September 19th, 2015 Portsmouth, NH Ashleigh and Evan kept one thought in mind as they planned their wedding: this is about us, and we’re going to do what we want to do. They stayed true to themselves as they said their vows on the Memorial Bridge in Portsmouth, a historic landmark in a city that means so much to them. The ceremony was private with just the officiant (who was Ashleigh’s uncle), the best man and the maid of honor—exactly…
September 20th, 2014 New Castle, NH Erika and Michael’s engagement started with a work of art and culminated with a sunny wedding by the ocean. In 2013, Michael proposed to Erika by commissioning an original artwork, called a sound form, that depicted his voice saying “Erika, will you marry me?” A year later, they were married on a summery day at Fort Constitution, a Coast Guard station on Portsmouth Harbor in New Castle, NH. Erika arrived at the ceremony with…
By Kathryn Porritt, owner of Bridal Style Inc. Deciding to host your wedding at the beach doesn’t automatically mean you need a nautical or seaside theme filled with starfish and seashells. Instead, we’re seeing a gorgeous twist towards boho style and vintage elegance at the beach, meaning that the more traditional beach weddings are being given a romantic makeover. The Latest Wedding Palettes The latest wedding themes have a muted undertone, embellished with vintage elegance and a twist of boho…
By Nancy Gorman, owner of Makeup by Nancy Once upon a time there used to be a “wedding season” such as the freshness of the June Bride or the vibrancy of the autumn leaves. I’m finding now there is no real wedding season now. Weddings are 12 months a year. Which is certainly good for the wedding professionals for sure! Lately there have been a barrage of winter weddings, photo’s done wearing a faux fur shawl or shrug outside with…
Inspired by bridal designer Kate Pankoke’s delicate, feminine gowns, this shoot at the Norumbega Inn in Camden, ME, evokes the transformation of the up-and-coming designer, recently featured on Project Runway. The bridesmaids’ gowns are by Elaya Vaughn Bridal by Kate Pankoke. Peep-toed shoes with rhinestone and bow details by Nina shoes. The gold and lace “isolde” gown is accented by sprays of delicate butterflies, and rentals by new england country rentals. Photographer Rebecca Arthurs captured the incredible romantic details in…
August 14th, 2015 Chamberlain, ME Hope and Matt had the quintessential Maine wedding at his family’s ocean-side cottage in Chamberlain, ME. Their ceremony was on the rocks jutting into Long Cove; their reception was at the Long Cove Point clubhouse. The day was warm, sunny, and busy – a town festival, Bristol Days, was happening the same weekend as the wedding. “We had our first look at Pemaquid Point Lighthouse,” says Hope. “There were lots of people walking around and…
By Malinda Macari, owner of Your Dream Bridal Strapless. Cap-sleeved. High-collar. Just a few necklines present in today’s bridal fashion, sitting comfortably next to an even wider array of wedding dress lengths, cuts and shapes. Finding your dream bridal gown is a truly magical moment – but one that, of course, comes second to the day it is actually worn. To complete the look, some brides may choose to accessorize as they would in everyday life (but, elevated – of…
September 27th, 2014 Bath, ME Even before she was engaged, Whitney loved weddings. “I help my friends with all of theirs,” says the culinary school graduate. So when she and Mathew got engaged in 2013, she happily went into wedding overload. Both Maine natives, the couple met at the University of Maine; they wanted a Maine-themed wedding with a nautical focus. The Maine Maritime Museum in Bath provided the perfect backdrop for waterside nuptials; their reception was held under a…
September 19, 2015 Exeter, NH Chris and Cathleen dated for three years before Chris proposed during a Maine getaway. Although she knew Chris was “the one,” Cathleen wanted time to plan and save for the wedding, as well as merge their households. Five years later, on a trip to Block Island, Cathleen let Chris know she was ready by giving him a watch with a note stating “It’s time.” Wedding planning was a family affair. Both Cathleen and Chris have…
By Malinda Macari, Owner of Your Dream Bridal Today’s brides have more flexibility in bridalwear than ever before – a true testament to the power of the evolving bridal fashion industry. Women are encouraged to wear not only what they feel most comfortable in, but what captures their style completely. They are (thankfully) no longer limited to choosing only from traditional gowns in white or eggshell, but are encouraged to embrace new fabrics, colors and accessories to show their personality…