July 15, 2020
The concept of the garden party is one that plenty people are familiar with. Just hearing the name conjures up images of temperate blue sky days, breathtaking blossoms, green manicured landscapes, and well-dressed guests toasting colorful cocktails as they gather in celebration. While many never get to experience such a picture-perfect occasion, everyone who attended Kelsey and Brady’s stylish New England wedding can happily say they were a part of something just as exquisite.
On a sunny autumn day in September, the couple gathered their friends and family for a polished Maine wedding that was the picture of effortless elegance. A charming venue filled with blossoming hydrangeas created a setting that was nothing short of dreamlike. The sophisticated neutral color palette was thoughtfully chosen to highlight the beautiful blooms that were present throughout the day – from the vintage-inspired floral pajamas worn in the morning to the simple sprigs of lavender that delicately adorned each guest’s place setting. Because after all – what is a garden party without flowers at positively every turn?
The reception space was a refreshing, minimalist take on rustic refinement. Marianmade Farm’s sweeping barn venue is a breezy, expansive space where natural wood tables and simple, restrained décor creates an atmosphere that is both upscale and incredibly comfortable. As the
sun set low against the horizon, fairy lights created a golden glow, illuminating the open-air tent space where guests danced the night away.
The word “fairytale” gets thrown around a lot when describing weddings. But there’s something about this particular day that makes the moniker seem wholly appropriate. The bride’s enchanting princess-style gown made her practically float down the aisle. Handsome groomsmen dressed sharply in navy blue suits provided the perfect pairing for the soft, lace-
trimmed dresses worn by the bridesmaids. And then there was the couple – a set of high school sweethearts who clearly couldn’t imagine a “happily ever after” without the other one in it.
Kelsey and Brady’s wedding was a contemporary take on the time-honored concept of a garden party. I’m a firm believer that elegant Maine weddings have an iconic charm that is simply unmatched. This one in particular, however, proved that when it comes to an ideal backdrop for a lifelong love story to begin, nothing beats New England in the fall.
Photography: Natalya DeSena Photography
Venue: Marianmade Farm
Planner: Dragonfly Services
Florist: Bluecloud Farm
Caterer: 111maine
H+M: Kimberly Savage
Rentals: Onestop Event Rentals
DJ: Djs Maine
Cake: Nothing Bakes Like a Parrott
Videographer: Mehler Productions
May 26, 2020
Gabrielle and Andrew’s elegant New England Wedding was truly a thing of beauty. A chic color palette perforated by calming neutral tones made it incredibly contemporary, while touches like a stately vintage automobile added undeniable class. Sophisticated and refreshing in design, every aspect of their upscale Maine wedding was an enchanting reminder that sometimes the simplest things in life are also the most special.
Gabrielle and Andrew’s story started years ago. Gabrielle and Andrew were first introduced as children near the snowy slopes of Maine’s breathtaking Shawnee Peak. When they reconnected years later, their love of the great outdoors would once again play a part in their journey together as a couple. During Gabrielle’s very first visit to their newly purchased camp on Sebago Lake, Andrew got down on one knee and proposed spending their lives together. To which, of course, the bride happily agreed. Now, the camp not only serves as a picturesque escape for them and their dogs Otis and Wilbur, but also as an origin point – a place where they can forever revisit exactly where their “forever” began.
A refined palette of effortless gray tones paired perfectly with the neutral and metallic accents that were meticulously intertwined throughout the décor. Fresh greenery and breathtaking blooms carefully accented a white birchbark arbor, under which the couple exchanged their vows in front of family and friends. The tented reception that followed was nothing short of
breathtaking. Greenery accented the natural wood tables, while vintage-inspired decor perfectly highlighted the timeless beauty of the space.
The bride looked incredibly elegant in a contemporary lace gown that featured a form-fitting silhouette and statement-making sheer details. Her traditional train was perfectly paired with a gossamer veil that floated gracefully near her hemline. As exquisite as the couple looked while posing for portraits in front of the venue’s blossoming flora, there was something about the lake’s coastline that made them come to life. Sunset pictures at Maine’s Sebago Lake bathed them in a golden glow that made the magic already hanging in the air practically palpable.
Despite all the undeniable refinement, there was a lighthearted element to their wedding that let everyone feel free to enjoy as much of the occasion as possible. From the darling ring bearer and flower girl duo to the rowdy dance floor that continued on well into the late night hours, it was clear that Gabrielle and Andrew’s wedding was a true celebration. A celebration of friendship, family, love, and the kind of everyday fairy-tales that sometimes takes place in New England’s most breathtaking location.
