Maine Weddings

You’ve been dreaming of saying “I do” for what seems like forever, so when it comes time to put that ring on your finger, you want to get it RIGHT. Enter Long’s Jewelers, our go-to experts for all things jewelry who also happen to know everything there is to know about this year’s most anticipated styles. Think gorgeous bands that will stay timeless even beyond 2016. Scroll below for a look.

Trend #1 – Unique Wedding Bands

You + yours are unlike any other couple you know, so obviously your wedding rings from Long’s Jewelers should be as unique as you are. From crazy cool details to uncommon designs to colorful gemstones, choosing a one-of-a-kind look is the perfect way to stand out amongst the crowd, add that extra spice to your classic e-ring or mix together two very different tastes and styles. It’s letting your personality shine through your jewelry and we.are.obsessed.

Trend #2 – Stacking Bands

Let’s be honest, you’re a total fashionista… and staying ahead of the style game also means showing off your wedding rings with a little more “flare” than the usual one band + one engagement ring. Which is why Long’s Jewelers’ stacking bands are the perfect option. Think thin rings that sit flush with one another to form a beautiful grouping OR a fabulous look spread out across each finger. Plus, with different shapes, colors, designs and price points, stacking bands are most definitely chic and original.

Trend #3 – Mixing Metals

You’re the type of lady who throws rules out the window and mixes and matches metals until your hearts content. In other words… those gold earrings and platinum bracelet? Perfect for your night out on the town. So why not apply those same principals to finding your wedding ring and choose a hue from Long’s Jewelers that is totally opposite to your engagement jewelry. I’m talking an e-ring in rose gold meets a platinum band that is super sparkly. It’s bold, fashion-forward AND unique. We love that.

Trend #4: Meaningful & Sentimental Wedding Bands

Your wedding ring is one of THE most important pieces of jewelry you will ever own, so why not make it extra special by adding an additional touch of sentimentality to this already meaningful piece. With Everband rings from Long’s Jewelers, you’ll start with a band that holds one interior diamond for your wedding day and, with each passing anniversary, add a diamond to the inside or outside of the band as a symbol of your love and partnership. Such an amazing statement.

Trend #5 – Halfway or Three-Quarter Diamond Bands

If you fell head over heels in love with eternity bands last year, you were not alone… 2015 was the year of the diamonds. This year, however, it’s all about scaling back to a half or 3/4 eternity band. Think cost-effective, more practical and easier to handle if you work with your hands. (Read: no cracking or damaging a diamond or losing a stone.) It’s rockin’ the bling from Long’s Jewelers sans the anxiety… we can get on board with that.

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Excited to see these new trends in person? Head to Long’s Annual Wedding Band Weekend on March 18-20, 2016 for wall-to-wall wedding bands (including the new Everband collection!), chit chat with fab wedding ring vendors and selection and pricing that is all sorts of ah-mazing. You’ll even have a chance to win $1,000 off your wedding ring, plus even more spectacular prizes. Think a dream honeymoon, groomsmen suits, dinner + wine, a shopping spree, a pair of TAG Huer watches, gift certificates and MORE. RSVP here, because you absolutely don’t want to miss a moment.

Let’s be honest, planning a wedding can be a little complicated.  From the cake to the flowers to the guest list, there’s a lot of decisions to make.  But the one thing you most definitely don’t want to worry about? Choosing the right wedding bands.  Which is why we’re teaming up with the fabulous Long’s Jewelers to help ease the stress a bit.  It’s Rings 101 from Boston’s most beloved jeweler.  Sit back and soak it all in.

1. Choose Your Wedding Ring Style

From the band width to the metal finish to the overall look and feel, narrowing down the style of your band is one of THE most important decisions you’ll make.  Are you and yours a vintage-inspired duo, a modern couple or two sweeties with a love of all things simple and sweet? By choosing the right band width and metal that fit your style personality, you can count on a happy ring buying experience.  Think a 4 mm band in brushed metal or a 10 mm band in a more textured look. Honestly, the options at Long’s Jewelers are endless… and beyond pretty.

2. Understand The Differences In Metal Type

And speaking of metal… understanding the differences between all of the ah-mazing options is totally key. From classic + gorgeous yellow gold (hint: always go for the 18K) to the platinum pretties (hypoallergenic + heavy + long-lasting) to the white gold stunners to the edgy (+ seriously chic) Tungsten or Carbon Fiber rings that are totally you and totally unique.  Not sure which one to choose?  No worries. Long’s Jewelers will walk with you step by step throughout the entire process to make sure you pick a metal that is perfect.

3. Consider Your Lifestyle

Making sure your ring fits into your day to day lifestyle can often be overlooked, but as the staff at Long’s Jewelers will tell you… it’s sooo important.  Which means that whether you spend your days working with your hands (hint, hint: platinum) or play tennis every.single.morning (just say no to the eternity bands), selecting the right band will make alllll the difference.

4. Settle On A Budget

Just like every aspect of your Big Day, you’ll most definitely want to set a budget BEFORE you go ring shopping.  But where, oh where to start?  Long’s Jewelers recommends setting aside $1,000 and heading upward based on those details you are simply swooning over. Think diamond accents, metal type and more. Truly… it all just depends on what you’re looking for.  Our advice?  Start with doing some research online to get a ballpark estimate.  You’ll find it so very, very helpful that you did.

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Can’t wait to put all of your new knowledge to the test?  Join Long’s Annual Wedding Band Weekend March 18-20, 2016 for wall-to-wall wedding bands, a meet and greet with some awesome wedding ring vendors and selection and pricing that will make you sooo happy.  Oh, and there’s also the chance to win $1,000 off your wedding ring, plus even more amazing prizes.  I’m talking a dream honeymoon, suits for your bridal party, dinner and wine, a shopping spree, a pair of TAG Huer watches, gift certificates and more. RSVP here, lovelies.  It’s going to be awesome.

I love a bride who’s not afraid to add a dose of glam to a rustic wedding. And this New England beauty did just that starting with her Sarah Seven dress that’s a sparkly touch of gold. It was the perfect point of inspiration for A Family Affair Maine to infuse on-trend design moments into the setting’s natural beauty, from sequin tablecloths to Anticipate Invitations’ watercolor suite, and every detail in between. White Loft Studio captured the full gallery all waiting in The Vault.

