Rehearsal BBQ

Shin Pond Village

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Shin Pond Village Campground

Reception

Our Wedding

Nate and Shelby met through a dating app and bonded over a shared love for hiking, the outdoors, and sunrises. During their first date at a local restaurant, Shelby did most of the talking. Thankfully, that didn't deter Nate. Their second date was only a couple days later — a sunrise hike at Mount Waldo in Frankfort. Nate made Shelby instant coffee at the summit and they watched the sun come up together on a cold morning in early March 2021. By the end of the month, they were inseparable. On February 22, 2025, Nate proposed to Shelby at Mount Waldo, almost four years after their first sunrise hike together. He intended to propose at sunrise, but got his truck stuck in the snow in their driveway. Thanks to their friends Mike and Katie, they got pulled out and made it to the viewpoint right after the sun had come up. Nate asked Shelby to marry him, but before saying "yes," she said "are you sure?" And here we are today — she's glad he was sure.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

A little less formal than black tie. Tux not required. Florals and bright summer colors are encouraged and preferred!

Dress Code

Please call Shin Pond Village Campground if you would like reservations at any of the available cabins or campsites.

Accommodations

The North gate to Baxter is located just 15 miles from Shin Pond. There are over 40 peaks and ridges besides Katahdin. The trail system features over 215 miles of trails popular with hikers, mountain climbers and naturalists. The park consists of many spectacular rivers, streams, ponds and lakes for canoeing, fishing and swimming, as well as tons of opportunities to hike. For a fun day trip, go swimming and canoeing at South Branch Pond, one of Shelby's and Nate's favorite spots.

Visit Baxter State Park

The North entrance to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located just 15 miles north of Shin Pond Village. The monument is a U.S. National Monument spanning 87,563 acres of mountains and forestland in northern Penobscot County, Maine, including a section of the East Branch Penobscot River.

Visit Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

Follow Rt. 159 south for 3 miles to the Shin Pond Pub. Turn left onto the Owlsboro Road and drive 5 miles to Rt. 11. Turn left (north) on Rt. 11 and go 2 miles before turning left on to Mountain Road. The trail is at the end of the field on your right and just beyond a culvert. The trailhead is marked with a small sign. Expect to take about 1.5 hours to reach the summit.

Hike Mt. Chase

Take Rt. 159 North towards Baxter State Park. Go 4.5 miles, take the dirt road to the left (Shin Brook Road). Park your car at the end (1/4 miles you are looking at Sugarloaf Mountain). Trailhead starts here. Stay left until you get to the stream, then follow footpath on your right that goes to the bottom of the falls. There are three sets of falls and the path to the bottom is very steep.

Hike Shin Brook Falls

Take Rt. 159 north towards Baxter State Park. Take the first dirt road after Sebois River (approximately 6.5 miles). Go 1 mile, cross over bridge, and take first right. Park here, this is the trailhead.

Hike Sawtelle Falls/Sawtelle Deadwater

Go down the hill (Rt. 159) and across the bridge. Take the first right past the Wilderness Variety Store onto Beachshore Drive. Take the second left. The beach is 300 feet down this lane, but you may want to park at the turnoff.

Nathan & Shelby

Nathan & Shelby

N&S