When Lauren and Bryan met with me this past summer to discuss their October wedding at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm, they told me that the event was going to be very non-traditional and a reflection of their unique personalities. Lauren talked about wearing a very different style of wedding dress and they said the ceremony was going to be very special and perhaps something I had never seen before.
Boy, were they right!
Their wedding was my last one in Maine for this past 2014 season and I could not have asked for a better way to end the year. When I arrived at Lauren’s parents house in Kennebunkport to greet her the morning of the wedding, I was giddy to find Lauren not prepping her white or ivory wedding gown, but rather showing off her gold and black wrap dress to a living room of friends, asking for advice on how she should tie it. It was absolutely perfect and so Lauren. With feathers in her hair, and burgundy suede pumps on her feet, she tied her gown in a delicate, strapless pattern and cinched it with a bow on her back. Meanwhile, in the next house over, Bryan was getting very dashing in his brown suit (yes, brown) from Joseph’s in the Old Port, only to find that the store had given him two left shoes! Hey, there’s always a hiccup in the say somewhere. But not to worry! That’s what friends are for. A quick drive up the highway to Portland by a friend that was standing by and Bryan had his correct shoes by ceremony time.
After a gorgeous sun kissed session of portraits and the exchanging of gifts at a friends house on the marsh in Kennebunkport, the two traveled to the Wells in a vintage, open air car, driven by a family friend. They arrived on the farm to all their friends and family seated in a circle for one of the most unique ceremonies I have ever seen. Instead of an isle with guests on either side, Lauren and Bryan walked each other to the ceremony, parted ways at opposite sides of the circle and then joined in the middle to be surrounded by their guests. A unique reading was done by friends in every quadrant of the circle, North, East, South and West, all representing the different phases of life. Then at that final turn, the two read their vows to each other as the sun beamed behind them and began its western decent behind the golden, fall foliage.
A champagne toast and some delicious treats were shared outside the barn and then it was inside the stunning, rustic barn for some artisanal food and drink provided by Hugos and Eventide and a rocking dance party to the sounds of the Larry Williams Band. The barn was a gorgeous display of lights and fall decor thanks to the stylings of Seacoast Harbor Events and Beautiful Days. I could go on forever how about lovely and different this wedding was, but I think I’ll just let the photos do the talking from here.
Congratulations Lauren and Bryan! I was honored to be there to capture the pure emotion of this day for you two. I wish you all the best in your years to come together.
Venue: Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm
Planning & Day of Coordination: Seacoast Harbor Events
Lighting & Draping: Beautiful Days
Flowers: Flora Brown of Frinklepod Farm
Catering & Pies: Hugos and Eventide
Band: The Larry Williams Band
Hair & Makeup: Fringe
Gown: Angelrox
Grooms Suit: Joseph’s of Portland
