Love and Lobster Coastal New England Weddings

Our recent post about liquor laws prompted a question from reader Heather F., who’s trying to sort out what insurance coverage she needs on the big day.

Heather wants to know:

• What would reasonable wedding insurance cost and cover?
• Where can Maine brides look for comprehensive coverage?
• Should brides consider purchasing general wedding insurance? What kind of insurance do couples need to protect them if they plan to purchase and serve their own alcohol?

Here’s the 411:

• For general information about wedding insurance, including what it covers and how much it costs, give this previous post a read.
• Check with the company that handles your renter’s/homeowners insurance first. Even if they don’t offer “wedding insurance,” they may offer special event insurance, or your existing policy may already protect you (more on that in a minute). Heads up: Heather found that Travelers’ Wedding Protector Plan doesn’t cover liquor liability in Maine (state regulators haven’t approved that part of the plan). One alternative is WedSafe, one of the most popular wedding insurance providers, which is offered through Aon, a company with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. WedSafe does offer liquor liability coverage in Maine.
• Wedding insurance is most appropriate if you’re investing a fair amount of money in your event and if uncontrollable events, like bad weather, would really ruin your day. But don’t assume you need it, especially if you already carry personal insurance, warns Scott Simmonds, a Maine insurance consultant. If you’re mostly concerned about liability — damage or someone getting hurt — your existing homeowner’s or renter’s policy may provide all the coverage you need. “Your homeowner’s insurance doesn’t differentiate between a barbecue at your house and wedding at a rental hall,” Scott says. That includes liquor liability, but be very careful if you choose to purchase and sell liquor at your event, he says. In fact, the liability attached to selling alcohol yourself is so significant that Scott advises couples against it. Let licensed, insured vendors handle charging for the drinks, he says.
• A final tip from Scott: If your insurance agent says your existing policy won’t cover basic liability, and encourages you to buy additional insurance, ask the agent to cite where in your policy that coverage is explicitly denied. Sometimes misinformed or overly cautious agents steer consumers in the wrong, more expensive direction.

All of Britain will be abuzz tomorrow as Prince William and Kate Middleton make history exchanging “I do’s” at Westminster Abbey. But what about royal wedding watchers on this side of the pond? If you’ve got the British bug and plan to watch the ceremony live, put on a pot of tea, loves, because you’ll have to get up early.

Tips on tuning in: Set your alarm clock for 3 a.m. ET if you want to watch the marathon coverage from start to finish. That’s when BBC America starts its commercial-free, five and a half hours of coverage of the big day. The ceremony doesn’t start until 6 a.m., but the cameras will start rolling as soon as the royal family arrives at Westminster Abbey. If you’d rather watch online, log on to www.bbc.com/royalwedding at 5:45 a.m., where the wedding festivities will be streamed live.

And if you just can’t bloody wait until tomorrow, indulge in royal wedding trivia, videos and more here. You’ll find Kate and William’s family trees, a map of the wedding route, and information on every last bit of marital minutiae. 

2.19.11 Alissa and Andy

Dover, New Hampshire ~ The Rivermill at Dover Landing

At 12 years old I thought I was in love with Andy Cooley who was two years older and the coolest guy at youth group.  Then I came to my senses and realized he was way out of my league and we clearly were going to lead two very different lives.  Fast forward 10 years and an acquaintance becomes a friend. Flirting becomes a first date, and “I like spending time with you” becomes “I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” Now that guy that was way out of my league is sitting next to me on the couch. And he just happens to be my husband.

Photographer: Deborah Zoe Photo

Ceremony: St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Reception: Rivermill at Dover Landing
Florist: Sarah of K. Lily Floral Design
Hair: The Salon at 903
Suits: Suits With Style
Dress: Mikaella
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini
Caterer: Seacoast Catering
DJ: DJ Nate Downs
Cake: My Friend’s Bakery
Officiant: Simon Wong

Credits (clockwise from top middle): Emitations, With Style & Grace, Press Association/AOL Royal Wedding, Nile Guide, British Monarchy on Flickr, Women’s Wear Daily, Dominic Lipinski/MSNBC, Press Association/The Telegraph

Prince William and princess-to-be Kate Middleton will depart their Westminster Abbey wedding ceremony later this month in full royal fashion, aboard an ornate horse-drawn coach. The 1902 State Landau carried Diana and Prince Charles following their marriage in 1981, and features an open top allowing well-wishers a clear view of the happy couple.

But you don’t have to be an actual princess (or have a British accent) to enjoy horse-powered transportation on your wedding day. Meadow Creek Farm in Sumner, Maine has just started booking its new princess carriage for the 2011 wedding season, owner Becky Durgin tells us. The white carriage features a red velour interior and adjustable top, and can whisk the bride to the ceremony site as well as carry the couple to the reception or on a private ride for two. Rides aren’t provided to guests, but your wedding party is welcome to hop aboard with you, Becky says.

Becky and her husband have offered horse-drawn wagon rides for weddings, anniversaries and other events for nearly 20 years, and even have a one-horse open sleigh dating back to the 1800s for winter rides. They’ll travel anywhere in New England, but dates for this wedding season are filling up fast. So book now, princess brides.

Many couples choose to serve a special cocktail at their wedding reception to add a shot of personality to the standard bar lineup. If your personality is sweet and fresh with a hint of spice, we’ve got the drink for you.

Leah Chamberlin of the Old Port Sea Grille in Portland recently took home top honors at the 2011 Cold River Bartenders Bash with her cheers-worthy cucumber martini. With a base of Maine-made gin and a finish of sparkling sake, this cocktail’s got New England roots and international appeal.

Cucumber Martini

Muddle mint and several slices cucumber in a martini shaker

Fill the shaker with ice, then add 1.5 oz. Cold River Gin, a splash of grapefruit juice, a splash of lime juice, and 1 oz. simple syrup. Shake.

Strain into a martini glass rimmed with sugar and diced dried jalapeno

Top with a floater of sparkling sake