… but if a marriage is born between two already self-discovered, what a lovely adventure begins, hurricanes and all. – Richard Bach, American Writer

Three years ago, Tropical Storm Hanna came barreling up the the coast of Maine and arrived just after Katie and Andy said “I do”.  Hanna was the one of the most intense storms of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season, but it certainly did not halt any of the merriment on Cousins Island. 

Hundreds of lanterns lit the darkness of the storm. Under the shelter of the tent at the home of the bride’s parents, guests were greeted by and treated to a setting that was comfortable and light-hearted. Tables dressed with natural linens, bold flowers and an atmosphere that truly reflected the personalities of this stunning yet down-to-earth couple.

The celebration began with a bang. Guests cheered the bride and groom as they entered the reception … along with a little sideways rain and howling winds. But it only fueled the fun. And it never let up. And Katie and Andy never stopped.They never stopped dancing. They never stopped smiling. They never stopped reveling in the love of an amazing day.

I will never forget this wedding. By the end of the evening, guests were walking on tables to avoid the mud … and laughing every step of the way.  It may have been storming outside, but none of it leaked into the bubble of this new marriage.

Watching this wedding come together was an amazing experience. The bride and her mother were a phenomenal pair – planning every detail with precision but at the same time taking the time enjoy it all. Every minute of it. I felt like part of a truly great team.

I am grateful and humbled to have been a part of this day. Katie and Andy are one of those unique couple who know the true meaning of a wedding.  It is not the perfect centerpiece or the most creative escort card or the fanciest limo … it is the fact that come rain or shine, at the end of the day … you are married to the person you love. Your best friend.

Cheers Katie and Andy! … to you and your third anniversary.  May you always weather every storm with smiles and laughter. Dance against those raging winds with grace and passion.

From what I have witnessed, your love will always provide each other with shelter from the storm.

Ceremony Location:  St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, Yarmouth, ME

Reception Location: Private Home, Yarmouth, ME

Catering: Chi Chi Chef Catering Company

Flowers: Creighton & Sons

Rentals: A+ Party Rentals / One Stop Party Shoppe / Advantage Linen Service

Lighting:  Jamie Grant

Cake:  CVC Catering Group

Transportation:  Custom Coach and Limousine / Chebeague Transportation Company

Photographer:  Johnston & Johnston Photography

Music:  Pan Fried Steel / Soul of Boston

Videographer:  Chris Ogden, Ogden Media

Mobile Powder Room:  Dave’s Septic Service

Hair/Make-Up:  Bei Capelli Salon

(Photos: Johnston & Johnston Photography)

She was the most calm and serene bride I have ever seen. Perhaps it was simply because Kim was on her way down the aisle to marry the man of her dreams, Michael.

Friends and family were treated to incredible sights, sounds and tastes: a bagpiper to escort them into the chapel, a chartered boat to steam them to Great Diamond Island, a rocking band dressed in plaid, a gorgeous, locally grown feast and shells, shells, shells – decorating the tables and the cake.

The bride’s vision of the cool and crisp combination of blues and white was coyly speckled with a pop of bright pink.  The best man entertained the crowd with his witty toast, custom “BM” patch and a lead singer moment with the band.

The most meaningful and personal touch was the inclusion of the couple’s faithful, furry friends. Riley and Jasou left their prints on every table … and Riley, adorned with a collar of flowers, even attended the reception.  Good dogs.

It was an honor and a pleasure to witness the love and genuine companionship of Kim and Michael – it was not lost on any of us that day four years ago – and it will last a lifetime.

Cheers Kim and Michael! … to you and your fourth anniversary.  May you always remember that love is like owning a dog: 

Love doesn’t like being left alone for long.
But come home and love is always happy to see you.
It may break a few things accidentally in its passion for life,
but you can never be mad at love for long.

Ceremony Location:  St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Portland, ME

Ceremony Music: Don Campbell / Robert Simmons

Reception Location:  Diamond’s Edge Restaurant, Great Diamond Island, Portland, ME

Florist:  Minott’s Flowers

Cake:  Let Them Eat Cake

Transportation:  Atlantic Limousine / The Casablanca 

Photographer:  David Murray, David Murray Photography

Reception Music:  Plaid Daddy Band

Hair/Make-Up:  Bei Capelli Salon

(Photos: David Murray Photography)