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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!

If your dog couldn’t attend your wedding, bring them along on your honeymoon (or mini-moon) to include them in some photos!

Why?! Because if your pup feels like your best friend / first born child, you’re likely going to be bumming that they couldn’t be in any of your wedding photos. Bringing your dog on your honeymoon and including them in a photo session can be a wonderful way to create lasting memories. Many couples consider their pets to be part of the family, so involving them in such special moments will add an extra layer of joy and significance to kicking off this new chapter together

Your honeymoon is a unique and cherished moment in your life, marking the beginning of your journey as a married couple. Including your beloved dog in a photo session during this time allows you to capture memories that you can cherish forever. These photos will serve as a beautiful reminder of the joy and love you shared with your pet during this special time.

Just make sure to plan accordingly, ensuring that your chosen destination is pet-friendly and that your furry friend will be comfortable and safe throughout the trip. Acadia National Park allows dogs in their slower months. You can info about visiting Acadia with a pet on their website.

I travel all over the country for honeymoon sessions (with or without dogs), and offer them in the Bar Harbor, Maine area as well. Get inspired with these photos of Jax and his humans in Acadia National Park!

Let’s chat about your destination and ideas!

How Your Engagement Session Can Be Both Adventurous and Romantic:

Your engagement marks the beginning of a thrilling journey—a journey filled with love, excitement, and endless possibilities. As you prepare to embark on this new chapter together, why not kick off the celebration with an engagement session that’s as adventurous as it is romantic? From scaling majestic mountains to strolling along sun-kissed beaches, there are countless ways to infuse your photo session with a sense of adventure while capturing the deep connection and intimacy you share as a couple. Here’s how your engagement session can be both adventurous and romantic:

Embrace the Great Outdoors

One of the best ways to add an adventurous flair to your engagement session is by taking it outdoors. Whether you’re avid hikers, nature enthusiasts, or simply love spending time in the great outdoors, there’s something undeniably romantic about exploring the beauty of nature together. Consider venturing into the wilderness for a hike to a stunning overlook, or the cliffs of Acadia National Park. Or, if you prefer a more relaxed setting, opt for a leisurely stroll through a scenic park or along a picturesque shoreline, hand in hand with your partner.

Incorporate Your Shared Hobbies and Interests

Another way to infuse your engagement session with adventure and romance is by incorporating your shared hobbies and interests. Whether you’re passionate about hiking, kayaking, or nature picnics, let your favorite activities inspire the theme and setting of your photo session. Imagine sipping champagne and sharing charcuterie on a picnic, or sharing a tender moment atop a rugged cliff overlooking the ocean. By incorporating elements of your shared passions into your engagement session, you’ll not only create unforgettable memories but also showcase the unique bond and connection you share as a couple.

It’s these candid moments of love and tenderness that truly capture the essence of your relationship. Be present in the moment, embrace the beauty of your surroundings, and let your love for each other shine in the photos.

Make It Your Own

Ultimately, your engagement session is an opportunity to celebrate your love story in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you as a couple. Whether you’re scaling mountaintops, exploring hidden treasures, or simply enjoying each other’s company in a familiar setting, infuse your photo session with elements that reflect your unique journey together. Embrace adventure, cherish romance, and above all, savor the joy of beginning this new chapter of your lives hand in hand.

This session was the perfection depiction on their love, and translated more so in their wedding photos (view those here)! Ready for a romantic adventure? Let’s connect to find the perfect place to make it happen!

If I’m being honest, I haven’t met too many children that enjoy sitting still and smiling at the camera for 60 minutes. Who can blame them?! It’s perfectly normal for kiddos to be distracted or wanting to move around. Plus, they’re probably a bit skeptical of someone new trying to take their photo. This summer vacation family session in Acadia National Park was filled with lots of giggles and a little bribery. Maybe even some gross noises and silly jokes!

When the little ones aren’t loving the session, don’t sweat it too much. I don’t want you feeling or looking stressed because, I promise you, it happens!! Upon booking your session with me, I include a PDF to help you style and prepare for your portrait session. It includes tips and tricks that help our session go a little more smoothly. Here’s a few of my favorite things to keep in mind when it comes to little kids at family sessions:

1. If little ones are in tow, bring snacks! It helps to have a few treats like goldfish or fruit snacks on hand to keep them occupied or for bribery purposes!
2. Don’t sweat the small stuff! I work quickly to ensure the best possible results. Don’t worry about getting little ones to look at the camera. You just keep smiling at me, and I will handle the rest!
3. Expect to take breaks. With little ones, it’s common to need to stop and play. We will plan to let them stop and explore as the session goes on.

