Wedding at The Tarratine - Bangor, Maine
Historic Wedding Venue in Bangor, Maine
You may remember Kristin and Dan from their Engagement Session at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens back in June. Well, their wedding was every bit as beautiful. This couple chose to host their intimate wedding at The Tarratine in Bangor, Maine; where we were treated to beautiful decor and stylings, delicious food, attentive client service, an open bar, access to the two top floors, and stunning views of Downtown Bangor from the roof-top deck. The Tarratine has a little bit of everything to offer for your more intimate wedding, and is a must-see when venue shopping in the Bangor area. I think the Locker Room was a favorite for me, in addition to the red dining room and the gorgeous Billiard’s and Game Room. The winding staircase is just dreamy, incase you were curious.
Classic white wedding
Kristin and Dan chose to keep their wedding decor simple with rose gold accents, white florals and greenery from Chapel Hill Floral, and linens were kept neutral in a creme tone. This palette helped the decor really stand out with the colors of each unique room at The Tarratine. I particularly loved the white flowers and rose gold accents in the red dining room. If I had to make only one critique, it would be that the linens get steamed prior to setting the table. Just a pet peeve on my part though!
So, can we talk about that dress shot?! Stunning. This dress was purchased at Grayce Bridal, and alterations were performed by Kevin Jacob Koski at The House of Koski. The shoes were Hazil Pearl from Betsey Johnson. I LOVED these shoes with their Tiffany Blue soles and pearl accents. Did you peep the coin in her shoe too? This bride took ‘something old, something new. Something borrowed, something blue, and a six pence in her shoe’ seriously. Appropriate considering her hubby-to-be works in banking.
Hair and Makeup was provided by The Mane Room. Hannah and Brianna were so pleasant to work with, and their artistry was flawless. They made Kristin look even more gorgeous than she already is naturally. I do need to be honest though; when I first arrived I thought she was already wearing her bridal makeup. It turns out this gal just has a flawless complexion. I was almost embarrassed after I asked if she’d had her makeup done already!
The Mother of the Bride, Laurie, chose a chic lavender slip dress, while the Bridesmaid Kaleigh opted for a soft lavender v-neck, floor-length princess dress. Theresa, the Mother of the Groom, wore an elegant dark navy shift dress to coordinate with the boys. These ladies all have style I tell ya!
Dan and the Groomsmen utilized the Billiard’s Room to get ready and hangout. This room is simply classic and beautiful. This would have to be one of my favorite rooms for certain!
Tragedy on Your Wedding Day
This day wasn’t all white and bright unfortunately. Just a day before the wedding, tragedy struck the wedding party. News was shared that the Maid of Honor had passed the night before. We’ll take a moment to let THIS sink in— rough, right? My heart broke for Kristin and Dan the moment I heard.
A frame with photos of Kristin and Lany was set in place at the head table in memory of her friend.
With the news of the loss, us vendors held our breath, waiting to see how the following day would proceed. Fortunately Kristin is one tough cookie. She was also marrying a rockstar of a husband who took the few free moments he had left to pull together a beautiful memorial picture frame for her best friend and Maid of Honor.
This wedding day was a go, though not without its share of tears. Even I was tearing up as I gathered shots of the memorial frame and empty seat at the head table. Though tragic, everyone came together in an inspiring way to lift the mood and keep this day feeling just as magical as it should. That’s what family is for, after all.
Should you do a First Look?
Dan and Kristin in the Billiard’s Room at The Tarratine in Bangor, Maine
The First Look can be such a sentimental moment, and if my client’s ask my opinion whether you should have a First Look, I will always say YES! The First Look gives you a chance to calm your anxieties, see your loved one you already spend your most precious moments with, and take in each others wedding day beauty up-close and personal before the ceremony. For Groom’s who are a bit more emotionally shy, the First Look is a great chance to catch a more expressive reaction and allow him to really feel what he is feeling. Additionally, adding a First Look to your day can then allow for room in the schedule to get some other formal portraits done before the ceremony (think wedding party portraits).
Kristin and Dan decided a First Look was right for them. Let me just say, I am so happy they did! We chose the Billiards Room as the best location for their First Look and I think the images speak for themselves. I chose to capture this part of their day in black and white to help accentuate the emotions and expressions, while playing with the light and shadows. I didn’t want the green walls, or the golden light from the wall sconces to distract from the beautiful moment taking place. Plus let’s face it, black and white looks so dramatic!
For this first look I had Dan play a round of pool while we waited for my Assistant Extraordinaire; Sonia, and Kristin’s Bridesmaid Kaleigh, help the Bride-to-be make her way from the Bridal Suite to the Billiards Room. Dan was so excited and nervous leading up to the moment, and it showed.
