Rebecca (she/her) and Shayla’s (she/her) vision for their winter elopement was a cozy and joyous celebration with their people. Portland City Hall offered a stunning backdrop for their ceremony and Blind Tiger Portland was a perfect place for an intimate reception. If you're looking for inspiration for your Portland, Maine elopement, you're in the right place! Read on to hear about Rebecca and Shayla's portraits, ceremony, and reception in Portland, Maine.
Downtown Portraits
Before their ceremony, Rebecca and Shayla had their first look outside of City Hall. When it comes to first looks, many people are familiar with one partner standing with their back turned while the other walks up behind them and taps them on the shoulder. However, for some couples, this feels too staged or heteronormative. It's okay if it's not your vibe! If you're interested in doing a first look, I will offer a couple of different ideas so you can choose what feels most natural to you. Rebecca and Shayla decided that walking towards each other from opposite sides of the Christmas tree was most comfortable for them, and the joy on their faces was priceless!
Afterwards, Rebecca and Shayla spent time together exploring the snow-dusted downtown. During the planning process, they mentioned that they loved the trees decorated with lights and the architecture in the area, so we made sure to incorporate that in the photos.
City Hall Ceremony
Rebecca and Shayla reserved Portland City Hall during non-business hours so they could have a ceremony in front of their favorite feature: the iconic staircase. The ceremony was performed by a close friend of theirs and was followed by a fun, pride-filled photo.
Blind Tiger Portland Reception
What I loved most about the Blind Tiger was the the cozy feel to the space. It felt like being at a gathering in a close friend’s home, which perfectly reflected the atmosphere that Rebecca and Shayla wanted for their celebration. There were multiple rooms with comfortable places for everyone to sit and chat over delicious food catered by Maine Wedding Provisions.
One of the wonderful things about getting married in Portland, Maine is there's something for everyone. From homey restaurants, to rooftop bars, to epic ocean views, to quaint cobblestone streets, Portland has it and it can be a part of your unforgettable day!
Interested in tips for planning your own LGBTQ+ wedding? Check out my top tips here!
Vendors that made this day possible:
Photographer: me! (Sunset Ridge Photography)
Ceremony Venue: Portland City Hall
Reception Venue: Blind Tiger Portland Carleton Street
Catering: Maine Wedding Provisions
Florals: Flora Lune
Dress: Bella Sera Bridal
Meet your Portland photographer!
Hi, I'm Marena and I adore creating meaningful connections with people. With a focus on documentary photography, I strive to highlight connection in my work. I'm always looking to capture the small glances, a brush of hands, and the little moments that paint the big picture.
During your wedding day, you can expect me to be hyping you up, capturing natural, intimate moments, and most importantly, making sure you feel comfortable!