Is there anything more lovely than a Maine island wedding? I might be a little biased here because I myself got married on a Maine island, but…it is just too dreamy! Liz and Christian decided to take this route and tie the knot on Long Island, ME, both because it’s breathtaking but also because it’s a place that is very personal to them.
Though they met in chemistry class during junior year, these two aren’t your textbook high school sweethearts. It wasn’t until a few years later that Liz and Christian struck up a romance and found themselves falling in love. As a couple, they are delightfully balanced. They exchange goofy jokes and silly faces, and also show deep devotion to their faith and families. They are also Mainers through and through - Liz works at L.L. Bean, which is probably the most iconic Maine company to exist, and Christian owns and captains his very own lobster boat. Yes, a lobster boat!
On the wedding day, I got to take a ferry ride from Portland over to Long Island. The skies were blue and the sun shimmered off the water as we threaded along Casco Bay. Upon disembarking, Liz and Christian picked me up in their island pickup truck and we cruised around to some secluded wooded and oceanside spots for couple’s portraits. Everyone we passed smiled, waved, and acknowledged the couple by name while extending them congratulations.
Then, we arrived at Our Lady Star of the Sea for their ceremony, which included a full Catholic mass presided over by Father Campbell, who had been the President of Christian and Liz’s high school while they were students. Christian’s father led everybody with the processional hymn as the bride and groom walked each other up the aisle. Each of their siblings took turns at the pulpit to share readings and prayers. It was all very personal, very heartfelt.
After the ceremony, we captured family portraits before walking next door to The Hardshell (or, more lovingly known as Ed and Jeannie’s) for the reception. It was the perfect summertime picnic vibe, complete with picnic tables, adirondacks, and live music provided by Christian’s childhood music teachers. The food was fresh and homemade, and the star entreé item was a whole lobster caught by the groom himself! So cool! After bellies were full, Christian joined his teachers on stage to play some songs with them on his violin. It was decidedly precious.
To cap off the day, Liz and Christian boarded their lobster boat the Guillemot and took to the sea, sailing off back towards Portland where they’d begin their journey towards their honeymoon in Bar Harbor. The “Just Married” sign was the cutest little sight as they faded into the horizon.
Thank you to Liz and Christian for choosing me to capture your special day! Congratulations :)
venue & catering: The Hardshell
photo: @paigelucasphotography
bridal attire: @anthropologie
groom attire: @peterrenneysfashions