I am so happy to be returning to blogging of our weddings with this one. Heidi from White Loft Studio is one of my favorite photographers to work with, and she captured this gorgeous picture perfect day impeccably. There’s also no denying that Taylor and Sly are easy on the eyes, and seizing their chemistry on film was a photographer’s (and videographer’s) dream.
Taylor and Sly met on the first night of Teach for America in Houston, TX in 2009. Teach for America is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “eliminate educational inequity by enlisting high-achieving recent college graduates and professionals to teach” for at least two years in low-income communities throughout the United States. Sly grew up in Maine and had recently graduated from Brown University. Taylor is originally from Georgia and had graduated two weeks earlier from the University of Georgia. Taylor said “I’d packed all of my stuff into a little silver Civic and driven all day to Houston. I never thought I’d meet my husband the next day!” They began dating about six months after meeting and had their first date at Blue Fish House in Houston for sushi and sake, and the rest was history. Sly surprised Taylor with a surprise trip to Del Mar, California which was a “very special place” to them both. He proposed on the beach, and Taylor attests, “It was the sweetest, most heartfelt moment; I felt incredibly lucky.”
Taylor talked with me about some of her most favorite parts to their wedding day: “Getting the chance to bring all of the close women in your life together for one special day is amazing. I loved getting to spend time with all of my bridesmaids who had flown or driven in from all over. Getting ready with my mom and my sister is a cherished memory.”
Another impressionable memory of the day: “Waiting in the farmhouse for Sly to come out. I spied on him from a second story window overlooking the backyard. Seeing him walk up to the altar was the best feeling in the world. We were old-fashioned and didn’t see each other before the wedding, so it was my first glimpse of him all day. Knowing I could see him but he couldn’t see me made the butterflies in my stomach speed up!”
She also loved “Seeing my Dad, my stepfather, my older brother, and brother and step brother in suits. Seeing the other important men in your life get dressed up for you is just fun!”
The ceremony was officiated by their close friend, Liat Rome, and that gorgeous arbor was created using driftwood collected from Sly’s family property in St. George and built by his sisters and father.
We had the unique pleasure of working with uber-talented Ashley Buzzy and Allie Webber, who both are longtime friends of Taylor’s from high school and college days. The two teamed up to take on all aspects of the brilliant floral design and hand lettered day of paper details such as place cards, the escort board and most particularly the amorous quotes on muslin fabric that hung from the beams throughout the barn.
I adore these portraits of the two of them following the ceremony. Even more so when they are together, as though he’d been waiting a month for that one moment!
The evening carried with it a stunning display of food by Dandelion Catering. Sly’s uncle harvested the lobsters for a summer tagliatelle with charred heirloom tomato, pancetta, lemon and fresh herbs thoughtfully prepared by Dandelion, paired with a pan blackened, bourbon brined statler chicken breast with vinegar braised greens. The first course was a delightful and seasonally appropriate local green salad with sliced peaches and gorgonzola with fig balsamic vinaigrette. Guests were also treated to local Maine blueberries in weck jars at their place setting.
Taylor’s Mom began the evening with a welcome speech and read an incredibly sweet excerpt from the book, “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney. If that didn’t start the tears for a few (including myself), Taylor’s sister and Maid of Honor Mary’s speech certainly did the job.
Taylor’s Mom added another beautiful decor element-she took heirloom images of weddings from both families and created gallery-style canvas photographs to be hung on the barn walls throughout the room. Such a beautiful and memorable touch to the day and created a feeling of warmth and affirmation of long time love.
The wedding cake was a gift from one of Taylor and Sly’s family friend, who also happens to be the talent and owner behind Wild Oats Cafe and Bakery in Brunswick. The gorgeous cake was a summery vanilla with lemon curd and blueberry compote.
Taylor and Sly graciously thanked everyone for coming and for helping to make the day so special for them.
Dancing ensued, with the likes of Dark Hollow Bottling Company, one of their favorite Maine bands.
Cake was made lively with ice cream and a gorgeous and rustic three tiered cheese cake, served to vintage heirloom china.
The full essence of the day was also captured by the artistic work of Jesse Beecher, as seen here:
Thanks so much to Taylor and Sly for including us in the planning of your wedding day! We’d also like to thank Mainely Bartending, One Stop Event Rentals, Dionne Entertainment for ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner music and VIP Charter Coaches for helping to make the day so lovely.
A Family Affair Design Blog 