Claire & Charlie's Autumn Wedding at the Squire Tarbox Inn in Westport, ME

We’ve photographed and traveled a bunch in Maine (we almost moved to Portland before ultimately deciding on Providence) but last weekend in Westport, ME was our furthest trip north for work in the state. Mid-coast Maine is such a stunningly gorgeous place that, as Claire and Charlie told us, there isn’t much needed in the way of decorating or preparing for a wedding. The Squire Tarbox Inn is a beautiful late 18th century building that sits on an equally beautiful plot of land that butts up against the Back River and offers incredible sunset views over the water. Although not visible from the inn the sense that water isn’t far away is always present; seagulls cackling in the distance, the smell of salt and smoke in the air, and that unique coastal light all made the day feel firmly settled in its surroundings. Being the first day of October the temperatures were hovering around 60º and the skies were that sort of gray that, in colder weather, could mean snow. It really felt like the perfect autumn day, a light breeze that made the blushing maples sway gently had the smoke from Applecroft Catering’s open flame cook site swirling across the property.

Despite currently living on the west coast, the wedding Claire and Charlie threw was one that honored their ties to where they first met in Maine. The inn itself is situated at the top of a hill off the main road, making for a lovely view of the property. The ceremony site overlooked the valley of white pine and sugar maples and just to its right a clear top tent filled with long family style dinner tables warmly welcomed guests. The whole space is incredibly charming and feels its age in the best possible way. Small details like the table number cards illustrated with different species of local birdlife served to honor both Claire’s career in ornithology as well as the woman who inspired her interest in it, her late grandmother. If you’ve read any of our other blog posts you know how nostalgic we are as photographers and people, and finding common ground in that regard with our couples is always magical. Planned or not, Claire and Charlie’s wedding date fell on that grandmother’s birthday, so honoring her impact on Claire’s life was important.

A college reunion of sorts this wedding just felt joyous. Claire and Charlies friend group, seemingly shared and incredibly loving, was a highlight of the day for us. We could feel how much showing up at this wedding meant to all of them and the resulting outpouring of support was so fun to document. The choral ensemble of college singsongs, the hooting and hollering as they linked arms to head towards cocktail hour, the absolutely goofy dance moves to the live band playing hand selected Americana (Charlie’s favorite), all of it helped inform our understanding of the relationship Claire and Charlie have built since they were in school with all of these wonderful people. The effort they put into making us feel as welcome as friends first was astounding, and we had a hard time making it through the day without tearing up on multiple occasions. When it was time to pack up for the night Claire and Charlie absolutely would not let us leave without making sure we had gotten enough to eat and sending us home with a potted rosemary plant and a slice of blueberry pie. Thank you both for inviting us into your wedding day and allowing us to document your love, it was our pleasure.

Venue: Squire Tarbox Inn
Coordination: Kelcey at K.Marie Events
Catering: Applecroft Catering
Florals: Diadem Flowers
Dress: A La Robe
Bridal Shop: Dress Theory
Hair & Make-up: Akari Salon
Suit: Suit Supply
Band: Radio Revival
Rentals: A+ Rentals
Pies: Daphne Cromwell
Film/Processing: Kodak Portra 400 / Kerry’s Warwick Photo