Liam and Fallon were married on the perfect Maine day in August - meaning, there was every bit of weather you could sample for the season, and it was all exactly right. Weddings are naturally magical days, and I think that magic is further even amplified when the couple is able to tie the knot in place that holds special meaning for them or their family. Well, Fallon and Liam had it all at Peaks Island just off the coast of Portland, Maine.
Part of the charm (and challenge) of hosting your wedding on an island is simply the task of getting there. Luckily, it was a sunny ride on the Casco Bay Ferry over to Peaks. A short 15-minute ride from Portland, Peaks is probably the most visited of the Casco Bay islands. The quintessential dock greeted us as we pulled in to disembark. Summer tourism was in full swing, and the ferry terminal was bustling. I, however, was headed toward quieter waters.
Tucked along the southern edge of the island is a sweet home crafted by Fallon’s very own father. They’ve been members of the Peaks Island community for a long time, and Fallon grew up summering at this house. Liam came to know this place, too, over the years - it was simply part of getting to know Fallon. As a Maine native myself, I get that. How a place can just be woven into who you are.
As I arrived, Fallon was just finishing getting ready before her and Liam’s first look. She had all of the calm of someone who was in her environment - her favorite place, maybe. She walked down the driveway to meet Liam in the pines that bordered the lawn, gently touching his shoulder to have him turn. They were were so happy to just be together.
We strolled down the street to a rocky beach with smaller islands dotting the horizon. The breeze gently tousled the soft curls framing Fallon’s face, and Liam was sure to steady her as they walked along the shore. He looked especially smooth when he whipped out his sunglasses as the sun peeked from behind the clouds.
We hopped over to the reception venue, the Trefethen-Evergreen Improvement Association (TEIA), for some solo portraits of the bride and groom before getting the group photos done as well. Then, it was back across the island to Saint Christopher’s Parish. Father Mario Powell, a Jesuit priest who had worked at Cheverus High School while Fallon was a student there, was the celebrant for their wedding Mass. His presence was yet another touch of familiarity that day. (Fallon and I had actually overlapped at Cheverus, too, so I was especially touched that she reached out about having me capture her and Liam’s wedding. I think it shows just how much these two valued connections in planning their day).
After a beautiful wedding program, a rush of pouring rain passed overhead and we sheltered inside for a moment. Then, as quickly as it came, it went, and everybody ventured to TEIA for the rest of the evening. The porch at cocktail hour was just divine, with the ocean views, live music by Steve Dennis, string lights glowing overhead, and fresh drinks and snacks from 111 Maine. The good vibes only continued as we headed inside for dinner, speeches, special dances, and more.
As the sun was setting, Liam and Fallon ventured down to the docks with me and Kyra Schmidt, who was recording video for the day. But as we headed down the ramp, disaster struck. Liam, carrying a glass of red wine, slipped on the smooth planks and unfortunately got the wine all over his white shirt! And that, my friends, is why you need a wedding coordinator. Margie of Dirigo Event Co. was a life saver, as in no time she had one of the co-best men running down to give the shirt off his back to Liam (I mean, what a friend, too! We joked he was getting promoted to first best man). So, all was well.
After some sweet sunset moments, we returned to the reception to enjoy the rest of the evening. Drinks were drunk, desserts were distributed, and dance moves dominated. Most memorable, though, was Fallon and Liam literally taking to the stage when “Mr. Brightside” came on. The crowd lunged towards them as they danced and sang along. I even overhead some guests say, “Best concert I’ve been to.”
Congratulations to this sweet pair of newlyweds, Fallon and Liam!
reception: @teiaclubpeaksisland
photo: @paigelucasphotography
catering + bar + desserts: @111maine
hair: @miss_nicole_stylist
makeup: @hairetcportlandmaine
video: @kyraschmidtphotography
rentals: @onestopeventrentals
music: @stevedennismusic
floral: @floraliadesignstudio
transport: @northeastchartertour
ceremony: saint christopher parish
coordination: @dirigoeventco
