May 9th, 2021: Paul, Becca, Olivia, and Lydia set out from Lincoln Woods Trailhead. Regardless of their heavy packs, they wore smiles on their faces as they started the first 5 miles of the trip. They saw mushrooms, moss, and dozens of Trilliums along the way.

The elevation steadily increased as they added another 4 miles to reach the first summit of the day, Bondcliff. This was a return trip for three hikers. Lydia added another 4,000-footer to her peak-bagging list. They spent little time here because there were still 5 miles to go for the day.

They moved across the ridge toward Mount Bond, adding another 4,000-footer to Lydia’s list. Of course, a Bonds Traverse would not be complete without the side trip to West Bond. They abandoned their packs for a brief time and added on one last summit for the evening. It was here that Paul and Becca officially finished hiking every New Hampshire 4,000 footer together.

The group made good time toward the Guyot tent site. Olivia found two tent platforms for the group. Dubbing one the “The Honeymoon Suite” with an outlook of Mount Washington. The group set up camp and made dinner in preparation for one last mile for the evening to the shoulder of Mount Guyot.

With full stomachs and a small surge of energy, Paul and Becca set out first. Olivia and Lydia followed close behind. When Paul approached the shoulder of Mount Guyot, he felt a cool breeze and caught sight of a weasel running above the tree line. Paul thought this to be a good omen as Becca lovingly referred to him as a weasel due to his speed and clever tricks.

The sun was setting. Paul and Becca changed into their wedding attire in preparation. The temperature had dropped, perhaps 25 degrees in the wind. The sun glowed many shades of rose, blood orange, and lemon yellow. The wind was blowing Becca’s hair and dress just right. Paul took out the vows and started the ceremony. There was a twinkle in the bride and grooms’ eyes as they recited their vows.

Vows were exchanged, muffled by the wind, in the middle of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. A celebration of commitment, friendship, and love between Paul and Becca. The couple exchanged rings, each symbolic of their love of nature and one another (Paul’s ring bearing a mountain range and Becca’s ring resembling a tree branch). The bride and groom sealed the promises with a kiss.

There wasn’t much time for celebrating atop Mount Guyot as it was getting dark, and the wind had chilled the bride to the bone. The group moved quickly by headlamp back to camp and crawled into their tents. The night was cold, restless, and long, but the sunrise brought with it warmth and renewed energy for another great day in the Whites.

The group enjoyed breakfast and chatting with a group of three visiting from Wisconsin. These kind gentlemen helped filter extra water for the wedding group as their water filter had clogged. Camp was broken down after breakfast. The group started the 12-mile trek back to Lincoln Woods Trailhead. At the trailhead, they would meet Darlene, KOA Camp owner and Justice of the Peace. Darlene would officiate the vows shared between Paul and Becca the previous evening.

The weather was perfect, blue skies with a few fluffy white cotton ball clouds, sunshine, a slight breeze, and 360-degree views. Spirits were high for most of the journey. The last 5-mile slog was made manageable with morale breaks, including snacks and discussions about childhood television shows, music, family vacations, and home-cooked meals.

The wedding group returned to the parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Where Becca and Paul promptly changed back into wedding attire to share their vows with the officiant. The group gathered on the bridge at Lincoln Woods a half-hour later. There was no wind to chill the bride this time. The couple took their time and posed for several of the photos seen in this story.

As hugs and thank yous were given, the group parted ways. Olivia and Lydia headed back home to their dogs. Becca and Paul went in search of dinner. Later on, it was a funny sight to see. A bride and groom eating take-out burgers, fries, and tater tots in their car in front of a park. From a joint called Phat Fish. The real kicker… Paul left lights on as if his name was Tom (From Motel 6). The car battery was dead by the time they tried to depart. They had to get their car jump-started by strangers (thank you, Kyle and Natalia). With full stomachs, full hearts, and a fully charged battery, Mr. and Mrs. Beaudet headed home. The couple is excited to share their story and time with family at a small backyard reception.