5 years ago, Kate was in her junior year of college, and Covid had just overturned the world. Kate’s best friend’s boyfriend had a best friend, and all of the friends were making a conjoined effort to set up these two. The 6 foot rule was a thing back then, so their first date was through zoom! They hit it off and a few years later, Riggs proposed to Kate at Hendrick’s Head Beach in Southport, Maine. The beach was a special place to Kate, who had photographed hundreds of Senior portraits there. She said ‘Yes!’ and all of that led to this amazing day!

Kate and Riggs knew they wanted a venue close to her grandfather’s home in Boothbay Harbor. Kate grew up visiting her grandfather often at his house on the water there. It just so happened that there is an active shipyard just down the street that also hosts events – the Bristol Marine Shipyard. A working shipyard during the week, this was one of the most unique venues I’ve ever photographed a wedding at! All of the nautical touches were very real and rustic, right down to the tools on the workbenches!

Kate got ready with her bridesmaids at her grandfather’s house, while Riggs got ready at a nearby rental home. It was a hot and humid June day, so the breeze coming off the water that day felt heavenly. The bridesmaids wore a mix of blue dresses that looked perfect for a summer wedding on the coast. Kate and Riggs chose to do a first look on her grandfather’s lawn, followed by a private vow reading between just the two of them. While they were reading their vows, the “Miss Boothbay” boat arrived to start taking the bridal party over to the Shipyard. I love that Kate and Riggs got to enjoy a few moments of true peace and calmness out on the water before their ceremony. We even saw a family of geese, and I’m pretty sure I heard Kate squeal in excitement when she saw them! Guests gathered on the huge outdoor deck for the ceremony with breathtaking views of the harbor. There were so many tears from everyone during the sweet ceremony. My favorite part was when the officiant asked them to take a minute and look around at their guests and really take in the moment – this is probably the only time in their lives that all of their loved ones would be in the same place – how special is that?!

The reception space was stunning, and Kate’s parents surprised the bride and groom with a very talented wedding painter to capture the space! Ken Lund does incredible work, and it was so fun to watch him create throughout the entire day. As a first for me, I actually made it into the painting! Another special touch in the reception was a stained glass art piece that was on display. Kate’s Aunt had created it based on one of their engagement photos that I took, and it was so beautiful! We didn’t have to go far for portraits, as the deck, water, boats, and long dock were picture perfect! The reception went smoothly with some heartfelt speeches, a delicious dinner, and a packed dance floor! Scroll down to see some crazy fun that happened that night! I was able to steal the couple away for a few moments during sunset to capture the beauty of sky. Kate and Riggs put so much thought into the little details of the day – the tiny lobsters on Riggs’ socks, the sandals ready for guests to use during dancing, photo cufflinks for the bride’s father, Maine themed coloring books for the kids, handwritten letters to each of their guests, blue floral ties that the groom and groomsmen wore, the bride and groom personally dismissing tables one by one for dinner while also getting to talk to each of them, photos of the two of them throughout the reception, a guest book made out of their engagement photos, paper folding fans for the guests – they put so much love into everything! Honestly the day went so well and it was so much fun to be a part of it.

Thank you so much, Riggs and Kate, for trusting me to capture your special day! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Jones!

Also, thank you to all the amazing vendors who made this day possible!

Thank you to all the vendors who made this possible:

Venue: Bristol Marine Shipyard, Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Officiant: Katie’s childhood friend, Faith Boucher

Bride’s Dress: Andrea’s Bridal & Formal Wear, Portland, Maine

Suits: Men’s Wearhouse

Live Wedding Painter: Ken Lund, Maine

Catering, Wedding Cake and Desserts: Ralph Smith of Mine Oyster Catering and Rentals, Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Florals: Berry & Berry Floral, Hallowell, Maine

DJ: Rob Burnell of The Music Man DJ Service, Maine

Day of Coordinator: Megan, TIL Death Do Us Part, Maine

Greenery: Conley’s Garden Center and Landscaping, Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Boat: Miss Boothbay of Balmy Days Cruises, Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Photographer: Andrea Simmons Photography, Maine

Second Photographer: Laura Stevens Photography, Maine