Rebecca and Tom’s beautiful York Harbor Inn wedding took place on a sunny and temperate fall day at the end of September. It was actually a day much like the beautiful fall afternoon when we captured their engagement photos about a year before. During their romantic session at the Public Garden, I got a chance to hear more about their love story, find out how they met, and how the proposal went. And simply put, these two were meant for each other. They are so kind and their thoughtfulness showed in every part of their wedding day and every decision they made. Even the location itself in York, ME was chosen because Tom grew up visiting family there and then shared his love for York with Rebecca, making it a place special to both of them.

A Boston Love Story

Rebecca & Tom had an epic first date! It started early one evening with dinner and drinks, followed by a walk around Boston, and then ended at another bar with singing and talking and holding hands late into the evening because neither of them wanted the date to end. They both described it as an instant connection. They spoke the very next day and have been together ever since. These two love to travel, love their kitty, love York, and love each other so much!

Getting Ready At York Harbor Inn

Rebecca had sweet floral robes for her and her ladies to wear as they got ready throughout the morning. When I arrived her details were all gathered up and set aside in a box so I could start styling and photographing them. This is something I suggest to all of my brides and is so helpful for me while allowing you to relax and not miss a beat all morning!

Rebecca included a ring dish and a couple pieces of extra lace from her wedding dress for me to use in styling as well. These personal pieces made her detail photos even more sentimental and they beautifully tied together her details with the rest of her day. Rebecca’s wedding ring was extra special as it was originally her Nan’s, given to her by her Popa.  Rebecca shared this about her grandparents: “My Nana and Popa are definitely the best example of marriage I’ve ever seen- They were married very young (just 17 and 19!) but were always the happiest together even though they had very different opinions on a lot of things. My Popa says that they only ever had one fight. They were married for over 46 years when my Nana passed away.” I love that Rebecca’s grandparents are her marriage role models. How wonderful to have such a shining example as you embark on your marriage. My grandparents are my marriage role models as well. You can read more about their love story here.Love That Never Grows Old

As the girls finished up, Tom and the guys were relaxing, toasting, and getting Tom ready for his first look with Rebecca. He had a couple sentimental pieces as well, including a pocket watch that he wore for the day. The guys were super relaxed and helped Tom enjoy the getting ready process as he prepped to see his bride!

First Look At Hartley Mason Reserve

Rebecca and Tom opted for a first look so they could maximize the amount of time they spent together on their wedding day and to leave time to get to their cocktail hour after a quick trip to the lighthouse for photos. They were so excited to see each other that they couldn’t stop smiling. They hugged, took each other in, hugged and kissed again, and jumped right into conversation together about how their mornings had gone. It was so nice to do a first look and plan their timeline so they had the time and space to be together and soak in the day they were about to have, without rushing through those first few lovely moments together.

Hartley Mason Reserve is an absolutely beautiful park overlooking the ocean and directly across from the York Harbor Inn. The sunlight filtering through the trees was gorgeous and the park was full of butterflies. It was the perfect spot for their first look and we took their portraits there, meandering down toward the water and stopping in all kinds of beautiful pathways and nooks for photos of them snuggling together. Before the ceremony, we met up with their families for portraits as well.

 

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony At York Harbor Inn

Their ceremony was officiated by a loved one and therefore, was special, personal, and thoughtful from start to finish. A seat was left open with a photo of Rebecca’s dad on it to honor him. Rebecca was walked down the aisle by her grandfather and he was so proud to take that walk with her. Her sisters and mother were all tearing up as she came down the aisle and the emotions of the day were especially palpable throughout the ceremony.

Portraits At Nubble Lighthouse

After the ceremony, Rebecca and Tom, along with two of their siblings who served as Maid of Honor and Best Man, hopped on the trolley and headed for Nubble Lighthouse for some newlywed portraits together. It was a beautiful fall day so the lighthouse was packed with visitors, including at least two other wedding parties (fun side note here – I ran into friend and fellow Boston photographer Michelle Dunham, who was photographing one of the other weddings – always great to see industry friends in unexpected places!). We worked around the crowds and captured some sunny portraits by the sea before getting back to the York Harbor Inn for the last half of cocktail hour.

York Harbor Inn Wedding Reception

The reception was so much fun! Rebecca and Tom danced the night away with family and friends, listened to sweet speeches by their siblings, and generally hosted a great party! And the room was absolutely stunning thanks to Rebecca’s vision. She had draping and uplighting brought in to frame and highlight the dance floor and accent the room, along with beautiful chairs that matched the soft pastel florals and gave the reception space a light, airy, and romantic feel. Oh! And we snuck out for a few more couples portraits at sunset – heading down to the beach at low tide – and they’re some of my favs! Congratulations you two! XO

 

 

 

 

Their Wonderful Vendor Team:

Venue: York Harbor Inn

Florist: York Flower Shop

Hair & Makeup: Harbor Hair Company

Dress Shop: Madeleine’s Daughter

Gown: Essense of Australia

DJ: 5 Star Events

Cake Artist: Beach Pea Baking Co.

Invitation Suite: Minted

Reception Draping & Lighting: Maine Event Decor

Dress Alterations: Zuzu’s Petals

Second Photographer: Lauren Termini