Erin + Jonathan / Fishermen’s Point Wedding 8.16.2020

September 1, 2020

Before Erin and Jonathan, I had never been to Spring Point Light or Fishermen’s Point in South Portland. I have lived in Maine all my life, yet still – never. As soon as I made the trip to check out their spots before the wedding day came, I understood immediately why these places hold such a special place in Erin and Jonathan’s hearts, and why they had chosen these locations to make their commitment to each other. They had expressed to me how important it was to them to be grounded in nature on their wedding day, and as I stood on Fishermen’s Point with the salty sea air whipping up over the ledge and between the little fishermen’s shacks, I could not imagine a more perfect place for these two to tie the knot.

Erin and Jonathan officially met 8 years ago through mutual friends at a party, but it wasn’t until 2017 that their paths crossed again and they realized just how right they were for each other. Erin’s best friend, Molly, decided to treat Erin to a trip to Ireland to celebrate her 30th. It was decided that on the trip would be Erin, Molly, Erin’s mom, and a few friends. At the last minute, when one of their friends was unable to go, Jonathan happened to be the replacement, and Erin and Jonathan “met” again at the Boston airport. Below, you can read their love story as told via answers to questions they received separately on questionnaire’s I send to all my wedding clients.

““Jonathan’s and my chemistry was undeniable from the start of our trip in Dublin. I remember we got to know each other better after going out for a night in the city. We stayed out a little later than the rest of the group and he and I walked back to the hostel, talking and learning about each other. I remember, even in a foreign country, feeling safe and protected by his side. After that night, we bundled up in the two cars (boys car and girls car hehe) and drove around the coast to Galway. We had walkie-talkies, which I highly recommend on any road trip! Between singing songs back forth between cars, Jonathan said, “Red rover, send Erin on over!” And when we were at our next rest stop, I moved to the boy’s car and basically stayed there the rest of the trip. Jonathan and I star gazed together, took moving pictures of sheep, (well, he taught me how to use his camera and he held my legs as I dangled out of the back seat’s window to get a closer look!), explored castles, and his presence quickly made this trip the best of my entire life.””

Getting married during a global pandemic is a feat in and of itself, but despite plans constantly shifting, Erin and Jonathan were determined to make it work. The ultimate plan was for a small elopement with just 15 guests, all of them having been tested prior to the wedding day. Erin and Jonathan were very cautious and considerate of the health and safety of all of their guests and vendors, and Erin’s friend, Becky, even sewed handmade masks for everyone to wear! (Pictured below.)

By the time their wedding day came, things had fallen into place. The weather could not have been more perfect; low 70’s with a breeze, and overcast. From Erin’s maid of honor’s apartment in Portland, to Jonathan’s hotel, to Spring Point for their private vows, to Fishermen’s Point for the ceremony and Willard Beach, then finally Saltwater Grille for the reception, I walked through their wedding day in awe of the attention to detail and love they put into every little aspect.

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““Jonathan met me at a time that I felt joyously myself for the first time in many years. I was 100% unapologetically myself during that trip, and Jonathan dug it! Jonathan and I balance each other out so well. He is the ready aim, aim, aim, fire type, and I am the ready, fire type. He keeps me grounded while also being able to be spontaneous and fun!””

Erin and Jonathan’s wedding day was the first time I was asked to photograph private vows. We were able to find a somewhat quiet spot behind Spring Point Light at the end of the breaker, and the two of them stood in the breeze and read some of the most genuine and heartfelt words I have ever heard, and let me tell you – the tears were rolling on the other side of the camera, too.

“I remember sitting in the plane on the way back [from Ireland] telling Jonathan that I hoped we would see each other again. He said that he hoped we could too. I knew Ireland was the start of something really beautiful between the two of us. He ended up calling me the next day after the trip. I was in Maine and he was back at his home in MA. I invited him to come up to Maine for my 30th birthday which was that weekend and he met my family and more of my closest friends. Jonathan blended right in and I remember reflecting about how comfortable and confident Jonathan was among a sea of my friends and family. We became inseparable, and did the long distance weekend trips dance for half a year before Jonathan came up to Maine to live a bit more permanently with me. In that time, we started to build an adventurous, fun-filled, and active life growing in love together. We worked hard to move our lives from long distance to living together and within another year we had different jobs, moved our lives from long distance to living together, sold both of our homes, and had found a home in New Hampshire where we could both picture growing older and growing a family together within the walls.”

After the winding road to where they are now, Jonathan’s admiration for Erin only grew.

““I’m extremely proud of how she was able to start a new job in a new city/state and pursue her career and completely excel at it. She’s made an amazing impact on her students and her peers, and it continues to impress me.””

Some of Erin and Jonathan’s loved ones were unable to attend due to COVID and/or distance, so Jonathan’s brother-in-law kept them on video chat in order for them to be able to see the ceremony.

Keeping with their Irish beginnings, Erin and Jonathan, together with their officiant, Emica, incorporated an Irish blessing stone ritual into their ceremony. It made they day even more special, and gave each guest the chance to share their wishes with Erin and Jonathan during the ceremony.

“When I asked him, “What does it feel like when you are in love?”, his response was, “Well, it feels like this.” We both knew early on that we were made to spend our lives together.”

Erin and Jonathan with Erin’s best friend, Molly, who invited them both on the trip to Ireland.

The newlyweds shared a quiet few minutes alone before the ceremony. — The newlyweds shared a quiet few minutes alone before their entrance to the reception.

First look at their beautiful wedding cake made by Taylor at Village Baking Co.

All in all, witnessing these two tie the knot was definitely a day I will never forget. The love between these newlyweds is not something you see every day. Every moment of their day was full of loving intent. All of their words were tender and genuine. There is no doubt in my mind that they both intend to keep every promise they made to each other. I am absolutely thrilled for them and was honored to be a part of their wedding day.