Marry ME 2023_Maine Weddings

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Cover Photo

Sailing off into the sunset on Sebago Lake in Casco.

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PHOTO

COREY BUTLER OF REVOLUTION SUMMER PHOTOGRAPHY

MAGICAL MAINE SPOTS TO PUT A Ring on It

A proposal at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth.

HATTIE MAE PHOTOGRAPHY

9 MEMORABLE MAINE SPOTS FOR WEDDING PROPOSALS

BY ERINNE MAGEE

We are lucky to be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes at every turn, making Maine the ideal spot to pop the question, but that doesn’t mean choosing the perfect backdrop for your dream proposal is easy. To help narrow down these picturesque locations to find The One, we’ve left out the more common spots like Cadillac Mountain (or anything Acadia) and compiled a list of some local gems that have a little less foot traffic.

Here are nine spots to put a ring on it:

r ABOARD THE KATAHDIN ON MOOSEHEAD LAKE

With the shimmer of Moosehead Lake all around and Katahdin and Kineo on the horizon, a cruise on this historic steamboat makes for a serene backdrop. That boat sails from May through mid-October.

r OVERLOOKING MOXIE FALLS

The trail into Moxie Falls is a little under a mile, leading to various picture-perfect spots to get down on one knee. Several stairs lead to and from the waterfall views, featuring 90 feet of roaring water.

r LOWES COVERED BRIDGE

BETWEEN GUILFORD AND SANGERVILLE

The bridge takes on a different type of beauty depending on the season. But there’s something extra special about the spot in autumn, when colorful leaves are draping around the bridge.

r BUCKSPORT WATERFRONT WALKWAY

A paved path meanders along the river, just across from the banks of Fort Knox. Take in the sights of Penobscot Narrow Bridge stretching for the clouds, creating a striking background for your celebration photos.

zz

Stroll through the 1,400 acres that make up the preserve, where you’re sure to find the perfect proposal spot somewhere between the three gardens full of blooms and lush greenery. The gardens are open from May until Oct. 27, but the paths and carriage roads around Little Long Pond can be accessed year -round.

There’s something majestic about being surrounded by a field of flowers towering over you. Seize the moment at the Sunflower Maze at Country Junction between midAugust and the end of September, depending on the season’s bloom.

Once known as Hobbitland to locals, this trail system does not have hobbit homes, but stone bridges, serene waterfalls, and beautiful meadows make up this historic nature preserve. Open year-round from dawn until dusk.

r ASTICOU AZALEA GARDEN IN NORTHEAST HARBOR

r SUNFLOWER MAZE IN BRADFORD

r VAUGHAN WOODS & HISTORIC HOMESTEAD IN HALLOWELL

Getting engaged on Mackworth Island in Casco Bay.

HATTIE MAE PHOTOGRAPHY

r WEST QUODDY HEADLIGHT IN LUBEC

Watch the sunrise from the easternmost point in the continental U.S., with the iconic red-and-white-striped lighthouse in the frame as you capture your special moment. Though the state park itself is officially open May 15 to Oct. 15, visitors can still enjoy lighthouse views in the offseason by parking outside the gate and walking in.

r BORESTONE MOUNTAIN AUDUBON SANCTUARY

For a more adventurous proposal, consider hiking the moderately strenuous Borestone Mountain for stunning 360 degree views from its two peaks that reach 2,000 feet above sea level. From June through October, visitors can also stay in one of the three Adirondack-style lodges. Z

CHEERS TO THE Bride

BACHELORETTE PARTY IDEAS FOR GREATER BANGOR BRIDES

BY MARISSA DONOVAN

I’ve witnessed pink sashes with white veils. I’ve heard “woo-hooing” women in party dresses. This could happen anywhere, but I always enjoy spotting a local bachelorette party around Greater Bangor. You may wonder, “What is there to do for a bachelorette party around here?” Here are a few ideas for the Maid of Honor who wants to keep the party local.

z COCKTAIL PARTY

Did you know...

In ancient Rome, bridesmaids were tasked with protecting the bride. They wore the same dresses as the bride to confuse evil spirits from finding the soonto-be-betrothed and cursing her. Those matching bridesmaids dresses don’t seem so bad now, do they?

Toast to the soon-to-be bride on the rooftops of Kanu in Orono or The Tarratine in Bangor. If you want to take a trip down memory lane, you could even book the second floor of Kanu for a nostalgic slideshow for the bride by using their projector. In the fall, sip drinks at the Lucerne Inn while watching the leaves change over the lake. The private room upstairs in Paddy Murphy’s would be perfect for a party that is happening during the winter holiday season. Any Christmas-loving bride will love looking out to see the large tree and all the lights downtown.

z A DRAG SHOW

Support your local drag queens by attending a show hosted by Dragalicious Divas. Make sure to tell all of your partygoers to bring plenty of dollar bills for tipping the queens. No matter what the season may be, they post all upcoming shows on their Facebook page and Instagram. You also have the opportunity to book a private party by contacting them through Facebook or by email at DDDrag@yahoo.com.

