I love a good island wedding, and this one was one is for the books. It is always fun packing your gear and hopping on a boat to a beautiful Maine Island Wedding. I met this lovely couple almost 2 years ago for a surprise engagement session from Katherine’s mom. I loved being apart of that moment and when they asked me to photograph their wedding I have been eagerly waiting for their big day! Katherine and John are just about as sweet as they come. Katherine grew up in Maine but has relocated to Texas with John so this Maine destination wedding was extra special for the couple at the beautiful Chebeague Island Inn. There were so many wonderful highlights and memories of their wedding dayI, but my favorite moment was their first look on the beach. I love when couples take a moment just the two of them to focus on what matters most… the love they share.  Thank you for asking me to capture your perfect wedding day, I had a wonderful time!

Love & Joy

Siobhan

How did you guys meet?

John and I met in April, 2011 through mutual friends at the University of Richmond, where we both attended college. The night we met we spent hours talking and I invited John to have brunch with me and some friends the following day. I was shocked when he actually came! We quickly discovered that we had so much fun together. Throughout college our relationship grew thanks to many pig roasts, hockey games, beach weeks, military balls, and countless visits to both our hometowns.

Where did he propose?

In Summer 2015, John and I decided to take a much needed vacation up to Maine for my family’s annual “Cousins Weekend.” After playing in a day-long corn-hole tournament, more than thirty of my family members headed to the beach for a bonfire. John asked me to take a walk along the water, where he proposed! I was so surprised – which is no easy feat! My mom was in on the surprise with John and had hid cases of champagne so our entire family could toast our new life together. John’s proposal is one of my favorite memories and I feel so blessed to have been able to share that special night with my whole family.

Why did you choose a destination wedding to Maine?

John and I dated for over six years before getting married and some of our favorite memories are of time spent visiting Maine and my hometown of Cape Elizabeth. We loved the idea of having our guests experience Portland and Casco Bay. We visited several venues, but immediately fell in love with the Chebeague Island Inn because we loved the idea of guests renting houses or staying at the inn for several days leading up to the wedding. It was an opportunity for everyone to escape their busy lives and spend time together. We wanted it to feel like a vacation for each of our guests, even if they are from Maine!

What advice to you have for couples planning a destination wedding? 

It can be difficult working with vendors from so far away. My biggest advice is to start planning early and to remain organized throughout the entire process. I am so thankful we had a long engagement because we were able to take our time and enjoy the planning process. John was a very involved groom, which was amazing because we really worked together to make each decision. I was also extremely fortunate to have my wonderful mother living in Maine. She was a huge help and was able to communicate face-to-face with vendors when we weren’t able to.

What is one of your favorite memories of your wedding day?

We both agree that our absolute favorite part of the day was the ceremony. We stood with our siblings and closest friends and chose readings that truly meant something to us. We also wrote our own vows, so reading them to each other was such a personal and intimate moment. Being able to share the love we have for one another while being surrounded by family and friends was a wonderful, emotional experience which we will remember forever.  

VENDORS:

Photography: Maine Tinker Photography

Venue/ Food: Chebeague Island Inn

Tent: Sperry Tents

Rentals: Savvy Event

DJ: Bob, Double Platinum Celebrations

Hair: Jenna Richardson of  Adaliasalon

Makeup: Hanna Jalbert