Some of the most intensely special weddings we have experienced are the most simplistic. Savannah & Steve’s DIY Maine farm wedding weekend was a prime example, getting down to the essentials of sharing their love with family and friends.
Originally Savannah & Steve were going to marry at Camp Waziyatah in September. This is how they came by our name. We met at a Portland Maine cafe midweek in the winter. With their toddler in tow, we ate farm fresh sweet potato fries and nearly forgot to discuss wedding plans.
Their casual and relaxed personalities are infectious. And it doesn’t take much to realize where their priorities are. Family means everything, and nothing ever seems to go according to plan.
In fact, Savannah met Steve by way of another boyfriend. A Maine native, she was traveling to Massachusetts to visit her boyfriend. Steve and he were friends. But it wasn’t until Savannah was single that she and Steve began dating.
Steve moved to Maine, they began planning their wedding, then their daughter Adira came along. Wedding planning took a break, and the vision for what their Maine wedding weekend took a different path.
Now, Adira being two, they found another chance to have their dream wedding. Their vision didn’t include lavish flower arrangements, or a meticulously designed reception hall. Most important was to join their family and friends together for a weekend. To provide a location where everyone could relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Their vision was to take a morning hike on wedding day. They’d go without bridesmaids and groomsmen. and skip the bouquet toss and parent dances.
Another of life’s curveballs encouraged them to move their date to June. So the craziness began, finding a new venue and pulling the vision together.
Scouring web searches, Savannah came across the Tortoise and the Mare. A farmhouse vacation rental open for wedding parties in Sumner, Maine. We had never been to the area and were instantly charmed by the rolling fields and mountain views.
Why the name? The farm does have a horse. And yes, there is a tortoise. An enormous one that we didn’t get to see as the owners take it in the car with them to get away.
You probably know that we love these types of venues. Not just because Kate is obsessed with the smell of horses. Basically, it’s a VRBO wedding. You take responsibility to rent out the place for a period of time. And the rest is up to you! There’s no concern over having to do everything in one day. Or being kicked out at 10pm.
Savannah & Steve moved into the farmhouse, along with their family. They set up folding chairs and tables. Asked guests to bring food dishes for dinner. And enlisted help from friends to pull it all together!
Steve describes Savannah as a hippie. We wouldn’t have bought it upon first glance, but she is most definitely a free spirit. A barefoot bride, she found a repurposed dress, homemade designs, and wildflowers.
And just as calm as her nature, the day unfolded, with perfect weather, and loads of food. Savannah & Steve may have had many deviations along the way, but it’s only made for a stronger journey.
When they danced, it was as though no one else was around. The past five years lived in their hearts making the present moment overwhelmingly perfect. We realized they could have been married anywhere and it would still have been special.
RUSTIC MAINE FARM WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS DETAILS:
Tortoise and the Mare, Sumner ME – Venue
Are you planning a Maine Farm wedding? Or another equally awesome wedding? We’d love to chat with you and learn more about your wedding plans. Here’s where you can contact us!!
