Love and Lobster Coastal New England Weddings

Kaitlin and Brent’s love story was celebrated at a historic grand hotel in New Castle, New Hampshire. The color accents of corals and navy blue made for a picturesque New England wedding to swoon over. And would you just look at that gorgeous Mikaella wedding gown!? The long sleeve lace creates an elegant and timeless look for the beautiful bride.  From a classic romantic ceremony to endless dancing and laughter, this wedding day was nothing short of fun. Krista Photography says the couple was “just so sweet together, and completely hilarious to boot!”

Thanks again to Krista Photography for sharing these beautiful photos!

Venue: Wentworth by the Sea Hotel & Spa 

Invitations: Mainely New Hampshire 

Flowers: Jardiniere Flowers

Wedding gown: Mikaella, purchased at Madeline’s Daughter

Bridesmaid Dresses: L’Elite

Hair/Make-Up: Bridgette Bonenfant

Men’s Attire: Jos A Banks

Cake: Jacques Pastries

Band: The Felix Brown Band

Artist: Ben Keys 

New England’s coastline is speckled with beautiful beaches, historic lighthouses, and break-taking views. Beach weddings are becoming more and more popular for their effortless beauty and affordability. No matter your reasons for deciding on a New England beach wedding, here are some helpful tips:

1. Pick a Date in the Off-Season: In New England, the off-season begins after Labor Day and ends on Memorial Day. By picking a date in the off-season, you are more likely to get the vendors you want.  Popular beaches will also have fewer tourists on them.

2. Read Up on City Ordinances and State Laws: If you plan on having the ceremony on a public beach or in some other public place, it is a good idea to double check that you are not violating any laws. If you are planning on blocking off a section of the beach, you will need a special event permit. If you are planning on having a beach reception, be aware that many states do not allow open containers in public places, especially on the beach. Because of this, we suggest hosting your reception at a separate venue.

3. Plan for Wind: Coastal weddings are known for their strong breezes. To combat the wind, be sure to anchor any decorations that are light enough to be blown away. Wear your hair up or securely pulled back to keep it out of your face during the ceremony. It is also a good idea to bring a shawl that matches your gown in the event it gets a bit chilly.

4. Make a Plan B: The weather can be unpredictable, especially on New England’s coast. Have a back-up indoor location ready incase the weather takes an unexpected turn. We are firm believers in booking a venue that can serve as the location of the reception and the ceremony incase of a weather emergency.

5. Mind the Tides: Nothing ruins a wedding ceremony like a high tide. When selecting the time of day your ceremony will be taking place, play attention to the tide chart. Ultimately, the best time of day to hold a beach wedding is when the tide is out and the sun isn’t high in the sky.

Are you planning a coastal wedding? What tips do you have for fellow brides? Let us know in the comments below.

As we’re enduring the cold winter months up here in Maine, let’s take a look back on a beautiful summer day where love was blowing in the sea breezed air.

Nestled on a small island off the coast of Yarmouth, Maine, Sam and Dom exchanged “I Do’s” surrounded by love at their family’s summer home. Heartfelt moments were filled throughout the day as every last detail had a special meaning. From the gorgeous wedding gown made by the mother of the bride to the emotional ceremony officiated by her father, who was battling cancer, it’s safe to say there was not a dry eye on the island.

Photography | A.Fogarty Photography

A big wedding trend from 2014 that we hope to see continuing into this upcoming season is glittering metallics. Throughout Lindsey & John’s gorgeous, festive winter wedding, you’ll see flourishes of glittering gold. It’s on Lindsey’s heels, the escort cards, the table runners, the bridesmaids’ jewelry; touches of it are everywhere, but it is still understated enough to add glitz and glam to the wedding without fully stealing the show.

With marsala being the Pantone color of the year, we anticipate rose golds, coppers, antique brasses, and pewters to make more of an appearance in 2015.

Lindsey & John originally met while they were both working at Whole Foods, where Lindsey, who was working in the cafe, served coffee to John everyday for a whole month before he worked up the nerve to ask her out. We’re so happy that he did, though, and delighted to be able to see and share their beautiful wedding photos with you.

Congratulations to Lindsey & John, and a big thanks to emilie inc. photography for sharing these glorious photos with us!

Photography: emilie inc. photography

Ceremony Venue: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland, ME

Reception Venue: The Portland Club

Caterer: Black Tie Company

Flowers: Flora Fauna

Band: Wavelength

Videography: McCormick Media

Cake: Bam Bam Bakery

Make-up: Michael Wormwood

Hair: J Henry Salon

Transportation: VIP Charters

Invitations: Paperless Post

Michelle and Chris tied the knot earlier this year with an elegant coastal wedding at the stunning Bar Harbor Club in Bar Harbor, Maine. Built by financial magnate J.P. Morgan in late 1920s, the Bar Harbor Club is a magnificent Tudor-style granite estate with direct oceanside views and access.

Michelle and Chris did an incredible job of  complimenting the estate’s inherent glamor with their romantic pink and gold colorscheme and their carefully chosen wedding details, such as the exquisite button detailing on the back of Michelle’s dress and the classy golden chargers accenting their tablescapes.

The couple met in DC, where they currently live, but Michelle spent her childhood summering in Trenton, Maine, making Bar Harbor both a beautiful and nostalgic place for the couple to find their wedding venue.

Anne Schmidt, the couple’s fantastic photographer, says that Michelle & Chris’ choice of quality, highly professional vendors, such as Sweetest Thing, Gina-A Paul Mitchell Salon and Wavelength, helped to make the day flow extremely well, giving her more freedom to capture all of the moments that she was hoping for and making the day a true pleasure.

Congratulations to Michelle & Chris and a huge thank you to Anne Schmidt for sharing these gorgeous photographs with us!

Photography: Anne Schmidt Photography

Venue & Catering: Bar Harbor Club

Florals and Styling: Sweetest Thing Weddings

Hair & Makeup: Gina – A Paul Mitchell Salon

Invitations & Menu cards: Bright Room Design Studio

Band: Wavelength