Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Welcome to our wedding website! We can’t wait to celebrate with you. Here you’ll find all the details about our big day, travel info, and more.

Our Wedding

Our story

Like many modern love stories, ours began on Hinge, with Steve thinking Mariana was beautiful, and Mariana immediately asking about his dogs, Odin and Callie (score!). But our story actually began a little earlier, during the terrible snowstorm the winter before we met. By chance, both of us moved to Boston on the same day (Steve returning and Mariana arriving for the first time), unknowingly ending up in the same snow-covered city that would soon bring us together. Fast forward to September, on a sunny Thursday, when Mariana’s cousins canceled their dinner plans, a small twist of chance that set our story in motion. With an unexpectedly free evening (and Steve bailing on his plans with Will), we met for our first date at Sophia’s Grotto, a cozy Italian restaurant that quickly became a staple in our relationship. After dinner, we wandered through the Arboretum and ended up on Peter’s Hill, talking for hours (and yes, freezing just a little). Three years later, Steve brought the story full circle, recreating that same first date and proposing on Peter’s Hill in the exact spot where we shared our first kiss. Now, about that proposal... technically, it wasn't his first. On our second date, Steve discovered that the only bar game Mariana loves, and is actually good at, is foosball. So, naturally, he got down on one knee and fake proposed (or so Mariana thought). Since then, we’ve merged our lives in every way. Mariana has proudly embraced her role as dog step-mom, and together we’ve built our home (with a lot of help from Jeff). We’ve blended our families, adopted each other’s friends, and discovered new joys through one another, from Mariana’s surprising love of cross-country skiing to Steve’s ongoing quest to make the perfect Bolognese sauce. From a snowstorm to a swipe, a fake proposal to a real one, our story has been full of laughter, love, and a lot of good food.

Our Story

Joe O'Connor

Ana Elisa Alvarez

Max Newman

Ana Isabel Aguilera

Richie Freeley

Dara Oramas

Will Parlon

Nicole Freeley

Jared White

Gabriela Planchart

Gustavo Mezquita 

Kristen Brozowski

Anvesh Gurijala

Paulina Asturias

Armando Cortina

Michelle Baumeister

Andrew Fuglestad

Maria Susana Muci

Renato Fernandes

Ariana Cardozo

Scott Spangenberg

Maria Alesia Gonzalez

Jorge Abello

Isabella Klemprer

Jeff O'Connor

Wedding Party

Everything you need to plan your trip to the beautiful Maine coast!

Getting There

✈️ By Air

The closest airports to Kennebunk and Wells are: Portland International Jetport (PWM) – approximately 40 minutes north of Kennebunk. This is the most convenient option for most travelers. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – about 2 hours south of Kennebunk. Ideal for guests flying from farther away or looking for more flight options. Both airports offer rental car services, rideshares, and bus/train connections to Southern Maine

🚗By Car

Kennebunk is easily accessible by Interstate 95 (the Maine Turnpike). From Boston: about 2 hours drive north From Portland: about 40 minutes drive south Once you exit the highway, you’ll find that the drive winds through charming seaside towns and open farmland, a quintessential Maine experience.

Venue Details

📍Ceremony & Reception location

Wandby Landing<a href="https://www.google.com/maps?rlz=1C1GCEB_enUS1108US1109&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDQgBEC4YrwEYxwEYgAQyBggAEEUYOTINCAEQLhivARjHARiABDIGCAIQRRhAMgwIAxAjGCcYgAQYigUyBwgEEAAYgAQyBwgFEAAYgAQyBwgGEAAYgAQyDwgHEC4YChjHARjRAxiABNIBCDI5MTZqMGo3qAIAsAIA&amp;um=1&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;fb=1&amp;gl=us&amp;sa=X&amp;geocode=KbVqry-sq7JMMe3KCumNDZ1_&amp;daddr=46+Western+Ave,+Kennebunk,+ME+04043" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">46 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043</a> Our ceremony and reception will be held at Wandby Landing, a charming coastal venue in Kennebunk's Lower Village, surrounded by gardens and marsh views.

🅿️Parking Information

Limited parking is available at the venue. We kindly encourage guests to carpool, share rides, or arrange drop-offs whenever possible.
 
There will be signs to guide you upon arrival.

