Kari & Dustin :: Wedding & Reception at the Great Outdoors in Turner, Maine
Kari & Dustin first found me through Dustin's sister, Ashley, who married Jeff this past June at the lovely 1812 Farm in Bristol. First off, I absolutely LOVE when I get to work with families for multiple events and milestones. Two events in one year? Now I am one lucky lady! For some reason, both weddings really loved to tempt the weather gods though and neither had a stellar forecast leading up to the big day. In fact, I drove through sprinkles for both. But, when it came time for the wedding, the rain cleared out and the day was perfect for their outdoor ceremonies. I dare say these are two very lucky couples!
These two college sweethearts waited a long time for the big day to finally come and they chose The Great Outdoors in Turner, Maine, to host their lakeside vows followed by their camp lodge, rocking reception. Kari got ready with her attendants in an adorable cabin right at The Great Outdoors, which made it very convenient for checking on all of the details of their reception throughout the morning. Her bridesmaid (and hairstylist friend), Amber, took care of her gorgeous hair style while her other bridesmaid, Taryn, handled Kari's stunning makeup. I dare say any girl would be lucky to have these two ladies as friends because, not only are they awesome to be with, they are super talented, too! Once the finishing touches were put on, it was time for Kari & Dustin's intimate wedding on the beach of Pleasant Pond. Their closest family and friends joined them as they said their vows with the sun just starting to peek out through a cloud covered sky. There were more than enough tears and plenty of smiles to go around. Kari, the sentimentalist, chose the perfect verse for her brother to read while Dustin, the joker, was unable to find something that he felt was perfect for the day. So he wrote a hilarious piece, in jest, for his new bride, which he had Ashley read. It definitely resulted in a fair amount of laughter! And as did Justin's reaction as they were pronounced husband and wife and he thrust his fist in to the air with unbridled love and pride. I dare say it has to be my favorite pronouncement moment ever!
Following their portraits on the beach and a woodland clearing nearby, it was time to get the party started! The evening had several toasts by the bridal party who offered up a wide range of stories of the couple all the way from when Dustin was young and one of his groomsmen had the hots for Ashley to when Kari invited her "bridesman" to be her wingman on the first date ("And I'll give you a sign if its going well and you can leave..." Hilarious!). Dustin also gave an emotional speech to his new wife and to all of the people in attendance telling them how much they all meant to him and how much of an impact they had on his life. It was heartfelt, very moving and, at time, very funny. But the moral of his story was clear. Don't take anyone you have for granted and live each day like it is your last. Because you never know what will happen. So go out and tell everyone how much they mean to you. Best to say it now, while you can. Once all the tears had been dried and the delicious buffet, their guests partied to the tunes played by the band SideTracked, got their sugar rush on with delicious (& adorable) cupcakes from Vallee Cake Company, and then acted like crazy people in the photo booth. It was such a perfect day!
All of Kari & Dustin’s photos are posted in their gallery, but you’ll need the password from the newlyweds in order to see them and order printed goodies. In the meantime, here is a sneak peek from their wedding day. To see more, be sure to head over to my Facebook page and hit the “Like” button!
These two college sweethearts waited a long time for the big day to finally come and they chose The Great Outdoors in Turner, Maine, to host their lakeside vows followed by their camp lodge, rocking reception. Kari got ready with her attendants in an adorable cabin right at The Great Outdoors, which made it very convenient for checking on all of the details of their reception throughout the morning. Her bridesmaid (and hairstylist friend), Amber, took care of her gorgeous hair style while her other bridesmaid, Taryn, handled Kari's stunning makeup. I dare say any girl would be lucky to have these two ladies as friends because, not only are they awesome to be with, they are super talented, too! Once the finishing touches were put on, it was time for Kari & Dustin's intimate wedding on the beach of Pleasant Pond. Their closest family and friends joined them as they said their vows with the sun just starting to peek out through a cloud covered sky. There were more than enough tears and plenty of smiles to go around. Kari, the sentimentalist, chose the perfect verse for her brother to read while Dustin, the joker, was unable to find something that he felt was perfect for the day. So he wrote a hilarious piece, in jest, for his new bride, which he had Ashley read. It definitely resulted in a fair amount of laughter! And as did Justin's reaction as they were pronounced husband and wife and he thrust his fist in to the air with unbridled love and pride. I dare say it has to be my favorite pronouncement moment ever!
Following their portraits on the beach and a woodland clearing nearby, it was time to get the party started! The evening had several toasts by the bridal party who offered up a wide range of stories of the couple all the way from when Dustin was young and one of his groomsmen had the hots for Ashley to when Kari invited her "bridesman" to be her wingman on the first date ("And I'll give you a sign if its going well and you can leave..." Hilarious!). Dustin also gave an emotional speech to his new wife and to all of the people in attendance telling them how much they all meant to him and how much of an impact they had on his life. It was heartfelt, very moving and, at time, very funny. But the moral of his story was clear. Don't take anyone you have for granted and live each day like it is your last. Because you never know what will happen. So go out and tell everyone how much they mean to you. Best to say it now, while you can. Once all the tears had been dried and the delicious buffet, their guests partied to the tunes played by the band SideTracked, got their sugar rush on with delicious (& adorable) cupcakes from Vallee Cake Company, and then acted like crazy people in the photo booth. It was such a perfect day!
All of Kari & Dustin’s photos are posted in their gallery, but you’ll need the password from the newlyweds in order to see them and order printed goodies. In the meantime, here is a sneak peek from their wedding day. To see more, be sure to head over to my Facebook page and hit the “Like” button!
[smugmug_gallery id="25581151_mDn9cN" thumbnails="top" size="medium"]
Date: September 22, 2012 | Getting Ready, Ceremony & Reception Location: The Great Outdoors in Turner, Maine | Caterer: Hurricane's Cafe & Deli in Hermon, Maine | Bakery: Vallee Cake Company in Oxford, Maine | Florist: The Flower Girl Wedding Florist in Wales, Maine | Band: SideTracked from Lisbon, Maine | Bridal Boutique: David's Bridal