Happy fall my dear friends! While we’re absolutely loving all that comes with this beautiful season change – foliage, warm lattes and our favorite fall wardrobe – we’re admittedly still thinking about summer. We’ve been so blessed to work with some of the most kind and creative Clients this season, and because of that, we’re still hanging on to some of our favorite summer days.
One wedding that’s been on our minds lately? The loveliest of days that was Margo and Colin’s wedding. Think: charming, traditional church ceremony, a ferry ride post ceremony to the stunning Historic House Island, and enough laughs throughout the day to last a lifetime. This one has us swooning!
Margo and Colin met in April of 2015 through a mutual friend at work and were immediately drawn to one another. Though it seemed like love at first sight, these two sweets didn’t end up going on their first date until nearly 6 months later. According to the couple, it only happened “when Colin finally had the courage to ask Margo out!” They spent their first date laughing and enjoying one another’s company at a romantic dinner in Boston.
“When I first met Colin, I couldn’t help notice his contagious smile and laughter and I instantly felt comfortable around him and could be my true self,” said Margo.
For Colin, this first impression was just as memorable. “When I first met Margo I was super interested because we had so much in common,” he explained. “We both grew up sailing and being around water. We both were accountants. It just seemed like we were very compatible.”
The proposal was nothing short of amazing and embodied their relationship entirely – intimate, romantic and one of a kind. Grab a tissue for this one, friends!
“We were on vacation in Hawaii in Kauai for a couple of days before a friend’s wedding,” Margo explained. “We had just checked into the hotel and decided to take a drive to explore the beautiful island. We drove to a secluded beach in Polihale State Park which we had accessed by way of a long dirt road. We put our towels down on the beach where no one was around us, and Colin got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was such a beautiful and private setting.”
From the very beginning of the planning process, these two had their sights set on a coastal wedding. Margo grew up in Falmouth, and it was important to her that her home town was thoroughly represented. After touring a few different venues, Historic House Island was the easiest decision these two could make.
“Casco Bay holds a special place in my heart as I grew up sailing every summer in the area and spent many summer days out on the water with friends and family,” Margo explained. “The ocean is also a special place for Colin as he grew up sailing on the coast of Florida and feels most at home on the coast. We chose House Island because it is in Casco Bay, close proximity to Portland, and embodies the Maine coast at its finest. We wanted all of our guests to experience a true Maine summer coastal wedding! House Island checked all of these boxes for us.”
And this dreamy island setting was just as beautiful as you can imagine! After months of planning and a whole lot of fun and collaboration, we knew their day would be truly one of a kind. A huge thank you to Jamie Mercurio Photography for capturing all the beauty.
Margo wore a classic Lela Rose dress with a high neck line and drop dead GORGEOUS design in the back. Those intricate details were everything! A simple updo and drop pearl earrings completed the sophisticated, timeless look.
Day-of attire for this handsome Groom consisted of a Brooks Brothers tux and black bowtie and complementary black shoes.
Hearing that Margo and Colin were looking to hold a traditional church ceremony was music to my ears. While we all love a unique, personal outdoor ceremony at AFA – and understand that has various implications for different Couples – it’s always a pleasure to witness a marriage in a place as meaningful and timeless as a church. The Episcopal Church of St. Mary’s in Falmouth served as the backdrop for this special day, with a strikingly beautiful exterior that greeted guests as they arrived. And the best part of this traditional venue? Margo’s parents got married in this same church over 33 years ago!
Upon entering the space, the atmosphere was intimate and romantic. We kept the design minimal to allow the natural beauty of the church to be the focal point: bright colors from the stained glass, deep wooden pews and a historic brick that mirrored the exterior. Simple florals were affixed to pews to enhance the beauty.
And they’re off! There was hardly a dry eye in the church as these two exchanged vows, rings, and memories that will last a lifetime. Numerous friend and family members were involved in the ceremony, invited to read poems and stories that made the entire occasion that much more personal and intimate.
Post-ceremony, these newlyweds hopped on a trolly with their closest friends to head to the reception on beautiful historic House Island. This meant it wasn’t just a quick ride in the trolly, but an exhilarating ferry ride complete with toasts, drinks, and a whooole lot of beautiful pictures. (And yes, we’re still swooning over these!)
There are excellent Groomsmen… and then there are ones that volunteer to carry all of the Bridal florals. Go team!
The day was picturesque! Boat rides are always a favorite of ours and clearly Margo and Colin agree. They took advantage of this exhilarating trip and beautiful view to capture some of the sweetest photos of the day.
Their excitement could hardly be contained as we got closer to the island, and we don’t blame them. House Island is a stunner, beautifully tucked between the surrounding island in the Casco Bay. This private island is only 12 acres, but you better believe those 12 acres are incredibly breathtaking. Complete with private beaches, trails and lawn games, this retreat had guests ready to kick back and celebrate Colin and Margo in the best way possible. And the best part? Having the entire island to themselves only added to the intimate feel of the day.
After arriving to the island, guests were welcomed to a beautiful cocktail hour on the lawn overlooking the rocky coast and picturesque water. Bread and Butter Catering staff delighted with their hors d’oeuvres display: an organic look with vibrant colors, overflowing florals and delicious appetizers. Passed hors d’oeuvres were showstoppers as well: sophisticated bites of mushroom strudel and caprese skewers with a hint of Maine flavors incorporated into the menu with a classic lobster roll.
Signature drinks were a fan favorite! Dark and Stormy was the drink of choice for Colin, while Margo served up a “Margo-Rita” that her guests undoubtedly enjoyed. And the name?! Genius!
