Maine Weddings

Rustic Chic Barn Wedding in Buxton

Styles

Rustic

Description from Sarah Goodwin of Daisies & Pearls…A wedding is the perfect way to add sparkle to the long grey days of a Maine winter. A sprawling farmhouse with its rustic barn in the mountains of New England is the backdrop for this elegant winter wedding styled shoot.

The color palette of blush, champagne and soft green complements, while polished silver elements harmoniously contrast the primitive white washed exposed post interior of the barn. An invitation suite adds shimmer reminiscent of the blanket of glistening white just outside the sliding barn doors.

The bride in layers of blush tulle and her groom in grey wool say “I Do” at an altar lined with silver lanterns. She holds a bouquet of amaryllis, anemone, tulip, hydrangea, dusty miller and berries.

A beautiful farm table of shining merriment awaits the couple inside under the barn’s wrought iron and crystal chandelier. The table is decorated with a Chevron sequin table runner topped with a birch log trough filled with lovely blooms. Mercury glass votives create candlelight ambience. Silver dinnerware and flatware add even more sparkle. The table is flanked by crystal Chiavari chairs draped with garland of greens. A woodsy antler displays the table number. The stair leading to the barn’s loft is cascaded with mercury glass and candlelight.

A pink champagne tower of delight is enjoyed in the farmhouse’s conservatory before savoring a cake of silvery quilting and blushing ruffles. Afterwards the couple sneaks away for some fun in the winter wonderland with their pup.

Peabody Essex Museum

Choosing your wedding venue sets the tone for your entire wedding weekend. So why not pick a locale that’s totally unique? Enter, Peabody Essex Museum. Located in the heart of historic Salem, Massachusetts, this stunning space has three incredible rooms, as well as an outdoor garden area, that will have your guests wowed.

The Peabody Essex Museum is the perfect combination of warm + historic along with clean + modern, which makes it easy for any couple to see their wedding day vision come to life! Featuring the contemporary Atrium (which transforms beautifully from daylight to dramatic evening light), the historic + elegant East India Marine Hall and the Bartlett & Copeland Galleries which open up to the stunning Asian Gardens, this venue simply has it all. The central location puts guests close to restaurants, attractions and hotels all within walking distance!

Thanks to changes in their renovation schedule, there are still lots of Saturday night dates available at the Peabody Essex Museum in 2015. For tons more information and to book your wedding date, head over here!

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Photo Credits: Ned Jackson Photography | Kevin Liang Photography | Sherrell Photography

Some weddings are so pretty and happy, its impossible for a smile not to reach across your face. Especially when the bouquet from Flora Fauna is this stunning. With planning + event design by Maine Seasons Events, every detail looks considered, and the bride as happy and relaxed as can be. Just take a peek at Emilie Sommer‘s pictures for a lot more prettiness where that came from.

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Colorful Outdoor Wedding In Portland

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Casual Rustic

From Emilie Sommer… Cristin and John closed down the restaurant on their first date, and I can totally see why. These two are so interesting independently and together as a couple. I thoroughly enjoyed my every interaction with them since our first meeting a year ago, straight through til the end of their (most sweaty!) wedding day (truly, it broke heat records).

I beat the girls to the house after the salon, and so while our time to get ready before the ceremony was cut shorter than planned, Cristin, her ladies, and Henry the dog (as opposed to Henry her nephew) went about their last minute dressing completely cool. I even stepped in to help tackle the buttons on the back of her beautiful gown. No big deal. On our way to the church, Cristin realized she had forgotten a pair of cards she wanted to present to her parents on their ride. No big deal. Her dad forgot his notes to practice his toast. No big deal. And this continued throughout the day, Cristin, John and their families just going with the flow and enjoying the experience for what it was, not stressing about what it wasn’t. I loved that.

After the ceremony, a lovely mass performed by one of John’s childhood friends, we returned to the house for formal photos, a rather comical experience chasing occasional clouds for some nice soft light cover, chasing Henry (both the dog and the nephew), and chasing the couple as they went down to the boathouse in a gator. It was so nice to have this pause in the day to regroup and capture a bit of the property’s significance for Cristin and her family (and John, too, who has a boat at neighboring Handy Boat and spends most weekends in Maine on it).

Next, we headed over to the Barn at Flanagan Farm in Buxton, the Barn on Walnut Hill’s new sister property. Meagan of Maine Seasons Events transformed the space into a rustic, elegant atmosphere to experience the culinary creations of Masa Miyake in a lingering multi-course meal. Yum. After the sun set, Cristin and John took to the center of the floor for their first dance, a lively emotionally-tinged trumpet solo by one of their friends. Following touching parent dances (Cristin danced with her father to Willie Nelson’s, “Everywhere I go” his eyes closed the whole time. My heart ached to imagine the memories that must have been flooding his mind at that moment), guests crowded in front of the ever-amazing band, This Way, rocking and swirling and bumping about.

