When I first spoke with Katie and Andy over the phone, we talked about our love for Disney and Sebago Lake, photography, and planning for an intimate wedding. Katie and Andy met in Maine but live in the midwest, so this was a destination wedding for them (and for me!) I’ve been vacationing at Sebago Lake in Maine since 2010 and loved the idea of a road trip back up there for this June wedding at Wolf Cove Inn, located in Poland, Maine.

Katie got ready in a private cabin located on the property, while Andy was over in the inn itself. With lakefront views and a woodsy vibe, this Maine wedding venue for intimate weddings and elopements is better than I could have imagined. Sue (owner of Wolf Cove Inn) performed the wedding ceremony as officiant, while the couple’s family and friends (also known as my impromptu second shooter – THANK YOU, Ashley Cooper!!) celebrated as they made it official.

You’ll see the images begin with getting ready, followed by a first look in the pathway at the front of the inn itself. From first look, they entered the ceremony, followed by family and group photos before reading their handwritten vows privately afterwards. Can we just go ahead and agree that private vow readings should happen at every wedding?

Wondering what sort of timeline you’ll need for your intimate wedding? Here’s the timeline we used to make this day a success:

2:00 – photographer arrives to begin coverage (Katie was having hair and makeup done by Melody Grace Hair and Makeup) Arriving around the same time as your hair/makeup is finishing allows us time to capture a few candids and then photograph details such as the dress, invitation suite, rings, jewelry, and all pretties. Include your custom vow books, bring your signature scent – someday you’ll have a child or grandchild and you can talk about your vows and what perfume you wore on your wedding day.

2:45 – finish hair/makeup and begin getting dressed (always plan for extra time here – for actually getting dressed as well as a few candids and some time to compose yourself just before first look so you aren’t rushing).

3:30 – first look (if you’re open to a first look, this is the best way to insure you have time to have your photographer capture the group photos you’re hoping for as well as the two of you getting to spend more time together and mingling with your guests.

4:30 – ceremony begins (how sweet is their first dance at the end of the ceremony????????)

5:00 – family portraits – PRO TIP: if you notify all guests who will be in family portraits to be ready, BE EXPLICIT and literal. Take time to run through the photo list with everyone at your rehearsal dinner. Explain that you need everyone present immediately after the ceremony so it’s a good time to wait a few minutes before grabbing a drink or a plate at cocktail hour.

5:30 – couple portraits and private vow reading (DO THIS if you don’t want to read your personal vows in front of all of your guests…I promise these moments are worth it!)

6:00 – photographer ends coverage, couple and guests leave for dinner out to celebrate

Hope that helps give you an idea what sort of planning and timing goes into an intimate wedding ceremony and celebration.

Katie & Andy, I hope you have a long and happy marriage filled to the brim with more moments and memories just like these. XOXO, Kathy

Maine Wedding Vendors
Venue – Wolf Cove Inn, Poland, ME
Officiant – Sue Forsberg, Wolf Cove Inn
Hair & Makeup – Kristina Blaney, Melody Grace Hair and Makeup
Bakery – Jill Drew, The Winey Baker
Photography – Maine Wedding Photographer, Simply K Studios