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From the Bride… Sigh, where do I even begin? You’ll have to forgive me, as I’m still adorned in my blushing, awe-struck wedding day goggles. Absolutely every second of our wedding day proved to be my favorite moment…in life. If I were hard-pressed to highlight just a few special aspects of our favorite day, they’d be as follows:

Personal Moments

Every bride dreams of that tearful moment when she takes her husband’s hand in marriage, and subsequently gains a loving mother. Unfortunately, Jace lost his beloved mother, Ronda, 10 years ago to cancer. I was never afforded the honor of exchanging a mere hello, reminiscing over fond childhood memories, shrieking in excitement over our picturesque engagement or wedding day details, or exchanging a sincere ‘thank you’ for the amazing man she raised and gifted to me. In my heart of hearts, I know that if Heaven weren’t so far away, Ronda wouldn’t have missed a beat throughout the duration of the wedding planning process. In efforts of carrying along the amazing spirit of Ronda in our special day, I collaborated with our amazing wedding planner, Paula, and florist, Carolyn, from the beginning, ensuring that the front row bench be dedicated in her honor, saving her a front row seat adorned with her picture, a hand-painted name plate (i.e. saving her seat), and floral garland. I had also collected a piece of blue fabric from a piece of her clothing to have sewn into my dresses (i.e. something blue) in the shape of heart.

This entire process was captured on film by a close family friend at one of my dress fittings and gifted to Jace and his dad (as I pinned a replica of the heart sewn in my dress into their suit jackets) at the ceremony site prior to walking down the aisle. I really wanted them to have that special moment, raw, emotional, uninterrupted, together with Ronda prior to the mayhem of wedding festivities. The surprise was pulled off without a hitch and brought to complete fruition when Ronda’s “saved seat” at the reception was revealed at the end of the evening. I have no doubt that she was ever-so present in our special day.

Vows + Ceremony

We wanted our ceremony to be intimate and most of all, us. We poured ourselves into every heartfelt word of our ceremony, from the heartfelt ceremony script to our tearful (with sprinkles of sarcastic inside jokes) vows. One of Jace’s dear friends, Nathan, performed our ceremony. As if that wasn’t sweet and special enough, Jace’s dad, Ronn, was the best man. So much love in the small timeframe of 30 minutes!

Custom Monogram

Every wedding detail, from our initial save the dates, to our custom, ceremonial backdrop, adorned our monogram of love-struck, intersecting arrows (a clever nod to our serendipitous, travel-crossed paths) encompassed in our initials. To date, such arrows adorn the walls of our bedroom, quaintly placed over bed, as a constant reminder of our fateful love story.

Guest Seating Chart + Table Cards

Our seating chart, created in collaboration with our amazing invitation designer, resembled a Departure Flight Board (in reference to our initial meeting at baggage claim). Each table was adorned with a destination-themed table card (i.e. labeled by airport code, such as LaGuardia = LGA) of important and/or significant destinations over the course of our relationship, highlighting hand-painted watercolor skylines and brief descriptions of the significance of every location to us.

Lobster Bibs

No Maine weekend is complete in absence of a traditional, New England lobster bake and coordinating accessories. Our lobster-bake chic rehearsal dinner was hosted on the premises of the Barn at Flanagan Farm where every wedding guest received handmade Welcome Bags (i.e. including Maine Magazine; personalized thank you notes; lobster cookies; monogram koozies, custom-designed, keepsake lobster bibs; and ‘Welcome to Maine, y’all!’ gift tags).

North Meets South Food + Drinks + Details

Think fried chicken and waffles meets miniature lobster rolls; a Texas Twisted Tea (i.e. bride signature drink) meets a local Blueberry Mojito (i.e. groom signature cocktail); miniature TX pecan pies vs. traditional ME Whoopi Pies. Greeted with wedding invitations adorned with “Welcome to Portland, Y’all!” to a signature beer from every important location significant to us as a couple, Jace and I aspired to infuse our favorite aspects of our Southern homage meets Northern living in our big day.

Destination Setting

Any moment spent in Maine is a moment well spent in our self-proclaimed ‘happy place’ – they don’t refer to Maine as Vacationland for nothing! Therefore, when we began the wedding planning process, we knew that we wanted the occasion to encompass more of an extended family/friend vacation feel. Over 95% of our guests had never experienced the beauty of Maine prior to our destination wedding – it now sits at the top of their destination travel list.

Photography: White Loft Studio | Floral Design: Snell Family Farm | Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven | Shoes: Kate Spade | Rings: Leo Carroll Jewelers | Catering: Home Catering | DJ: White Label DJs | Venue: The Barn At Flanagan Farm | Bartending: Maine Mixologist | Event Planning, Design, And Specialty Rentals: A Family Affair of Maine | Event Rentals: One Stop Event Rentals | Groom's Suit, Bridesmaids Dresses, Groomsmen Ties, Best Man's Su: J.Crew | Groomsmen Custom Pants: Suitable | Hair And Make-up: Portland Hair Co | Invitation And Day-of Paper Design: Anticipate Invitations | MOH Dress: Amsale | Musicians - Ceremony And Cocktail Hour: Pete Kilpatrick | Veil: BHLDN | Wedding Cake And Lobster Cookie Favors : Nothing Bakes Like A Parrott

To say I’m obsessed with this couple’s style would be a huge understatement because this Bride’s gorgeous casual, yet effortlessly elegant gown and her Groom’s preppy bowtie and Nantucket red pants are perfectly suited for this beautiful seaside Maine wedding. With lovely stationery from Printerette Press, a tented reception lit up by The Event Light Pros and gorgeous flowers throughout, this wedding is full of beauty and love. See it all from Meredith Perdue in THE VAULT!

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From Daisies & Pearls… Hope and Alex’s wedding day was eleven years in the making. Their love story began while attending boarding school in Connecticut. Alex never thought the first girl he met at his new school would be the girl he would spend the rest of his life with. The couple decided to share the magic of Prouts Neck, Maine with family and friends. This is where Hope spent her summers, sailing and beach combing. Hope and Alex were married in a summer chapel right across from Winslow Homer’s historic art studio and made their getaway around the Neck in a vintage Mercedes convertible. With a color palette inspired by a September sunset, guests enjoyed a farm to table menu followed by an epic dance party.

Photography: Meredith Perdue | Event Planning: daisies & pearls | Floral Design: Broadturn Farm | Invitations: Marie Chang | Stationery: Printerette Press | Ceremony Venue: St. James Church | Reception Venue: Prouts Neck Country Club | Catering: Aurora Provisions | Hair + Makeup: Ariel Johnson | Lighting: Griffin & Griffin | Band: Soul of Boston | Transportation: Maine Limousine | Rentals: One Stop Event Rentals

Cape Elizabeth has just immediately been added to my summer getaway list after going through Emily Delamater’s photos (over and over again) from this whimsical summer wedding. With fun blue linens from La Tavola and a blush gown that I’m going gaga over, it’s a match made in Maine wedding heaven. See these delightful details and more all in one place, the VAULT, right this way!