Such a wonderful celebration, and a treat to be the one asked to capture it. Thank you, Cristin and John. Happy congratulations to you both. xo

We all know weddings are a perfect chance for your DIY skills to shine. And for this couple, they seized the opportunity and crafted a whole gallery’s worth of lovely details. All this, of course, is beautifully complimented by florals from Broadturn Farm and one fun train ride at the Maine Narrow Gauge Rail Museum. Just take a look A Brit & A Blonde‘s snapshots from the day.

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Colorful Tea Party Wedding Inspiration

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Eatery Rustic Weddings

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Casual Whimsical

From A Brit & A Blonde… Anthony & Christina are true blue Wedding DIY’ers. Almost every single detail and décor item was done by them or one of their family or friends. The wedding booklets, the labels for those lovely Old Fashions and Lemonades that they gave out to everyone for the lil train journey, the chalkboard menu, the table plans, the wine charm place cards (they hand printed these beauties!), the ceremony candle stand, the chupah poles for the ceremony , even the chuppah itself was hand knit. Oh and last but not least – the chevron table runners. It was a destination wedding for these two lovebirds since they reside in England. Maine really stole their heart and they loved the industrial type space they found near the sea for the reception. Christina got ready on a island just across the Portland harbor – so being the gentleman that he is Anthony took a little boat across to pick up his blushing bride. The ceremony took place about a 5 minute walk from their reception on the Eastern Prom. Guests were then invited to get all aboard the train for a fun little ride around while they all mingled and drank old fashions and lemonades before being dropped back at the reception. The narrow gauge rail road station is attached to their venue – so cool. Delicious beers from Maine and New England were served for cocktails. The yellow and grey balloons that lined the ceiling added a simple and inexpensive touch of fun to the décor. And of course no wedding in Maine would be complete without a tower of Whoopie pies for dessert!

Lovelies, if you’re in need of a mood booster, look no further. This tea party inspired shoot from L. Brook Events and Emily Delamater is the definition of happy. Bursting with color and sprinkled with cuteness, including mini strawberry rhubarb pies and the most cheerful blooms you ever did see from Laurie Andrews Design, there’s sooo much more waiting in the gallery!

From L. Brook Events… There is something about the springtime that is inherently romantic. The longer, sunnier and warmer days beg for celebration and what could be more perfect then a small and intimate celebration of two people in love.

The porch of a bright and classic Victorian home in Norway, Maine was the ideal setting and provided a great backdrop for this young and fresh shoot. We chose a bright palette of peach, tiffany blue, coral, and persimmon with hints of deep red poppies for spring.

In searching for props for the table, we found a beautiful set of china and teacups that complimented our color palette and springtime theme perfectly. We wanted the shoot to feel intimate and a little non-traditional, while still capturing the whimsy and romanticism that we love about spring, so we used the teacups to display homemade, artisan marshmallows in shades of beautiful, spring hues. We incorporated other vintage props from the 1950’s in our design, as well fresh peaches and nectarines that were just coming into season to create this fresh and bright look.

Colorful Coastal Maine Wedding

There are few things more serene than an open field, which is why we’re so taken by this stunning wedding in Tenant’s Harbor, Maine. Also, the florals from Lyonelle Clark Landscaping truly standout from the wedding-flower pack (just look at the carrot and dahlia centerpiece. Brilliant!) There’s a whole gallery of this loveliness too, so get ready to bask in the glory of Zwickerhill Photography‘s pictures below.

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Rustic Weddings Tented

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Maine Seaside Cottage Wedding

From Zwickerhill Photography…Jeremy and Elizabeth had a beautiful outdoor wedding on a rented farm in Tenant’s Harbor which is in the Midcoast region of Maine. The ceremony was in the field behind the farm and the reception was in the most extravagant tent I have ever seen. Timothy Shields from Ambience Event Services (who also does the lighting and design for the Maine Film Festival) set full size birch trees next to the tent pillars, bringing the outdoors indoors, and lit the trees so that the shadows of leaves flittered across the roof of the tent. Dancing and dessert followed the reception in the barn with the best man/DJ working the crowd from his vantage point in the hayloft. A fun DIY element to the event was the family table signing at the ceremony. As a furniture maker, Jeremy did a special maple table top which everybody at the wedding signed with a wood-burner. Friends of the couple contributed hugely. The chuppah, the wedding cake (Ashley Bliss at Beach Pea in Kittery), countless decorations, the photo booth, gifts for the guests (jam), and much more were all done with the help of the couple’s friends.

