Weddings

Embrace the Extraordinary: Unique Wedding Ideas for Unforgettable Celebrations

Are you dreaming of a wedding day that breaks away from tradition and embraces the extraordinary? In a world where couples are increasingly seeking unique and personalized experiences, there has never been a better time to think outside the box when it comes to saying “I do.” From breathtaking natural settings to unconventional dining experiences, the possibilities for creating a wedding that truly reflects your love story are endless. Today, we’re exploring one particularly enchanting idea: a micro-wedding in Acadia National Park followed by a family-style pizza dinner at Sweet Pea’s Cafe in Bar Harbor, Maine.

The Magic of Acadia National Park

Nestled along the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park offers a stunning backdrop for couples seeking a wedding that’s both intimate and awe-inspiring. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by towering granite cliffs, pristine forests, and the soothing sounds of crashing waves. Whether you choose to say “I do” atop Cadillac Mountain at sunrise or beneath the lush canopy of a secluded forest glade, Acadia provides a natural canvas for creating unforgettable memories.

Intimacy in Every Detail

One of the defining characteristics of a micro-wedding is its emphasis on intimacy and meaningful connections. With a smaller guest list, couples have the opportunity to focus on the details that matter most to them, whether it’s handwritten vows exchanged in a secluded grove or personalized keepsakes for each attendee. Acadia National Park offers countless picturesque locations for your ceremony, ensuring that every moment is imbued with a sense of wonder and intimacy.

A Deliciously Unconventional Dinner

After exchanging vows in the midst of nature’s splendor, why not continue the celebration with a dining experience that’s as unique as your love story? Picture this: long wooden tables adorned with twinkling lights, surrounded by your closest friends and family members. Instead of a formal sit-down dinner, opt for a family-style feast featuring everyone’s favorite comfort food: pizza!

A family-style pizza dinner is not only delicious and budget-friendly but also encourages conversation and camaraderie among guests. Choose a local pizzeria or catering service (like Sweet Pea’s Cafe) to provide an array of gourmet pizzas, from classic margheritas to inventive toppings inspired by local flavors. Pair it with crisp salads, savory appetizers, and refreshing beverages for a meal that satisfies both the stomach and the soul.

Making Memories to Last a Lifetime

In the end, what truly makes a wedding unforgettable are the moments shared with loved ones and the memories created along the way. By embracing unique ideas like a micro-wedding in Acadia National Park followed by a family-style pizza dinner, couples can craft a celebration that reflects their personalities, values, and love for each other.

So, if you’re ready to embark on an adventure unlike any other, consider stepping off the beaten path and into the extraordinary. Whether you’re exchanging vows atop a mountain peak or savoring slices of pizza beneath the stars, your wedding day is an opportunity to create a story that’s uniquely yours. After all, love is anything but ordinary—why should your wedding be?

Vendors –

Photographer: Emily Brianne Photography

Reception: Sweet Pea’s Cafe

Ceremony: Acadia National Park

First Look Location: Moseley’s Cottage

Hair: Brittany Spence

Flowers: Little Red Flower Truck

Are you considering a unique wedding idea like this? Share your thoughts and let me know what other extraordinary wedding ideas you’re dreaming of here!

Check out this couple’s romantic & adventurous engagement session here!

A Downtown Freeport, Maine wedding with classic, timeless details infused with fun elements like sunglasses, champagne, a dance party, and a photo booth creates an unforgettable celebration that blends elegance with entertainment. Here’s how you can bring these elements together seamlessly:

