There's just something about a fall wedding on the coast of Maine. The crisp ocean air, the gorgeous light, and a venue full of classic New England charm. Erin and Cameron's wedding at The Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport, Maine was all of that and so much more. From emotional first looks on the beach to a dance floor that absolutely did not quit, this was one of those wedding days that was just FUN from beginning to end.
And can we talk about the fashion? The details? The pearl-covered veil blowing in the ocean breeze? SO GOOD.
Getting Ready at The Colony Hotel
One of my favorite things about The Colony Hotel is how much character it has, and Erin and Cam's getting ready spaces couldn't have been more different!
Erin and her girls were getting ready in a bright, cheerful room with the prettiest vintage pink floral wallpaper. Champagne was flowing, everyone was laughing, and the energy was just perfect. I started the morning capturing some of Erin's beautiful flat lay details while the ladies enjoyed their champagne and finished getting ready.
Meanwhile, Cam and the guys were hanging out in the hotel's library, which had a completely different vibe. Think dark, moody, old-school charm, with a little liquor flowing instead of champagne. I absolutely loved the contrast between the two spaces!
Once all the details were captured, it was time for everyone to get dressed. Erin slipped into her gorgeous wedding gown, and she looked absolutely stunning. Everything was coming together, and it was almost time to head to the beach!
Emotional First Looks and Beach Portraits
One of the best things about getting married at The Colony Hotel is having the beautiful Maine coastline literally across the street. We headed down to the beach for first looks, private vows, and portraits before the ceremony.
First up was Erin's dad.
There's something about a father seeing his little girl in her wedding dress that gets me every single time. It was such a sweet, emotional moment, and I loved being there to capture it.
Next was the moment Erin and Cam had been waiting for. Their first look! After seeing each other for the first time, they shared private vows right there on the beach. I always love when couples choose to do this. It's an opportunity to slow down, take in the moment, and share something meaningful with each other before the whirlwind of the wedding day really begins.
After their vows, we gathered everyone for family and wedding party portraits before sneaking in some couples portraits along the shoreline.
And let me tell you, the wind was WINDING.
But sometimes the wind is exactly what you need! Erin's gorgeous veil, covered in delicate pearls, was catching the breeze in the most beautiful way. Sure, we had some wild hair moments, but the movement and energy it brought to their portraits was absolutely worth it. That's the beauty of a coastal New England wedding. You never quite know what Mother Nature has planned, but sometimes she delivers a little extra magic.
An Oceanfront Wedding Ceremony
With portraits wrapped up, we headed back to The Colony Hotel for the ceremony on the back lawn overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
As guests began taking their seats, something caught my eye. A monarch butterfly was fluttering around the ceremony space, catching the attention of several guests as well. It was one of those little moments that makes you stop and appreciate the beauty happening all around you.
The ceremony itself was beautiful, made even more personal by having a dear friend officiate. With the ocean stretching out behind them and their favorite people gathered around, Erin and Cam exchanged their vows and officially became husband and wife!
After sealing their marriage with a kiss, Cam's grandparents showered the newlyweds with Jordan almonds, a classic wedding tradition. I love when couples incorporate little family traditions like this. It's such a meaningful way to connect generations and make the day even more personal.
Cocktails, Coastal Views, and a LOT of Lemons
Following the ceremony, guests made their way to the back deck of The Colony Hotel for cocktail hour.
If you've never been to The Colony, the views from the back deck are absolutely gorgeous. Overlooking the ocean, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail, mingle with friends, and soak in that beautiful Maine coastline.
Live music filled the air while guests enjoyed colorful cocktails, delicious passed appetizers, and plenty of conversation. And the fashion! I love a wedding where the guests really show up dressed for the occasion.
But my favorite cocktail hour moment had absolutely nothing to do with the cocktails.
It was Erin's lemon water.
You see, Erin LOVES lemon water. And I don't mean she occasionally asks for an extra lemon wedge. This girl brings her own lemons everywhere she goes. So naturally, someone handed her a glass of water that looked like it contained approximately 100 lemons.
It was hilarious, completely over the top, and SO Erin.
I love little moments like this because they're what make every wedding unique. It's not always the big, elaborate details that tell the story of a couple. Sometimes it's a glass of water stuffed with an absurd amount of lemons.
A Beautiful Coastal Wedding Reception
As cocktail hour came to a close, guests made their way inside for the reception.
One of my favorite details was the seating arrangement. Guests found their place settings displayed on beautifully hand-painted oyster shells. Such a perfect coastal New England touch, and a detail that fit the setting so well!
Once everyone found their seats, it was time to get the party started.
The wedding party came bursting onto the dance floor, followed by the newlyweds, who went straight into their first dance as husband and wife.
After their first dance, Erin shared a sweet dance with her dad, followed by Cam and his mom. I always love watching these moments unfold, especially after capturing all the emotions of the morning.
Before dinner got underway, Erin and Cam took a moment to thank their loved ones for celebrating with them. Their maid of honor and best man followed with speeches, sharing stories, laughs, and plenty of love for the newlyweds.
Golden Hour Wedding Portraits
After speeches, I stole Erin and Cam away for a few minutes to catch the last bit of sunlight before sunset.
And THIS is why I love golden hour at The Colony Hotel.
There's something so beautiful about the way the setting sun reflects off the ocean and lights up the green overlooking the water. The light becomes soft, warm, and absolutely dreamy.
We wandered around the lawn, taking advantage of that gorgeous glow while Erin and Cam enjoyed a few quiet moments together away from the reception.
Golden hour portraits are always some of my favorites from a wedding day, but especially at coastal venues like this one. Between the ocean views, the soft fall light, and two very happy newlyweds, it doesn't get much better.
Cake, Ice Cream, and One EPIC Dance Floor
After sunset portraits, we headed back inside for cake cutting and a sweet treat from Blue Bird Mobile Dessert Bar. Because honestly, who doesn't love a little ice cream at a wedding?
And then?
IT. WAS. ON.
Erin and Cam hit the dance floor HARD, and their guests were right there with them.
The band, The 1999, was absolutely incredible. I cannot say enough good things about the energy they brought to this reception. They kept the music going, the guests moving, and the dance floor packed.
There were flip-flops for tired dancing feet, light-up foam wands waving through the air, and a room full of people having the absolute time of their lives.
I love a wedding where everyone really lets loose, and this crowd understood the assignment.
The energy was contagious, the music was fantastic, and the celebration just kept going. What a way to end an already amazing day!
Congratulations, Erin & Cameron!
Erin and Cam, thank you SO much for trusting us to capture your beautiful wedding day. From the emotional moments on the beach to the nonstop energy on the dance floor, we loved every minute of celebrating with you and your favorite people.
Your wedding was the perfect mix of classic New England coastal elegance and a whole lot of FUN. I hope every time you look back at your photos, you're reminded not just of how beautiful everything looked, but how incredible it all felt.
And of course, a huge thank you to the amazing team of vendors who helped bring this day together. It's always such a pleasure working alongside talented people who make wedding days like this possible.
Cheers to the newlyweds!
Vendors:
Venue: The Colony Hotel | Planning: Praks Planning | Videography: Samy U Films | Entertainment: The 1999 Live | Florals: Copper Penney Flowers | HMUA: The Hair Loft Ash Olsen | Lavo Beauty Co. | Lisa V. Beauty | Coffee & Dessert: Blue Bird Mobile Dessert Bar | Photobooth: NE Photo Booth
