A Cape Elizabeth Wedding in the Forest

Photographer Audra Medunitza Welton wanted to think outside the box of a typical fall wedding. That meant no orange and no leaves for decorations. She worked with Amber Small of Sweetest Thing Weddings to design a celebration for an outdoorsy, eco-conscious couple. They chose Mares Hollow, a piece of open land in Cape Elizabeth surrounded by woods, where fallen leaves were scattered around to create a setting that was rustic, personal, and environmentally friendly. “Some couples want to be thoughtful about their design and its impact on their future. Balancing a farm-to-table sustainability with modern choices was my inspiration,” says Small.

Succulents and ferns in metal and concrete pots were placed on the reclaimed
wood tables from Details Event Staging, complementing a rustic atmosphere with contemporary and edgy accents. Snacks such as milk and cookies and chocolate-covered pretzels created a casual vibe. Leather koozies sewn by Maine Leather Co. added a regional element for guests to take home. Fire and Co. parked on the lawn and fired up their pizza oven, which was handcrafted from terracotta bricks and panels. With fresh, local ingredients they produced warm, crispy- edged slices for guests to choose from.