Photography: Natalya DeSena Photography
Venue: The Stone Barn
Florals: Fiddlehead Flowers
Catering: Fire and Company
Rentals: One Stop Event Rentals
Stationary: Zula Bell
Dress: Andreas Bridal
H+M: Big Day Beauty
Band: Jim Ciampi
April 10, 2020
Getting you ready for the 2020 wedding season and keeping your creativity going during Quarantine.
Every year I spend my Spring prepping for the upcoming wedding season. I start by getting my gear serviced, updating my equipment, buying film, and one of my favorite things, buying new styling tools for flat-lay design. Today I wanted to share what I use for flat lays and where you can purchase all the pretty things! This is also a great resource if you’re bored in Quarantine and want to get creative at home.
Styling Dishes:
I love styling dishes! These are amazing to hold rings, earrings, and fine jewelry. They add dimension to your flat lays and are easily transportable.
Marbella Dish. These are some of my favorite because they look really pretty and they’re plastic. I usually don’t use plastic materials, and in most of my practices I try to be as sustainable as possible, but it’s extremely hard to transport glass or ceramic dishes when you’re running around all day at a wedding. These dishes come in many colors and sizes.
SOCOSY Classic Matte Ceramic Sauce Dishes. I bought these dishes on amazon and they are extremely affordable and really cute. However, they are ceramic so I like to use these when I know I won’t be running around from one location to the next.
Styling Mats:
(Featured above) These styling mats are amazing. In my opinion they’re worth the price tag of $180. Why? Because they’re extremely portable and they’re reversible. When I’m shooting a wedding I have so many things to think about that I will pay for the convenience of portable styling materials. The last thing I want to do is lug around things that will break or are hard to carry.
These mats are rollable and there are a variety of colors. Each one has a marbled texture to it and they’re hand painted canvas. Prices start at $85.
Chasing stone is a great place to source mats with a pop of color. These are premium canvases with frayed edges. These matts also have a marbled look and come with a price tag of $145.00
I just stumbled across this account on Amazon and these mats are double sided and rollable. They also come in a transparent container for storage. The best part of these mats is that they’re $115!
These mats are not rollable, but their price tag is $110, which is much less than the rollable mats. Available fabrics include Cotlin, Oatmeal, Champagne, Silver, Fog, Heathered Blue, Seafoam, Blue Gold, Pewter, Deep Blue, Blue Silver, Blush, Cinnamon, Taupe, Gray Buckram, Linen, & Black.
Favorite Etsy Shops for Flat Lay Styling:
This Etsy shop has everything beautiful from velvet and silk ribbon, to styling bundles and styling dishes. This shop is also based in Texas which makes shipping times fast!
This store has a lot of options from fabrics, table runners, swatches, napkins, and a variety of ribbon.
LustreTheory offers flat lay blocks for adding dimension to your flat lays. Made from clear acrylic, these styling blocks add height and dimension to product photography or wedding stationery flat lay designs.
Stamps and paper goods:
This company specializes in vintage postage. They have an enormous library of vintage postage and everything pretty.
Scissors, Wedding Trays and Wicker Fans on Amazon:
Scissors – Amazon has a variety of affordable vintage looking scissors
Metal Tray with Distressed Finish
Wicker Fans (White) on The Knot
Let’s be honest, there are many unknowns out there, which has raised the amount of anxiety that we all feel. I’m going to provide links to helpful articles about planning your wedding during COVID-19, people to follow to reduce stress and limit your amount of anxiety, and free workout resources.
Let’s get started…
MENTAL HEALTH: Follow the facts, but don’t let the facts control your mental health!
We all need to stay informed, but there is a huge difference between watching the news all day vs. checking it once or twice a day. I also want to say that sitting on the couch all day watching TV since you’re working from home, or you’re out of work, is totally adding to your stress. In these coming weeks I think it’s going to be important to create daily schedules. Schedules help with anxiety and the feelings of uncertainty.
To all of my brides – I know you are all feeling a little uneasy, but we haven’t reached a time where you should panic. However, I think it’s important to be informed. Please checkout the resources below with regards to the wedding industry and when to start thinking of pushing your wedding to a later month. As of today, cancelling your wedding altogether isn’t necessary and neither is pushing it to 2021.
RESOURCES: WEDDING INDUSTRY NEWS:
- My friend Keri at Always Yours Events wrote a very well thought out blog post about planning your wedding during COVID-19. Find her blog post HERE
- Harpers Bazaar recently came out with an article that talks about the next few months and what to consider when planning your wedding. Find that article HERE
EMOTIONAL: HEALTH We all need to stay healthy, virtually connected, and positive. I know this is easier said than done, but during this time it’s going to be important to prioritize your mental, emotional, and physical health.
