Holly and Mike planned the most perfect elopement with their family at the Thistledown Farm AirBNB in Waldoboro, Maine this past summer. It was a joy to photograph. Joined by their parents and their beautiful Belgian Malinois, Bailey. It seemed fitting that we hung Holly’s gorgeous Christy Dawn wedding dress inside the barn, on a Moose. The day started off gray, but eventually the clouds gave way to a hazy, warm sunset that we caught by the oceans edge after a romantic walk in the woods.

Thistledown Farm is a cozy AirBNB filled with rustic charm, gorgeous antiques, and a bit of quirky Maine humor. It was a dream venue to photograph. The converted barn features a towering stone fireplace and a farmhouse table that was beautifully appointed wildflower arrangements by Holly’s mother Janis, who did all the flowers for the wedding, she certainly missed her calling as a florist! She even made a floral crown and a foraging bag for Holly to carry.

Holly and Mike’s ceremony was officiated by the amazing Lindsay Gagnon, from Officially Yours. The couple exchanged their vows nestled into the thick of flowering hydrangea wall speckled with blue thistle. Bailey carried their rings and laid patiently at their feet. After the ceremony, we explored the farm and additional out buildings, taking photos, while Chef Mike, from Delicious Thymes, prepared a feast, that was served family style, inside the barn.

Our day ended with a romantic walk inside a mossy forest at the water’s edge. We stumbled upon a fairy ring—a ring of toadstool mushrooms. I explained that the ring brings good luck, as long as you walk around it. When we came out of the woods we were welcomed by a spectacular sunset, peaking through fog and hazy sky. It was a beautiful way to end the wedding day.

I wish all of my Maine elopements could be just like this; perfectly intimate, filled with beauty, love and adventure. Holly and Mike welcomed their son this past fall and Bailey is happy to be a big sister. If you are planning a Maine elopement and are looking for a photographer, please reach out, I would love to be yours.