Megan and Adam rented out a home on Kittery Point for them and their families for a whole week. With everyone coming in from across the U.S., a spring vacation in southern Maine became the best way to gather for their wedding celebration. From the first moment of their weekend, I knew Megan and Adam were surrounded by so much love. Family and friends pitched in to deliver the most incredible food (served seemingly non-stop for two days straight), an incredibly adorable homemade and decorated cake, curated selections of wine, & beautiful hair and makeup.

A couple walks down a stretch of grass on the coast of Maine for their wedding day on black and white film

Planning an intimate backyard wedding

Megan and Adam rented out a home on Kittery Point in southern Maine. Having been to Maine before, they loved the idea of the rugged Maine landscape as the backdrop to their day. The oceanfront rental allowed them to spend time with family during the week, all while planning an intimate two-day wedding celebration Friday and Saturday.

Documentary New England wedding photographer

Their hope was to have flexibility in the day to focus on seeing friends and being together in celebration. As part of their plan, they decided to have a more intimate ceremony on Friday with family and close friends, and then a slightly larger reception and party on Saturday. In doing so, I witnessed so many moments of genuine connection, laughter, and catching up with a flexible extended day that allowed true celebration. It was the first time many of their friends were meeting, and Saturday became a day for people to get to know one another while celebrating Megan and Adam.

Bride, groom, and guests cheersing and drinking champagne before their outdoor backyard wedding ceremony in souther maine

Incorporating personal touches throughout your wedding day

Each detail of their wedding was intentionally created. From the photos of friend and family weddings to the exquisite flower crowns and table arrangements (supplied by a merry b), Megan and Adam curated their wedding to include so many personal touches.

A bride blows a dandelion before her ceremony in kittery maine

Their wedding day featured bits and pieces of their personality. Adam, co-owning a wine distribution company, made sure to supply the wedding with curated wines. As a baker, his dad and sister handmade and decorated the cake with custom toppers. The flower girls wore the same style of dresses from a past family wedding. Their wedding rings were family heirlooms from grandparents & great grandparents. All of these little details added up to a wedding weekend full of sentimentality and love.

A focus on photographing your unique love language

Megan and Adam wanted their photographs to document a feeling of joy and celebration. Photographs true to the day, minimal posing, and candid moments of them just being with their people. It is one thing to say this, and another to actually embrace authenticity and connection on a wedding day (and Megan and Adam absolutely embraced this - staying present and enjoying their wedding!). Because we took minimal time for posed portraits, they were able to connect with their guests.

There was then more time for candid moments with friends and family. Time for hugs and tears and chats on the lawn. My advice to couples is to simplify, simplify, simplify. Create space in your wedding for those candid moments to arise. The beautiful photos will arise, but ultimately, I want you to actually enjoy your day, so take the time to linger on a conversation, watch the sunset together, and soak in the specialness of it all.