Amy and Erin opted to exchange vows in an intimate ceremony and then celebrate afterwards at their own coffeehouse and eatery, Backyard, in Ogunquit, Maine with 156 guests. Friends and family were treated to a hospitable experience with amazing food, flowing drinks and enchanting decor. Lark Creative helped the brides pull off a soiree that was incredibly personable (coffee details abound!) while Brett Alison Photography captured the essence and emotion.
The Love Story
Amy and Erin met through a mutual friend and immediately hit it off. Their romance grew deep as they hit milestones as individuals and as a couple, supporting each other along the way. Erin's college graduation, new jobs, new living transitions and Amy starting her own business in the coffee industry … suddenly 12 years had flashed by and Amy proposed in October 2014 at Marginal Way in beautiful Ogunquit, Maine.
The Venue
The Boston-based couple knew in their hearts that they needed to celebrate at the site of their second coffeehouse in Ogunquit, Maine. “It was the perfect setting,” says Amy. All of our guests could walk to the venue and enjoy a weekend in the place we love.”
Because of logistics, they opted to have a small ceremony at Stonecrop Gallery, a nearby friend's gallery, beforehand in front of only their immediate families. “It was intimate, short and sweet and perfect. We shared our vows and were then able to spend a few special moments sipping on champagne with our family before we spent the rest of the evening with our guests.”
The Fashion
A BHLDN dress fit Erin like a glove and proved to be the perfect low-maintenance wedding dress that the bride desired. Amy paired white J.Crew pants and jacket with a navy blouse from Elizabeth McKay that proved to be a winning combination.
The Party
After exchanging vows in front of a select few, they opened the doors to their coffeehouse to 156 guests. The brides worked with the talented team at Lark Creative to transform the eatery's spacious interior and sunny patio into a rustic retreat.
Mason jars filled with peonies, garden rose yellow toulousse, hydrangeas, Queen Anne's lace, apricot stock and bupleurum graced the tables. Coffee-themed details made creative appearances, such as table runners constructed from burlap bags that their coffee roaster sources beans from, wedding signage painted by Erin's father that said “All you need is love and good cup of coffee” that they danced in front of for their first dance and paper bags stamped with “Love is in the bag, just brew it” given as favors that were filled with their coffee beans.
Their station-heavy menu had the works, from a huge charcuterie table to a mac-and-cheese bar and salad station. Hors d'oeuvres such as gazpacho shooters with shrimp skewers, short rib tacos and fried mashed potatoes served in custom Chinese takeout containers were passed. Because neither bride was a fan of cake (and to keep the party going), they opted to serve root beer floats to satisfy their guests' sweet tooth.
Memorable Moment
The entrance … to see everyone's faces finally and to walk hand-in-hand to dance to our song. And the speeches. We were in awe at how many of our guests were so emotional all night, crying happy tears for our long overdue big day. Everyone was so happy to be in Ogunquit, enjoying perfect weather and good company.
Wedding Vendors
Photography: Brett Alison Photography
Wedding Planning/Design: Lark Creative
Venue: Backyard Coffeehouse and Eatery
Officiant: Frances Read Justice of the Peace
Catering: Portsmouth Catering Co.
Wedding Dress: BHLDN
Wedding Suit: jacket/pants by J.Crew, blouse by Elizabeth McKay
DJ: DJ JT Stevens
Makeup: Janelle Strauss
Hair: Kristin Gillies of Sanela Salon
Jewelry: Stone Home Antiques
Beach Caddy: OGT Beach ‘n Sport
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