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From Emily Delamater… Such a dreamy summer day with Julia and Andrew in Cape Elizabeth this summer. The details of the day were so beautifully put together – Julia is definitely someone who knows what she loves and she has a great eye for bringing together elements that are both meaningful and fit together beautifully. I absolutely loved Julia’s blush Monique Lhuillier gown – so airy and romantic. Julia and Andrew were a dream to work with, they were so sweet with each other and both so excited to be celebrating with their friends and families. I got to work with Judy from Flora Fauna for the lovely event which is always such a treat, her florals are always perfection.

From the Bride… Andy and I met by chance (kismet) in Washington, D.C. seven years ago. We haven’t gone a day without talking since. Andy lived in Maine and I lived in Virginia, so we dated long-distance for over two years until I finished law school and was able to find a job in Maine. After five years of dating, Andy proposed with blueberry pancakes in bed accompanied by our beloved dog, Hermione, and cat, Panda.

After envisioning my wedding day since childhood, and having a very specific vision in mind, I knew that I wanted to plan my own wedding. We discussed having the wedding either in the D.C. area or in Maine, but I felt I could be more directly involved in planning each element of the wedding locally. As someone who loves the water, I was also won over by Maine’s incredible coast.

We visited the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, the day that we got engaged and decided immediately that its beautiful grounds on the coast would be a perfect venue for our July wedding. As a bonus, the Inn is also incredibly dog friendly (dog massages and room service are available) and it was wonderful being able to incorporate our flower-bedecked Hermione into our wedding day. We wanted our wedding to have a “beach-y chic” feel to it, and I knew that I wanted to wear a gown in blush, so we decided on a palette of blush, navy, gold and white. I loved assembling the elements of our wedding design and searching for items like pearlescent shells, pale pink sea urchins, coral, lanterns, bottles, and mercury glass votive holders.

We were extremely lucky to have the help of friends, family, and amazing vendors with this wedding. My talented friend and bridesmaid, Andrea Kohashi, designed and printed our beautiful letterpress Save the Dates and invitations. A judge whom I clerked for performed our wedding ceremony. Wedding Specialist Tracy Albert, at the Inn by the Sea, was a huge help in suggesting and implementing ideas, coordinating elements, and making the day feel flawless. My sister wrote and delivered a wedding poem that brought me to tears. Emily Delamater and her husband Matt captured more beautiful images of our wedding than we could have imagined. Our florist, Judy Bourgeois of Flora Fauna, was able to procure my dream bouquet of peonies in the middle of July and created arrangements that made the wedding feel like a fantasy to me. I loved so many of the details of our wedding that the vendors made possible: the hair and make-up, the cake, the linens, the food, and the ambience.

When I think of our wedding I feel profoundly grateful. I’m so happy that after weeks of worrying about the weather and after a cold and wet start to the summer, our wedding day was sunny and beautiful. I’m grateful to our friends and family who made the wedding such a fun and beautiful experience for us. (We had a great time!) And, I’m so grateful to be married to my husband, Andy.

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Peruse more magical Maine weddings here!

Photography: Emily Delamater Photography | Floral Design: Flora Fauna | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Let Them Eat Cake | Invitations: Andrea Kohashi | Bride's Shoes: Gucci | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Hair + Makeup: Head Games Salon for Hair & Body | Venue: Inn By The Sea | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola

Want in on a little secret? In my book, Maine is magical. So yes, this wedding may have gotten a bit of a head start of my Maine-loving mind but it hit those expectations and continued soaring on past. With Hobart & Haven’s invites setting the scene and Nicole Baas capturing everything after, it’s a beautiful fall celebration that I’m happy to live in for the rest of today – join me in the VAULT right this way!

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From Nicole Baas… Nick and Danielle had the most beautiful, fall farm wedding in Maine with visual touches that were completely New England through and through. Nick’s family has a house in Maine in which Nick spent time growing up and, later, both Nick and Danielle spent time together in the summers as they fell in love. Because of their mutual love for Maine, once it was time to find a wedding venue, the choice was obvious. Inspired by the gorgeous colors of New England in the fall and the overall beauty of the Maine landscape, everything from their centerpieces to the florals had that beautiful, cranberry color palette. The venue itself was romantic to the core with apples falling from the most perfectly shaped trees, to the beauty of the active, on site horse farm and the barn that houses the horses. It was a perfect, Maine day to celebrate beautiful New England love.

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More New England weddings here!

Photography: Nicole Baas Photography | Floral Design: Lorina L’Heureux | Invitations: Hobart & Haven | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Dessy After 6 Collection in African Violet | Catering: Above And Beyond | Makeup: Antoinette Lefevre at Beaucage | Hair: Antoinette Lefevre at Beaucage | Band: The Chicken Slacks | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Groomsmen's Attire: Charles Tyrwhitt | Venue: The Homestead At Rest And Be Thankful Farm | Accomodations: The Tides Beach Club | Bartending: Mainely Bartenders

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!

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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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See even more head-turning trends here!

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

Whether you’re a modern lady with a love of all things contemporary, a classic girl with a passion for romance or happily fall somewhere in between, one thing is certain: accessorizing your look with Mikimoto pearls from Long’s Jewelers is THE best decision you’ll ever make.  Think seriously stunning pieces perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your Big Day… and beyond.  We LOVE.

Pearls for Every Girl with Long's Jewelers

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Pearls for Every Girl with Long's Jewelers

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Family-owned and operated with five locations throughout Massachusetts, Long’s Jewelers knows all there is to know about adding a bit of pretty to your wedding + every day with some of the most beautiful pearls you will ever lay your eyes upon.  I’m talking elegant, sophisticated and jaw-droppingly gorgeous Mikimoto pearls, the epitome of luxurious jewelry.  And when you combine the finest cultured pearls in the world with the trusted + knowledgeable customer service of Long’s Jewelers, well… it just doesn’t get any better.  Just ask our fabulous editors Michelle and Melissa…

Sooo ready to get your pretty on?  Visit Long’s Jewelers TODAY to see just why they’ve been the leader in all things lovely since 1878.  (Hint: They’re amazing.)

There’s something special about a laid-back wedding like this Maine affair where the Bride and Groom’s commitment and love for one another is the center of attention. Of course, the details are still important—the lobster bake décor, the lawn games, the Bride’s sweet lace dress—but, at the end of the day, it’s all about the newlyweds. See more of this fun fête captured by Ruth Eileen Photography in THE VAULT!

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From The Taylor Henderson of Black Bow Events… What do you get when you mix love, lobsters, lemons and lawn games? An amazing wedding celebration!

