Vintage Glamour at an Oceanfront Wedding in Maine

Location: Rockport, Maine, USA
Setting: Garden, Oceanfront, Farmland
Wedding season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: 9 months
Number of guests: 50
Wedding theme/style: Timeless, intimate, vintage.

Andrew and Addie, both traveling musicians, first crossed paths after one of Andrew’s performances. Their connection led them from the bustling life of Los Angeles to the tranquil seaport charm of rural Maine. The proposal mirrored their thoughtful and familial spirit—Andrew popped the question under an old oak tree in California, surrounded by their closest loved ones, setting the stage for a wedding that was deeply personal and infused with their history.

The photography was masterfully handled by Addie’s cousin, Lindsey Almquist, who skillfully blended film and digital photography. Her photos exuded a vintage charm that matched the wedding’s style perfectly, creating images that seemed as if they were taken in a different era.

The couple aimed for a magical wedding day that felt like an outdoor extension of their own living room. Guests were asked to wear shades of white, cream, or tan to complement the white and wedgewood blue toile patterns that adorned the decor, enhancing the charm of the celebration.

Andrew spent his morning at a friend’s newly designed inn. He dressed in a classic, tailored suit that matched the wedding’s vintage aesthetic.

Addie chose a period 1930s style for her hair, beautifully done by a talented stylist and hairdresser Micayla from New Jersey, while she applied her own makeup. Her dress, a last-minute find, was simple yet stunning, perfectly suited for the intimate and serene morning that included moments of prayer and personal reflection. “I am pretty confident doing my own makeup for our stage performances, and having less people in the room the morning of my wedding made for a super sweet and mellow moment.” told the bride.

The ceremony took place in a beautiful, hazy garden overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It featured unique touches like a ceremonial ring warming and Andrew’s nieces scattering petals down the aisle. The sound of violins filled the air as they exchanged vows, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds stole away for photographs at nearby locations, reveling in their first moments as a married couple. This brief journey around the farm, though short, was filled with joy and a quick stop for a celebratory cappuccino at a local shop.

The cocktail hour was vibrant, set under a sailcloth tent with views of the ocean. Guests enjoyed croquet and lawn games, sipping on champagne and enjoying hors d’oeuvres from a local raw bar, all under the afternoon sun.

For the reception the tables were adorned with mother of pearl, brass, and toile, creating a charming chic atmosphere. Flowers in soft pastels complemented the natural beauty of the setting, and the entire area buzzed with the excitement of the fifty guests.

As the evening progressed, the lively sounds of live music filled the reception: “Andrew has good friends with the most incredible swing band based in New York City. We were so honored to have them play throughout the afternoon and evening.” said the bride. The couple added a unique musical touch by performing a “first song” duet, making the night even more memorable and intimate.

Advice from the couple:

• Don’t be pressured to plan a wedding that you don’t love. At the beginning of the process, I felt a lot of pressure to have the wedding in my home state of California and to include my big family–I have 27 first cousins just on one side. I was so happy that I went with my gut feeling to have just 50 guests in Maine–it made for such an intimate and memorable experience for us and our guests. I enjoyed offering guests to join in on weekend activities, especially for a destination wedding, but not requiring their attendance.

• If possible – keep it local local local.