Where to stay

🏨Recommended Hotels

We suggest booking early, as September can be a popular time to visit the Maine coast. Wedding Room Block We've reserved a block of rooms at King's Port Inn, located in the heart of Kennebunkport, just an 8-minute walk from the venue. Booking Info: Call the hotel directly and reference the O'Connor Alvarez Wedding to receive 15% off.Minimum stay: 2 nightsRooms are limited, so we recommend booking early! Other great nearby options include: The Nonantum Resort: Classic coastal charm and easy access to downtown Kennebunkport. (~4 min drive to venue) The Colony Hotel: Iconic seaside hotel offering ocean views, located just steps from Dock Square. (~5 min drive to venue) The Kennebunkport Inn: Stylish, walkable location right in downtown Kennebunkport. (~3 min drive to venue) The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel: Beautiful harbor views and close to restaurants and shops. (~3 min drive) The Breakwater Inn &amp; Spa: Waterfront inn with spa services for a relaxing stay. (~6 min drive)

🏡 Local Stays

If you prefer a more local touch, there are plenty of charming B&amp;Bs and Airbnb options in Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Wells.

Things to Do

🌊 Explore the Maine Coast

Make a weekend out of it, Kennebunk and the surrounding area are full of coastal charm! Stroll through Dock Square in Kennebunkport for boutique shopping, cafes, and art galleries. Relax at Gooch's Beach or Parsons Beach for a scenic ocean walk. Grab lobster rolls at The Clam Shack. Visit Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge for peaceful boardwalk trails through the marshes. Whether you're here for the weekend or a few extra days, there's plenty to enjoy between the ocean, the quaint towns, and the fall foliage.

Travel

We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions about our wedding weekend. If we missed anything, feel free to reach out, we’re happy to help!

The day of

🕰️ When should I arrive?

The ceremony will begin promptly at 4:00 PM, with doors opening about 30 minutes before. We recommend arriving early to allow time for parking and the short walk to the ceremony lawn.

👗 What’s the dress code?

Our wedding will take place outdoors in the gardens of Wandby Landing, followed by a tented reception. We recommend semi-formal attire — suits, sport coats, maxi or midi dresses, cocktail dresses, or dressy separates. Please keep in mind that the ground may be soft, so block heels or flats are best.

☀️ Is the ceremony outdoors?

Yes! Both the ceremony and cocktail hour will be held outdoors, weather permitting, with the reception under a tent nearby.

🎨 Wedding Party Colors

Our wedding party will be dressed in shades of soft blues and yellows, reflecting the light, airy garden vibe of our celebration. These colors complement the outdoor gardens and tented reception, creating a cheerful and elegant palette for the day. Feel free to wear these colors if you’d like, we just wanted to share our inspiration!

📸 Can we take photos during the ceremony?

We ask guests to refrain from taking photos during the ceremony so everyone can be fully present. Once the reception begins, feel free to snap and share away!

Getting there & parking

🚗 Is there parking at the venue?

Yes, there is limited parking available at the venue. We kindly encourage guests to carpool, share rides, or arrange drop-offs whenever possible.

🚌 What are other transportation options?

Many of the nearby hotels are within a comfortable walking distance, making it easy to get around on foot. 
 
For additional transportation, we highly recommend RideMaine for local rideshare services. Uber and Lyft are also available in the area, though wait times may vary.

Food & Drink

🍴 What kind of meal will be served?

We’ll be serving a station-style dinner featuring seasonal dishes and local favorites. There will be a variety of options to suit different tastes. Food allergy notices will be posted.

🌿 Are there vegetarian or dietary options?

Absolutely! There will be vegetarian and gluten-free options.

🍸 Will there be an open bar?

Yes! Please enjoy the beer, wine, and signature cocktails throughout the evening. Non-alcoholic options will also be available.

Guests & Invitations

📅 Is there an RSVP Deadline?

Yes. We kindly ask for your response by May 15. We know September is a ways away, so please let us know if your plans change.

💌 Can I bring a guest?

As much as we wish we could invite everyone, due to limited capacity we can only accommodate guests listed on your invitation. Thank you for understanding!

👶🏼 Are children invited?

We love your little ones, but our celebration is adults-only.

Additional Details

📱 Is there a wedding hashtag or photo-sharing app?

Yes! We’d love to see your photos, more details to follow.

🌤️ What’s the weather like in September?

Fall in Maine is crisp and beautiful, with daytime highs around mid60 - low70 °F (18 – 22 °C) and cooler evenings. We recommend bringing a light jacket or wrap, especially for outdoor portions of the evening.

🎁 Where are you registered?

Your presence is the best gift! But if you’d like to contribute to our next chapter, please visit our <a href="https://www.theknot.com/us/mariana-alvarez-machado-and-stephen-oconnor-2026-09-19/registry" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Registry Page</a> for gift and honeymoon/house renovation fund options. Please note that our registry is still in progress, and we'll be adding more items soon!

Mariana & Stephen

Mariana & Stephen

Photos