• Classic and Timeless Décor:
  • Incorporate timeless décor elements such as lush floral arrangements, crystal chandeliers, and elegant table settings with fine china and silverware.
• Fun Sunglasses:
  • Customize the sunglasses with your wedding date, initials, or a fun quote to add a personalized touch.
  • Encourage guests to take photos wearing their sunglasses and share them on social media with a custom hashtag for your wedding.
• Signature Cocktails:
  • Creating a signature cocktail for your wedding reception is a fantastic way to add a personal touch and impress your guests.
  • Give your signature cocktail a meaningful or fun name that reflects your personalities, love story, or wedding theme. This adds a personal touch and makes the cocktail feel uniquely yours.
• Dance Party:
  • Hire a professional DJ or live band to keep the dance floor packed with a mix of classic hits and contemporary favorites.
  • Consider adding surprise elements like confetti cannons, glow lights, or a choreographed dance performance to elevate the dance party experience.
• Photo Booth:
  • Set up a photo booth with a backdrop that complements your wedding theme and décor.
  • Provide a variety of fun props such as oversized sunglasses, hats, boas, and signs with playful messages for guests to use in their photos.
  • Include a digital or printed copy of each photo as a keepsake for guests to take home, along with the option to share their photos on social media.

In Summary –

By combining classic, timeless details with fun elements your wedding will be a memorable celebration that reflects your unique style and personality while ensuring that guests have a fantastic time.

Logistics –

Madison + Dalton had an eight hour wedding day with no first look. All events took place at the same venue so there was no travel time. We had ample getting ready time, and coverage half way through the reception.

Vendors –

Dress and Veil: Wedding Angels

Jewelry: Olive and Piper

Shoe Designer: Betsey Johnson

Florist: Wildflower Floral Design

Venue: Hilton Garden Inn Freeport Downtown

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Torey, from the venue

Officiant: Family friend

DJ or Band: Double Platinum Celebrations

Cake/desserts: Reilly’s Bakery

Bridesmaids dresses: Azazie

Groomsmen and groom attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Invitations / paper goods: Zola

Hair Artist: Ashlie Voteur

Makeup Artist: Beckah Mitchell

If you’re looking for a photographer who is 100% down to celebrate with you and capture all of the fun, reach out and see if we’re the right vibe for each other!

Check out their coastal engagement session here!

Are you searching for a Mount Desert Island wedding photographer? Look no further than this latest blog post! It’s the turning of the season, where you can feel the crispness in the air. The sun is still beaming down on you though, creating a bit of warmth. The leaves are turning vibrant colors before they soon fall to the ground. We know that cold Maine winter is right around the corner, so we soak in these autumn days as much as possible. 

Similar to the changing of the seasons; a wedding day.

You know that something different is around the corner, what you’ve been relishing in for months will soon be transitioning to something else. You’re soaking in these final moments of the in between. It’s exciting to see what’s to come, but the anticipation can bring some anxiousness as well. 

Embracing the changing of the seasons with the ones who matter most brings even more excitement and a settling of any anxious feelings.

Mount Desert Island Wedding Photographer Inspiration

Gabby and David’s entire wedding day was filled with so much emotion. An overwhelm of anxiousness is common to set in just before your ceremony. The anticipation of seeing your love for the first time as you walk down the aisle with all eyes on you. The overwhelm of excitement and love and giddiness, all piles up. Your closest friends and family support you while prepping for the day, but the true sense of calm becomes so evident when you reach the end of the aisle, finally able to take a breath, and join hands with your fiance. The sense of comfort that your partner can provide is like no other. This was clear as day watching Gabby prepare and embrace these moments. 

As their college friend married them, and they confidently read their vows aloud to each other, there weren’t many dry eyes around. Between the tears, David’s immaculate sense of humor kept the light-hearted feel in the air. As the ceremony concluded and they were pronounced husband and wife, there was a plot twist. Gabby skipped the first kiss and went straight for the shoulder in the biggest hug ever. Like she’d been waiting an eternity for that hug. The relief and comfort poured over her being in her partner’s arms. I truly loved that so much. 

After the ceremony, we let the newlyweds have a private bit of time alone. A few minutes to just soak in the moment, embrace what just went down, and just say hello for the first time all day. This isn’t a part of the day that is usually accounted for (but it should be!). 

Wedding Photography Tip

Pro tip: Determine your plan for when you walk back up the aisle together. Do you want to tuck away for 5-10 minutes alone, do you want to have a receiving line to hug all of your guests, or do you want to circle around and jump right into family photos? Make note of this with your photographer and planner beforehand so we can help accommodate what would feel best for you! 

