Here’s why Alyssa has our 100 Layer Cakelet stamp of approval: She designed her wedding dress when she was 17 (ah-mazing), collaborated with an artist she met at an art show on her chic headpiece, slipped into a fierce little red dress during her reception, and wow’d guests with the tango. Their wedding was a simple wedding on the beach with a Quaker style ceremony, a lobster bake, and a not so legal surprise firework show finale. The photos? Well, they’re Alyssa + Conor’s favorite part. They actually chased Heather & Jon of One Love Photo around for a year to snag them!
Now, that’s a bouquet! And, how sweet is it that Conor’s father put it together for Alyssa using Irish wedding bells, orchids, and large beach grass?
The Quaker ceremony idea came from a client’s wedding I shot in Michigan (Alyssa is a portrait & fine art photographer). I knew the moment I drove back home that evening that we too would celebrate Quaker style. Our friend Damara Kaminecki designed us a gorgeous Ketubah for all our guests to sign. While we do not practice a particular religion, I found these two aspects – the sharing of voice, stories, advice from a Quaker’s “meeting of friends” ceremony, and the signing of a Ketubah to be spiritually strong.
The only request Alyssa had was that the wedding be by the ocean, a place that has always represented rest & realization throughout her entire life.
We approached Blackrock Farm with the idea of using nothing but succulents, one of my favorite types of foliage. Because it was a destination event, we didn’t want the flowers to go to waste, so we asked to rent everything from Helene’s farm. Once the event was over, it was all transplanted back into her gardens on the farm.
What a sizzling first dance to have with your new hubby!
Congratulations Alyssa + Conor!
Photography: One Love Photo / Venue: Pool Side Cottage @ Hattie’s in Maine / Event flowers: Blackrock Farm / Lobster bake: Seacoast Catering / Appetizers + dessert: Salt Water Farm / Pickeling: Joshua James McFadden / Mixologist: Lydia Reissmueller & Joshua James McFadden of Tender Bar / Designer & creator of ketubah: Damara Kaminecki / Rental homes for guests: Maine Seaside Rentals / DJ: Steve @ Superior Music Entertainment / Party rental items: Marshall Tent & Event Rental / A/V rental: Headlight Audio Visual / Bride’s dress: designed by Bride and brought to life by Eva Pazola / Headpiece: designed by Bride with help of Forme Millinery / Groom’s suit: 3 piece suit designed by Bride + Groom and brought to life by Balani / Groom’s boutonnière + Bride’s bouquet: Groom’s father
