FEATURE-May 2011
By Tyler Boucher + Sophie Nelson

Three teams of wedding stylists and photographers explore possibilities and turn creative inklings into fully-fledged design concepts. On these pages is proof that it’s possible to make your dream wedding a reality.

Camden Winter
Styling by Meagan Gilpatrick, Maine Seasons Events | Photographs by Corbin Gurkin

I am inspired by the snow, shadows, reflections, and light of Maine winters. Photographer Corbin Gurkin and I collaborated on this shoot at Fox Hill Estate in Camden. The design incorporated birch trees, burlap fabric, estate silver pieces, vintage furniture, and winter flowers to capture a dreamy, ethereal look and complement the snowy hills overlooking the Atlantic. The cake, made by Let Them Eat Cake, was decorated with birds, pinecones, snowflakes, and a custom vintage millinery trim by Lo Boheme. The flower arrangements and bouquet were designed by Emily Carter Floral Designs using French and double tulips, New Zealand peonies, lady slipper orchids, berzillia baubles, and black-center anemones. Ceci New York created the custom stationery—an invitation suite, menus, and escort cards. Additional desserts were made by Swan’s Way Catering.

Snug Harbor Spring
Styling by Kate Martin, Beautiful Days | Photographs by Heidi Lynne, White Loft Studio

I love exploring, gathering, and being inspired by the many special places and people in Maine. With the blessing of Tony Elliot, the gracious owner of Snug Harbor Farm in Kennebunk, I created a celebration setting in one of his greenhouses last spring. Great design can be inspired by anything: a special setting, a simple piece of ribbon, an object found at a yard sale. Embracing and trusting your inspiration is what will make your vision a success—in addition to a lot of sketching, resourcing, gathering, collaborating, and pulling all the pieces and images together in the end. My love for finding unique things goes back decades; for example, I’ve had the antique earrings the bride wore since I was a teenager.

Kennebunk Summer  
Styling by Autumn Poulin & Julie Rancourt, Flour! Flowers & Sweets | Photographs by Kate Preftakes

The three of us met at a workshop in 2010, where we were challenged to collaboratively create a wedding setup using only available materials. Autumn and Julie gathered beach sand, shells, and driftwood from a stretch of shoreline while looking for inspiration for the shoot. They incorporated the natural materials with items they had brought to the workshop and supplied personal touches in the form of linens, flowers, and cupcakes. They covered vases with sand, wove grass into nests and bouquets, and looked for ways to bring in the beauty of the surrounding area. I arrived with my photography equipment to capture the designs, and together we produced these seacoast-inspired images. Brides and grooms don’t need to look far to find beauty. With a good team, any wedding can be splendid!