music: All Star Weddings — DJ Carlos & Carmen
@allstar_weddings — Carlos and his wife Carmen — brought the energy, the warmth, and the professional touch that transforms a reception into a party. From the first dance through three toasts and speeches, birthday acknowledgments, and a dance floor that stayed full from introductions to the final group dance at 10:45 PM — Carlos and Carmen kept the room alive.
A phone guest book was a Carlos touch that guests loved — everyone able to leave a voice or video message for Michelle and Wayne throughout the night.
The two charter buses from Student Transportation of America ensured everyone got home safely — because the best wedding nights are the ones where nobody has to worry about a thing.
The Photography: Mark Ducharme Photography
@markrducharmephotography spent the afternoon capturing Michelle and Wayne’s story in its fullest form — from the First Look through the final dancing. The Zorvino grounds in May offer a photographer’s dream: koi pond fountains catching the afternoon light, ancient stone walls in the woodland, the vineyard rows just coming back to life, and the lush green lawns under an open sky. Every backdrop more beautiful than the last.
“Michelle & Wayne Rose’s Spring Wedding at Zorvino Vineyards | May 16, 2026”
The Dream Vendor Team
| Role | Vendor |
|---|---|
| Photography | @markrducharmephotography — Mark Ducharme |
| Florals | @fordflower |
| Wedding Cake & Desserts | @chickadeehillcakes |
| DJ | @allstar_weddings — Carlos & Carmen |
| Makeup | @avas.allure — Ava |
| Hair | Kate (2 stylists) |
| Officiant | @atykay — Katie French |
| Espresso | Espresso Dave |
| Venue | Zorvino Vineyards, Sandown, NH |
| Accommodations | Holiday Inn & La Quinta |
| Transportation | Student Transportation of America |
Congratulations, Michelle & Wayne!
To the couple who named their signature drinks after their cats, wore sneakers down the aisle, donated to cancer research in honor of their guests, and danced until 10:45 PM —
You did it exactly right! It was our honor to be part of your special day. Thank you for choosing Zorvino Vineyards.
Learn About Weddings at Zorvino Vineyards
Zorvino Vineyards | 226 Main Street, Sandown, NH 03873 | (603) 887-8463 🌐 zorvino.com/weddings Instagram: @zorvinovineyards