Maura and Jared were married in Boston in late summer surrounded by close family and friends. When it came time to celebrate their marriage, they opted for a laid back affair on the coast of Maine, complete with a beautiful setting, custom cocktails (a Blueberry Mojito for Maura and a John Daley for Jared) and guests ready to have fun! For the décor, we gave a nod to the classic lobster bake (custom bibs included) and barn setting by choosing navy blue and bright lemon yellow for the flowers and design details.

The lobsters were caught by the groom’s friend that morning (it doesn’t get more fresh than that!) and Fire & Co. picked them up from the dock in Portland on their way up to the farm, along with their wood-fired oven and vintage bar truck!

Guests brought their competitive spirit for the lawn games during cocktail hour and spent the afternoon testing their skills at croquet, cornhole, and a giant game of jenga.

The lemon details throughout the party, including in the beautiful flowers by Marianmade Farm, were the perfect finishing touch! Congratulations Maura and Jared!

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Coordination: Black Bow Events The Black Bow Shop | Rings: Freedman Jewelers | Catering: Fire & Co | Makeup: Blue Mercury | Hair: Del Ara | Band: First Class Band | Venue: Marianmade Farm | Desserts: Nothing Bakes Like A Parrott | Floral Design - Ceremony: Jen Anderson Design | Floral Design - Reception: Marianmade Farm

As we top our tables with beautiful wares and scrumptious food today, we fill our hearts with love and our homes with laughter. Thanksgiving is the one holiday that most reminds me of wedding celebrations. It echos that same act of gathering and giving gratitude for the warmth of family and friends. A Family Affair and Justina Bilodeau portray that sweet thanks with every inch of this autumn shoot. See it all in THE VAULT!

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From Justina Bilodeau…I teamed up with the oh-so-talented Paula of A Family Affair for this autumnal inspiration set on a New England farm. We paired vintage furniture pieces with lush florals in golden hues to create a warm, inviting tablescape, as well as a charming tea-station dessert table, ideal for a chilly fall day.

Our bride wore a timeless long-sleeved gown by Saja accented by vintage inspired jewelry handmade by Edera and gold shoes from Bella Belle. We also added a vintage crimson skirt for a pop of color!

Photography: Justina Bilodeau | Event Design: A Family Affair of Maine | Floral Design: Minka Flowers | Wedding Dress: Saja | Invitations: SWEET Letterpress & Design | Bride's Shoes: Bella Belle | Jewelry: Edera Jewelry | Makeup: Angela Hascall | Venue: Beech Hill Barn | Film Processing: Photovision | Napkins Purchased From: Lost In Linen | Props & Rentals: A Family Affair of Maine | Table Cloth: Anthropologie

If you want a classic wedding with elegant touches that will never go out of style, you don’t need to look any further, because this Maine wedding is as timeless as they come. But, that’s not to say it wasn’t full of fun! From the Maine-inspired cocktail hour treats to the dancing guests in lobster costumes, every bit of this wedding is absolutely perfect, thanks to the help of amazing vendors like Beautiful Days, Wiley Valentine and Sperry Tent. See all the pretty from Hello Love Photography in THE VAULT!

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From The Bride… Derek and I met in a dive bar in New York City on a late Friday night. We connected almost instantly and traded numbers – and then went our separate ways. I woke up early the next morning and decided to call him right then to ask him out. We met for coffee and talked for hours. Later, we learned that our grandparents were friends for decades. A year and half later – he proposed in Central Park.

Although we live in New York, we knew we wanted to get married near my family home in Kennebunkport, Maine. I wanted our wedding to mimic the joyful and intimate barbecues my parents hosted for so many years in our backyard. We have giant families and knew we were going to have a big wedding – but it was important to us that we evoke that kind of intimacy for all 220 guests. Enter our incredible wedding planner Kate Martin.

Kate helped us choose Laudholm Farm as the venue, which provided the perfect backdrop for my vision of an elegant & elevated family dinner. We agreed to let the beauty of the Farm speak for itself – opting for a dove grey, green, and white color scheme – and lots of soft candlelight.

We wanted to pay a subtle homage to our beloved Maine beach – so we chose to take pictures at the water prior to the ceremony at the Farm. During cocktail hour, we served miniature Maine-inspired bites – mini lobster rolls, crab cakes, and clam chowder shooters.

It was also important to us that no detail be too precious – we wanted our guests to be the priority and to feel comfortable. We placed bottles of champagne at each table with tags reading “Pop and pass around!” Hearing so many champagne bottles popping at once was one of the coolest moments of the night. We served heaping platters of fried chicken, grilled farm vegetables, crispy potatoes, and cheddar biscuits in family style – a huge hit for our guests. Our incredible caterer even learned one of my grandmother’s famous recipes, and we created an emoji of my grandmother’s signature sunglasses on our menu board.

For dessert, we served Maine blueberry hand pies and overflowing bowls of homemade cookies. As a nod to New York – we ordered classic NYC paper coffee cups – the same ones we drank from on our first date.

Our band killed it – the floor was filled the entire night. At one point we had to ask them to take a break so that people would eat all the great food! The highlight of the night came as a total surprise to my husband and me. His family had secretly brought in tons of lobster costumes — and in the middle of the dance party — emerged on the dance floor in full costume. Seeing the dance floor completed covered in bright red dancing lobsters was something I will never forget.

Our photographer Casey somehow captured it all. She made us feel completely comfortable – and her photographs speak for themselves. She even caught the moment my bridesmaids played Beyonce’s song “Flawless” right before we walked down the aisle.

The whole day was a true fairy tale.

Photography: Hello Love Photography | Event Planning: Beautiful Days | Floral Design: Beautiful Days | Wedding Dress: Reem Acra | Invitations: Wiley Valentine | Bride's Shoes: Chanel | Jewelry: Lux Bond and Greene | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Natalie Deayala Collection | Catering: Aurora Provisions | Makeup: Tryst Studio | Hair: Lisa Lord from Sam Brocato Salon | Band: Legit | Groom's Attire: Paul Stuart | Groomsmen's Attire: Indochino | Transportation: Intown Trolley | Venue: Laudholm Farm at Rachel Carson Reserve | Bridesmaids' Hair: Spa At Rivers Edge | Guest Transportation: Ledgemere | Menu Sign: Sweet Carolina Collective | Photo Booth: The Snap Boxx | Rentals: Peterson Party Center | Rentals: Sperry Tents | Veil: Twigs & Honey

When one of our very own LBB members ties to knot, we know we’re in for an immeasurable amount of pretty, and Samantha of Gus & Ruby Letterpress‘ Maine nuptials? Well, it’s oh-my-goodness-GORG! An intimate outdoor ceremony abloom with love, Henry + Mac captured every darling detail. From their cozy barn reception complete with Beat Train Productions tunes, to hand-written notes for partygoers, and illustrated cocktail napkins, join us as celebrate the newlyweds in THE VAULT!

