Now Reading
Bayside Maine Wedding

Bayside Maine Wedding

Today’s bride has a special place in our hearts for her creativity: not only is she an amazing designer, but she also wasn’t afraid to look outside the box for her wedding ceremony. Jen, Matt, and their wedding guests all boarded a schooner and took a little sail around the Casco Bay while the newlyweds recited their wedding vows to each other. This wedding captured by Alexandra Roberts Photography is the perfect blend of New England hip.

purple wedding shoes
purple wedding invitations

From the bride, Jen of Pepper Sprout Designs: We wanted something that felt very “us,” but of course what couple doesn’t say that. We decided to have a very small wedding and wanted it to feel a little bit like Brooklyn-meets-Maine, after all that’s what we are, two transplants living up north. We wanted some DIY touches but wanted to keep everything pretty simple and have our guests feel right at home visiting Maine. We just wanted everyone to have a good time and get to know each other, we wanted it to just feel like a really awesome dinner party, with a wedding beforehand.

newlyweds in shipyards
Toms wedding shoes

bride wearing cardigan
plaid wedding shirt

coastal Maine wedding
New England wedding
thistle wedding bouquet

We wanted the raw loft space look and feel for the reception, but feel in love with the idea of getting married on a schooner. All of our guests were from out of town so wanted to make sure everyone had a good time. We loosely used the colors of purple, silver and peach throughout the decor and flowers, just little hints in things because our venue really spoke for itself with its raw woods and brick (and of course the casco bay). All in all in was a little rustic, a little DIY and lot of love. We planed everything ourselves.

boat wedding ceremony
boat wedding ideas
photo guest book ideas
album guestbook
long reception tables

I designed all of the paper goods, invitations, menus, signage. I illustrated the little drawings of Matt and I and had them lasercut for the cake toppers. Matt and I sewed our own table runners. I illustrated and stamped the cookie boxes. I illustrated and cut out the “sweet sign” from foam core. We used yarn and fibers from past knitting projects to decorate little wood spools that held the menus. We cut little linen squares for cocktail napkins. We dip painted all of the flatware (crazy). And had Oh, Little Rabbit screenprint napkins for our table which were a big hit!
dipped wedding silverware
tea towel wedding favor
tea towel wedding favors
cluster centerpieces
cluster centerpieces
wood bobbin menu holder
wedding cake wood slices
Thistle wedding flowers
dessert table signage
dessert table signage
Wood slice wedding menu
wedding favor box display

Any advice for brides planning their weddings now? It’s okay to ask for help. Matt and I thought we could set up the reception space ourselves the day before the wedding (what were we thinking). Thank goodness my parents and sisters came and helped us or we might still be hanging bistro lights in the rafters. Make an inspiration board and live with it for a while before you start buying matching napkins and paper lanterns. My original idea all involved lime green and raspberry, then after living with it a bit I realized while I loved these colors, they meant nothing to us, and even clashed with the venue. Also have fun, keep a blog or a diary of the victories and the craft fails. It’s fun to look back on the whole process and laugh at yourself for getting worked up about the guest list or pantone swatches.

bistro lights wedding reception
wedding reception

View all images from this wedding in the gallery

Wedding Location: Portland, ME / Wedding Photographer: Alexandra Roberts Photography / Ceremony Venue: Maine Sailing Adventures / Reception Venue: Portland Company Complex / Wedding Flowers: Emily Carter Floral Designs / Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal / Hair: Aphrodite Salon / Makeup: Adore Rouge / Wedding Caterer and Cake: Aurora Provisions / Rentals: New England Country Rentals / Music: The Cozmik Zombies / Officiant: A Sweet Start / Paper Goods Design: Pepper Sprout Designs / Screenprinting: Mamas Sauce

View Comments (10)
  • the morning of jen and matt’s wedding was chilly and foggy, but not even mother nature can hold back when it comes to these two. the sun started shining just as the schooner was leaving the dock and that’s about how the rest of the day went: perfectly! i love these two people and am so honored to have been part of their wedding! yippie!

  • So beautiful, Jen! I love how fresh and simple everything is (but appreciate how much work can go into achieving that!) Hope it was a fantastic day for you!

  • I love the nautical theme and what better to pull it all together than getting married on a boat! I love the bride’s shoes. In this instance, I don’t think heels would have looked as nice. Beautiful wedding!

  • I am head over heels in love with this wedding! an adorable, creative couple + Maine wedding + captured by Alexandra Roberts = delightful and lovely. The details are so much fun and perfect for the venue. Stunning work by all.

Scroll To Top