Christine and Gareth’s wedding day took place on July 21st, 2018. Christine got ready at her parent’s house in Scarborough. We took a few photos at the residence and then headed off to the ceremony. The ceremony took place at Portland Headlight at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Everyone gathered at Battery Knoll, which is the part of the park overlooking the lighthouse. It was the perfect setting for the couple to exchange vows surrounded by family and friends.

Following the ceremony, Christine and Gareth walked around with me throughout Fort Williams Park to take photos of just the two of them. We had the most wonderful ocean views and the lighthouse continued to provide the perfect scenic Maine backdrop for their portraits.

Next, everyone traveled to Old Orchard Beach for Christine and Gareth’s wedding reception at the Dunegrass Golf Club. The Grand Cyprus Room was decorated beautifully for the occasion with gorgeous flower table centerpieces, adorable calligraphy signs (made by Ashley Beecher, Christine’s sister-in-law) and the room was complete with a whoopee pie table!

Once everyone was announced into the reception, Christine and Gareth shared their first dance to Baby I’m Yours covered by the Arctic Monkeys. There were several heartfelt speeches and toasts, followed by dinner and lots of dancing. All in all, it was a wonderful and unforgettable evening and I am so honored to have been part of Christine and Gareth’s special day, as they truly are one of the sweetest couples I’ve ever photographed.

Here’s my Q&A with Christine:

How did you two meet? Tell us about your first date.

Gareth was recruited from England to play Rugby here in Portland Maine, and my brother was also on the team. I went to a couple games and noticed him on the field. Eventually I got my brother to introduce us one night in Portland. We went on our first date a week later after Gareth asked my brother if it was okay to take me out on a date. We went out for drinks then gelato on our first date and it was just easy and fun to be together.

When and where did you get engaged? Tell us about the proposal.

We got engaged in Gareth's home town of Bridlington, England on Christmas Eve of 2016. He had been planning to propose at Whitby Abbey (my favorite place we visited on my last trip a year previous), however the weather was horribly windy and wet. He asked me that evening over a cup of Yorkshire tea whilst we were in his living room in front of the Christmas Tree watching home alone. Gareth and I had to be apart a lot because of the distance but in his proposal he made it clear that eventually we would find a way to make it work and be together.

What is your favorite moment of your wedding day?

Our favorite moment was bringing two sets of our wonderful family and friends together on our special day and seeing everyone have such a great time.

Tell us about your flowers, your gown, and your cake.

As a bride, I wasn't stuck just on one color. I wanted soft colors of pinks, peaches, greens, blues, and some gold. I knew Jamie of Cider House Designs would be creative so I told her to surprise me. She noticed the little things as well such as adding little spritz of purple in my bouquet because it is Gareth's favorite color. She was able to also create a beautiful space for us at Fort Williams. Jamie did such an amazing job taking my color ideas and bringing them to life with the beautiful flowers she chose.

My wedding dress was a Maggie Sottero from Andreas Bridal and was purchased at their sample sale. When I tried it on I fell in love with it. The dress had everything I was looking for and more! 

Instead of doing a traditional wedding cake, we cut did a table of whoopie pies, with a giant one for us to cut into. We love whoopie pies and it's a perfect Maine treat!

Wedding Vendors:

Ceremony Venue: Portland Head Lighthouse (Fort Williams Park) in Cape Elizabeth, ME

Reception Venue: Dunegrass Golf Club in Old Orchard Beach, ME

DJ: Stephen Bell with Double Platinum Celebrations DJ Services

Florist: Jamie Moody with Cider House Designs

Whoopie Pies: Cakes and Desserts by Billi Jo

Ceremony Benches and Chairs: Savvy Event Rental

Transportation: Atlantic Limousine (Wedding Party) and Custom Coach and Limousine (Guests)