portland, maine wedding: reed & alicia- part I

On one of their trips across the bridge into South Portland, probably to take their golden retriever, Bella, to the beach, Reed & Alicia stumbled upon a small chapel on the campus of Southern Maine Community College, right near Willard Beach.  Reed & Alicia had been engaged for awhile at this point, and decided it might be fun to stop & take a quick peek inside the chapel.  They knew they wanted a smaller, intimate wedding, and from the look of the chapel, the size seemed perfect for what they had in mind.  Reed & Alicia giggled out loud when they discovered that the chapel had bright red carpet inside and a giant stained glass window at the altar with a rainbow & two doves.  The decor of the chapel, that looked like it belonged right in Las Vegas, inspired them to plan their Vegas-themed wedding . . . in Maine!

Reed & Alicia got ready at the new Marriott in downtown Portland.  Their rooms were a mere six doors apart, so it was super easy for me to snap some pictures of them both getting ready!

Alicia’s bouquet was designed by Sawyer & Company in Portland.  Alicia also gave her bridesmaids these cute red clutches!

Alicia’s hair & makeup were done by the talented Grayling from Orbit.

After the guys & the girls were done getting ready, we headed back over the bridge (to my neighborhood!) to the chapel at SMCC.

The bridal party & their guests were such good sports about Saturday’s rain and chilly temperatures- I believe the high that day was near 40!

Ceremony music (Elvis & Ray Charles tunes!) was provided by Reed’s two fellow band members in the Jason Spooner Trio- Jason Spooner & Adam Frederick.

Reed & Alicia’s ceremony was performed by their dear friend, Robin, who did an absolute lovely job.  I think their connection with Robin really made the ceremony that much more special.

Reed is quite the photographer himself and envisioned me using a fisheye to capture their first kiss as husband & wife with their Elvis-sunglass-wearing guests behind them!  (These sunglasses were handed out right before the kiss!  Reed & Alicia found 60 pairs of these sunglasses on Ebay to add to the Vegas-theme!  Note the disco ball in the background too!)

Instead of immediately walking down the aisle after their kiss, Reed, Alicia and the rest of the bridal party stayed up on the altar and danced as Jason & Adam played some Elvis tunes.  It was too much fun!

After a little fun & dancing on the stage, Reed & Alicia made their way down the aisle together.  Dancing, of course!

So fun!  More from this Vegas-themed wedding coming soon!