Let me set the scene for you… you arrive from a coastal trolly tour and stroll up onto a sweet seaside cottage, a Sperry Tent in the backyard and a mouthwatering clambake filling the air with undeniably delicious smells. It’s no doubt a quintessential Maine wedding—among our favorite New England variety here at SMP. With Daisies & Pearls heading up the coordination at this oceanfront fete and Brea McDonald behind every lovely capture, you can see it all right here.

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Classic Coastal Maine Shoot at the Lobster Pound

From Daisies and Pearls… A lovely couple, with their adorable pup by their side, join in marriage at a quintessential Maine seaside cottage, with close family and friends gathered under a Sperry sailcloth tent, while enjoying a delicious lobster bake on rustic farm tables adorned with beautiful blooms; these are a few of the details that made Kristen and Andy’s Cape Neddick wedding most memorable. However the most beloved memory of their wedding day is the ever present smile on each of their faces and delight twinkling in their eyes, so beautifully captured by Heidi with Brea McDonald Photography.

Guests arrived on site after a scenic trolley ride through Ogunquit and down the winding coast. Upon their arrival they were directed down the hill to the rocky shore for the ceremony. Coral rose petals and navy satin ribbon decorated the aisle with a rustic driftwood arbor against the panoramic ocean view. The bridal party carried bouquets of hydrangeas, roses, Hypericum Berries and Queen Anne’s Lace crafted by Blooms Flower Shoppe, which complemented the navy color palette. Floyd, the ring bearer, wore a floral collar as he escorted the Maid of Honor down the aisle.

Once the Groom kissed his Bride, guests were treated to a cocktail social featuring a jazz quartet on the lawn of the property. As twilight drew near guests found their seats under the sailcloth tent for a traditional Maine lobster bake by Foster’s Downeast Clambake. Rustic farm tables were topped with navy bengaline table runners which were matched with navy and white striped napkins. The tablescapes, melodies of hydrangeas, roses, Queen Anne’s Lace and floating candles, enchanted the tent. The sweet sounds of Honey Train and sweet taste of a seaside inspired cake by Let Them Eat Cake, kept guests delighted throughout the evening.

My love for New England is pretty apparent to anyone that crosses my path, so when Geneve Hoffman sent over this Maine-inspired fête I could barely contain my happiness. It has me itching to throw a summer soiree and drooling over their delicious menu. All I can say is that if I was invited to this gorgeous party planned by the talented Maine Seasons Events, I don’t think I would ever leave.

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From Geneve Hoffman…Melissa Young at the lobster pound asked us to create a styled shoot to feature the decor and style of the restaurant for future brides to get inspired by. It’s all natural, original wood inside and has the most captivating view of the harbor. It’s about as classic Maine as you can get–but we decided to do a fun updated riff on classic Maine Americana.

With a palette of cadet blue, aqua, red, granite gray, maize yellow, and white, the inspiration for this design came from a casual, Maine summer lobster dinner, incorporating wildflowers, lanterns, sea grass, Atlantic coast beach stones and mussel shells, against a classic red plaid outdoor fabric table runner.

Vintage enamelware flower containers and blue enamelware dishes nod to classic Maine lobster bake traditions, updated with red striped linen hand towels to serve as a lobster bib. Nautical metal lantern, net and sea grass elements tie in the ocean side location, and a hand painted table number is fashioned out of a found beach rock. Favors of hand made Maine salt water taffy are presented in genuine net bait bags, and dessert of wild Maine blueberry gallette with hand made vanilla ice cream is a modern dessert option to echo the traditional blueberry cake often served with a lobster dinner in Maine.

Summer Trends with Brideside + A Giveaway!

Here at SMP, the name Brideside has become synonymous with fabulous bridesmaids dresses that your ladies can try on at home! This summer, they’ve got their online shop filled to the brim with gorgeousness — and they’re hosting an incredible giveaway that you won’t want to miss!

Offering brides a top-notch selection of dresses by some of the best designers out there (we’re talking LHC Couture and Wtoo by Watters to name a few!) and an amazing, easy-to-use shop at-home site, Brideside has it all when it comes to dressing your maids. Letting you and your ladies search by color, fit, theme or designer, Brideside then shops up to three samples straight to your home via a Brideside Box! Talk about convenient. To ensure your picks are the perfect fit, they calculate your recommended size with a high-tech fit calculator, and your very own personal stylist will be sure to confirm size + fit! See how the entire process works right here and don’t miss the fit video here. And this summer? it’s all about the Mix + Match Long Dresses, Beachy Chic look and the Little White Dress.

For some amazing real wedding inspiration, be sure to take a peek over here. Ready to start your dress hunt with Brideside? Well now’s the time, because they’re giving SMP readers a FREE Brideside Box for the entire month of June when you sign up for a Brideside personal stylist! Head over here to get started. Ready for even more fab news?

The Prize: One lucky SMP reader will win a pair of Elizabeth Cole Statement Earrings!

