Happy weekend, everyone! Most importantly, happy three week anniversary to Alyssa & Mike! This one is a photo heavy post, you guys, so go grab a cup of coffee and settle in. There is just so much I loved about this wedding. (One of them being that it was one of the very first times my own hubster joined me as an assistant!) You’ll remember Alyssa & Mike from their engagement session earlier this summer, and I’ve been impatiently waiting for their day to arrive. Alyssa & Mike had decided to kick their original plans for a traditional ballroom wedding in California to the curb, and I couldn’t be happier about it. It was a glorious fall day, and the sun shone brightly over the Maine coast, while I joined Alyssa and her closest ladies at the Stage Neck Inn, in York.
There was such a calm happiness that filled the room, and everyone was just ready to go. Alyssa wins the record for speediest prep for a bride! Everything flowed flawlessly, and the second anyone laid eyes on Alyssa in her Jenny Yoo gown for the first time, their entire face lit up. It was pretty much impossible not to, with the ladies at Skin Studio in York doing such a wonderful job on Alyssa’s hair and makeup, Alyssa was simply glowing.
I have to admit, being a planner, I was a wee bit nervous when Alyssa had a spot on the beach where she wanted to do her first look in the early afternoon. Without a cloud in the sky, I followed behind Alyssa to a private beach near where her uncle Steven lives. Normally I would strongly encourage avoiding the beach at all costs on a bright sunny day like this, but Alyssa admitted to me that this was her favorite place in the whole world. After being there with them, I can see why.
As Mike arrived, I got Alyssa situated (in her rock climbing wedding shoes!), and invited Mike to come and see his bride for the first time. With everyone else being back by our cars, they were able to have a first look the way they should be: honest, unposed, and personal. I have no idea what Alyssa and Mike said to each other here, but I do know that whatever it was, it was just perfect.
After the happy couple was ready, we grabbed our best man and maid of honor, and had a bit of fun before signing their Ketubah, and heading to the ceremony at Arrows Restaurant.
Arrows Restaurant is a little slice of heaven on earth. The minute we took a breath after pulling in, you could smell the delicious meal that Clark Frasier had in store being prepared. I’m also pretty sure that a photographer must have had their hand in designing this space, because every spot on the property was filled with romantic glowing light that wrapped perfectly around every guests face.
This was most definitely a celebration of two families coming together, from opposite sides of the world (most of Mike’s family came all the way from China to be there!).
Clearly, we weren’t having any fun at all…
See what I mean about that light? So beautiful.
Calluna Fine Flowers made absolutely stunning arrangements that were nothing short of perfect for this fairytale garden affair.
Every guest was beaming for the couple, and the two sides of the family came together, completely enjoying every minute together.
I love, love, LOVE, Mike’s face seeing Alyssa come around the corner towards the aisle. He is so absolutely genuine, and just can’t hide how happy he is with her.
So happy to be married!
If you’re a Boston commuter, you might recognize these two, known as the Subway Duo. They are amazing, and play their own original covers of current songs in Boston area subway stations. I’m not kidding when I say Alyssa & Mike walked out of their ceremony to a slower and relaxing version of Justin Timberlake’s “Suit & Tie”, and it was an absolutely beautifully done rendition.
The whole team at Arrows is wonderful. Head Chef Clark Frasier (from Top Chef Masters, WHAT?) even came out to greet the newlyweds! Thanks Clark!
Arrows was rated #10 on the list of most romantic restaurants in the US. The entire space has such a warm and inviting feel to it. I will definitely be making a trip back to have a meal there. I want to try everything! (Or if anyone reading this is looking to get married here, hint, hint, take me with you!) The welcoming space was filled with warm words of love and happiness while Alyssa’s dad and Mike’s mom gave heartfelt toasts (even if it had to be by candlelight to read).
Alyssa and Mike had two sets of rings. The ones they used during their ceremony (that belonged to Alyssa’s grandparents), and the ones that they’ll wear every day (as to keep their original ones safe!). Twice the rings = twice the fun with ring shots.
Arrows just keeps getting more and more romantic as the light fades, the garden is filled with twinkling lights. I had to sneak Alyssa and Mike away just for a few night shots!
We were off to the tent for a night of toasts, laughter, and dancing the night away…
Every guest got a box of truffles made at Arrows to take home!
Alyssa and Mike, thank you so much for completely trusting me with such a special day. You are wonderful, and I hope to see you again next time you are on the East Coast!