A touch of the Irish, a dash of New Orleans, sprinkle in a little New England fall, mix it all together in Portland, Maine and you’ve got yourself the makings of an incredible – and incredibly fun – wedding.
Could there be a more interesting combination?!
Four years ago, Lynn and Bob headed Portland to celebrate their marriage with southern friends and northern family … and oh what an occasion it was. The Old Port was a whirlwind of first-time visitors who made themselves right at home as they mingled with the locals, took in the neighborhood flavor and were welcomed with typical New England hospitality.
Ri Ra Irish Pub was peppered with pine cones and glowed in the warmth of candlelight as guests tapped their feet to the traditional tunes of Bailey’s Mistake. Fine dining was followed by joyfully raucous romping as guests stomped and danced to the beat of New Orleans musician Eric Lindell – what a thrill to have him here in our great state for such a special night.
Lynn and Bob enjoyed every moment. There is an instant in time that defines the evening for me. I see them. I see them sitting at the bar at the end of the evening and it is as if there truly is a light that shines only on them. What a moment. It will always be their moment. And I will always toast them there.
Cheers Lynn and Bob on your fourth anniversary! May you always drink to the kind company you keep, dance to the beat that fuels your soul and shine at great moments in time. North or South, your hearts are full.
Ceremony Location: Williston-West Church, Portland, ME
Ceremony Music: Daniel Lee
Officiant: Jill Allen
Reception Location: Ri Ra Irish Pub, Portland, ME
Stationary: Hullabaoo Studios
Florist: Katherine’s Garden
Rentals: One Stop Party Shoppe
Transportation: Atlantic Limousine / Custom Coach and Limousine
Photographer: Bryce Vickmark, Bryce Vickmark Photography
Reception Music: Bailey’s Mistake / Eric Lindell and Company
Hair/Make-Up: Bei Capelli Salon
Tailor: David Wood Clothiers
(Photos: Bryce Vickmark Photography)
… 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)
We all have “firsts”.
For Amy and Kevin, this was their first true love… and their forever love.
For Amy and Kevin, this was their first true love… and their forever love.
For me, it was my first wedding.
I continue to celebrate this date – six years ago today.
What a glorious day filled with so much love and laughter.
The ceremony and reception were held at Gilsland Farm (Maine Audubon Society) in Falmouth. The day was bright, sunflowers from the farmer’s market were bold, and bride and groom were poised to have the time of their lives.
The bride took deep shaky breaths as she prepared to stroll down the aisle, and an endless grin spread across her face as she met her groom’s eyes.
This was the first time that I had ever experienced this moment this way. I will never forget it. Usually, from where I stand, I can see the groom’s face when he sees his bride for the very first time on their wedding day. It is a moment that I don’t think I will ever get over. It’s a glimpse into a very special moment; a very private moment; and it is why I love what I do. Thank you Amy and Kevin for sharing that moment with me for the first time.
The ceremony concluded with a shrill “yay!” from the bride just before the kiss… and the two set off to celebrate. They treated their guests to amazing food and unbridled dancing beneath trees drenched in mason jar lanterns and a glowing tent. The bride and groom worked hard on every detail to make their wedding their dream day. My favorite element was that every piece was “stamped” with a logo they created out of their initials (designed by Kevin). So clever!
It is crazy to think that six years have already passed… it seems only a heartbeat ago. I am now honored to call Amy and Kevin dear friends. I have had the pleasure to witness their fabulous relationship grow through the years – from their walk down the aisle, to their first house, to the birth of their beautiful boys.
Cheers Amy and Kevin! … to you and your sixth anniversary. May you continue to be such an amazing team and to find great joy in the small things in life. Steady as you go.
Ceremony Location: Gilsland Farm, Falmouth, ME
Officiant: Maureen Quark
Reception Location: Gilsland Farm, Falmouth, ME
Caterer: Barbara’s Kitchen (we miss you Barbara!)
Florist: Yarmouth Flower Company
Rentals: One Stop Party Shoppe
Cake: European Bakery
Photographer: Jeff Stevensen, Jeff Stevensen Photography