Honestly, just looking through these photos, you can see their silly personalities and all the fun that we had during our short time together! Enjoy this family session in Acadia on the blog today.

Brianne and Mark thought they could escape September hurricane weather in Florida. Believe it or not, our scheduled elopement day was a complete wash. Even in Maine we still get effects from the hurricanes down south. But we still managed to get their Acadia National Park adventure elopement in the following day!

Since it was just the two of them, they had the flexibility to reschedule to a new day. Fortunately, I had availability in my schedule to make that happen before another elopement later that afternoon. That is a big perk of elopements! You have flexibility for your timing, activities that you want, and a day tailored to your wants. 

Jordan Pond Elopement

We all met at Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park. They led us to a spot they had picked out for their ceremony. It was tucked off of the walking path to provide a little more privacy and better views of Bubble Rocks. Fortunately the rain had passed, but the extreme winds stuck around. The gale force winds ripping off of Jordan Pond created white caps on the water. It was cold and windy, but it was spectacular. Mother Nature’s forceful surprises truly added to the adventure. 

In true elopement fashion, their officiant Rev. Erika Hewitt, stopped two hikers to ask if they would be witnesses. They graciously agreed, and we got started with their meaning ceremony. 

In lieu of their family being present, they wrote letters for Bri and Mark to read to each other. Their eyes filled with tears hearing the kind words their family had for them. I personally loved this idea so much. I think it’s an incredible way to include loved ones and add even more sentiment to your elopement experience. 

Prior to their trip to Maine, Rev. Erika suggested they fill a jar with mementos from their trip. The jar was filled with stones from the shore, leaves from their walks, and blooms from her bouquet. Best of all, they included a whisker from their beloved kitty who didn’t make the trip from Florida. This one pulled at my cat mama heart strings! Now, in addition to their photographs and heirloom albums, they have this little jar to help remember their elopement. 

What ways will you add sentiment into your special day? Scroll through the photos for some inspiration! 

Did you enjoy this Acadia National Park adventure elopement? If so, you will love this Coastal Wedding in Maine.

Luxury meets adventure here in Bar Harbor, Maine. This glamorous couple chose outfits that were still similar to traditional wedding attire. Nick was in a full suit and tie with a boutonniere, and Amber wore a long sleeve white gown that flowed so perfectly in the wind. Being a professional cosmetologist in Clearwater Florida, Amber did all of her own hair and makeup flawlessly. Her simple jewelry paired so perfectly with the elegant glam and bridal bouquet that complimented the colors of the cold Atlantic ocean. It was the perfect luxury elopement in Acadia National Park!

Amber and Nick traveled to Maine, fully trusted me (even before meeting me), to pick her up from her hotel in Downtown Bar Harbor. I drove her to meet Nick in the National Park so they could see each other for a first look. I prepped them in advance on where he should stand and face at Sand Beach. She walked down the stairs to reveal her gorgeous gown to him. After we spent a little bit of time at Sand Beach for some portraits, they followed me to our next spot. It was a little hidden gem I keep up my sleeve. They hadn’t seen before. I led them down a steep path through the evergreens where we landed at a small, secluded spot on the pink granite cliffs of Acadia. It towered over a pebble cove where you can hear the waves crashing and rolling the rocks against each other. The peaceful sounds of nature paired with the crisp salty air blowing across the water and onto your cheeks made for the most serene spot. Here they shared their beautiful handwritten vows.  

Bar Harbor Elopement

As Amber + Nick read from their custom vow books, I wasn’t able to hear what they were saying. But I could tell by their expressions that it was filled with lots of love, emotion, and happiness. They sealed the deal with the exchange of wedding bands and a first kiss. Then, we spent some more time rock hopping along the rugged coast of Maine. 

While they may live in Florida now, they chose Acadia because its scenery reminded them of Nick’s hometown in Alaska. During our few short hours together, they told me all about their love story, how they met, and the things they love the most. (Hearing about their travels and their trip to Alaska together, has me even more excited for my trip there in August of 2023!)

We finished up our time together back in Downtown Bar Harbor, at the hotel they were staying at. The architecture and grounds of The Bar Harbor Regency created a slight European with classic elegance. 

