Wedding Date: May 21st 2022

This was a destination wedding like none other. For myself and my photographer friend, Colin, we took train, plane, car, and even a ferry to reach this remote island, but for Kayleigh and John, it was like coming home.

When I got the call from Kayleigh and John, it was like reconnecting with old friends. We had so many people in common and I even photographed their cousin’s wedding! They were our very first wedding on the books for 2022 and the date couldn’t come soon enough. They dreamed up an incredibly personal wedding adventure out to a small island in Maine. John’s grandfather was one of the first settlers on the island and their family heritage is everywhere from the street names to family homes dotted around the small community. I called on my friend Colin Leibold, to fly in from California and join me to capture this epic adventure. We met along the sleepy coast of Maine and enjoyed some of the finest lobster rolls of my life before boarding the ferry that would take us to the small residential island.

Thick coastal fog greeted us on the wedding day and turned the landscape into a beautiful romantic scene right out of a movie. As the boats in the harbor bobbed up and down, Kayleigh and John put on their finishing touches. John and his dad had a very special surprise planned for their first look and I was over the moon. We made our way down the long dock surrounded by calm water and foggy air, to his dad's beautiful sailboat. Not long after, the sound of the waves fell away as Kayleigh’s footsteps could be heard on the old wooden planks. They were all smiles the second they saw one another and then John and his dad invited us on board for a memorable cruise along the shore that would end up being one of my favorite moments in the past few years.

As the boat effortlessly sailed through the inky waters, John’s father looked on at the couple filled with pride. There’s something about a dad behind the wheel of a boat with his kids on board that really makes for the happiest man on earth. Colin stayed back on shore and followed our progress with his drone which made for some breathtaking images of our surroundings. We made our way back to town a little windblown and extremely happy.

This historic chapel is very special to their family and you could feel the history as soon as you opened the doors. It felt as though everyone from the past was there in attendance smiling down on this perfect pair. They were all smiles as they danced their way down the aisle for their grand exit. Flower pedals rained down and once again it seemed like a perfect still right out of a romantic movie. We explored the coastline and relived old memories that were unturned at every corner. Then we came across a boat that was called “ball and chain” and everyone had a good laugh.

Back at the reception, the party was in full swing. Fresh lobster rolls and local wine awaited us and the couple exchanged fresh oysters in lieu of a traditional cake cutting. They wanted all of their guests to feel welcomed and like they had the full Maine experience. Not only did they achieve their goal, but I think more than a few guests started browsing local properties after this festive event. The evening ended on the dancefloor and you could hear their laughter float on the cool evening breeze as the fog rolled back in to tuck in this sleepy town that wasn’t so sleepy tonight.

Amazing Vendors: Tarratine Golf Club (reception venue), Christ Church of Dark Harbor (ceremony venue), Seasons Downeast Designs (florist), One Stop Event Rentals (decor), 111 Maine (catering), Sweet Sensations (dessert), Your Day by Nicole (dress boutique), BLK Tux (suit designer), Natasha Baxter (hair and makeup), Lauren Q Design Studio (stationery), Beat Train Productions (dj), Delaina Doshi (calligrapher)