z SPA DAY

Having a spa day can ease the stress of a busy bride. Allow your whole party to decompress at Anthony John’s in Bangor. Select a package for your guests to experience, including services like Swedish massage, classic facials, manicures and pedicures, and a hair wash and blowout.

z A HOUSEPLANT WORKSHOP

Houseplant collecting bridesmaids and brides looking to improve their green thumb can unite during a Mainely Succulents workshop event. Their Plant & Sips are excellent for catching up with friends you haven’t seen in forever. You can call Mainely Succulents at (207) 735-3706 if you are interested in coordinating a private workshop.

z A MOVIE NIGHT

Do you know some of the bride’s favorite romantic comedies? What about movies from her childhood? Rent out a theater at Queen City Cinema Club and have each attendee dress for the theme, like campers from “The Parent Trap” or have them bedazzle in pink to watch “Barbie.” Queen City Cinema Club also has a menu of fun cocktails and pizza you can share with your whole party. For new releases the bride has been dying to see, check upcoming showtimes at Bangor Mall Cinema 10 in Bangor or Black Bear Cinema in Orono. Z

IN Tradition

POPULAR AND LASTING WEDDING TRADITIONS STEEPED

Wedding guests recognize that certain traditions are commonplace. And while couples needn’t feel beholden to popular wedding rituals, there is a rich history behind many familiar customs. Traditions can also serve as a connection point to the ceremonies of their parents, grandparents, and ancestors. Here’s a look at traditions past and present and the meaning behind these customs.

z OLD, NEW, BORROWED, BLUE

The items in the rhyme “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” are intended to symbolize the bride’s past (something old) and future (something new), as well as her connection to other married couples (something borrowed). Blue is a symbol of purity, love, and fidelity. These items are traditionally given to the bride-to-be by family members or female friends who are already married.

z BRIDAL VEIL

Some trace the tradition of wearing a veil back to ancient Greece, while others suggest it began in the days of the Roman Empire. Veils were believed to shield brides from evil spirits, thus paving the way for a healthy and happy future.

z TYING THE KNOT

“Tying the knot” stems from the custom of “handfasting,” which is a common practice among various cultures around the world, and notably in ancient Rome. The bride and groom’s hands are tied together for the duration of the ceremony, not to be released until the wedding is made official.

z BREAKING GLASS

Within the Jewish faith, one member of the couple will stomp on a carefully wrapped glass to serve as a reminder of the destruction of the Jewish temples and to inspire reflection among those in attendance. Italian newlyweds also may smash glass, but they’ll do it with a little more gusto. Local tradition in Italy dictated that, at the end of the wedding, the newly married couple would smash a wine glass. Folklore suggests that the number of pieces the glass breaks into indicates how many years the couple will stay together. Z

5 Ways to

INCORPORATE SOME PERSONALITY INTO YOUR DAY

Time-honored traditions are important, but there’s always room to let your personalities shine through as well.

r 1. CUSTOM-DESIGNED RINGS. Couples can work with jewelers to have rings made to their specifications, and select styles that complement one another but may be slightly different in design.

r 2. CUT OUT THE CAKE.

Not fans of traditional sponge cake with buttercream or fondant overlay? Serve

something different like a tower of decadent brownies, cheesecake or pie with Maine berries, or a stack of fruit-andcream-filled crêpes.

r 3. WRITE YOUR OWN VOWS. Couples can showcase humor, compassion, quirks, and more with the messages they share with one another.

r 4. CUSTOMIZE TABLE NUMBERING. There is no rule that the tables have to be organized by numbers. Those who like

movies can name the tables by movie titles. A couple that loves to travel can make the tables destinations around the world.

r 5. SERVE CUSTOM COCKTAILS. Traditional drinks can be given custom names that showcase details of the couple’s lives or how they met. If someone is a microbrewer or winemaker, these boutique beverages can also be served.

Allow your creativity and personality to shine through on your wedding day. Z

PHOTOS: (LEFT) HATTIE

MAE PHOTOGRAPHY; (RIGHT)

Newly weds at Portland City Hall. HATTIE MAE PHOTOGRAPHY

IZZY BOUCHARD PHOTOGRAPHY

PERFECTPicture

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICA GODINO, HILARY TURNER, AND THE PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM OF CLOSER NORTH PHOTOGRAPHY COMPANY

BY MARISSA DONOVAN

There are so many photographers, styles, and options to choose from when it comes to capturing your engagement and wedding day. To help see the bigger picture, I asked photographers Corey Butler of Revolution Summer Photography in Unity, Izzy Bouchard of Izzy Bouchard Photography in Skowhegan, Hattie Wanning of Hattie Mae Photography in Portland, and Erica Godino, Lead Photographer and Owner of Closer North Photography Company on Verona Island, what they thought based on their experience behind the lens.

z ARE THERE ANY NEW TRENDS WHEN IT COMES TO WEDDING PHOTOS?

