Maine wedding: borrowed, thrifted, made

Alice and Sam married in August at Oceanwood Event Center in Birch Harbor, Downeast Maine. Their wedding was planned as a 'big dinner party in the woods,' with nearly every item borrowed, thrifted, or made by loved ones.

Photographer Alyssa Soucy documented the day using a mix of 35mm film and digital imagery. The couple's coordinator was Mallory Morehouse of Downeast Pours.

The Ceremony Essentials

Alice and Sam focused on involving their community. Their ceremony included several personalized elements that moved beyond a traditional checklist.

Both of the bride's parents walked her to the top of the aisle, after which she walked alone to the altar. The groom's parents also walked him down the aisle. Instead of being 'given away,' Alice wanted to symbolise both her parents' support and her own independence.

The processional music was a live performance. Alice walked down the aisle to a chorus of loved ones singing 'Harvest Moon' by Neil Young. The group, aged 16 to 80, included family and friends with two uncles on drums and guitar and a family friend conducting.

The ceremony arbour and bouquets were designed by Salt Farm Flowers. The florist also provided buckets of cut flowers so the families could arrange the rest themselves.

After the ceremony, every guest signed a marriage contract. This replaced a traditional guest book.

The Attire & Accessories

Alice wore a micro-pleated gown by Mexican designer Nadia Manjarrez. She purchased it from Wander Atelier in Caldwell, New Jersey, and had alterations done at Sew in Love in New York City. Her chapel-length veil came from an Etsy seller.

Her accessories held deep personal meaning. She wore a gold and pearl bracelet from her late grandmother and her great-grandmother's high school class ring from 1925. A lucky bluebird pin, lent by an aunt, was pinned inside the dress. Pearl drop earrings were bought secondhand on Poshmark.

For footwear, Alice chose pre-loved Stuart Weitzman heels bought on The RealReal. The lower heel was practical for the wooded, uneven terrain.

The couple used specific scents to create a 'scent memory.' Sam wore Bergamot & Hinoki by Salt & Stone, and Alice wore 11 11 by Lake & Skye. They wore these scents for weeks before and after the wedding.

The Reception Details

The reception embodied the 'big dinner party' vision. Tablecloths were cut from canvas drop cloths. Plates came from family cabinets. The bride's mother and a friend, both avid thrifters, supplied collections of furniture, art, and home goods for the decor.

There was no strict colour scheme. Inspiration came from non-wedding sources like love birds, blueberries, and mismatched table settings.

In place of a traditional wedding cake, guests brought desserts to create a shared dessert table. This further emphasised the community-focused atmosphere.

The maid of honour, Alice's sister, rented a Sachin & Babi dress from Rent the Runway. Hair and makeup for the bride were done by Courtney Riling of Bridal Beauty Collective.