A Modern, Nautical Wedding at Ocean Gateway in Portland, Maine

After a trip to Portland, Maine, where Blair MacDonald (30 and a physical therapist) and Matthew Evanosky (43 and a pharmacist) enjoyed bike rides along the city’s striking coastline and got a taste of the city’s thriving culinary scene, the pair decided it was the perfect spot to celebrate their spring nuptials. The day started with a ceremony overlooking Casco Bay, with the couple exchanging vows in a park along the water, where the sparkling blue waters, sailboats and islands created a breathtaking backdrop for the intimate affair. A reception at Ocean Gateway, a modern event space situated right on Portland’s waterfront, followed, where the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed a night of dinner, dancing and spectacular ocean views. “The view of the harbor on a sunny spring day was breathtaking,” Blair says. Given the seaside locale, Blair and Matt opted for a nautical theme, choosing a palette of blue, gray and white and decorating the large industrial-inspired venue with sand, shells, twine and playful marine accents like anchors and ship wheels. The couple’s family members and friends were instrumental in ensuring the day went off without a hitch, as well as adding a personal dimension to the day. Blair’s brother, an ordained minister, officiated the ceremony; Matt’s mother made homemade cookies for the couple’s cookie bar; and Blair’s maid of honor arranged all the bouquets and boutonnieres for the ceremony. And to highlight the importance of family, Blair wrapped lace from her grandmother’s veil around her bouquet, and the couple’s wedding cake was decorated with Matt’s parents' cake topper from 1969. A tip from Blair: “Planning does not have to be stressful, it's supposed to be fun. Don't worry about it; everything will come together. Our entertainment canceled the week of our wedding and we were able to find new entertainment that worked perfectly.”