Their ceremony was planned for the perfect time, after they took a breather together, we jumped right into the warm golden hour light for portraits. We captured the natural beauty of the grounds at Camp Beech Cliff as the leaves showed off their bright oranges and red. The evening went on with more laughs and tears during first dances and heartfelt speeches. Stories were shared around the tables during their family style dinner (pasta, yum!), and memories were made on the dance floor. 

At the end of the day, everybody’s hearts (and bellies) were full and happy – that is truly what it’s all about when you’re celebrating you and your person, and now they have photographs that really showcase all of that. Scroll through to see for yourself!

Ready for your own heartfelt photos? Let’s connect!

VENDORS-

Dress: Grayce Bridal

Venue: Camp Beech Cliff

Wedding Planner: Lynette Rodriguez

Officiant: Teri Triciricao

DJ: Bill DaButler

Cake: Orange Cat Cafe

Catering: Big Cat’s Catering

Bridesmaid Dresses: Grayce Bridal

Invitations: Minted

Hair Artist: Christena O Dwyer

Makeup Artist: Mad Hair and Makeup

Rentals: Wallace Events

A cold April day on the coast of Maine – Anna and Ethan’s closest family gathered around them seaside in York, Maine to watch the two become one. I can’t wait to share this Nubble Lighthouse micro wedding on the blog today!

I met Anna 11 years ago during my first year of college in Southern Maine. Her warm soul radiates the moment you meet her. You instantly feel welcome and loved being around her. I can honestly say she is probably the kindest person I know. She has a heart of gold. If I was to describe her in just a short sentence it would be: low-maintenance, heartwarming, and a little bit quirky. Similarly, that is exactly how I would describe their seaside micro-wedding at Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine. 

As their immediate family snuggled up around them, one of her best friends officiated the ceremony, another close friend did her makeup for her and helped reapply in the parking lot as the tears streamed down her face after the ceremony. Being part of this intimate time and getting the opportunity to photograph my college roomie and her person was truly such an honor. 

Their unique touches added so much personality to their special day. Anna’s jewelry was heirloom family pieces. They wore matching socks and sandals. They rocked some awesome sunnies and a personalized denim jacket. And they even had custom sugar cookies designed with their name and the lighthouse. The cookie showcased their personalities so well!

Being that it was a mirco-wedding, my time with them was short and sweet. But during that time we captured the ceremony, family portraits, and just married portraits along the shore. It wasn’t until the last ten minutes of their portraits that we started getting rained on. But no fear, I always carry clear umbrellas with me in case of some rain!

Check out how adorable they are! 

VENDORS

Photographer: Emily Brianne Photography

Custom Cookies: Frosted By Abby

Dress: Baltic Born

Sandals: Chacos Sandals

Ceremony: Nubble Light

A private residence just a few minutes away from where Alex grew up. As you follow the long grassy path through the field, you get closer and closer to the ocean and the celebration of a lifetime. Let’s just say, this day made me extra happy as an East Blue Hill Maine Wedding Photographer. 

Jessie’s grandfather walked her through the field and down the aisle, where guests, her fiance and their fur baby, Theo, waited patiently for her. The sun was beaming on this hot August day. We occasionally caught a breeze off the water. 

As they exchanged their handwritten vows with each other, their eyes filled with tears and their pup laid patiently at their feet until it was time to walk hand in hand up the aisle with them. 

After portraits were finished, Jessie changed out of her custom made dress into a jumpsuit so she could comfortably enjoy dinner and dancing. The tables were set with antique dishes under the sailcloth tent. Simple touches of elegance and fun filled their space nestled in Curtis Cove.

The night ended with a bang…scroll to the end to check out their personal firework show!

VENDORS

Photographer: Emily Brianne Photography

Dress: Danielle Amato – Hudson George

Florals: Erinn Bridges

Catering: Bianco Catering

Bridesmaid Attire: Birdy Grey

Groomsmen: Henry’s Bridal

Hair and Makeup: The Alchemist

Rentals: A Plus Rentals

Are you looking for an East Blue Hill Maine Wedding Photographer?