As Kristin rounded the doorway, Dan heard her approach, and a small grin came to his face. I knew we were in for a wonderful experience the second this happened. When Kristin wrapped her arms around Dan, his eyes teared up and his excitement overflowed. I’ll never forget how he excitedly exclaimed “I can’t see you, I can’t see you!” before he had been allowed to turn around. These two have that heart-warming kind of love, folks. Head over heels? Definitely. This First Look was a true statement to it.
Urban Roof-Top Wedding
The Tarratine’s Roof-top deck has spectacular views across Downtown Bangor. What a backdrop for an urban wedding ceremony! The wedding party looked so classic and dapper against the cityscape, and the white florals brought a clean and crisp feel to the ceremony. The harsh light of the midday sun gave the shots a beautiful glow too.
Though there is not a lot of room for guest seating on this deck, it is great for a smaller, more intimate gathering. The sail shade over the guest seating was a welcome relief from the hot July sun too. This place knows what it’s doing. They had a large dispenser of ice water and glasses ready to go for guests on the deck. The deck seating had been arranged in a traditional aisle format, with standing room around the back edges and a decent aisle for the processional.
Corinne Carey officiating Kristin and Dan’s Wedding
The officiant, Corinne Carey was very lovely. She spoke clearly, and with enough volume to hear, even at the back. I’d definitely recommend Corinne for anyone seeking an officiant in Maine.
After the Ceremony we all met on the third floor for the family and friends receiving line. I love watching the emotional interactions of the family and friends when they get to interact with the Bride and Groom. You can see those shots at the bottom of this blog post.
Indoor Wedding Portrait Inspiration
If you need inspiration for indoor wedding portraits, well, this couple and their venue delivered. There are the beautiful stylings of the Billiards Room, and a winding staircase with the perfect little landing at the bottom. We chose the Game Room for the family portrait sittings. With its bright natural light, and great furniture options for staging the scene this room just felt right!
After the family portraits I borrowed a moment of Dan and Kristin’s time to do a few newly-wed portraits around the venue. These are some of my favorites from the day!
Relaxed Wedding Reception
With portraits done and everyone mingling, it was time to start the reception. The Tarratine was providing the dinner service and my goodness did it smell good! On the menu was mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, and a choice of chicken breast stuffed with baby spinach and feta, Filet mignon with au jus and wrapped in bacon, or herb-crusted haddock with a lemon-caper sauce. How does someone even choose from those options?!
The First Dance
With dinner over, we made our way to the Ball Room for dancing and cake. First up, Kristin and Dan swayed and twirled their way through Need You Now by Lady A. I just loved watching their expressions during the dance, ranging from tears to boisterous laughs. The fireplace and wedding cake made for a beautiful backdrop.
Next up was Kristin and her Dad, David. They embraced and danced across the floor to You’ll be in my Heart by Phil Collins. Afterward, Dan and his mom, Theresa took to the floor with My Wish by Rascal Flatts. There were tears a-plenty as this Mother-Son duo held each other close and danced their way around the room.
Not to be outdone, Kristin and her mom Laurie took the floor by storm to Mom by Meghan Trainor. They dipped, twirled, whirled, and boogied their way through this fast-paced and entertaining Mother/Daughter dance. This was exactly the energy this day needed, and I wouldn’t have expected any less from these two. Their inseparable friendship was a beautiful sight to see all day long, and a major inspiration.
Bangor Cake Baker
This wedding cake was provided by Frank’s Bakery, located in Bangor, Maine. They’ve been serving cake and other bakery needs of this area for years, and their baked goods are always a treat to enjoy. I love visiting their shop and checking out all of the delicious treats they have in their display cases; cookies, cakes, donuts, even pizza!
Cake created by Frank’s Bakery in Bangor, Maine
The cake table was kept simple with just the cake, the bridal bouquet, and photos from Kristin and Dan’s engagement session adding a sentimental and personalized touch.
After enjoying some of this elegant cake, Kristin, Dan, and their friends took to the rooftop deck to relax and socialize with the early evening sun casting over Downtown Bangor.
Though beautiful, this day had its ups and downs, with far more ups than anyone could have expected from a day that was hit by such a tragedy. But with bright spirits, smiling faces, and lots of laughs, everyone had a fantastic day celebrating the love and commitment that Kristin and Dan were so generous to share with us all.
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Wirta!
Your Photographer,
Shaun Crockett - The Bearded Mainer
[Check out more photos from the day below!]
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