Yes what you’ve heard is true, we’re uhb-sessed with this inspo. Why you may ask? Well, any gallery that offers an ode to college sweethearts is a wedding day winner on our book. Take this gallery, complete with elegant Watershed Floral accents and Emily Elizabeth Events magic. Perfect is an understatement and Jamie Mercurio Photography captured it all to share in THE VAULT!
From Emily Elizabeth Events…What do you call a group of polar bears? A celebration!
This editorial is inspired by college sweethearts who met at Bowdoin College and return to campus to get married in the chapel. It’s a love story that’s near and dear to my heart since my husband and I met at Bowdoin, but it’s also close to my work and that of my colleagues since we live and work in Maine and have the pleasure of working with many Bowdoin couples and alumni on their real weddings. It’s rooted in a shared history and past, making memories, and loving the place and the people who are a part of your identity.
With the museum and academic buildings as the backdrop and their straw alumni hats in hand, our couple reunites with old friends to celebrate and marry in the place where it all began. The leaves are crunchy underfoot and the air is crisp, reminiscent of that tell-take back-to-school smell and flavor of fall. The Bowdoin sun can be found on the bride’s bouquet and the groom’s jaunty bowtie and suspenders are playful and collegiate. Her floor-length ivory lace gown has a wide, scalloped neckline and classic beauty. Gold t-strap heels add a touch of glamour to an otherwise understated elegance.
The merrymaking continues with cocktails and dinner just down the road, under the apple trees at Live Well Farm. Specialty cocktails include the Bowdoin Log, a liquid version of the college’s signature dessert made with vanilla ice cream rolled in chocolate cake, and O’er Whispering Pine, a bourbon drink with pine which references the alma mater. Dinner is served al fresco and woolen throws can be found on the benches for a little extra warmth.
Black and white, the college’s school colors, form the color palette along with brassy gold, the color of the college’s seal. The deep hues and fresh whites of the florals lend an autumnal element and the gold of the flatware, candlesticks, and cake adds New England charm and sophistication. The mismatched black and white linen napkins give the table character and an inviting, eclectic look. Polar bears are not to be forgotten and are woven into many of the details. The school’s mascot can be found in the tablescape, on the save the date, atop the groom’s cake, and as sugar cookies.
Dancing takes place in the barn and Super Snacks, a tradition on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
nights on campus, is brought back with late night noshing thanks to treats from favorite local haunts, Gelato Fiasco and Big Top Deli.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, one of Bowdoin’s most famous alumni is honored with his words hand lettered on a chalkboard, “The heart, like the mind, has a memory. And in it are kept the most precious keepsakes.”
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Photography: Jamie Mercurio | Event Planning: Emily Elizabeth Events | Floral Design: Watershed Floral | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Cake: Nothing Bakes Like A Parrott | Invitations: Parrott Design Studio | Ceremony Venue: Bowdoin College | Reception Venue: Live Well Farm | Bride's Shoes: BHLDN | Rings: Abacus | Catering: Big Top Deli | Hair And Makeup: Ariel Johnson | Groom's Attire: Joseph's of Portland | Candlesticks & Tapers: William Sonoma | Desserts: Gelato Fiasco | Linen Napkins & Votives: Crate & Barrel | Rentals: Details Event Staging | Woolen Throws: Pendleton