BOUCHARD: Everyone is wanting to do these “first looks,” which is a very private moment, usually between the bride and groom – and myself. They sometimes recite their vows. I think they do it because traditionally folks were walking down the aisle, and that is when they would see the bride for the first time, and maybe the groom might cry. But for the first look it’s more private. This gives them the opportunity to just focus on each other and have that special moment just between them.

BUTLER: I would say there is more of an emphasis on authenticity and capturing the moment. You think of photos that were styled from even 10 to 15 years ago. People really wanted those clearly set up and staged. As younger folks are getting married, you think of the generation who are sort of pushing away social media. They really do appreciate imperfections and genuine imperfect moments. They appreciate that a lot more than earlier generations who maybe want to see something a little more tailored and even editorialized.

z WHAT ABOUT ENGAGEMENT PHOTO TRENDS?

WANNING: The blurry photo trend is really in right now, like motion blur, and getting a lot of hand shots with the ring. Definitely more motion and less posed, which is very fun and makes the photos feel a little less rigid.

z WHERE ARE SOME GREAT PLACES TO TAKE ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS IN MAINE?

GODINO: A lot of times I suggest something different than their venue type so they have a variety. If they want a little bit of everything, state parks are great, like Wolf Point State Park in Freeport. Sears Island is popular in my area because it’s forgotten about, and it tends to be abandoned. A lot of people want to go to Acadia, but I tend to veer away from it depending on the time of year. You can get that look throughout Maine and a lot of areas. I even like the conservation in Brewer, which no one really talks about.

BOUCHARD: Viles Arboretum in Augusta is awesome. There are usually a few other photographers there during golden hour, but it’s such a large area. It’s a nature center, essentially. French's Mountain in Rome is also popular. It’s a beautiful overlook of Long Pond. One last place is an overlook in Madison [that looks out over] the Bigelow Mountains. Anyone can just drive there. It’s gorgeous. The sun sets right behind the mountains.

MAINE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

SHARE TIPS, TRENDS, FAVORITE SITES, AND MORE

IZZY BOUCHARD PHOTOGRAPHY

IZZY BOUCHARD PHOTOGRAPHY

COREY BUTLER OF REVOLUTION SUMMER PHOTOGRAPHY

z DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WEDDING VENUE IN MAINE?

WANNING: I really love William Allen Farm in Pownal. Their staff is amazing. The venue is gorgeous. Their sunsets over the pond there, and the wedding barn is just a really cool spot for traditional weddings. My favorite wedding venue that is nontraditional would be Acadia. I just love photographing in the park when people elope.

GODINO: Bar Harbor Inn in Bar Harbor for their variety that they can offer to a large wedding or one that is very small. They have different room types, so they can apply to more clients. It’s a very epic, beautiful venue. Another one I like if you’re talking about what I would consider high end is French’s Point in Stockton Springs. [It’s] the epitome of perfection. I really enjoy Spruce Point Inn in Boothbay. It’s just very well done and the accommodations are nice for how much you can utilize in that space.

z IDEALLY, HOW FAR AHEAD WOULD YOU RECOMMEND BOOKING A PHOTOGRAPHER?

BUTLER: It depends on who you want and what you’re looking for in those photos. It’s really tricky. If you have an idea of what you’re looking for, or even better, who you want, that’s going to determine how soon you need to book. If the person or the kind of style you’re looking for is in [high demand], you may be calling them over a year in advance.

z WHAT DO YOU THINK MAINE COUPLES SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN BOOKING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

BOUCHARD: You want a photographer who makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera, because I swear, nine times out of 10 my clients will say, “I don’t like the way I look on camera. I don’t feel comfortable.” The biggest part of my job is making an instant connection with my clients and making them feel more comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera so I can capture these natural reactions and ultimately make them happy in front of the camera. Make sure you talk to your photographer before you hire them. Set up a Zoom meeting or phone meeting just to get to know their personality. Do they make you laugh? Do they make you uncomfortable? I’ve had some clients who originally hired another photographer, but they didn’t end up clicking with them later down the road, so they ended up going with me. I just try to make a bond pretty quickly.

z WHAT HAS BEEN A PICTURE PERFECT MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER AS A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

WANNING: The first time that I left a wedding and was like, “Wow, I want to do this forever,” was my first elopement in Acadia. At the end of the night we all sat on Otter Cliff and had a little picnic and ate lobster rolls. It was just them and their intimate family. It was such a magical little moment.

BUTLER: When family members who weren’t supposed to make it end up being able to make it. I’ve had that happen a couple times over the last eight or nine years. Something about that takes a weight off [everyone’s] shoulders. Typically these are older family members. That is something that has stood out. That seems to really change everybody’s spirits. Z

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICA GODINO, HILARY TURNER, AND THE PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM OF CLOSER NORTH PHOTOGRAPHY COMPANY

IZZY BOUCHARD PHOTOGRAPHY

IZZY BOUCHARD PHOTOGRAPHY