To Enter: Simply enter here. The more you share, the more entries you get!

To Win: Readers must enter before June 4, 2014. A winner will be announced right here on Friday, June 5, 2014!

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Photo Credit: Andreas Photo | Annie X Photographie

Serene Wedding on Rangeley Lake

Brooklyn-based couple Alison & Aaron chose to skip the city hustle for a calm, intimate wedding in Maine. The groom’s family-owned golf course, Mingo Springs, provided a perfect venue for a day filled with lots of family, friends, crystal blue water, and pie! Feel free to get lost in the serenity of KLC Photography’s photos, and if you want to keep the peace flowing, you can find more images here.

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Outdoor Weddings

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New England Summer Wedding at Peaks Island

Alison and Aaron met and live in Brooklyn NY, but when it came to planning their wedding they always knew they wanted Maine. Aaron’s family has owned the Mingo Springs Golf Club for over 40 years and the location was the perfect backdrop for a wedding that was rustic, personal, and jubilant.

The couple took great care to include so many amazing details that spoke to their life as a couple and their love of Maine. Champagne with blueberries was served at the ceremony, the Save the Date and escort cards showed a photo of nearby Rangeley Lake, poems about the three states the couple call home were read (Maine, NY, and Iowa), and they made a surprise entrance into their reception complete with parasols and a New Orleans-style brass band. Aaron’s family’s jewish traditions were also included in the day and I had the pleasure of photographing one of the most energetic and joyful dances of the hora I had ever seen.

It was a wonderful day filled with so much love, laughter, and purely-Maine beauty.

With a long holiday weekend spent saluting our military men and women and ringing in the unofficial start to summer, we thought it fitting to share this New England summer wedding done so, so right. It’s all picnic tables, lobster and sunshine designed by True Event, plus blooms by Petal Floral Design and photography by Kathy Blanchard. See even more right here and wrap it all up with the perfect film of the day captured by Hello Super Studios.

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DIY Wedding Projects by Wayfair + A Giveaway!

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Outdoor Weddings

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Casual

From the Bride Faye… Peaks Island is a special place for Adam and I. We discovered it together, by chance, and we’ve gone back each year. It is a small island off of the coast of Portland, Maine. A really cool foodie town we traveled to in a snowstorm for our first Valentines Day. We met a old fisherman with no teeth at an oyster bar that weekend, and he told us we had to come back to Portland in the summer and take the ferry over to Peaks Island. We planned on going for 2 days in August, but we ended up staying for 5! We never wanted to leave! Between the smooth slate rocky beaches, the royal blue ocean, bicycling around all day like we were kids, the lobster steamed to order brought over on a boat with my name on it, the local honey maker who sells small jars of his nectar abandoned with an honesty box for you to pay when he’s not around (and I’ve never seen him!), the old army bunker “Battery Steele” covered in vines and street art where you can bonfire under the stars, the one bar on the island with jukebox karaoke, and the smiling neighbors who actually look up to say hello each day – we were hooked.

When I envisioned the wedding, I knew I wanted to have it by the beach- but not necessarily on the beach. I also knew I loved the look of old barns with chandeliers, and I wished I could find that perfect mix of rustic beach barn chic…

I found just that with the Peaks Island Lions Club! The grounds were right on the bluff with green grass for outdoor dining and views of the ocean. The club itself become my barn! We were able to take such a raw and sort of quirky old space and make it absolutely gorgeous with the help of our wedding planners, True Event, and our AMAZING vendors.

I was inspired by a lot of different things when I started planning, but luckily it all came together quite seamlessly. Firstly, I wanted to incorporate Balinese colors and customs, since Bali was where Adam proposed to me. The people of Bali are absolutely incredible. They are just so trusting and optimistic. For the wedding, I made my own Balinese offering baskets and we used a few exotic flowers to try and flow in a bit of their culture we loved and respected so much.

I also had just re-read the Great Gatsby in time for Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of the film, and could not help but be inspired by the descriptions of Gatsby’s elegant parties. I chose Jenny Packham’s Eden dress partly because it might have been something Daisy would wear. We drank rose champagne and other classic cocktails in antique blue ball jars. I wanted our wedding to be timeless while throwing an unforgettably fun party!

Finally, New England summers needed to play a part in our early September wedding. We didn’t want anything too nautical – but the clambake, picnic tables, and lawn games gave our guests the luxury of having one more weekend of summer. We even charted a huge sail boat the day before our wedding and sailed around the island all day singing songs with guitars and snacking over cocktails. Cocktail hour is a major part of or summer getaways. :)

There were so many incredible moments during our wedding. Our ceremony was so special. We had our first look as I walked down the aisle and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Locking eyes with Adam as my brother sang Tom Petty’s “American Girl” while my dad walked me down to him was so perfect. When we got to each other we were immediately crying and laughing and squeezing each other’s hand so much. It just felt so good! Looking around and seeing 75 of our closest friends and family support us in this place we brought them to was such a wonderful feeling. Our best friend Jason was our officiant and his words were so personal and meaningful. We have his speech and our hand written vows framed in our bedroom right now.