Over the years I’ve dealt with some grief and loss and I learned to lean on spirituality and yoga. These things helped my anxiety levels and I bet they’ll help yours too. Don’t worry, you don’t have to sit around a circle with a bunch of random women and cry on their shoulders, although I’ve done this plenty of times thanks to the yoga community.
RESOURCES:
1. Gabrielle Bernstein- NYC PR Boss Babe Turned Life Coach, Author and Public Speaker (She’s Badass).
Instead of following all the news sources, or random accounts on Instagram that don’t add any value, try to fill up your feed with some positivity. Following people like Gabrielle Bernstein.
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabbybernstein/
- Website: https://gabbybernstein.com/
2. Deepak Chopra – Mediation Guru and Spiritual Guide
If you’re having a hard time emotionally and mentally Deepak brings it back to basics. He has meditations on Spotify, his Instagram and his website. I used his meditations on Spotify because they’re short and sweet.
- Meditations on Spotify — Here
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepakchopra/
3. Tony Robbins – Motivational Speaker and Business Leader
- Website: https://www.tonyrobbins.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyrobbins/
Not everything needs to be serious all the time so on top of listing my favorite spiritual leaders I’m also listing my favorite accounts on Instagram that provide the maximum amount of laughs. See below:
FUNNY INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS:
- Daquan – https://www.instagram.com/daquan/
- My Therapist Says – https://www.instagram.com/mytherapistsays/
- Moistbuddha- https://www.instagram.com/moistbuddha/
- Girl with No Job – https://www.instagram.com/girlwithnojob/
- Bestvines – https://www.instagram.com/bestvines/
- Trashcan Paul https://www.instagram.com/trashcanpaul/
PHYSICAL HEALTH: Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
If you can get outside and go on a remote hike or walk you should, as long as your social distancing. However, if you live in an apartment or dense city, there are many ways to stay active even if you’re stuck quarantining yourself at home.
AT HOME WORKOUTS:
- CorePower Yoga – Free Classes HERE
- Tone it Up – The girls over at Tone it up always offer great at home workouts and amazing recipes. It’s your one stop shop for health and fitness. Check out their website HERE
- Yoga with Adriene, check out her YouTube channel
- Barre Fitness – http://www.barrefitness.com/video-library
- P90 – This is definitely a more aggressive workout plan and I’ve done it with my family before, but it’s a great challenge!
HIKES IN MAINE:
- Nature walk in Phippsburg Dropped Pin Location: HERE
- Hiking Trail (or snowshoeing/back country trail) on the backside of Mount Pleasant. Dropped Pin Location: HERE
- Presumpscott River Preserve – HERE
- If you want to be adventurous, consider taking a day trip to The White Mountains! Look various trails up through All Trails
December 16, 2019
Janelle and Josh live in Colorado, a place I hold near and dear to my heart since I lived there for nine and a half years. We decided to do their engagement session at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth since it’s such an iconic location in Maine. I’m beyond excited to capture their wedding next fall at The Barn at Autumn Lane. Check out their wintery engagement session below!
December 12, 2019
Danielle and Chapin have a fondness for new experiences and an affinity for the unfamiliar. Like most couples, a chance encounter in college lead to a lifelong romance. Unlike most couples, however, the two have brave hearts that aren’t content with just standing still. Instead, these two are adventurers who love the great outdoors, are constantly seeking out new experiences, and feel that life is nothing short of a great adventure.
Hiking, traveling, and exploring unknowns have been a constant throughout their entire relationship. One of their annual traditions is visiting a brand new part of the world together. Another is making a yearly voyage to Maine. Just one year after a proposal that took place surrounded by the awe-inspiring scenery of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, Danielle and Chapin found themselves saying their vows in an equally breathtaking setting.
For a couple who feels most at home under an expansive blue sky and in the presence of the world’s most magnificent landscapes, Maine’s Cliff House was an easy choice for their nuptials. Their supremely elegant coastal wedding perfectly juxtaposed impeccably styled luxury with the sweet, surprising elements that makes nature so inherently captivating. The décor of the intimate event was inspired by a photograph the two had taken during one of their annual trips to the Northeast. In it, nature came to life in a wash of blues, pinks, and greens.
These colors served as the inspiration for their entire event. Pastel floral arrangements put a refreshing twist on the “greenery” trend. Wooden signs complemented the handcrafted ring box, and painted pebbles marked each guest’s seating assignments. Organic elegance was even found on the bride’s wedding dress, which featured gorgeous floral lace motifs that gently trailed down to the luminous A-line skirt.