After a few pandemic postponements, Jen and Nick were finally able to officially make their family become one. It was so evident how much they value family. Grandpa married them on the lawn of the Bar Harbor Inn overlooking Frenchmans Bay. Nick’s son was overjoyed to see his beautiful new stepmom coming down the aisle with her dad. And the most special part of all was their first dances. It was a gorgeous coastal wedding at Bar Harbor Inn.

Part way through the parent dances, they invited all other mother/sons and father/daughters to join in. But it didn’t stop there…  Since Jen and Nick’s new rescheduled wedding date landed on her parent’s wedding anniversary. She surprised the two of them by playing their wedding song and inviting them out for a dance. Jen and Nick joined them part way through and it’s safe to say there weren’t many dry eyes. 

The scenery that the Bar Harbor Inn offers on the coast of Maine, is hard to beat. The bride and groom tied in classic, minimalist details to compliment the coastal vibes. She gifted each of her bridesmaids an oyster shell trinket dish from Oyster Cottages, which are perfect for holding your jewelry and adding some extra elements in your detail photos. (I even ordered a couple for Christmas gifts!)

Scroll through to see love and coastal touches. 

VENDORS

Photographer: Emily Brianne Photography

Dress Designer: Allure

Dress Place of Purchase: Grayce Bridal and Formal

Florist: Queen Anne’s Flower Shop

Venue: Bar Harbor Inn

DJ/Band: Sanborn Entertainment

Hair Artist: Emily Leach 

Makeup Artist: Brittany Spence 

Oyster Dishes: Alison Brooke Designs

Planning your own coastal wedding at Bar Harbor Inn? Contact me today!

Truth bomb, barn weddings aren’t usually my number one choice… Because well, coastal chic is more my style. BUT, let me tell you, this was one of my favorites and the venue doesn’t always matter. Let’s be real, I love being a southern Maine wedding photographer at any venue!

First things first, this entire day was the perfect combination of trendy, yet timeless – and that is what I love so much! Second, all of the attire was absolute fireeee – varying shades and textures of burnt orange bridesmaid dresses, a custom green suit for the groom with his groomsmen matching in floral ties, and best of all… the sparkly jumpsuit that Abby changed into and absolutely rocked at the end of the night (we all know I love me a good jumpsuit)! 

Then we have all of the perfectly organized details that include touches from TSwift and their pup, colorfully muted florals complimented with ferns, lovely September lighting, a whole charcuterie table, and my absolute favorite thing ever *drum roll please* … food trucks! Yeah, you heard that right, food trucks. Mainely Burgers catered their wedding, and it was hands down the best wedding dinner experience I’ve ever had. Instead of waiting to be served at your table, you literally walked up to the window and made your selections. And just when you think it can’t get better than burgers and fries..they rolled in their ice cream truck after dinner. Literally heaven. 

Southern Maine Wedding Photographer

Okay, but on top of all of those personal and thoughtful touches throughout the day, what got me the most was the love that could truly be felt. The tears that filled in everyone’s eyes as Abby’s dad led her to her choked up groom, the most heartfelt vows where they both shared the ways they make each other better and their love of adventure that has built their relationship stronger than ever, the way their siblings shared about them in their speeches and the strong bond that was so evident with her and her nephew. So not only did all of these aspects of the day solidify that Abby + Ben are cool AF, but that these are my type of people. The clients who share similar values as me, and can easily be lifelong friends even after that wedding day has passed. 

All that to say, it’s not necessarily about the venue or look of the day that matters the most. It’s about the relationships and love being celebrated that I get to photograph, the sentimental personal touches, and couples that share similar values as me. 

After a double-header wedding weekend with their fun, trendy day, and the coastal elegance at the Cliff House, I felt a shift in my brand. My creative fire was relit and my core values were shining stronger ever. I felt a push to revamp my brand to incorporate these things that mean the most to me and attract clients who share similar values of family + quality, fun + adventure, and investing in experiences more than things. 