I would also say that having everyone on this island with us all weekend was the most memorable thing we’ve taken from our wedding. Every day someone would host something at their house. My bridesmaids and my mom threw a BBQ for us on the first night we arrived, our rehearsal dinner turned into an all night sob fest where my dad sang us an original song he wrote called “When I Give You Away,” the day after our wedding we all gathered at the Army bunker in the middle of the island at night and lit candles in the darkened passageways, always singing and laughing and having our farewell bonfires under the stars…

And finally, it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t mention the surprise Flash mob by friends choreographed for us during dinner! During speeches, the band started playing “Call Me Maybe”. I thought it was cute but I didn’t really understand what was happening until I heard the singer saying my and Adam’s names and I realized all of the lyrics had been changed to tell our love story. By the time the first chorus came around, half of the room erupted in a full on dance routine with costumes and signs and surprising participants. I love our friends so much. We have such a strong connection and I feel so lucky to have such a great group of creative and inspiring people in my life.

I made our save the dates from oyster shells Adam took from his restaurant. After thoroughly cleaning and bleaching them so they were sanitary, I glued a pearl hued M&M to each shell that had “FADAM 9.7.14” inscribed on it.

For our wedding arbor, I made my own dream catcher out of a hula hoop and ribbons and string from Jo-Ann’s fabrics. It was such a great piece to have next to us during the ceremony and I really loved the process of making it. When we got back from our honeymoon, our friends Jessie and Mark had taken it home for us and hung it on our ceiling with Edison lightbulbs as a chandelier! It was such a thoughtful and amazing gift.

It was important to us that everything was relaxed during our wedding. We were pretty unconventional in a lot of our choices. Our ceremony was non denominational, but we did have Adam stomp on a glass for a nod to Jewish tradition. We had everyone sit in communal style picnic tables on the grass for dinner, (They were warned in the dress code!) which was a buffet style New England clambake. It was fun to see everyone all dressed up with lobster bibs cracking the shells and eating steamers and corn!

I loved doing the research and finding our vendors. They really made the wedding spectacular for us. Our invitations and paper goods came from Mekala Tinnin of “a Tie that Binds” in Oregon, who was such a doll to works with, and who really made my ideas come together beautifully with her expertise and design. Becca from Petal Floral in Massachusetts was integral in the decor. Her centerpieces and our bouquets are still talked about. Our wedding cake was made by Adam’s pastry chef Thiago Silva, who makes incredible cake deigns that actually taste ridiculously good. Our photographer, Kathy Blanchard, with the help of her sister Missy, took such intimate and amazing photos. We felt so comfortable with her. Our videographer, Megan, from Hello Super 8 made our wedding video into a piece of art that we will enjoy watching over and over again. She blended our favorite music over super 8 footage of our wedding throughout the day. It is now our favorite movie. Our DJ, Lord Easy, of Karaoke Killed the Cat in Brooklyn played great music that everyone could dance to. And we danced a lot! The last hour of music was Easy MCing karaoke, and everyone absolutely killed it. Black Tie Catering from Portland Maine (just across the bay from Peaks) brought in a wonderful staff and such delicious and fresh food. Our chandeliers and lighting came from Ryan Designs, who really helped us transform the space. Our band, Miko & the Musket played for us well after they were asked to. We were all having way too much fun! And finally, our wedding planners Sarah and Caitlin were indispensable. as much as I tried to do a lot of the work for the wedding myself, I could not have done it without them. They listened to my ideas and made them come to life. Having them there that day took away all of my worries and I was able to really enjoy what we put together, and live in the moment with my new husband.

Without a doubt, one of my favorite parts of wedding planning was getting to craft + DIY little projects to really personalize my big day! So I’m really having an I-wish-I-was-still-a-bride moment after my introduction to Wayfair – the one stop shopping destination for everything home! Based in Boston, but available everywhere online, they have everything you could possibly need to craft and create until your hearts content! Take a peek below for a few fabulous DIY ideas.

Offering the largest selection of home furnishings and décor for every style and every price point, Wayfair has you covered when it comes to prepping for your reception and filling up your home with pretty after you’ve said I do! How cute are these easy to create floral napkin rings? With just a small mix of florals and herbs, they add a bit of rustic charm to your table setting. I’m loving these confetti cones made from vintage paper or script-printed scrapbook paper and secured with double-sided tape. Present them at your ceremony in a sweet wooden box, and voila — an inexpensive and totally unique DIY craft!