Portraits taken near Maine’s enchanting seaside cliffs and rocky shores were more than fitting for the newly married couple. The raw, misty beauty of the surrounding scenery only highlighted the love that radiated between the two of them and was apparent with each kiss and lingering gaze. And while there are plenty of international trips and exciting voyages on the horizon for the couple, I have a feeling that Danielle and Chapin’s greatest adventure is just getting started.
Photography: Natalya DeSena Photography
Florals: Minka Flowers
Venue: Cliff House Maine
Makeup: Makeup By Sarah Lord
Hair: Styles By Callie
Bridal Boutique: Ruby Bridal Boutique
Dress: Lillian West
November 11, 2019
This was one of my favorite engagement sessions of the season! Johna and Brendon are getting married at Bear Mountain Inn next summer and I can’t wait to be part of their big day. Choosing a couple different outfits for your engagement session is a wonderful way to mix things up and capture different looks. Johna wore a beautiful blush dress, which was absolutely whimsical. In true Maine fashion, they changed into a casual plaid outfit for their second look. Also, as most of you know, I’m a HUGE dog lover and I think incorporating your furry friends into your engagement session is such a wonderful way to get great family photos.
November 8, 2019
Autumn is an inherently elegant time of year. Cerulean skies contrast beautifully against radiant fall foliage and the wind carries just enough of a chill to fill your head with visions of curling up in front of a roaring fire. Christina and Adam’s late September wedding on Peak Island, Maine was a stylish celebration of their love – all set against the beautiful, seasonal scenery of New England.
The two decided to tie the knot in a place that is exceptionally close to their hearts. Their modern romance began after being matched on a dating site and led to a rain-soaked proposal during a thunderstorm near Maine’s Little Sebago Lake. The couple – who are avid golfers and love to travel – soon realized that the location for their future wedding was right in front of their faces the entire time. They often sat upon the bride’s uncle’s dock, which faced the picturesque TEIA – a historic social and boating club full of antiquated charm. They paired this stunning Peak’s Island location with the bride’s favorite season, and their wedding day vision began to come to life.
On a bright, blue sky day, this wonderful couple walked down the aisle and pledged their lives to one another. Stylish and simplistic, the bride looked stunning in a vintage-inspired ballgown that featured beautiful long sleeves and a statement-making silhouette. Her long hair flowed to her shoulders in loose, effortless waves, making her the picture of classic elegance. The bridesmaid’s navy blue gowns perfectly complemented the groom’s navy blue suit, while his burnt orange tie looked exquisite next to the bride’s gorgeous bouquet of rich, autumnal blooms.
While some weddings have a tendency to take themselves too seriously, Christina and Adam’s left a little room for whimsy. Vintage automobiles played a role in bringing the bride to her ceremony, which faced the island’s sunny shores. The LL Bean Boot – a charming new England icon – made an appearance on more than one occasion. And all of it was under the careful watch of a sweet, loyal black lab who wore a wreath of greenery.
Beautiful fall tones once again came out in full force at the sophisticated reception. Golden glassware glinted quietly from its place upon the tables as warm rays of light came pouring into the wood paneled reception space. Guests sipped Apple Cider Sangria and noshed on woodfired pizza while rows of café lights twinkled overhead. To say that Christina and Adam’s wedding was a fabulous fall affair would be quite an understatement. Rather, it was a much needed reminder that autumn in New England is nothing short of magical.
Photography: Natalya DeSena Photography
Planning: Pinch Me Planning
Florals: Yellow Twist Floral Design
Catering: Fire & Company
Stationary: Little Ivy Paper Goods
Makeup: Stacia Tetrault Beauty
Lighting: Maine Event Design and Decor
Rentals: One Stop Event Rentals
Band: Plush Music Live
Cake: Bear Brook Bakery
Sponsor: L.L. Bean
October 21, 2019
Adam and Ashley met one chilly evening in Boston, Massachusetts. Their initial encounter was centered around lively discussions about New England sports teams and a reverence for Beyoncé. They probably didn’t know it at the time, but from that day forward their lives would forever be filled with traveling, cooking, love, laughter, “doing absolutely nothing” on days when the weather refuses to cooperate, and (most importantly) golf.
In 2016, Adam bought Ashley her first set of golf clubs and introduced her to the lovely, patient nature of the sport. Even though there may have been a few meltdowns on a few greens along the way, Adam was always there by Ashley’s side. In the 4 years that have followed, their love of golf would lead to a multitude of cherished moments together. None more cherished, however, than that special round of golf in 2018 – the one where Adam got down on one knee on the first hole and asked Ashley to spend the rest of her life with him.
