There’s something about a coastal Maine elopement that feels timeless. The salt in the air, the rocky shoreline, the soft way the light hits the water, it’s like nature itself is celebrating alongside you! For Ashley and Jack, Aragosta at Goose Cove wasn’t just a venue, it was the perfect backdrop for an intimate, meaningful day that blended luxury and raw coastal beauty. Having spent time with them months earlier for their Big Sur engagement session, it truly felt like we were photographing friends, which made documenting this day even more special!
A Morning of Thoughtful Details
The day began with one of the most personal gestures you could imagine: Jack handpicking flowers for Ashley’s bouquet at Oceanville Flowers on Deer Isle. It wasn’t just about arranging stems, but about slowing down and creating something with love and intention for the woman he was about to marry. The bouquet, wild, colorful, and full of texture, set the tone for the day: natural, heartfelt, and completely their own. Back at their cozy getting-ready spaces, little details spoke volumes. Ashley’s lace gown hung in the window, her vows carefully written, and even their pup trotted around as if he knew something big was about to happen! These quiet, behind-the-scenes moments had the same weight as the bigger celebrations, all layered with meaning.
First Looks in the Forest
Few things compare to the stillness of a first look tucked in the woods. Jack’s face when he turned to see Ashley said it all, the tears, the joy, the awe of realizing this was the moment. It’s easy to say weddings are emotional, but standing there, in the filtered light of the trees, it was like time slowed down. These first looks weren’t staged or posed, they were raw, honest, and unforgettable!
The Ceremony on the Coast at Aragosta at Goose Cove
Aragosta at Goose Cove gave them the most breathtaking ceremony setting, a private cove with ocean views and the sound of the waves rolling in. With just their closest family gathered, the atmosphere was tender and unhurried. What made it even more meaningful was that my mom officiated the ceremony, bringing such warmth and familiarity to their vows. Ashley’s grandfather also played a role, reading scripture and guiding them through the tying of a cord of three strands, a Christian tradition symbolizing unity and faith. It was one of those ceremonies where everyone had tears in their eyes, not because it was grand or performative, but because it was deeply personal!
Golden Hour by the Water & The Greenhouse Reception
After the ceremony, we wandered the rocky shoreline for portraits that felt straight out of a dream!. Ashley and Jack climbed the coastal rocks with their pup at their side, kissed beneath the veil as the sun set, and even shared a quiet moment with a dragonfly that landed delicately in their hands, the kind of unplanned magic you can’t script. As the light faded, the celebration moved into Aragosta’s glass greenhouse, where a long farm table was set with soft linens, glowing candles, and wildflowers. Dinner was intimate, laughter-filled, and uniquely Maine. From cake-cutting beneath twinkling lights to heartfelt toasts, it was the kind of reception that felt less like a production and more like a gathering of loved ones savoring a once-in-a-lifetime evening!
Sweet words from Ashley & Jac
“Holly is amazing, talented, funny, relatable, and super down to earth! Bonus points, her side kick mom is so sweet and amazing! They even brought a squishy gift for my black lab, Lovebug! 🥹 🥹 Jack and I had so much fun shooting our engagement photos in Big Sur with holly! She made us feel so comfortable and she is super open for any crazy ideas/ recommendations while shooting! We even stopped for lunch halfway in between shooting! She has a huge passion for adventure and photography! And is honestly just fun to hang out with! I am so happy that she did our engagement photos( in California) and will be shooting our wedding (in Maine) in September as well!! Check out her amazing work!! 📸 🌲 🌊 💍 🌸
P.s. both her and her mom are ordained and her mom will be officiating our wedding in Sep”
Ready For Your Own Intimate Coastal Maine Elopement? Let’s Chat!
Holly Meyer | Adventurous Elopement Photographer
Ashley and Jack’s coastal Maine elopement was everything an intimate wedding should be: full of love, intention, and meaning. From Jack’s morning bouquet to the coastal vows and greenhouse dinner, every part of the day felt true to who they are. For me, it was a joy to photograph, not just because of the stunning setting, but because it truly felt like celebrating friends. And even now, we keep in touch with these two, which is the greatest reminder that weddings aren’t just about one day.
They’re about the stories that continue long after. If you’re dreaming of your own coastal Maine elopement, Aragosta at Goose Cove offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and intimate luxury. And when you’re ready, I’d love to help capture the magic of your day, too! Head to my contact page so we can chat about the ideas you have! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!