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From Henry + Mac…Peter first met Samantha when he visited her downtown Portsmouth, NH storefront on an advertising sales call. Though the couple first met in 2009, the stars didn’t align until 2011 when both were single and they had their first date in York, ME. Samantha, co-owner of the custom letterpress design studio and stationery boutique Gus & Ruby Letterpress, and Peter, who works in sales, knew that they wanted their Maine nuptials to feel romantic and intimate for their beloved friends and family. Guests were welcomed to the Portland, ME area with welcome boxes featuring custom-made gin distilled by the bride’s family friends, heritage tonic, cookies from their favorite Portland bakery, cheese and crackers made with love by the bride, her mother and maid of honor and even a die-cut letterpress printed coupon good for free Maine potato donuts from the Holy Donut. From an intimate ceremony officiated by the groom’s brother-in-law, appetizers inspired by the couples’ favorite meals together and custom cocktail napkins featuring an illustration of their beloved pup to hand-written notes that served as escort cards for each guest and family-style dinner served at cozy, candlelit tables, Samantha and Peter made sure the entire event felt like a true extension of their life together and that the focus remained on their commitment to one another and a joyful experience for their family and friends.

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See even more Maine weddings in THE VAULT! 

Photography: HENRY + MAC | Event Planning: 42 North | Floral Design: Foret Design Studio | Wedding Dress: Tulle Bridal | Invitations: Gus & Ruby Letterpress | Catering: Trillium Caterers | Makeup: Joya Beauty | Hair: Kelly Hogan | Calligraphy: Graceline Art | DJ: Beat Train Productions | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Venue: The Barn At Flanagan Farm | Lighting & Draping: Griffin & Griffin | Rentals: Peterson Party Center

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting Kennebunkport, you know the happiness that it radiates. It’s Maine all wrapped up in a sweet little seaside package, and happens to be the setting for this quaint affair captured by Emily Delamater. Complete with mini lobster rolls, a forest beautiful beyond words and a badass vintage Ford station wagon, it’s a New England lovers wedding dream come true. Head to THE VAULT for more!

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From The Bride…Sam and I have been together for over 12 years. We got engaged while on a trip to Cape Cod during the summer of 2012. However, the wedding planning was put on hold in order to work on my parent’s house when it flooded during Hurricane Sandy. We are both DIYers, and did a great deal of the renovations ourselves. Although much of it was new to us, we learned as we went, watched a lot of the DIY Network together and made frequent trips to Home Depot every weekend. It was incredibly rewarding to step back, and see all the progress we had made when the renovations were complete.

Both of us are from New York, but we decided to get married in Kennebunkport, Maine. We first visited Maine over 10 years ago, and immediately fell in love with its natural beauty and coastal charm. That was our first trip together as a couple, and Maine has held a special place in our hearts ever since; we have often returned over the years. We envisioned having a small and intimate, rustic wedding with organic, natural elements, personal touches, and DIY details. We chose a palette of soft blush, coral, and peach, with navy accents for our wedding colors. Sam and I utilized many of the skills we had learned during the renovation process, and worked on a number of DIY projects together, including the Mr. and Mrs. chair signs, seating chart, table numbers, and the Just Married pallet wood sign. One of my favorite DIY elements was the large Polaroid frame, which also tied in with our mini Polaroid Save the Date magnets.

Surrounded by acres of Maine woods, Hidden Pond’s natural setting served as the perfect rustic backdrop for our wedding. Our ceremony was held outside at the Farm, one of two organic vegetable and flower gardens at Hidden Pond. Classic arrangements of white hydrangeas, dusty miller, and seeded eucalyptus in mason jars hung from the ceremony chairs with twine.

My bridesmaids and I arrived at the ceremony site in a vintage, red 1956 Ford Country Sedan Station Wagon from Hidden Pond named Bessie; it made for quite a memorable entrance. The morning of our wedding felt very surreal. After months of wedding planning, I could hardly believe the big day was finally here. It wasn’t until my bridesmaids and I were preparing to line up to walk down the aisle that it hit me that it was really happening. My dad walked me down the aisle to a string trio performing Canon in D, just as I had always envisioned when I imagined my wedding day. Anxiously waiting for me at the end of the aisle was my best friend. It had been a long journey to get to this point, and we looked forward to starting the next chapter of our lives together. Sam and I exchanged our vows in a short and sweet ceremony while surrounded by our closest friends and family. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed delicious Maine seafood, including crab cakes, mini lobster rolls, and shrimp cocktail, as well as the most incredible wood fired meatballs during the cocktail hour.

Afterwards, we took a trolley with our guests to our reception at the Event Barn at Hidden Pond. Full of natural decor and birch accents, a boat chandelier hangs from the soaring ceiling in the rustic yet elegant space, while a wall of French doors overlook the woods, creating the perfect ambiance for a relaxed, intimate dinner. Burlap table runners lined the beautiful reclaimed barn wood farm tables, and were adorned by organic arrangements of seasonal flowers grouped in mason jars, alongside succulents in wood slice planters. The wedding favors also served as the place cards, and featured jars of local Stonewall Kitchen blueberry jam in berry baskets. Our first dance was to John Legend’s All of Me, featuring Lindsay Stirling, a very talented violinist who Sam is a huge fan of. We then stole away into the woods with our photographers for what turned out to be some of my favorite photos.

The delicious Downeast lobster bake menu focused on “farm to fork” freshness, and showcased locally sourced foods, served family style. Our guests absolutely adored the food, especially the mini lobster rolls. In fact, several friends continued to rave about them long after the wedding. Sam and I both love sweets, so dessert was very important to us. Kara from Black Bunny Bakery did an amazing job on our two-tier wedding cake. We were so impressed by the incredible level of detail of the basket cake and sugar flowers. Many guests were convinced it was a fake cake for display purposes. It wasn’t until the cake cutting did they believe it was really edible. In addition to being stunning, the strawberry cake was delicious, and contained a mixed berry filling as well as a layer of lemon crème. The custom lovebirds cake topper I ordered from Etsy complemented the cake perfectly. The groom lovebird’s outfit is modeled after Sam’s navy suit, down to his succulent and white ranunculus boutonniere, while the bride lovebird’s hand painted bouquet is based on the gorgeous spring blooms and organic foliage in my bouquet.

We are so thankful for all the incredible, talented, local vendors who worked on bringing our vision to life. Our wedding came together beautifully with their help. We also greatly appreciate all our guests who traveled to Maine to celebrate with us, and helped make our wedding day special. Thanks to all the stunning photos our photographers, Emily and Matt Delamater captured, we’re able to look back on all those meaningful moments for years to come.

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More New England Weddings this way!