Just a year later, the couple hosted an intimate destination wedding in Sonoma Valley, California. Sunny golden flowers overflowed from the bride’s bouquet, contrasting against a minimalistic ivory gown that made her look sleek, sophisticated, and vibrant all at once. Guests wore bright colors, bold floral prints, and wide smiles, all which highlighted – and never detracted from – the simple, stylish décor. From the whimsical natural scenery to the gentle glow of overhead café lights, the overall ambiance was somehow both comfortable and incredibly chic.
Weddings have a tendency to be about more than just the two people saying their “I Do’s.” They are often huge affairs that are centered around color schemes, seating arrangements, and cautious family dynamics. Anyone who has ever attended, hosted, or worked a lavish, large wedding knows by the end, the happy couple is lucky if they get a moment to pause, take a breath, or absorb the true beauty of the love story unfolding in front of them. Romance is always the byproduct of these events.
The thing that truly made this effortlessly romantic and insanely gorgeous wedding differ from so many others was Ashley and Adam – Two people who never seemed too distracted or preoccupied to notice the incredible love story unfolding in front of them. Their relaxed attitudes, effortless focus, and overwhelming patience (maybe like the kind you can only learn on a quiet golf course) allowed them to create one of the most magical wedding days I have ever experienced.
There’s no denying that this entire event was exquisite and thoughtfully designed. Yet it wasn’t the elegant décor or the crisp table settings or the manicured lawn or the breathtaking landscapes that guests would remember when they went home for the evening. It was the authenticity and overwhelming amount of love that constantly filled the air and illuminated every single photograph taken during the day.
Photography: Natalya DeSena Photography
Planner: Pinch Me Planning
Venue & Farm to Table Catering: Beltane Ranch
Florals: Venn Floral
Officiant: Joan Withers Priest
Rentals & Decor: Encore Rentals
Stationary: Paper Trousseau
Dress: Suzanne Neville
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Hair & Makeup: Bridal Beauty on the Go
September 17, 2019
Located just a ferry ride from Portland is Peak’s Island – a quaint little place that is a veritable work of art. Every visitor to its shores is enchanted by the swirling blue-green ocean waves, lush foliage, wave-worn rocks, and colorful boats bobbing in the harbor. The sky starts in a barely-there light blue before fading into a misty white as it eventually meets the horizon. And then there are the views, which endlessly stretch in all directions. It’s a microcosmic version of Maine. Everything that makes our state breathtaking exists in droves upon Peak’s Island.
Carolyn and Matt’s refined Maine wedding felt perfectly at home in this charming locale. Because so many guests were attending from out of town, the couple saw their nuptials as the perfect excuse to show everyone in attendance just how beautiful and awe-inspiring Maine can be. Especially in the summer, when the days are long, the weather is perfect, and there’s already that infinite feeling hanging around in the air.
When planning a wedding on Peak’s Island, it seems blasphemous to use colors that aren’t already present within the island’s captivating natural color story. Stylish and restrained touches of sky blue, cloud white, and sage green came together perfectly in Carolyn and Matt’s décor, creating a soft, elegant palette that made coastal Maine seem like it was designed specifically to complement their big day. The only thing more stunning than the wedding itself was how breathtaking Carolyn looked in her graceful, minimalistic bridal gown.
When color did come into play, it did so with an appropriate amount of whimsy. Dusty pink bridesmaids gowns perfectly suited the vibrant, expressive, and beautiful ladies who made sure the bride’s glass was always poured full of Prosecco. The men – fresh off of a fishing boat, no less – provided a strong foundation in their navy blue suits. Touches of East Coast charm abounded – and while there’s nothing more quintessentially “New England” than a football rivalry (the groom is an Eagles fan, while the bride cheers on the Patriots), it was the one “New England” detail the bride and groom decided their wedding could do without.
From a joy-filled first look on the island’s sandy shore to portraits of a newly married couple in front of a quickly fading golden sunset, Carolyn and Matt’s wedding was as timeless as the shoreline and as enchanting as the views that extend from Peak’s Island in every direction. There was a gossamer, lighter-than-air magic that veiled the entire event. The kind of magic that this Maine wedding photographer firmly believes can only be found in a refined East Coast wedding like this one.
Venue: The Inn on Peaks Island
Photography: Natalya DeSena Photography
Bouquets: Bad Rabbit Flowers
Ceremony and Reception Florals: Hannah Rae Florals
Band: The Carmine Band
Hair: Mint Salon Block
Makeup: Makeup By Danaface
Bride’s Dress: Blush Portland
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Cake: Nothing Bakes Like A Parrott
Video: Mehler Productions
