Alison and Jake and were married on a lovely September afternoon at her family’s lakeside summer home in Midcoast Maine.  There were so many subtle, personalized touches to their day. As Alison and Jake met in high school (we can relate to that!) their families were already friends and the couple shared many mutual, long time pals, who played a large part in their ceremony and throughout the day.

Instead of a traditional bouquet, Alison chose to gather flowers from friends as she made her way the aisle. When Alison met Jake under the Chuppah (which was handwoven by one of Alison’s Aunts!), he tied her flowers together with twine, creating her bouquet.

The ceremony was officiated by Rabbi Sue, who infused the perfect amount of sentiment and humor into the celebration. An uncle recited animated prose, and seven of Alison and Jake’s close friends read interpretations of the Sheva Brachot, or Seven Blessings traditionally recited at a Jewish Wedding Ceremony. After stomping the glass and sealing the ceremony with a perfect kiss, Alison and Jake danced a jig down the aisle to the music of their violinist, Patrick Mangan, which set a perfect tone for the rest of the evening.

Alison and Jake threw a lively reception at Darrow’s Barn (a former dairy barn) at Round Top Farm in Damariscotta.

We wandered the property to take some portraits after the ceremony, before heading to the party. Here are a few of our favorites!

As serious foodies (check out Alison’s awesome blog!) the eats and drinks were important to the newlyweds.  Alison + Jake provided written instructions to their guests to fill mason jars with beer, and repeat! If guest’s didn’t fancy ale, there were also custom cocktails, the ABC (Alison Basil Cucumber) and the Jake-Fashioned. Alison and Jake chose to serve a family style meal of delicious local offerings. The reception was catered by Portsmouth Catering Co. (We loved the sweet food truck they brought along!)

Tricky Britches provided atmospheric bluegrass throughout the cocktail hour, and even played a special rendition of “The wheels on the bus (go round and round)…” for Jake’s little cousin. Singing along was encouraged!  The band moved into the barn where they fueled dancing with feisty bluegrass throughout the evening.

When it came time for the Hora, Jake’s brother, Ben and cousin, Pat, treated everyone’s ears to the most fantastic, fiddled rendition of Hava Nagila.

The ingredients for this perfect day? A big dose of love, family, friends, bluegrass, a bit of bourbon and and a barn!

Congratulations Alison + Jake, it was such a pleasure to photograph your perfect day! xo

Officiant: Rabbi Susan Bulba Cavutto

Day of Coordination: Kimy Wall of Busy Bride Consulting

Violinist: Patrick Mangan

Venue: Darrow’s Barn at Round Top Farm

Catering:  Portsmouth Catering Co.

Entertainment: Tricky Britches Band

Cake: Scratch Bakery

Flowers: Blue Cloud Flower Farm

Hair: Mia’s Shear Perfection