Happy February my sweet friends! We are officially smack dab in the middle of the month of love (Happy belated Valentine’s day!), and I so hope you enjoyed our four part series of fabulous camp weddings. Now, we’re taking a step out of the woods to the big city and personally, I can’t think of a better way to do this than revisiting the picture perfect wedding of Kyla and Struan.
These two sweet souls met when they were just young babes, spending much of their childhood years together attending the same elementary and middle school in a small Canadian town. Though they don’t consider it their first date (I beg to differ!), Struan actually asked Kyla to his eighth grade prom. These two were meant to be before they even knew it themselves! After moving on to different high schools and losing touch, fate brought them together once again after ten long years apart.
“For our first date, we met for post work drinks,” Struan recalled. “She made fun of my lawyerly side part. A few drinks and many laughs later, we shut the place down. Kyla was strikingly beautiful, and she laughed at my jokes!”
Kyla loved their first date as well, knowing it was fate that the two of them had the opportunity to meet once again. “Struan was tall and handsome, athletic and sarcastic,” she recalled.
The following months saw countless dates, laughs and adventures for these two, as they quickly realized they were destined to spend the rest of their lives together. A sweet, intimate proposal soon followed, during a magical Christmas Eve spent at home.
“Struan proposed while we were opening presents at our place and drinking champagne. It was just before we went our separate ways to honor Christmas Eve traditions with our own families.”
As they began the planning process from their coastal Canadian town of Moncton, New Brunswick, Kyla and Struan knew they would need the assistance and knowledge of a local planning and design team here in Maine. Believe it or not, these two chose Portland as the location for their destination wedding after only one visit! Our team was thrilled to work with Kyla and Struan to pull together their vision for the day and create a plan to oversee the logistics of the day utilizing two separate venues.
“It was a lot of online reviews and trusting our “gut” instincts when it came to booking venues and vendors,” the two explained. “We took a gamble and can honestly say that our wedding day was above and beyond anything we could have dreamed of.”
From gorgeous pre-wedding photography on the beach, to a rooftop ceremony at the Press Hotel, to ending the night with drinks and bowling, Kyla and Struan’s day was an absolute stunner. Filled with endless laughs, delicious food, and most importantly, an outpouring of love and support, this day is one I will never forget. Thanks to the always talented Mat & Ash Photography, we are so happy to share the beauty and fun in this amazing summer day in Maine with all of you.
Is she not just the happiest bride you’ve ever seen? Kyla stunned in her classic Mikaella wedding dress from her hometown bridal shop Bella Promessa Bridal Boutique. And do you see those beautiful Tahari shoes?! These studded sandals were perfect for traveling around Portland during their adventurous and fun filled day.
Such a handsome groom! Struan’s effortless style surely impressed his family and friends, thanks to his custom made suit and stylish shoes from Joseph Abboud.
Ah, the love! It was truly touching to see such bliss on Kyla and Struan’s faces during their first look. Though the hustle and bustle of Portland surrounded them, these two enjoyed their precious moments together as if they were the only two in the world. With the wedding jitters out of their systems and their wedding party in tow, Kyla and Struan set off to various Portland locations to capture some of the beauty that surrounded them.
I think I’m seeing a pattern here with these fierce bridesmaids. I mean, those jumpsuits?! Come on! And I know you can’t miss those fabulously vibrant bouquets. These beauties were sourced from Broadturn Farm and gave the perfect pop of color against the girls’ beautiful white ensembles.
It looks like Kyla and Struan’s wedding wasn’t the only one happening in Portland this day! Do I suspect some intentional photobombing happening here?!
The beauty and diversity of Portland is any photographers dream, and as you can surely tell, Kyla and Struan loved every minute of this pre-ceremony photography. We absolutely adore Portland weddings for just this reason. I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend the day exploring this incredibly breathtaking city?
With photos complete, these two lovelies headed back to the Press Hotel to officially tie the knot and start the celebrations.
These stunning copper details used throughout the ceremony space were sourced from our in-house inventory, giving the perfect amount of shimmer against the white chairs and beautiful florals. We created this custom copper arbor specifically for Kyla and Struan’s day.
The only thing more beautiful than the view from this intimate rooftop ceremony was the incredible love shared between these two. Staying true to their personalities, Kyla and Struan’s ceremony was remarkably sweet, compassionate, and filled with laughs. Family members had the honor to perform readings, and Kyla and Struan beamed when reading their personal, handwritten vows. These two shared beautiful moments with their closest friends and family members that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
Still not convinced she’s the happiest bride you’ve ever seen?! No holding back the excitement here! With the ceremony complete, guests headed down to the penthouse to enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres from the Press Hotel.
When Struan asked Kyla to prom so many years ago, I bet he had no idea the real party they would attend together would be the most special day of their lives. Cheers to the wonderful couple!
After cocktail hour was complete, this party headed down the street to Grace Restaurant for an intimate dinner. Multiple venues throughout the day.. yet another reason we love Portland! And why not make a few stops along the way for more photos?!
Ha! I don’t think I ever not laugh out loud at this one. Loving the creativity here, ladies!
More copper accents adorned the tables to add a modern touch to these classic white tablescapes. And those flowers! *insert heart eyes*
Cuties! Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner of chicken and steak dishes and many drinks from the wonderful staff at Grace. Kyla and Struan reserved the entire second floor of the restaurant to comfortably relax and enjoy the evening.
Yum! Guests treated themselves to these maple bacon and blueberry donuts from no other than the Portland based Holy Donut.
With their full bellies and the excitement of the evening coming to peak, the group headed to yet another venue to end their evening with more fun. Bayside Bowl, here we come!
You didn’t think going bowling meant no dancing, right?! This group shut the place down with their killer dance moves and impressive bowling skills. It looks like Kyla and her father even sneaked in a traditional father daughter dance too!
This amazing party carried on long into the night, with more bowling, funky tunes, and lively dancing. I don’t know about you, but after seeing how much fun this group had, I’m convinced that every wedding should end with a bowling party!
Kyla and Struan – we are so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet such beautiful souls. You are both amazing and we love you dearly! Thank you for bringing your Canadian spirit to this wonderful state of Maine. We wish you continued love and happiness for years to come! Xoxo
We would also like to thank the following vendors for helping us create such a memorable day.
Hair and Make Up: Akari
A Family Affair Design Blog 