Maine & NH Wedding Photographer // Maria & Shane's Wedding at Applecroft Farm // Waldoboro, Maine

Photographing a wedding is always a privilege, but when one of the vendors you're working alongside asks you to capture their day, it feels even more special. That was the case with Maria and Shane, owners of Applecroft Catering. For their wedding, they turned their dream of transforming their catering company into a venue into reality—hosting their very first wedding, which just happened to be their own.

I knew I was in for something unique when I arrived at their ceremony site. Suspended from the trees was a triangular arbor—like nothing I'd ever seen before. Their florist had outdone themselves, weaving flowers through the structure in a way that made it look like it was floating amidst the foliage. It set the tone for the day: personal, thoughtful, and undeniably beautiful.

After taking in that stunning ceremony setup, I headed to where Maria and her daughters were getting ready. The vibe was so relaxed. Maria, surrounded by her girls, was snacking and chatting as their hair was braided and makeup was being done. It felt like a slow morning at home, the kind of calm that's so rare on a wedding day. Maria’s mother helped her into her dress and just like that, she was ready for the first look.

Shane stood in front of the barn, waiting for Maria to tap him on the shoulder to see her for the very first time since putting on her dress. They finally saw each other, both grinning from ear to ear. After sharing that intimate moment, it was time to head down to the ceremony.

Their guests made their way to the ceremony site, where the triangular arbor awaited. The ceremony was short but sweet, reflecting the couple’s laid-back nature. Then, it was time for the real show: the reception.

Now, as a wedding photographer, I’ve seen my share of unique dinners, but this was something else. The bonfire was already crackling as we made our way back, and all of the food was cooking over the open flames. The scent of wood smoke and roasting food filled the air as guests snacked on appetizers. While their guests enjoyed the spread, I took Maria and Shane out for some portraits in their front field, where the golden-hour light spilled across the landscape. Watching them walk hand in hand, simply enjoying the moment.

What made their wedding truly special, though, was what happened next. Maria and Shane returned to their reception and began serving dinner to their guests. Here they were, on their wedding day, giving back to the people they love. It wasn’t just an act of hospitality—it was a statement about who they are and what they want Applecroft to become. This wedding was more than a celebration of their love; it was the beginning of something bigger.

The evening ended as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting everything in a warm, dusky glow. Shane gave a brief speech, thanking everyone for traveling from near and far to be with them, the glow of the bonfire still flickering behind him. It was a perfect ending to an unforgettable day—a day that felt less like a wedding and more like a gathering of family, a true reflection of Maria and Shane's vision for Applecroft.