Salt air, ocean views, rustic barns, lobster dinners, and golden fields—Mary and John's wedding was everything we love about a summer wedding in Maine.

Mary has deep roots in Maine, just like we do, so it felt incredibly fitting that she chose to have her first look at the very same park where Jesse and I shared our own first look & ceremony on our wedding day 13 years ago.

We started the morning separately with each of them as they finished getting ready. I spent the morning with Mary at her parents' cozy cottage, where excitement filled every room as everyone put the finishing touches on the day. Meanwhile, my second photographer met John at the York Harbor Inn—a place that holds so much meaning for us since it's where Jesse and I were married. It felt like such a full-circle moment to photograph another couple beginning their forever in places that have meant so much to our own story.

Once everyone was ready, we met at the beautiful Hartley Mason Reserve overlooking York Harbor for their first look. If you've never been there, it's one of those hidden gems that perfectly captures the beauty of coastal Maine. John stood waiting, equal parts nervous and excited, as Mary quietly walked up behind him. With one gentle tap on his shoulder, he turned around and instantly lit up. The look on his face said everything—he couldn't believe how beautiful his bride looked.

Before the whirlwind of the day continued, the two of them took a quiet moment together to exchange private vows. Away from the guests and distractions, they shared heartfelt promises that made the moment feel incredibly intimate and personal.

Afterward, we captured family portraits and wedding party photos around the park. Since Mary's aunt works at The Reading Room, located right beside the reserve, we also stopped in front of the beautiful historic building for a few portraits before making our way to Churchill Barn.

The ceremony took place outside on the lawn beneath the warm Maine sunshine. Surrounded by family and friends, Mary and John exchanged vows during a heartfelt ceremony centered on love, faith, commitment, and the joining of two families. There was something so peaceful about watching them promise forever in such a beautiful setting, with everyone they love gathered around them. The ceremony was filled with meaningful words, genuine emotion, and plenty of happy tears as they officially became husband and wife.

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds chose to spend cocktail hour celebrating alongside their guests—a decision we always love to see. It's such a wonderful opportunity to soak in the excitement of the day and actually enjoy time with everyone who came to celebrate.

Cocktail hour flowed seamlessly between the barn and the outdoor patio, with colorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, lawn games, and lots of laughter. Every detail reflected the couple's love for Maine. Inside the reception tent, guests found baskets of lobster bibs waiting at their tables along with adorable instruction cards explaining how to tackle a whole lobster. It was such a fun and authentic New England touch that had everyone smiling.

When it was time for the reception, Mary and John made their grand entrance before sharing their first dance together inside the barn. From there, everyone made their way into the reception tent, where heartfelt toasts were shared by Mary's father and her sisters, who served as maids of honor. Their words were filled with laughter, stories, and love before dinner was blessed with a prayer and everyone enjoyed an incredible meal together.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, I stole Mary and John away for a few quiet moments together in a nearby wildflower field. Golden hour in Maine is always magical, and this little spot was the perfect backdrop for some of my favorite portraits of the day.

After I took lots of couple’s shots, John surprised me by asking if he could take a photo of Mary and me together. Of course, I happily handed over the camera. Since he clearly had an eye for it, I suggested he take a few portraits of his beautiful bride himself. Watching him photograph Mary with so much love and admiration was such a sweet, unexpected moment and one I'll always remember.

Before we headed back, one of John's close friends helped him wrap himself in a cherished Samoan 'ie lavalava that had been gifted to him when a dear friend of his passed away. It was an incredibly meaningful tribute and a beautiful way to carry his friend's memory with him on such an important day.

With the last rays of golden sunlight fading behind us, we made our way back to the celebration where Mary and John cut their cake before sharing heartfelt dances with each of their parents. These emotional moments perfectly bridged the evening from dinner into a night full of celebration.

Then came the party.

The band wasted no time getting everyone out of their seats, and from the very first song until the final dance, the dance floor stayed completely packed. Guests of every age were out there celebrating, singing at the top of their lungs, showing off their best moves, and making memories that will undoubtedly be talked about for years to come. The energy never slowed down, and you could truly feel just how much love surrounded Mary and John all evening long.

From the meaningful first look overlooking York Harbor to the rustic charm of Churchill Barn, every moment of this day reflected everything we love about Maine weddings. It was the perfect blend of coastal elegance, heartfelt traditions, incredible celebration, and the unmistakable warmth that comes from gathering with the people who matter most.

Mary and John, thank you for trusting us to capture such an unforgettable day. It was an honor to tell your story, and we wish you a lifetime of adventures, laughter, and happiness together.