“I could not recommend Emily more! Emily shot our wedding and engagement photos and we could not be happier! She is the perfect combination of professional and fun to be around. She makes each session feel comfortable and easy! She is so great at prompting you and posing you to get natural and comfortable looking photographs. We are so glad we booked Emily for our big day and will certainly use her again for any photography needs!”

Abby & Ben

Vendors

• Photographer: Emily Brianne Photography
• Hair: Hair By Amy Mitch
• Makeup Artist: Jordan Thronell
• Venue: Hitching Post Of Maine
• Dress: Brides Across America
• Bridal Jumpsuit: La Femme
• Veil: Etsy
• Shoes: Forever Soles
• Florals: Flower Moxie
• DJ: The Music Man DJ Service
• Videographer: Christopher Silk Films
• Food Trucks: Mainely Burgers 
• Grazing Table: Charcutemarie
• Groom Suit: Indochino
• Stationery: Zazzle
• Vow Books: Etsy – Printsmitten
• Sketch of Their Dog on Details: Etsy – SimplyMarieDesign

Texas meets coastal Maine. Caitlin and Jake were stationed in the desert of Texas and planned a destination wedding to Bar Harbor, Maine. With Jake’s roots in Maine and their love for the coast, they wanted a Bar Harbor Inn wedding. It was the perfect place to celebrate with their friends and family! 

The day started early with hair and makeup by the talented Brittany and Julia. They glammed the ladies up and incorporated some custom hair pieces created by Little Red Flower Truck. Fun fact, they grew and designed all of the one of a kind floral arrangements throughout the day. 

While guests gathered at the nearby Catholic church in downtown Bar Harbor, Cailtin and her ladies slipped into dresses with different shades of blue, and tan shawls to tie together the coastal feels. 

Bar Harbor Inn Wedding

After their traditional wedding ceremony at the Holy Redeemer, guests were shuttled back to the Bar Harbor Inn just a few minutes away where they indulged in delicious hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails named after their pets. We did portraits all around the grounds of the inn and along the Shore Path before they entered their reception right into their first dance and parent dances. 

Just because this was a mid-day wedding, there was no shortage of dancing and good times once the dance floor opened up. Check out all of the exquisite florals and fun that was had before they celebrated the rest of the evening in bouncing around Downtown Bar Harbor!

Fun fact: Caitlin + Jake share a love of adventure just like me. We did their engagement session on one of their trips to Maine, and it ended up raining for the majority of the session but they completely embraced it and had fun with it. AND during my road-trip around the country in 2022, they met me at White Sands National Park for a fun adventure session playing in the snow like sand of New Mexico!

Vendors 

• Photographer: Emily Brianne Photography
• Venue: Bar Harbor Inn
• Church: Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Bar Harbor ME
• Florals: Little Red Flower Truck
• Dress: Park Avenue Bridals
• DJ: Bill Lyons
• Hair: Brittany Spence
• Makeup: Julia Montague
• Favors: Homemade blueberry jam by mother of the groom 
• Groom + Groomsmen Attire: David’s Bridal
• Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

The coastal wedding of my dreams. This luxury venue nestled atop the cliffs of Southern Maine offers panoramic ocean views for a jaw dropping ceremony and reception. The Cliff House resort is a luxury venue like no other. 

With Hannah’s background in event planning and Jason’s goofiness in their relationship, I just knew this wedding day was going to be the perfect balance of elegant and fun. The details of this day were classic and tasteful. They weren’t lacking, but they weren’t over the top. The impeccable scenery that the coast of Maine offers truly doesn’t need much to compliment it. Hannah did the perfect job dreaming this up and Salty & Sweet Events brought the vision to life so flawlessly. 

Wedding at the Cliff House Resort

While Hannah and her besties got ready in the Cliff House bridal suite, I created flatlays of her details on the balcony overlooking the water. As she eagerly awaited her first look, she began putting all of those details on – the jewelry, the shoes, the unique scent she chose for this day. Her tight red curls fell so perfectly against the lace details of her minimally elegant gown and then it was time for the big reveal with her soon-to-be husband. 

