Nicole & Derek's Apple Orchard Wedding & Spire 29 Reception in Gorham, Maine

Nicole & Derek's wedding this past weekend was honestly one that I have been looking forward to for a VERY long time. When Nicole first contacted me, she laid out her vision for their day with their ceremony in Randall's Orchard, an apple orchard nearby, and then their reception at the historic Spire 29 on the Square in Gorham. She had me at fall wedding in an orchard. Could you think of a better time of year?!? Apples still glistening on the branches, the sun reaching the dreamy point in the sky this time of year, and then partying at a renovated church turned event venue? *sigh* My fingers were crossed that I would be lucky enough to tell their story and was jumping for joy when they told me I was their pick.

Last weekend was every bit of that dream come true. There was a slight crisp in the air when I arrived at the Fireside Inn & Suites in Portland to begin capturing their getting ready piece of the day. With a gaggle of their nieces & nephews in one room and then Nicole & Derek in their respective suites, the day got under way under an almost cloudless sky with the gorgeous sun streaming into their rooms (which made Nicole's hair & makeup artist, Kimberly Savage, and myself so very happy). My favorite moments, as much as they added to the chaos, revolve around the visits from the kids. The lipstick kissed cheeks, the tightly squeezed eyes as the hair spray was misted over their heads, the excitement as they put on their new necklaces from Nicole... you could not help but smile at their energy and young minds.

The formalities kicked off beside the apple trees on a field at Randall Orchard as the sun was beginning to dip in the sky. With his almost wife backlit as she walked down the aisle, Derek shielded his eyes from the sun while his huge smile gave away his excitement. Despite waiting a long time for their wedding to happen, they wasted no time and were hitched in no time at all. Walking back up the aisle towards me, they were both glowing with excitement to be married at last.

We capped off the day at Spire 29 on the Square in Gorham, Maine, which was a church in its past life. With big red doors, high tin ceilings, and the choir loft, it's an awesome and unique spot for a party. Nicole & Derek fed everyone's sweet tooth with a candy bar and then a plethora of delicious cupcakes from East End Cupcakes (definitely some of my favorites!). Their dance floor was busy all night from Nicole's family dancing with her grandmother all the way until well after I departed. I dare say it was the perfect day to celebrate their long awaited union.

Nicole & Derek, thank you so much for having me capture the story of your day. It was such a blast! I hope you are enjoying your honeymoon and finally having wedding planning done! ♥

Here is a sneak peek of what the newlyweds have to look forward to in their fully gallery. It was so hard to pick my favorites! There are certainly lots more to come.

WeddingSusie SimmonsSpire 29 on the SquareEast End Cupcakes, Inspiration Bridal, Bliss Catering, DJ MKR, Yellow Twist Floral Designs, Men's Wearhouse, Kimberly Savage, Fireside Inn & Suites, Randall Orchard, Spire 29 on the Square, Standish, Standish Maine, Gorham, Gorham MaineComment