Photography: Emily Delamater Photography | Floral Design: Minka Flowers | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Black Bunny Bakery | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Makeup: Making Faces Weddings | Hair: Jessica Todd Salon | Officiant: Charlotte Nolan | Ceremony Music: Southern Maine String Quartet | Transportation: Intown Trolley | Venue: Hidden Pond | Cake Topper: Red Light Studio | Furniture Rentals: Details Event Staging | Getaway Car: Hidden Pond | Hair Accessories: jennifer behr | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola

This Style Me Pretty-loving Bride and her Groom have one of the cutest love stories you’ve ever heard. She, a college student working part-time helped him, a handsome customer, pick out a tie at the local Vineyard Vines store…and the rest is history. They settled on a destination wedding in Maine, and brought on Emily Blake to tell the story of their day. Watch it all unfold in The Vault.

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From The Bride… I fell in love with Josh at first sight. I was working part time at the Prudential Center Vineyard Vines store when I was a senior at BU, and he came in to buy a tie – the rest is history. We knew from the first moment we would be together forever.

When it came time to plan our wedding, we knew that we wanted a destination wedding, as neither of us is particularly connected to our hometown. We had traveled to Maine a few times together as a couple, and both felt totally at peace there – the state motto is “Vacationland,” and it’s the perfect way to describe the feeling of Maine! We found French’s Point through Style Me Pretty, and immediately knew it would be the perfect venue for our wedding. All of our vendors were truly the best of the best, and we couldn’t be happier with the way things turned out.

The vision for the wedding really began with one key element: our crest. We worked with the amazing Kearsley Lloyd to have our custom watercolor crest made, and it really defined the rest of the look and feel for the wedding itself. The color palette was made up of gray, cream, and green, all of which looked so beautiful with the natural landscape around us. Based on Kearsley’s design, I actually designed and needlepointed Josh’s belt myself!

The day of the wedding, the weather was absolutely perfect – not a cloud in the sky. The ceremony was set on the green lawn, overlooking Penobscot Bay with 180 degree ocean views. I walked down the aisle to a beautiful acoustic version of Train’s “Marry Me,” and I was in tears from the first note. The ceremony was so meaningful and full of so much love – our rabbi told us afterwards that she couldn’t believe how present we were.

The reception was also held at French’s Point, inside the tent. The wedding party, as well as Josh and I, walked into the reception wearing foam Vineyard Vines whale hats as a fun nod to where we got our start. It was the perfect, easy, relaxed evening we had hoped for – guests ate, drank, and danced the night away.

Josh and I put so much love into every detail of our wedding, and it turned out to be the perfect celebration for us.

Photography: Emily Blake Photography | Event Planning: Vineyard Vines | Event Planning: French's Point | Floral Design: Beautiful Days | Wedding Dress: Reem Acra | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Catering: Bar Harbor Catering Company | Makeup Artist: From This Day Forward | Calligraphy: Le Petit Prints | Band: Wavelength | Groom's Attire: Blank Label | Groomsmen Attire: Banana Republic | Venue: French's Point | Bridal Boutique: L'elite Boston | Linen Rentals: Wallace | Paper Design: Moo | Printing: Moo | Watercolor Crest Design: Kearsley Lloyd Designs

Most of us here at SMP call New England home, so this Maine “I do” captured by Sarah Der feels like an ode to our favorite place. Starting with a few peeks into their lobster bake welcome dinner and ending with a darling reception by the sea, this couple nailed the nautical vibe thanks to Emily Elizabeth Events with a Labor Day celebration we’d all die to attend. Follow me to The Vault, and see why a lighthouse ceremony is our new favorite idea.

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From The Bride… Throughout our nine-year relationship, the sea has been a constant theme for us. When Colin proposed on the water, we knew we would marry on the coast. Colin’s parents got married at a lighthouse, and we both loved the idea. I grew up spending summers in Maine at my grandparent’s lakeside cabin, and spent countless summer days as a kid climbing around the rocky coast at the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Since Maine is such a special place to me and my family, a wedding at the lighthouse in Pemaquid, Maine was an easy decision.

We decided to make a long weekend out of it and planned our wedding for Labor Day weekend. We kept the guest list intimate, to 50 of our closest family and friends. We fully embraced the spirit of the location, and planned our wedding weekend as an extension of the relaxed, romantic essence that the rocky coast of Maine so naturally inspires. To welcome our guests to Maine, we had a traditional lobster bake, held outdoors on the lawn of The Bradley Inn. The welcome event featured classic red and white checked tablecloths, fresh Maine lobsters, local beer, lawn games, and an ice cream sundae bar with fun toppings and our favorite local ice cream from Round Top Ice Cream Stand.

The following day, we had a casual and intimate seaside ceremony at Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. The ceremony was very special to us. We included new and old traditions – we played my mom’s favorite song, “Ashokan Farewell,” in our prelude; I had stephanotis flowers incorporated into my bouquet and my flower crown, a family tradition for several generations; and my oldest friend read our most treasured childhood poem, “The Owl and the Pussycat.” Our favorite part of the ceremony was the ring warming – before the ring exchange, our rings were passed to our assembled family and friends, who were invited to offer prayers, well-wishes, and positive vibes to the rings, and by extension to our marriage. As we walked down the aisle as husband and wife, guests waved “Hooray!” flags that I made. I will always vividly remember the happy faces of our closest loved ones waving those sweet flags.

Our reception was held at a local lobster shack, The Contented Sole. At cocktail hour, guests enjoyed Maine-inspired signature cocktails, a Blueberry Mojito and a Sea Breeze, on the dock overlooking Pemaquid Harbor, while a local fiddle player and guitarist played our favorite folk music. We joke that our reception was “lobster shack chic,” fully embracing the informal attitude and natural coastal beauty of Maine. Decor included nautical coastal elements, rustic farm tables, and wildflowers. We had lobster rolls and frites, and wild Maine blueberry pie for dessert. After dinner, we all had a blast do-si-doing to a local bluegrass band. My adorable grandfather – who has won local farm show ribbons for his fabulous jams – made big batches of blueberry jam, which we offered as favors. Every detail of our wedding held special meaning for us, and many of the DIY elements were a collaboration among many people who were thrilled to contribute to our special day.

We were also thankful that we hired a local wedding coordinator. Especially since we live in New York, it was so helpful to have someone familiar with the location, who came a list of vetted, trusted vendors and experience with the Midcoast Maine wedding scene. Having our wedding coordinator with us throughout the weekend was one of the reasons that our entire wedding weekend was joyful and stress-free, and my best advice to future brides is to build a wedding coordinator into your wedding budget if at all possible.