I’m seriously smitten with this pinwheel cake topper, held up by a sweet striped straw or wooden skewer! Totally customizable, you could use any paper color or type to make it work with your style. Last but not least, an easy and charming escort card idea using vintage keys! Not only are they creative and unique, but they double as a guest favor! See, Wayfair really does have it all! For full instructions on each of these amazing projects, head over here.

To jumpstart your crafting, Wayfair is offering one lucky reader a $150 gift card to Wayfair! To enter, simply comment on this post with what you’d love to create for your big day with a Wayfair item. A winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday, June 6, 2014. Good luck!

Products Pictured: Flowers + Flowers | Wood Tray | Cake Stand | Paper Straws | Vintage Keys

Style Me Pretty Welcomes Our Advertisers + A Discount!

On your wedding day, looking glamorous doesn’t have to start when you put on the dress. Get ready in style too with these lovely robes from Doie Lounge (hint: these make perfect gifts for your bridesmaids. They really will wear it again!). You can also rest easy knowing knowing all the robes are made in the USA with high-quality eco-friendly fabrics. Keep scrolling to see the SMP exclusive discount!

About Doie Lounge… As a 12-time bridesmaid (yes, really!), designer Sara Kirsner knows a thing or two about bridesmaid gifts! Doie Lounge was born from the idea that these glamorous, super-soft robes make the perfect gift for a bride to give to her maids. These robes make beautiful and practical gifts for the bridal party, while infusing an often-ignored moment (getting ready the morning of), with elegant detail. The robes look amazing in the pre-wedding primping photos and are a gift that your best ladies will surely wear again and again. Each robe is made from the highest quality, earth-friendly fabrics, and is produced in Los Angeles, CA. Sara loves to work with each bride, answering questions about colors, sizing, and “custom” color combinations. Bulk discounts apply: 15% off when buying 3 or more, 20% on 5 or more, 25% off with a purchase of 8 or more, and 30% off when buying 10+ robes. SMP readers can get 15% off of up to 3 robes (after that bulk discounts will kick in), with the code SMP15.

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Photo Credits (Top to Bottom): Photography: Valorie Darling Photography + Hair: Trace Hennigsen + Makeup: Artistry by Danika | Photography: ES Creation Photography (Simon Fu and Yoki Lin) | Photography: Kyle Hale | Photography: Katie Hall

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Welcome to the family Doie Lounge! We are so happy to have you! xoxo

Sweet Kennebunkport, Maine Wedding

With Chicago and New York City as their initial front runners for this couples’ perfect place to say I do, who knew that sweet little Kennebunkport would win the race. But I am oh-so-glad that it did for this duo, because the result was just lovely. Lucky for all of us, we get to eat up every sweet-as-they-come image from Indigo Foto of this darling day, and you can do just that right here.

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Vibrant Maine Barn Wedding

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Outdoor Weddings

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Casual Classic Weddings

From the Bride…When Bobby and I first met, there were immediate fireworks. It was July 3rd and all around us neighborhood block parties were gearing up for Independence Day. We were seeing stars – literally. And just like how fireworks are dazzling, intense, puzzling and magnificent, so was the experience of falling in love.

That chance meeting led to a 5-year relationship and a wedding to save and plan for. Initially we thought we would have the wedding either in Chicago, where we lived, or in NYC where I was born and raised. Finding a venue proved to be challenging in both locales. We were exhausted from looking – in NYC we looked at 11 venues in just one weekend visit!

As chance would have it, our epic NYC venue hunt was followed directly by our vacation to Kennebunkport, Maine.

For several years my family have been going to Hidden Pond. There is simply so much to love there. The setting is extraordinary with an amazing sense of beauty and serenity. It holds a special place in our hearts and every summer we look forward to our time in Maine as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of our Chicago/NYC lives.

Once we arrived, the wheels started spinning. Could we possibly, maybe have our wedding here? The chance to share this place with others thrilled us. A Down East Lobster Bake menu to boot? Absolutely.

Our family and closest friends traveled from far and wide – Hawaii, Hong Kong, Poland and the Midwest. We felt so loved and happy. From the string trio playing contemporary selections such as Postal Service and Arcade Fire to the welcome letters that Bobby designed, to the succulents in my bouquet that now sit replanted on my windowsill, every moment of our wedding was a dream realized.

We’ve seen many a nautical-inspired wedding around these parts, but this one perfectly curated by Maine Seasons Events and captured by Emilie Inc. , has that extra pizzazz that really sets it apart. From the florals from Flora Fauna to the pretty palette to the darling couple – this gallery is simply gorg.

