I’ve easily been to over 60 weddings in my life.

I’ve photographed about 40 of them, and this one was the first of its kind. It was a full-color, vibrant, vintage, cozy visual delight. The quickest way I could describe the essence of this wedding is a party in Hobbiton layered with the charm of Green Gables.  

I was delighted when I saw how all the elements came together, but knowing Cassie’s creative nature, I should not have been surprised at how visually rich every detail was, and how well they all fit together.

Even the weather understood the assignment: The air was warm and clear, and the sunlight was golden with a rich texture from filtering through the trees that Cassie grew up playing under.

The wedding was held at Cassie’s family home in Hudson, Maine. The ceremony was held in a naturally forming cathedral under the trees in the backyard. 

After the entrance of the bride, the group sang some hymns to the creator of that cathedral, and Cassie’s father led the proceedings.

With a kiss to seal the deal, the new Mr. & Mrs. exited with a dip under the dried flower confetti, and ran to make their escape to the reception.

The reception was in a tent on the lawn adjacent to the ceremony. The magic of the wedding theme spread through the tent with hand-stitched banners, ribbon bunting, wildflower glass bud vases along the tables, and the sound of a live country band playing.

The magic of the day reached new heights with the couple’s first dance: A waltz on the grass dance floor. With a wave from the bride and groom, more couples joined them in the waltz. 

When the waltz ended another gentleman joined the floor with a microphone in hand to transform the reception into a contra dance!

He led the guests into long lines on the floor and began to teach the first dance. The band began the first song and that was it. Time stood still and all that was left was laughter, music and twirls. The energy was unforgettable. 

Once the sun was close to completing its journey over this lovely celebration, Matthew and Cassie snuck away for a few more photos in the golden light.

It was obviously beautiful, but more than the photos can show, it felt beautiful. Every moment. And that’s my wish for this couple: that their marriage, that their home, and that their life together will always feel beautiful.

Congratulations to Cassie and Matthew!