November 29th, 2017 York, Maine “Nolan and I met in high school back in 2001. We can only describe the next 15 years as an endless game of cat and mouse-each of us taking a turn at playing one or the other. Finally in 2014, I was home from California visiting family for Christmas and saw Nolan,” Kara recalls. “After that moment, we both realized we had never given up on each other… Not long after that, I moved back…
August 25th, 2017 Cape Neddick, Maine Liz met John in the high school lunch line. A new sophomore at a new high school, she was delighted when John introduced himself. “We became friends right away,” she says. They began dating soon after and, together, navigated growing up: finishing high school, transitioning to college, and entering adulthood. Through it all, their relationship endured. “It changed as we changed and grew,” Liz says. The couple discussed marriage many times but also wanted…
Tip: Pick a Point Person. Make your wedding day one to remember: designate someone other than yourself to be the point person for the day’s details and schedule. “Be a guest at your own wedding, not the maestro,” says Samantha Finigan. Wedding planners are used to managing details, unobtrusively and tactfully, but you can also designate a trusted friend or family member. Finigan recommends hiring a planner. “They’re the best advocates to get the quality of service you want and…
August 19, 2017 House Island, Portland, ME Special moments and surprises were hallmarks of Cristi and Zak’s picture-perfect wedding day on House Island, off the coast of Portland, ME. The first was the photo session before the ceremony that became one of the couple’s favorite memories. At one end of the island is an 1800-era fort, a dramatic setting for creating some captivating images. “The whole thing was very ‘Game of Thronesy,’” says Cristi. “The contrast between the fort and…
Tip: Mix It Up. Don’t be afraid to change up reception seating. Mixing table sizes or types creates more interest: round tables use space efficiently; rectangular tables can be combined into different configurations; and combining round tables with square or rectangular tables creates variety and visual interest. Try mixing table types, too; for example, farm tables combined with traditional linen-covered tables. Mixing it up can save you money, according to Kara Marshall. “It’s the best of both worlds. You can…
Q: What can the groom do to make the most of his wedding day look? A: Master stylist Brianne Wilson of Wingate Spa in Stratham, NH, says there’s an untapped market locally for men’s spa treatments. “It seems like the guys just tend to do their own thing,” she says, “but having a facial before the wedding day is a great idea, along with getting your hair styled. One of our stylists is from Thailand, and he says his mom does hair…
Take your wedding cake and bar to the next level with these tips and trends. Tip: Bars that Raise the Bar A bar that’s open before and right after your ceremony creates a convivial atmosphere. “Bars are perfect gathering areas for your guests before or after the ceremony,” says Kate Malloy. “They’re also a great design element.” Think a shiplap board bar to match a rustic theme or gray with fabric or mirror inserts for a more upscale look. Add…
Keep them guessing with these tips and trends designed to amaze guests on the big day. Tip: SURPRISE! Nothing says “party!” like confetti or paper streamers, a walking-down-the-aisle alternative to throwing rice. Kate Malloy worked with a client whose ceremony officiants shot streamers into the air as the couple walked down the aisle after exchanging vows. “It was visual and unexpected—and it was fun,” she says. Trend: Go High, Low, or with a Bow Wedding dresses with high necks, black…
A Backyard Destination Wedding With the ebb and flow of the ocean at our doorsteps and the constant cacophony of crashing waves resounding in our every-day background, we are lucky to be able to call the Seacoast our home. Caught up in the daily bustle, we can sometimes grow numb to the beguiling views and natural magic that this place offers. With a gentle nudge, Seacoast Weddings Magazine reminds you that there are stunning views (accompanied by a smattering of…
Inspired by the natural beauty of the woods around Waterford, Maine, photographer Jessie Dineen uses the magic of nature—lush mosses, ferns, natural light, and looming pine trees—to tell her backwoods Maine love story. {The Team} Photographer & Concept: Jessie Dineen Photography Models: Dalton Rice + Tayla Smedberg Dress: Versace + BHLDN Flowers: Harmon’s Floral Co. Hair: Kristina Wilson Makeup: Allie Braley