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Family DIY Wedding in Maine

From the Bride…John and I met in Portland, Maine during the winter he was living on his sailboat, which was my first clue to his bold spirit. We both share a love for travel, learning and adventure and are excited for the journey ahead. His boat also had a significant role in how he proposed to me. We went on our first overnight sail together to Jewel Island in Casco Bay, where we anchored and went ashore. During our picnic he surprised me with popping the question. Needless to say, we won’t ever be getting rid of that boat.

Both of us are from Maine so there was no question we wanted it somewhere that evoked the natural beauty of the state. Our rehearsal dinner was on an island which we thought showed the beauty of Coastal Maine, so we hoped our reception would show the natural beauty of inland Maine. The Barn at Flannigan Farm is surrounded by woods and fields and is grounded in beautiful natural landscape and the barn has a beautiful rustic quality and knew it could be elevated by small touches of design and details for the reception.

John loves to sail so we wanted a few hints of something nautical, which was translated into the colors we had. We had a broad pallet, soft creams and peaches, then accents of nautical blues. Highlighting the space and beauty of Maine really was the inspiration.

We wanted to incorporate a lot of special details into the wedding. We asked our friend Michael Shobe, who is a professional musician, to play our first song on his trumpet. He was amazing! I made the jam and preserves for the guests, and the wedding cake and its toppers. The toppers were champagne corks from our first Christmas together and from when we got engaged. The bride topper also had a gown made from the lace from my mothers wedding dress. We also had our friend, Sherri Michaud, make the grooms cake which was awesome. She made it a sailboat with marzipan figures of John, myself and our dog Henry sitting at the helm. There were so many special things about the wedding, but these were definitely highlights.

The picture of Mike Shobe playing our first song is amazing. I am so excited that was captured. I love the photos of our wedding party (or should I say the attempt at a photo). The kids, though totally uncooperative, were so much fun. Also the photos with Henry the dog, what a ham! He posed better then the kids! I love the photos of John and I coming out of the church, we look so happy. And also the ones of us in front of the barn before being introduced. The sky was spectacular.

DIY shouldn’t be a solo act. Because when you have a wedding like this – where the groom’s mother crafted over 100 napkins from vintage tablecloths, the bride’s mother hand-stamped the table cards and the groom’s father infused tequila into their signature cocktail – it’s so much more fun done family style. With photographs from Meredith Perdue, take some time to check out every last handmade detail.

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DIY Oceanside Maine Wedding

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Casual

From the bride…Dan and I wanted our wedding to be a reflection of who we are. We met in college in Maine, so it seemed like the perfect place to have our wedding and celebrate where we fell in love. We visited Broadturn Farm in the dead of winter, but I instantly knew it was the right place for us. We loved that Stacy, one of the owners, grew all the flowers and that the produce from the farm would be used in the meal. When I finally got to see the venue on our wedding day, it took my breath away.

This wedding was really a labor of love accomplished with the help of family. It truly would not have been possible without them. I decided to tackle a bunch of DIY projects, mostly sourced from about three months of pinning Style Me Pretty weddings! My mother-in-law made all 120 napkins from vintage tablecloths and we used the extra fabric and burlap to make 60 feet of bunting for the barn. My mom hand stamped the table number flags and painted the window frames we used for the seating chart, which I hand-lettered. My father-in-law infused the tequila we used for our the groom’s signature drink (spicy margaritas!) and he also made the arbor for our ceremony. We collected branches to decorate the arbor from meaningful places in our lives, including the homes we grew up in and Dan’s family vacation home in New Hampshire. My stepfather officiated a ceremony that was full of joy and encapsulated Dan and my relationship perfectly. And our close friend Sean performed “The Hazards of Love 4” by the Decemberists for our first dance.

I didn’t have a specific color palette — all I knew was that I wanted the colors to reflect the whimsical, rustic and chic atmosphere I wanted to create. I let Stacy take the lead on flower design and the tablescapes were bright and beautiful. My favorite detail was the artichokes in the bouquets – it added a touch of playfulness that I loved. Pops of color were brought in through the napkins, bunting and flowers and were complemented by the beauty of the surroundings.

It was such a joy seeing my vision brought to life. All the little details came together beautifully. The food from Leslie Oster and the team at Aurora Provisions was absolutely amazing and the dance floor was packed all night long thanks to the many talents of the Sugarbabies! And I can’t stress the importance of the right photographer. Meredith Perdue was a joy to work with and I can relive the day over and over again thanks to her stunning photos.

The wedding was a truly magical experience. We were surrounded by so much love from friends and family and it was a day we will always remember.

Maine weddings have an easy elegance about them that always makes me smile. And this beauty captured by Melanie Gabrielle is the loveliest example. With a stunning ocean backdrop and an adorable duo at the center of it all, this gallery is one pretty place to be today. See even more here.