Photography: Sarah Der Photography | Floral Design: Pretty Flowers Maine | Ceremony Venue: Pemaquid Point Lighthouse | Hair And Makeup: Ariel Johnson | Band: The Gather Rounders | Groom's Jacket: Black Lapel | Officiant: Rev. Will Saunders | Bride's Ring: Tiffany & Co. | Ceremony + Cocktail Hour Musicians: Evan Cuddy Music | Coasters: Ladybug Press | Groom's Ring: Minter and Richter | Groom's Shirt, Pants, And Tie: J.Crew | Groom's Shoes: Vans | Invitations, Place Cards, And Lobster Bibs: Parrott Design Studio | Navy Blue Ship Napkins: Oh, Little Rabbit | Pie: Two Fat Cats | Red Crab And Fish Napkins: Sally By The Sea | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: The Bradley Inn | Signage: Paper Tangent | Tent And Rentals: One Stop Event Rentals | Wedding Planning, Styling + Design: Emily Elizabeth Events | Wedding Reception Venue: The Contented Sole

With a lobster bake to kick off the festivities, a charming Maine inn playing host and a nautical blue, white and green color palette, it doesn’t get much more quintessential New England than this gorgeous wedding. Add in stunning florals in shades of white, a lovely off-the-shoulder lace gown and frame-worthy photos from Meredith Perdue, and you have the perfect day. See it all in The Vault.

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From Meredith Perdue…Tamara & Eric planned the quintessential Maine wedding weekend for their guests, all of whom traveled great distances to celebrate their union. The festivities began with a classic lobster bake overlooking the Casco Bay at the Chebeague Island Inn and the celebration continued at the inn right through their magnificently beautiful wedding day.

From The Bride…On my very first trip to Maine, I met our wedding planner, Meagan Gilpatrick, at the CTC Ferry in Cumberland to take the ferry to Chebeague Island. It was a crisp, sunny Fall day. The hull of the ferry was painted a rich and deep Prussian Royal Blue which echoed the blue water of Casco Bay. That blue became the main color thread of our wedding. It first appeared on the Save the Dates and carried through to the reception. While the décor evolved for each “event,” the Prussian Royal Blue pulled from that very first ferry ride remained constant throughout. It was our inspiration.

For the ceremony and reception, we wanted to ramp up the sophistication level from the night before while also staying true to our Maine island setting. Our goal was to create an elegant, coastal, clean and inviting look with a palette of Prussian Royal Blue, oatmeal, linen, cream, butter yellow, and silvery gray green with accents of clear glass, silver mercury glass and some wooden elements. If I had to choose two words to describe the vibe, they would be “relaxed elegance.”

Mostly, we wanted to create an opportunity for our closest friends and family to come together in one place so we could all spend time together. We envisioned more of a weekend experience with a “by the way we’re getting married Saturday” casually thrown in along the way. It was always about spending quality time with each and every person there.

In the end, it was simply Maine – the way life should be.

Photography: Meredith Perdue | Event Planning & Design: Maine Seasons Events | Floral Design: Emily Carter Floral Designs | Wedding Dress: Lela Rose | Cake: Cake Elizabeth | Hair And Makeup: Bei Capelli Salon | Venue: Chebeague Island Inn | Bridal Boutique: Warren Barrón Bridal | Invitations & Paper Goods: Parrott Design Studio | Rentals: One Stop Event Rentals

Mark your calendars, loves.  The second annual South End Wedding Showcase is happening this September 23rd – 24th from 4 to 8 pm, and let me tell you… this is one pretty party you can’t afford to miss.  Think yummy treats, fabulous vendors and unique products + services, all set against the historical architecture and Victorian charm that is one of our favorite neighborhoods.  Sooo fun.

Picture the coolest bridal showcase you’ve ever attended meets one seriously awesome holiday stroll and you’ll land squarely on the South End Wedding showcase, two evenings of meeting and greeting some of the most talented vendors in all of Boston.  You’ll visit open studios and shops, munch on some goodies, see fabulous demonstrations and talk all things wedding with a group of owners and artists that are sure to take your wedding to the next level.  Not to mention that each business you’ll enter is independently owned and operated, so you can plan the day of your dreams AND support your local community. We love that.

So what are you waiting for, SMPers?  Start making plans to attend the South End Wedding Showcase on September 23rd or 24th from 4 – 8 pm.  You will be treated to an array of special (+ seriously awesome) services and promotions during the event, including free Boston Pedicab rides as transportation, discounted parking and a free glass of bubbly at any Aquitaine Group restaurant.  And don’t forget that shops and studios will be offering up specialty cocktails, champagne toasts and little bites along the way! To register (and we suggest you do), click here!

The South End Wedding Showcase vendors are giving away free raffle prizes to participants who visit all (or the most) of the map locations and tag #SEWS2015 in their Instagram photo of that place! You can see these raffle prizes on display at one of the map locations (to be announced) and prizes will be given away after the event is over and all the hashtags are counted up.

Plus, expect to see some wonderful discounts on merchandise or services at each studio and store. Check back often on our “Participating Studios & Stores” page to see what each map location is offering the evenings of the event!

Maine holds a special place in my heart so I may have entered into this wedding a teeny bit biased…but that extra advantage wasn’t even necessary. Ruth Eileen’s pretty pics were more than enough to turn my Monday morning from dreaded to dreamy, with this Reem Acra wonder and an invitation suite that’s too sweet for words. This week is gonna be a good one; this gallery guarantees it!

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From the Bride… From the moment Pluton proposed, we knew that we wanted to enjoy the wedding planning process just as much as we enjoyed the big day – and we truly did! We approached every aspect of planning as a team, emphasizing what would bring us, our families, and our friends the most joy and always remembered to have fun!

The first item on our wedding planning to-do list was to find the perfect venue. In our minds, the ideal venue would be a destination for our guests, incorporate the natural beauty of New England, and allow for an elegant but relaxed celebration! Upon visiting the Camden Yacht Club, we knew it would be the perfect setting for our big day! The venue space was ideal – the front lawn overlooking the harbor for cocktails, a tent on the side lawn for dinner, and the clubhouse for dessert and dancing! Plus, the Camden Yacht club is located on the outer edges of the Camden Harbor, just a 5 minute walk from the center of town. Camden, known as “where the mountain meets the sea,” is a small picturesque harbor town located just 3.5 hours north of Boston (where Pluton and I live today). In addition to satisfying all of the items on our venue punch-list, Camden also holds a special place in both of our hearts. I grew up in Louisiana and spent my childhood summers vacationing in Camden. It was through those family vacations that I fell in love with New England and decided to attend school in Boston. Therefore, I attribute my move to Boston and meeting of Pluton (as a freshman at Boston University) to Camden! Throughout our seven year relationship, we have taken many trips to Camden and Pluton has grown to love the area just as much as me!

