M a k i n g I t
O u r s
Our wedding day was pure magic. It took place in Harpswell, Maine at my husband’s family’s property right on the water. This place is already just breath-taking on it’s own. So much so that during my very first visit, I sat alone on the dock, writing in my journal, completely crying just imagining the prospect of getting married there one day in the future. Since it was already so beautiful, it was my biggest hope that the weather would be perfect so that we could enjoy the wedding & the reception without a tent. Our prayers were answered & it was just the most gorgeous day.
My number one task when dressing the space for our wedding was to make it truly ours. Put in the details that reflect our love, our relationship, & our personal style. Let me share with you a few ways we did just that.
L i g h t
Almost exactly a year before our wedding, we stood on the ground where we would be saying our “I do’s” to each other. We then determined when the best time to hold the ceremony would be, based on when the sun would just pass the trees & not be in anyone’s eyes. It worked out perfectly that in the time between our ceremony & the reception was golden hour which was just idyllic for our photos.
Then once the sun started to go down, we had hung lights above the reception site to illuminate the space. We also had about 90 candles along the tables lit for a pleasing ambiance as well as to light people’s faces in photos. It’s important to think about light in this way, because if you are paying for a good photographer to capture your day, it’s so important to ensure good light for them to be able to get the best photos.
S p a c e
We had a rather small wedding for such a vast space. I wanted it to still feel intimate, so we thought of ways to do just that even with a large space. For the ceremony, we kept the chairs looking straight ahead in even rows. This helped set parameters. The shape of the chairs helped provide structure to the space, giving it that more intimate feel. Also, having the large arbor (which Ben helped make) as the focal point really helped draw everyone’s focus to the main(e) event.
For the reception space, the layout came together about a week & a half before the wedding. The deck where the band played had just recently been built which inspired this new setup. I had originally pictured the space in reverse, with the water being behind the band, but I think this way was even better! When the guests looked towards Ben & I, they could see the water behind us.
The table setup was also key in dressing this space. Our band played on the corner of the deck & the tables went out on a diagonal in a U shape to form the perimeters of the dance floor. Everyone danced in the empty space between the tables & had a great time. Also, the lights hung above helped create a clear outline for the reception space.
D e t a i l
The smallest details can make the biggest impact when dressing a space. From freshly potted plants at the ceremony site to lights along the dock, these details look lovely, & also capture so well in photos. My MIL even had the great idea of giving each of the statues in the gardens little flower crowns! How adorable?! While putting the final touches on the space, my bridesmaids even laid some extra greenery & flowers to line the aisle. This made a huge difference & I loved the way it looked.
There were so many amazing ferns all over the property, so naturally I wanted to incorporate them into the decor. We used little fern leaves to dress the seating chart as well as to add that special touch to each person’s place setting. Using natural elements from the space like this really gives a cohesive feel.
E x p e r i e n c e
So yes, this wedding was about Ben & I getting married, but people flew in from all over the country, so we wanted to show them a good time. During cocktail hour, people could grab a drink & take a boat ride around the harbor. Guests loved this, seeing as though some of them had never experienced anything like it before. We also had a fireworks display to the song “I’ve Had The Time Of My Life” right before we exited by boat. It was pretty magical. Honestly though, the band really sealed the deal. They were incredible & helped make this event one to remember.
I know not every wedding can have fireworks & boat rides, but make sure to think about the guests attending your wedding. They are showing so much love & support by being there for the two of you, so show them your gratitude by giving them an incredible night of love & laughter.
All photos for this post were taken by our incredible wedding photographer: Emily Delamater.
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S T A Y T U N E D
This I just post #6 of an entire week of wedding content! Come back tomorrow to read about wedding highlights from the bride & groom!
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