I positioned Jason facing the water while he anxiously awaited his soon-to–be bride coming down the steep steps onto the rigid cliffs. This was where they’d see each other for the first time – privately, in their attire, all done up and ready for the big day. The excitement of seeing each other quickly relieved their anxiousness. After they shared a few moments alone, checking out each other’s outfits and saying hello, we dove right into portraits. We began with a few of the soon-to-be newlyweds against the Bald Head Cliff as the waves crashed in front of them. 

Wedding First Looks

Pro tip: Doing a “first look” with your significant other allows you to see each other and take the edge off before your ceremony. Not only do you get to share some quality time together, it’s also the perfect way to begin some portraits with you, your families, and wedding party – which then allows more time after the ceremony for portraits or joining your guests at cocktail hour like Hannah and Jason did!

As Hannah’s dad walked her down the aisle, she had the view of her future husband and his son, her family members eyes filled with tears, and the beautiful blue ocean directly behind them. Her brother married them and they exchanged vows filled with sentiment and laughter. Once they were pronounced husband and wife, the lighting was perfect to finish up the remaining family portraits and the just married portraits of the two of them before they joined their guests at cocktail hour! 

As they entered The Atlantic Ballroom, they saw their reception space dreams come to life. All of the details meticulously arranged, the one of a kind lights hanging above the dance floor, and the glass-sided wall overlooking the resort offered picturesque views of the cotton candy colored skies as the sun crept further and further down. 

Ditch the Traditions

I’m a big supporter of cutting out any wedding day traditions that don’t feel like you. Hannah and Jason weren’t afraid to do that. They did have excellent welcome speeches and toasts before dinner, and then they danced the night away with a live band and their closest people. 

In between all of these moments, I truly felt like I was hanging out with friends that I’d known forever, yet we’d only met one other time at their engagement session. Hannah treated me like one of the besties and Jason wasn’t afraid to hold back on witty jokes. We shared lots of laughs and some of our inside jokes, while creating lasting memories and photographs. 

This trendy, yet timeless day was truly one for the books. I found my dream clients, my dream venue, and lifelong friends. This just goes to show that you can have a classic, elegant day and still have so much fun! You just have to see for yourself.

Vendors

• Photographer: Emily Brianne Photography
• Planner: Salty & Sweet Events
• Venue: Cliff House Maine
• Flowers: Flower Kiosk
• Dress: Hinterland Bride
• Ring: Brilliant Earth
• Band: Dan Walker Band
• Desserts: The Sandpiper Cake Shop
• Groom’s Custom Suit: Indochino
• Stationery: Minted
• Hair and Makeup: LE Glam Team
• Rentals: Peak Event Services

One of the biggest mistakes that I see from weddings…is planning your ceremony time.

There are lots of factors that come into play when determining the ceremony will begin on your wedding day.

As a wedding photographer, I encourage you to consider the sunset time when choosing your ceremony time. This is especially important for outdoor ceremonies. It is even more important to think about in the fall, with the days getting shorter and shorter. The sun can go down pretty early (especially after daylight savings!).

Keep Sunset Time in Mind

Scheduling your ceremony towards the end of the day allows you to have soft, beautiful lighting in your photos. You often don’t have to worry about squinting or harsh, unflattering shadows on your face. For most wedding days, I typically recommend scheduling your ceremony 2-3 hours before sunset. This way you will get the best natural light for your ceremony and all of the portraits to follow afterwards!

If you schedule your ceremony too close to sunset, you may not have enough daylight for portraits. You want to be sure to capture those just married portraits with your spouse, family, or wedding party. If you want to have your ceremony close to sunset, you may need to consider doing a first look. This way you can do all (or the majority) of your portraits prior to the ceremony. But keep in mind, this would mean that you need to be ready sooner. Your family would also need to arrive sooner to be in those portraits.

If a first look doesn’t seem like a fit, move the ceremony up to ensure sunlight for those portraits!

Every wedding day and every photographer is different. You should definitely check with your photographer about this. They can help you decide the best time of day and amount of time needed for your portraits. Planning your ceremony time and overall timeline planning is something that is offered for all of my wedding couples!

Related Post: Benefits Of Doing An Engagement Session With Your Wedding Photographer