The charming coastal town of Kennebunkport, Maine, set the stage for Marina and Garrett Duffy’s wedding with breezy, waterfront romance. Their celebration was a perfect reflection of their story—serendipitous, full of love, and anchored in meaningful moments. Captured beautifully by Dawson and Josie at Renaud Film and Photo, the day unfolded with heartfelt details, stunning florals, and a lively reception that had guests dancing into the night.
Location: Kennebunkport, Maine, United States
Style: Romantic, Costal, Classic
Time of planning: 14 months
Number of guests: 155
Setting: Resort
Season: Fall
Marina and Garrett’s story started on a Halloween weekend in 2019. At brunch with friends in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Marina kept catching glances with a stranger—Garrett. A little encouragement from her friend led to her boldly leaving her number on his table. An hour later, her phone buzzed, and a week later, they had their first date in Boston. Funny enough, Marina’s brother was moving just five minutes from Garrett’s home—one of those little signs that make you believe in fate.
Four years later, Garrett popped the question on the beach in Biddeford, Maine, a place they both loved. Her brother and sister-in-law were there to capture the moment, and the celebration that followed with family and friends set the tone for the wedding of their dreams.
Bridal Morning
Marina’s bridal look was the epitome of classic beauty. She wore an Allure Bridals fit-and-flare gown with a deep V-neckline, a bow detail at the back, and delicate buttons trailing down the train. Her Bella Belle block-heel shoes, adorned with satin bows, added a soft, romantic touch.
Marina’s bouquet by Rhonda Davis, a delicate mix of ivory, peach, pale pink, and champagne flowers, was wrapped in an ivory ribbon, with her great-grandmother’s turquoise blue rosary beads woven around it—her “something blue”.
Bridal hair and makeup by Stephen Peter’s Salon, embraced a natural and radiant aesthetic perfectly suited for a breezy seaside ceremony.
Garrett looked sharp in a classic black tuxedo from The Black Tux, distinguished by black buttons and a bow tie that set him apart from his groomsmen. His boutonniere, a single ivory rose, subtly tied into the soft floral palette of the day.
Ceremony
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Kennebunk River, the ceremony took place on the resort’s lawn, just steps from a charming lighthouse. One of the most unique moments of the day was Garrett’s arrival—he and his groomsmen sailed into the ceremony on The Nonantum Resort’s sailboat.
This unforgettable entrance had guests buzzing with excitement.
Marina and Garrett chose to forgo a first look, allowing their first glimpse of each other to happen as she walked down the aisle with her father. Their officiant, Maria Northcott, crafted a deeply personal ceremony from love story questionnaires they had filled out, bringing an extra layer of intimacy to the exchange of vows.
“My aunt and his cousin each did readings during our ceremony, which also made it feel very intimate,” shared the bride. The setting, the heartfelt words, and the gentle coastal breeze made for a moment that felt both cinematic and deeply personal.
Wedding Party by the Water
Following the ceremony, the wedding party gathered along the docks for portraits that fully embraced the coastal aesthetic of the day. The bridesmaids, dressed in champagne faille gowns, held bouquets in soft hues of ivory, blush, and peach, mirroring the floral arrangements that adorned the ceremony arch.
The groomsmen, in their black tuxedos with champagne bow ties, balanced classic formality with a relaxed, ocean-side charm. Everyone laughed, posed for photos, and simply enjoyed the moment, soaking in the stunning weather and the joy of being together on such a special day.
Private Sunset Moment
One of the most breathtaking moments of the day came just after the ceremony when Marina and Garrett slipped away for a private sunset sail, joined only by Renaud Film and Photo. Before heading to the sailboat, they paused by the charming lighthouse, where they took some of the most stunning portraits of the day—both in black and white and in vibrant color. The lighthouse, the soft river breeze, and the golden afternoon light made for an unforgettable setting.
The resulting portraits perfectly encapsulated the romance and tranquility of the evening. The photographer masterfully captured every emotion, creating images that felt both cinematic and deeply personal—preserving the magic of that golden hour forever.
“In addition to their incredible photos/film, Dawson and Josie make you feel so comfortable and special, and they provide the best cues to help make your poses look natural! My husband and I feel like they’re now our friends.” – added the bride.
"Dawson and Josie were the most incredible photo/film team I could have ever asked for! Their editing style is truly unbelievable!!"
Reception & Decor
The ballroom was transformed into an elegant coastal retreat. Soft drapery and cafe lighting added warmth to the space, while floral arrangements of white, peach, pink, and champagne tones graced the tables. White-washed rattan charger plates and custom menu cards featuring a watercolor of the resort’s lighthouse added thoughtful, personalized details. Signature cocktails reflected the couple’s personalities—Marina’s Strawberry Paloma was bright and refreshing, while Garrett’s Cape Codder paid homage to New England’s classic flavors.
The evening kicked off with the couple’s first dance to Forever To Go by Chase Rice, a fitting song that spoke to the adventure of their love story. The energy only escalated from there, with a DJ blending classic wedding tunes with modern remixes that kept the dance floor packed all night. Light-up cowboy hats and glow accessories were handed out to add a playful touch, creating an electric atmosphere.
"We wanted our reception to feel like a party and we achieved that by having good music and props!"
A three-tiered wedding cake, with cascading fresh florals and a middle tier textured like seersucker fabric, was a nod to the coastal aesthetic that defined the day. Though guests raved about its flavor, Marina and Garrett later admitted that in the whirlwind of the evening, they never got to taste a slice—one of their only wedding regrets!
Advice from the couple:
• Marry your best friend in one of your favorite towns!
• Make time to be with each other throughout the entire night.
• Bring a karaoke machine to your wedding after-party!
PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER Renaud Film and Photo | VENUE The Nonantum Resort | DRESS Allure Bridals | BRIDAL STORE Modern Vintage Bridal | MUAH Stephen Peter’s Salon | FLORALS Rhonda Davis at Windham Flower Shop | TUXEDO The Black Tux | STATIONERY RSVP Hingham | SIGNAGE Brit Barry Design | OFFICIANT Maria Northcott at A Sweet Start | RENTALS One Stop Event Rentals | DRAPERY & CAFE LIGHTING Maine Event Decor | JEWERLY Descenza Diamonds | DJ Matthew Ladderbush
