Location: Kennebunkport, Maine, USA
Setting: Boutique hotel
Season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: 10 months
The number of guests: 160
Wedding theme/style: Classic, chic, minimal.
Meredith and Derek attended the same high school but didn’t interact much due to a three-year age gap. A few years later, a chance encounter led them to a lifelong love. They both attended a concert with mutual friends. What began as a friendly chat at the concert evolved into a deeper connection. A year after their chance meeting, they started dating. Their bond grew stronger over the next seven years, built on friendship, respect, and shared dreams. Derek proposed to Meredith, marking the next chapter of their story.
In the picturesque town of Kennebunkport, Maine, a love story that began at a concert seven years ago was celebrated in a stunning wedding. Meredith and Derek celebrated their union in a manner that reflected their simple yet elegant style in a small coastal New England town with significant sentimental value to Meredith’s family. The couple opted for an intimate ceremony in a church and reception at The Boathouse boutique hotel, where 160 guests gathered to witness their vows. The picturesque October setting, with its crisp air and vibrant foliage, provided a stunning backdrop for their chic and minimalistic wedding theme.
The wedding day started with a beautiful view of the harbor from the bride’s suite. She wore blue pajamas with feather details and enjoyed a small morning gathering with her close friends, adding a touch of girlish charm to the beginning of her special day.
Our favors were unique as we created a candle with a Kennebunk-based company. We have created a special relationship over the years with the owners as we've shopped in their store and made candles with them in the past. I had the idea of creating a custom candle that Derek and I blended together with custom labels, and the owner, Stacy, was entirely on board! She worked with us to get the candles and labels made. We put the candles and custom matches I designed into a Kennebunkport tote bag for all the guests. They loved them and have since told us the scent is amazing!
Meredith’s bridal attire envisioned classic elegance with a modern flair. She wore a stunning dress from NEWHITE, featuring an overskirt and detachable sleeves that offered her three unique looks throughout the day. Her iconic Gucci shoes, with intricate detailing, added a touch of glamour to her dress and guaranteed her comfortable dancing.
To accessorize her look, Meredith chose a delicate headband adorned with pearls. “When I was dress shopping, I tried on a veil, but it was just too much for me with the overskirt. So, I asked the bridal stylist if they had any headbands. Once I put it on, I fell in love with the look. It completed it! I loved that it was still classic and chic without being super traditional,” said the bride.
Derek’s morning had a memorable start, surrounded by his closest friends. They began the day with fine whiskey, toasting to the future and the moments ahead. Adding sentiment to the morning was a thoughtful present from Meredith. She had prepared a heartfelt gift for Derek, filled with personal touches.
The couple’s touching first look took place on the rooftop, with perfect weather. Their photographer, Josie Brooks, devoted to crafting visual poetry, encapsulated the essence of feelings, love, and candid moments. She perfectly captured this and other points of the day, exuding luxury and an editorial flair with a touch of European style using digital and film cameras.
The ceremony was held in a beautiful, historic church that perfectly matched the minimalistic and timeless theme of Meredith and Derek’s wedding. The grand facade of the church, with its tall white columns and towering clock tower, created an imposing and serene ambiance amidst vibrant autumn leaves.
Josie Brooks always aims to create magazine-worthy photos that stand the test of time, representing each couple’s unique connection. She resonates with the idea that there’s more to storytelling than just beautiful photos. This philosophy aligns with her approach to building strong client connections, ensuring a deep understanding beyond the surface. When she met Meredith and Derek, she was immediately on their wavelength and quickly realized what they sought.
Meredith and Derek chose sophisticated and elegant looks for their wedding party. The bridesmaids wore black dresses, and the groomsmen wore classic black suits. This choice added to the overall stylish and sleek feel of the wedding.
The ceremony was both intimidating in its significance and deeply touching as Meredith and Derek exchanged their vows with heartfelt sincerity. Their voices, filled with emotion, resonated within the historic walls, leaving no dry eye.
The super unique moment of our wedding was when the reception at the church was over. My husband and I and all of our guests walked the less than 5-minute walk to the reception through town! All 160 of us walked together, and it was so surreal and magical! Traffic stopped, and people were honking, cheering, and taking pictures. It was so special and a memory we will cherish forever!
Instead of a traditional sit-down dinner, the newlyweds chose a cocktail-style reception. There was no seating chart or assigned seats, allowing guests to sit or stand wherever they liked and mingle freely. This relaxed and flexible style was a hit, as guests enjoyed the opportunity to move around and engage with everyone, savoring the festive atmosphere without the constraints of formal seating arrangements.
The evening featured a continuous flow of passed hors d’oeuvres, complemented by a stationary raw bar and various appetizers. As the night progressed, guests enjoyed “flying” entrees served in small portions, followed by desserts and late-night snacks. This approach ensured that everyone could savor various dishes throughout the evening.
Meredith and Derek aimed to keep their wedding decor chic and minimal with classic vibes that would stand the test of time. They chose a simple yet elegant approach, featuring clear vases with singular white roses and candles.
The couple loved the boutique hotel and restaurant, which was not a traditional wedding venue. The bride says, “I love minimal and classic pieces, whether clothes, shoes, bags, or home decor! I wanted our wedding to have the same vibe as our everyday lives.” She appreciated the space’s inherent beauty and let it speak for itself.
Meredith and Derek’s wedding reminds us that the most cherished celebrations should reflect the couple’s identity. The minimalist chic decor, elegant bridal attire, and thoughtful cocktail-style reception created a warm and inviting atmosphere, leaving lasting memories for both the couple and their guests.
Advice from the bride:
• Take it all in! Time truly goes by so quickly. Don’t sweat the small stuff, as tough as that might seem. During the planning process, I reflected on all the weddings I’ve attended over the last few years and tried to recall specific details about each one; all of them were beautiful and unique in their way, but people genuinely care about and remember the food and music!
PHOTOGRAPHER Josie Brooks | PLANNER Azalea Events | VENUE Boathouse Hotel | FLORALS Michelle Rose | BRIDAL DRESS Newhite | BRIDAL SHOP Ceremony | BRIDAL SHOES Gucci | ACCESSORIES Jennifer Behr | GROOM’S SUIT The Black Tux | MUAH Lauren Alofsin, Garineh Ashjian, Layza Souza | CANDLES Stacy Miller | DJ Montro | BRIDE Mer
