Alison and Steve’s Orrs Island Wedding | Harpswell, Maine

Alison + Steve

These two sweethearts met in the fall of their sophomore year at the University of Vermont in 2004.  Alison explains, “We were at a mutual friend’s house and spent the entire night talking, and I don’t think either of us remembers anyone else who was at that party.”  At the end of the evening Steve walked her home and neither of them had thought to exchange phone numbers.  They didn’t see each other again until the spring.  “We ran into each other at the same house and I remember seeing him across the room and him seeing me and he immediately got up from the couch and came over to me.  I pointed at him as he was walking toward me and said “Hey it’s you” and, as the saying goes, we have been together ever since.” Later on in their relationship they had both confessed that they each had made every excuse to return to that friend’s house in hopes that they would run into each other.

“I remember the feeling that he fit.  That we just worked together.  The conversation was so easy and there never was a question does he like me does he not, we were just simply us.  That after spending just one night talking and then not seeing each other for several months I remember the feeling of something missing until we met again.”

Alison + Steve

“There was something special about her.  The way she carried herself and the intelligence and confidence with which she spoke.  Her face was so beautiful and it would cement itself in my mind.  All I wanted to do was see her again.”

Alison + Steve

Alison describes the proposal: “We were traveling with Steve’s family for two weeks through France.  Going into the trip I knew Steve had a ring in his procession.  We had been talking about getting engaged for quite some time.   When Steve and I got together I think within the first year I let him know that I would never get married. But as you grow with someone your thought process grows and evolves as well.  We had many discussions on marriage and what it meant to each of us.  By the time we were getting ready for the trip to France we both knew that we were ready to move forward with our relationship and we knew that France would be the perfect place to get engaged. The day we actually got engaged was one of the most amazing days either has had the privilege to enjoy excluding our wedding day, of course. In the morning we traveled to Giverny to visit Monet’s house and breathtaking gardens. We headed back to Paris and procured a wonderful lunch of baguette, cheese, charcuterie, and crisp French wine (four of our favorite things in the world) from local shops that we enjoyed on the balcony of our hotel overlooking the historic skyline of Montmartre with Sacre Coure in the distance.  Next we wandered around Montmartre, up and down various hilly cobbled side streets and on one of these beautiful side streets just past a private garden Steve pulled us onto two stone pedestals and asked me to marry him. It was a perfect quiet moment in a busy, incredible, and fascinating city. The day ended with dinner at a little Parisian café and a trip to the Eiffel tower to see the light show.”

Alison + Steve

Alison had originally contacted us to assist with helping her to source unique pieces and props for their day, in addition to styling. She quickly understood the extensive logistics involved in planning her island wedding from afar, and decided to hire us in a more comprehensive way that involved partial planning and day of management.  Once Alison and I got our heads together, we had a beautiful plan in place, and luckily, the weather cooperated.  It couldn’t have been a more gorgeous day, and thanks to Sharyn Peavey for her talent, we have some stunning images that truly capture the essence of their wedding.

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

Those sweet golden puffs called teddy bear sunflowers were designed perfectly in our vintage milk glass collection by Jennifer Waitkun of Blue Fern Designs.

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

We acquired hay bales and styled them with custom fabric panels for the ceremony overlooking Casco Bay. Check out that picturesque view!

Alison + Steve
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Alison + Steve

This is one good looking wedding party that wanted to get the majority of portraits complete before the ceremony so that they could maximize their mingling time.

Alison + Steve

The wedding party made a grand entrance down the aisle by a bagpiper, K & R Bagpiping Enterprises.

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

And….MARRIED! Let’s party!

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

The drinks and food kept coming, courtesy of 111 Maine.

Alison + Steve

The detail on that boho inspired dress from BHLDN is pure joy!  It looked fabulous on Alison.

Alison + Steve

We moved many of the hay bales to different locations for guests to enjoy during the entire event.  That beautiful tent is courtesy of Sperry Tents.

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

On Alison’s favorite memory of the day: “We truly wanted all of our guests to feel part of the day and we wanted to show each and every one of them how their support and love helped us get to where we are.  My favorite part of the day was prior to the ceremony sitting in the tent with Steve, my sister, his sisters, and our parents and watching all our guests arrive and being able to greet them and welcome them to our day.”

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

The pops of yellow used throughout in the floral designs and details was so bright and cheerful, very much like Alison’s personality. It was so fun to see how the gray accents intensified the yellow.

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

We created custom runners for them; cotton basket weave with an eyelet lace detail.

Alison + Steve

Thoughtful kid’s surprise bags graced their seats with a sweet Dr. Suess sentiment.

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

The photo booth with the lobster trap backdrop…the kids especially were fans!

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

Guests enjoyed an authentic BBQ dinner from Over The Hill BBQ from Rhode Island.  “I think the highest form of cuisine is taking a simple dish and executing it extremely well with care and attention to detail.  However, if you focus too much on the details you can lose the authenticity of the moment.  There is delicate balance between attention to detail and organic authenticity.”  The family was very mindful in their selection of Myron and his staff, who produced a truly phenomenal meal beautifully presented and served by 111 Maine.

Alison + Steve

This hot number (and many others) happened thanks to the talent of The Larry Williams Band.

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

111 Maine continued the menu’s rustic vibe with a pie cart.  We loved styling this for them!

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

Alison + Steve

Maine Maple Syrup favors, supplied by Chandler’s Sugar Shack.

Alison + Steve

The party ensued well after the band completed their final set, around the campfire, eating s’mores.  In the rain.

Alison + Steve

These two are absolute gems and we were beyond blessed to work with them and their families.  A big congratulations goes out to them having celebrated their one year anniversary last fall and on the birth of their new son, Silas! We love you all and wish you continued blessings! xo

We’d also like to thank One Stop Event Rentals, Bo Mar Transportation, and Studio 119 in Brunswick for participating in the amazing success of the day.

Published by Paula Cano

I am a passionate mother, a grateful and loving wife, an appreciative daughter, a stupendously lucky granddaughter, a very proud sister, a fortunate friend and a constant desire to live creatively, be inspired and share the love. I am also the owner and Creative Director of an event planning and prop rental business, A Family Affair of Maine. Here I aspire to share my professional experience as a party producer, host, designer, coordinator, promoter, craftsman, chef, Mom and partner in crime, not in that specific order.

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