After selecting the venue, we identified the elements we wanted to tackle ourselves and assembled a team of amazing vendors to bring the celebration together! We sought to create an elegant, cheerful, joyous, and fun environment as the backdrop to the celebration of our marriage. In line with our honeymoon to Italy, we chose an “Italian al fresco” theme, highlighted by our family style menu selections (assorted pizzas and pastas), color scheme (emerald and sage green, white, and pops of pink!), and miscellaneous accents (our thank you gifts were pouches of balsam fir stamped with “Grazie, Meredith&Pluton, June 13, 2015”). Most importantly, we wanted our wedding day to be a reflection of us as a couple and incorporate a few of our favorite things! To name a few: A jazz quartet lead by John Stevens (American Idol Season 3) performed Frank Sinatra style jazz/swing (Pluton’s favorite!) during the cocktails hour and dinner. In addition to our delicious 3-tier lemon raspberry wedding cake from Sweet Sensations, we served an assortment of pies from Moody’s Diner (a required stop on every drive up to Camden – their pies are AMAZING!). Finally, to culminate the celebration, we incorporated some of my Louisiana heritage in to our “grand exit” – we ended the night with a New Orleans style Second Line band leading us and the wedding guests in a procession out to the front lawn of the Yacht Club! From the front lawn, the groom and I exited through a tunnel of sparkers on to a boat which took us on a tour of the Camden Harbor before bringing us to our hotel!

Throughout our 1.5 year engagement, we had a blast planning our celebration and handcrafting many of the elements of our big day! From custom designing and creating our invitation suite to delicately crafting the bouquets and boutonnieres the days leading up to the wedding, Pluton and I were involved in each and every little detail! I will always be grateful to our amazing family and friends who put their DIY skills to use to ensure our wedding day was absolutely perfect! My Mom hand-wove the eucalyptus garland, the bridesmaids crafted everything from our custom signs to signature cocktails, the groomsmen hung all of the Edison bulbs – we were truly blown away by all that our friends and family did to ensure our day was perfect!

On the big day, everything came together seamlessly! We had such fun celebrating with our family and friends and were so grateful to be surrounded by so much love and support as we started our new adventure as husband and wife! We are also so appreciative to all of our wonderful vendors who helped to make the day so perfect, especially to the fantastic Ruth Eileen who captured our wedding day with photographs that we will treasure forever!

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Event Coordination: Whim Events | Floral Design: Fifty Flowers | Floral Design: Trader Joe's | Wedding Dress: Reem Acra | Cake: Sweet Sensations | Ceremony Venue: St. Thomas Episcopal Church | Reception Venue: Camden Yacht Club | Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade | Rings: Longs Jewelers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: Megunticook Market | Calligraphy: Overdressed Paperie | Band: Occasional Brass | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Groomsmen's Attire: Banana Republic | Bride's Engagement Ring: Brodney's | Bride's Necklace: BHLDN | Groom's, Groomsmen's Accessories: The Tie Bar | Rentals: One Stop Event Rentals | Wedding Website: Riley & Grey

We had a winter to remember here in New England so at the first signs of spring, we flew open our windows and took some much needed big breaths of fresh air. To say we appreciate the beauty of the season is an understatement and this shoot by Emily Delamater captures that joy, with L. Brook Events designing a springtime scene full of bright blooms and sweet treats. See every pretty petal right here!

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From Lindsey Norton of L. Brook Events… After a long winter there is no greater reward than the splendor of Spring. Romantic flowering trees and bright blooming buds seemingly emerge overnight in a whimsical way similar to that of a young, love story. The inspiration behind this shoot was to incorporate all of our favorite Spring and early Summer colors, flowers and textures. The Circus Conservatory provided the perfect venue with its high ceilings, white washed brick, polished concrete floors and ample windows. This modern and open interior was the perfect backdrop to highlight the many vibrant colors of Spring we incorporated in the shoot.

To contrast the light and industrial interior, a farm table with classically elegant cross back and tufted chairs was set with soft, ruffle-trimmed linens, white china, crystal glassware and antique gold flatware. Hand-lettered, raw-edge linen ribbons acted as place cards and added to the tablescape design along with tall, white, taper candles with glass votives, but the true focus was the bright, beautiful blooms. The lush centerpiece was crafted of poppies, anemones, ranunculus, narcissus, peonies, parrot tulips, jasmine vine and other local blooms and greenery.

For the understated, ceremony backdrop, an installation was created using ferns and blooming branches. A beautiful naked cake with strawberries and a lemon rosemary pound cake were displayed on a dessert table with petals, lush greenery, framed pressed flowers, and a wall hanging with a favorite quote from famed Maine author Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: “Came the Spring with all its splendor, all its birds and all its blossoms, all its flowers and leaves & grasses.”

Photography: Emily Delamater Photography | Event Design: L. brook events | Floral Design: Watershed Floral | Hair & Makeup: Hale Koa phineas Estate | Groom's Attire: Brooks Brothers | Venue: Circus Conservatory | Bride's Attire: BHLDN | China And Flatware: Marshall Rental | Desserts: Sarah Carter Hill | Farm Table And Cross Back Chairs: Heartwood Essentials | Paper Goods, Linen Place Cards, Wall Hanging: Dancing Ink | Tufted Chairs And Linens: L. brook events

We got a little sneak at the love between these two on Friday, with their engagement shoot in Austin, Texas. Emily Delamater caught their newly engaged bliss then and continued capturing their story at Marianmade Farm in Maine, where they said their “I do’s” with a rustic and romantic celebration. DSD Media filmed away and I can officially declare this to be one very happily ever after tale.

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From Emily Delamater… Karissa and John’s wedding was held at one of my favorites New England venues – Marianmade Farm. The couple lives in Austin, TX but they are originally from New England and wanted to celebrate with friends and family back home and also give their guests a good excuse to come visit Maine, a place they both love. I knew I liked them right away and we were lucky enough to get to visit them in Austin where we shot their engagement session at the gorgeous San Michele just outside the city.

One of the reasons I love Marianmade is because it is a flower farm owned by an incredibly talented florist so the whole property is beautifully laid out and always filled with gorgeous blooms of the season and a vintage Airstream to boot! I loved the use of color in their details, the mix of white, peach, plum, grey and gold. It was a perfect mix of New England charm, late summer blooms and great style.

Photography: Emily Delamater Photography | Videography: DSD Media | Floral Design: Marianmade Farm | Wedding Dress: Watters | Cake: 111 Maine Catering | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Catering: 111 Maine Catering | Officiant: A Sweet Start | Wedding Venue: Marianmade Farm | Day-Of Event Coordination: Dragonfly Services | Getting Ready: Sheepscott Harbour Resort | Rentals: Marshall Rental