As guest enjoyed blue skies. warm sun and endless food and drink, Margo and Colin snuck away to the pier to take a few more pictures that again, will leave you in awe. *insert many heart eye emojis!!*
“We love spending our free time together, whether it be a walk around our neighborhood, a trip to the beach, or cooking an indulgent dinner on the weekend,” explained Colin. “We enjoy traveling together and exploring new places and are foodies at heart! We are always challenging each other to be better people, and are constantly learning from each other.”
Before long, guests were welcomed into the dining tent – a magical site upon first glance that continued to impress as guests found their seats. They were greeted by a custom seating chart designed by the always impressive Anticipate Invitations that featured a hand painted view of the Portland Head Light. The greenery ring chandelier designed by Griffin & Griffin Event Design Illuminated stole the show from here… and I’m sure you can see why! The entire atmosphere was warm and inviting, a space that reflected Margo and Colin’s personality beautifully.
A mix of beautiful wooden farm tables and round tables with soft grey linens were used for dining. The head table was adorned with a whimsical, white table runner that flowed over the ends of the table for a dramatic look. These soft tones of grey and white complemented the vibrant florals and blue candles that were utilized throughout the space to create a timeless and sophisticated look. Candles were placed in antique brass candlesticks to add a second metal to the design. Name cards were placed at the head table, while all dining tables featured gold framed table numbers to complete the look.
The vibrant centerpieces were long and low-hanging on the farm tables, but tall and lush on the rounds. They will filled with multiple colors: soft peaches, coral, blush, soft yellow and white tones that made the entire table pop with color and fun. On the head table, we included additional green foliage that elevated the design and made the table that much more elegant.
This tablescape design was one we collaborated with Margo and Colin on to ensure the details were everything they imagined and more.
The place setting was thoughtfully and beautifully designed, consisting of classic white china, silver flatware and clear glassware. A cotton pewter napkin sat atop the plates with a pocket fold to hold the custom dinner menu.
We see you Farmhouse Floral – these vibrant centerpieces are everything! And this classic cake from Bread and Butter with florals and greens affixed was the most simple, stunning addition to all of the beauty that surrounded it.
Dinner kicked off with a grand entrance and romantic first dance to one of our all time favorites, Can’t Help Falling In Love. As Margo and Colin took their seats, Margo’s father gave a tearjerking speech to welcomes guests and thank them for traveling far to celebrate his beautiful daughter and new husband on their wedding day.
Bread and Butter Catering kept the momentum going, wowing guests with a dinner menu that is still making my mouth water over here. Margo and Colin opted for a grilled feast for the day, serving up brined chicken, hanger steak, seared local fish and roasted vegetables. Yes please!
As guests dined under the beautiful sky, toasts were given and many laughs were had. This day was such a beauty, and so much love and joy was felt throughout this time in the evening. It was an honor to witness and I still feel the tug at my heartstrings when thinking about these moments.
We’re still cheering to this happy couple to this day!
To signal the end of dinner and kick off the party that allll of their guests had been waiting for, Margo and Colin cut their cake and dessert was served. If you thought the dinner menu was spectacular, just listen to this dessert lineup! Guests enjoyed butterscotch blondies with chocolate chips (YUM), snickerdoodle mini whoopie pies (YES PLEASE), and blueberry crumb bars to include a hint of Maine flavor. We will gladly take this dessert board all day!
The sweetest of parent dances were had before guests excitedly joined Margo and Colin on the dance floor to enjoy an electric atmosphere thanks to Redline. This was a packed dance floor if I’ve ever seen one! Guests danced long into the night, holding on to every last drop of energy and love that defined Margo and Colin’s wedding day.
Margo and Colin: you’re beautiful inside and out and we’re blessed to have been involved in one of the most significant and memorable days of your entire lives. It was a joy and a such an honor! We love you both dearly and wish you the very best that marriage life brings.
We already know that your honeymoon to Italy and Greece was the most spectacular, but to officially say it: we hope you had the best time and filled your days with endless memories, laughs and of course, amazing food. We look forward to seeing those pictures!!
xoxo – P
Get the look with A Family Affair of Maine’s specialty prop rentals for New England weddings:
Floor Artist Easel | Large Gold Frame | Acrylic Gold Framed Table Numbers | Marquee Easel Chalkboard | Antique Brass Candlesticks
And a special thank you to all of the vendors who made this day one to remember:
Ceremony Venue: The Episcopal Church of St.Mary’s, Falmouth, ME| Reception Venue: House Island | Event Rentals: PEAK Event Services | Planning, Design + Specialty Rentals: A Family Affair of Maine | Specialty Light Install: Griffin & Griffin Event Design Illuminated | Photography Jamie Mercurio Photography | Videography: Emil Moldoveanu | Floral Design: Skillins Greenhouse and Farmhouse Floral by
Estabrook’s| Catering & Bar: The Bread and Butter Company |Ceremony Music: Mr. Harold Stover, Organist Rhee Michelle, Soprano Kimberley Lehmann, Violinist | Reception Band: Redline / Murray Hill Talent | Make Up Stylist: Ariel Johnson Makeup | Hair Stylist: Maine Bridal Beauty | Invitation Design: Anticipate Invitations | Transportation: Portland Discovery Tours | Wedding Dress Shop: Ceremony Bridal Shop, Boston, MA | Wedding Dress Designer: Lela Rose | Bridal Shoe Designer: SENSO Shoes | Bridal Veil/Headpiece: Twigs & Honey | Bridal Earrings: Maison Sabben | Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Groom’s Suit and Tie: Brooks Brothers | Groomsmen Suit: Vera Wang | Engagement & Wedding Rings: Homsy Jewelers, Boston, MA
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