When planning their wedding, Stephen and Tessa knew they wanted an intimate, heartfelt celebration. Tessa grew up in New York, but every summer her family would spend a week or two at her grandmother’s lakeside home on Peabody Pond in Sebago, Maine. The property has been in their family for more than 100 years, and when she was little, it was a true Maine camp—with no electricity and all the charm that comes with it. Those summers became some of her favorite childhood memories, so when the idea of getting married there came up, they both knew it was the perfect place to celebrate the start of their marriage.

Their love story began seven years ago on a first date, where they went to a concert, but ended up loving the opening act, Ashe, more than the main show. Over the next six years—including four years of long-distance while Stephen finished graduate school—their relationship continued to grow. Last year, they attended another Ashe concert together, but this time they weren’t just dating—they were ready to get married. Holding up a sign asking Ashe to be their legal witness, they were thrilled when she happily agreed! Today, Stephen and Tessa live together in Colorado with their two dogs and one cat. Although they were already legally married, celebrating with their closest friends and family was incredibly important to them. Stephen, who is an illustrator, even designed their wedding invitations himself, featuring a beautiful illustration of the view from the family lake house where they would exchange their vows.

I arrived on a warm June morning, and the summer heat had already settled in. The lake was calm, with barely a breeze, but the peaceful mountains, towering trees, and sparkling water made it easy to forget about the rising temperature. Inside her grandmother’s home, Tessa spent the morning getting ready with her mom, sister, and grandmother—a simple, meaningful start to the day that felt so fitting for the celebration they had planned. Outside, a family of ducks wandered onto shore in search of breakfast while dragonflies skimmed across the water and birds filled the air with their songs. As guests arrived, they found their seats overlooking the lake, creating the most picturesque ceremony backdrop.

Tessa walked down the aisle accompanied by both her mom and dad. Her cathedral-length veil, adorned with colorful embroidered florals, was one of the most unique and beautiful veils I’ve ever photographed. Their ceremony was sweet, joyful, and full of laughter. Their personal vows had everyone smiling, and each chose to have just one sibling stand beside them as their wedding party—a thoughtful reflection of how intentional every part of the day felt. The reception took place beneath a clear-top tent nestled beside the lake house. When I had asked Tessa to describe her wedding vision, she said she wanted it to feel colorful, low-key, filled with Maine wildflowers, and reminiscent of a classic summer camp. They brought that vision to life perfectly.

Fresh wildflowers in every imaginable color filled the tables. Their cake featured soft watercolor-inspired florals, while Stephen’s embroidered floral tie perfectly complemented Tessa’s stunning veil. Their choreographed first dance was another highlight of the evening—all of those dance lessons had certainly paid off! As the evening unfolded, guests enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Black Salt, danced the night away, challenged each other to yard games, and gathered on the dock to watch the sun slowly set over the lake. It was relaxed, joyful, and deeply personal—a celebration that honored not only Stephen and Tessa’s marriage but also the place that had meant so much to Tessa and her family for generations.

Some weddings are grand because of their size. Others are unforgettable because of the memories woven into every corner. Stephen and Tessa’s wedding was the latter, and it was such an honor to document such a meaningful day. Thank you so much, Stephen and Tessa, for trusting me to capture your special day! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs.
Nachtsheim!

Thank you to all the vendors who made this possible:

Wedding Day-of-Coordinator – Elegant Creations Events + Rentals, Biddeford, Maine

Catering – Black Salt Dining, Portland, Maine

Florals – Warren’s Florist, Bridgton, Maine

Stationary Design – The groom, Stephen Nachtsheim

Hair and Makeup – Haneen Beauty, South Portland, Maine

Rentals – onestopeventrentals.com, South Portland, Maine

Cake – Big Fish Cake Studio, Saco, Maine

Photographer – Andrea Simmons Photography, Maine