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Beach Weddings

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Eastman House Maine Wedding

From Melanie Gabrielle…Alexis and Oliver were married august 10th at the gorgeous Seacoast Mission in Bar Harbor, Maine. With the exception of the dessert from Morning Glory Bakery, every little detail was handmade by either the bride and groom or their friends and family. The groom’s mother made homemade jam as favors for the guests, while a friend from the couple’s church gifted them over 50 fresh Maine lobster to serve at their reception…that were picked straight from the lobsterman’s boat! (can’t get fresher than that!!) From the hand-picked bouquets, to the foraged twigs for décor and the hand-painted sailboat centerpieces, there was so much love displayed for this special couple. Alexis and Oliver made a promise to each other to save their first kiss for their wedding altar. It was a promise which made their first kiss as husband and wife so special that at the words “you may now kiss your bride,” the bride literally squealed with excitement!! Portraits were taken both around the island and at the top of Cadillac Mountain. The night wrapped up with wild Maine blueberry pie served at their gorgeous, intimate reception, where guests were able to enjoy the incredible sunset from their waterfront view.

Photography: Melanie Gabrielle | Bakery: Morning Glory Bakery | Wedding Venue: Seacoast Mission | Rentals: Wallace Tent And Party Rentals

Simple, sweet garden affairs tend to be some of the most romantic weddings that ever come our way.Case in point? This Eastman House “I do” from the fabulously talented Emily Delamater. Planned to a T by L. Brook Events with pretty, pink bloomage from Marianmade Farm, there’s no question a peek in the gallery is an absolute must.

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Estate Weddings

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Fall Hidden Pond, Maine Wedding

From the Bride… My heart skips a beat just thinking back to that amazing day. It was everything Justin and I dreamed of. The weather was perfect and our simple garden ceremony couldn’t have been sweeter. With family and friends traveling from as far as Australia and Hong Kong to celebrate our day, it was crucial to us that they felt welcome and at home. We started the weekend off with a traditional Maine lobster bake and made sure that our guests were never without food, drink or merriment for the rest of the weekend.

There was a moment after dinner, Justin and I were standing outside in the crushed stone driveway, with the jazz band in the background, the sun freshly set and the smell of cigar smoke in the air, and I remember thinking, this is the exact moment I want to remember forever.
As out guests nibbled home made baklava and other tasty confections, Justin and I danced our first dance to ‘Fly Me to the Moon’…and fly we did.

From the Groom… My favorite memories of the wedding were pretending to get ready with my guys while really playing ping pong, having a moment with Rori during our first look, seeing her and her dad walk out of the house, and finally, knowing when we sat down to our wedding dinner that night, I would go to the ends of the earth to have that feeling every day.

For those of us with an unabashed love of fall, this wedding is basically as good as it gets. Think rich, rustic details set against Maine’s autumn beauty, all captured with love by the seriously talented Emily Delamater. Go pour that second cup of java and start you Monday morning right here.

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From the Bride… A celebration of love. Our wedding day was inspired by a simple phrase – “Together is a wonderful place to be.” As I sit here in an attempt to capture our celebration of love – I am left with a smile, a warm heart, a few tears, and memories of a fairytale wedding dream come true.

We got married at a little resort tucked away in Kennebunkport, ME – Hidden Pond. A romantic and intimate setting that offered the perfect backdrop to exchange our vows in front of family and friends and then dance the night away! I find it hard to capture the day with words as I have this overwhelming feeling of love in my heart that words cannot describe!

We were so lucky to have a team of talented people come together to help us create our fairytale. The ever-so-talented Danielle Walker from Hidden Pond was a gift. Her ability to listen and orchestrate our vision was incredible. Her husband, chef Justin Walker created a menu of agnolotti and duck that our guests are still raving about. Our photographer, Emily Delamater, was able to capture the treasured moments and emotion from behind a lens and that I cannot wait to frame and look at for years to come. Justin Joslin, our videographer, captured our vows and ceremony officiated by my godmother that I still watch on repeat. And my beautiful and talented friend, Marisa Schaaf from Blue Glass Design – thank you!

Her calligraphy stylishly made its way to each one of our guests inviting them to our celebration. In working with all these inspiring individuals, I felt that they listened to my vision and helped me to create a celebration that was unique, personal, and intimate. People like Danielle, Emily, and Marisa made me feel much more than a client but a friend and helped me show to all that came to our wedding that “together really is a wonderful place to be.”

Every girl dreams of her wedding day – a beautiful white dress, a veil dancing in the wind, a bouquet bursting with aroma, and her prince charming. October 5, 2013 was our fairytale and a day we will remember forever!

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Relaxed Laudholm Farm Wedding

This Maine wedding from David Murray Weddings is the new authority on relaxed barn weddings. It’s pretty much written the book on the topic. The bride was behind so much of the decor and you really can feel her love coming through every detail, which is the recipe for my favorite kind of wedding.

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