This is the perfect example of being able to have a luxury wedding experience with fun and adventure as well. From just a couple of phone calls, emails and questionnaires we had already got a sense of each other’s personalities so when we met for the first time on the day of their elopement, there was no feeling of awkwardness. There was an instant connection that made it so easy to talk to each other and learn more and more about them as we spent that time together. We created timeless photographs that are classy and packed with adventure, truly reflecting their love story and our full elopement experience that we created together. 

Who knew climbing through nature in wedding attire and hiking boots could look so fabulous?! 

Vendors

• Photography: Emily Brianne Photography
• Location: Acadia National Park
• Hotel: The Bar Harbor Regency
• Hair + Makeup: Amber Brockway
• Florals: Queen Anne’s
• Dress: Asos Bridal

Ellie + Trevor came dressed to impress and the result left me swooning! Their trendy, yet timeless outfits paired so nicely together – they chose solid colors to pop against the rigid coastal backdrop in Acadia National Park. Her pale blue dress, with minimally textured sleeves, complimented his neutral colored outfit of a long sleeve button up tucked into fitted dress pants. This outfit combination gave an elegant, sophisticated feel for this newly engaged couple. I love being a Bar Harbor Maine Engagement Photographer!

Prior to their session, Ellie informed that they’re usually super awkward in front of the camera and don’t know how to pose. I quickly reminded her that it’s totally normal to feel that way and that’s what I’m there for – to walk you through the entire process, make you feel comfortable, and have lots of fun while we’re doing it!

By the end of their session, they were so relaxed, giggling and their love and excitement was really shining through. Although, even at the start of their session, you would never know they were nervous, these two are natural beauties.

Scroll through to see for yourself!

Looking for a Bar Harbor Maine Engagement Photographer? Contact me today!

This is the perfect example of not needing a specific reason for a photo session. Kelsey and Todd are already married, but wanted to do a session together while they were visiting Acadia from Canada! So they booked an Adventure Session in Acadia National Park with me. The scenery isn’t like what they have at home and it had been a while since they had photos done at their wedding – so what a perfect opportunity! 

Adventure Session in Acadia

Their casual attire represented them perfectly. While still looking nice, they felt comfortable in their everyday clothes because that’s what truly felt like them. Plus, it gave us the opportunity to get moving around on the rocks a little more. I’m convinced that Blundstone boots can go with literally any outfit – but they were perfect for this fun couples session with some adventure vibes on the cliffs of Acadia National Park. 

Check out the fun we had together during this low-key session!

I love photographing adventure sessions! Looking for a photographer to hang out with you on your next adventure? I’m your girl!

Did you enjoy this post? You’ll also love my latest Romantic Cliffside Engagement Session.

Samantha and Daniel showed up to their session looking like they were straight out of an Eddie Bauer magazine, and I absolutely loved it!! I am all about choosing clothes that feel like YOU. They have a yearly tradition of having anniversary photos taken, and this year they were visiting Bar Harbor to celebrate their anniversary doing lots of hiking, so the outfits fit the occasion…and it’s a good thing too – it was quite windy & chilly for these Texans!

I just love the adventurous vibes of this session, scroll through and check out our fun session.

“We knew we wanted pictures in beautiful Acadia, but weren’t sure exactly where since we weren’t familiar with the area. Emily offered suggestions based on what scenery we were looking for in the photos and even gave some outfit tips (my husband and I actually changed outfits at the last minute due to windy/cold weather that we hadn’t quite anticipated). She did a great job before the shoot of trying to get a feel for our style, which I think really helped us feel comfortable during our shoot.

When we finally got to meet her the day of the shoot, she was friendly and provided great direction (especially to two awkward people who never quite know how to pose in photos). She made sure to ask our input about ideas/suggestions throughout the shoot, but honestly she was confident enough that we trusted her to make many of the calls (and we’re glad we did!).

The final photos were GORGEOUS. Overall we had a great experience with Emily and would highly recommend her to capture your special moments!”

Samantha & Daniel

I low-key squealed with excitement when I saw the Zimmerman family show up in these outfits. So many cute little details and accessories, yet still coordinating so perfectly!!! The weather, however, was not so perfect. There were off and on rain showers throughout the day, but this was the only day that our schedules lined up while they were vacationing in Bar Harbor. So, we waited out the rain a bit, and snuck in some INCREDIBLE family portraits in between rain showers. And it was soooo worth it. The fog and hazy sky made for some super cool photos on the rocky shoreline in Acadia National Park. This fam absolutely killed this session – check out their adorable outfits…oh, and the Bar Harbor Whale Watch boat appeared at just the right time to get in the back of a photo.

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