Jun 9, 2022

Granite Ridge Estate and Barn Wedding - Stormy Sunset in the Mountains of Maine

We're not sure we could've asked for a more epic, romantic, and stunning wedding as our FIRST EVER wedding in our new home state - Maine!

Lauren and Diego were married at Granite Ridge Estate and Barn in Norway, Maine. WOW, their stunning wedding venue boasted the most beautiful Maine landscape as the backdrop to their day. With looming storms in the forecast, Lauren and Diego rolled with it, and opted to keep their ceremony outdoors. We're so glad they did! Their wedding ceremony was nestled in the forest below the venue, and their personal vows to one another had everyone in tears. Later in the evening during their reception, with storms beginning to roll in, we had almost given up on finding that sunset. WELL, that sunset FOUND US, and peeked between the storm clouds and the rolling mountains of Maine for a brief moment, giving Lauren and Diego an unexpected, unique, EPIC sunset. Congrats Lauren and Diego! Full highlight film coming soon!

(All photos below are still frames taken from their sneak peek trailer filmed by us, and NOT taken by their photographer [ Sam and Mike Photography ])

Talk about a great view! Nestled in the mountains of Norway, Maine, Granite Ridge Estate has been featured and published by some of the wedding industry's leading magazines and blogs.

Lauren, her bridesmaids, and her mom got ready in the property's Estate Lodge, while Diego got dressed in the Cliff Cabin - an architecturally significant structure in it's own right, with a cantilever structure overhanging the literal granite ridge of the property (sorry, my inner architect had to geek out a little bit)

Lauren and Diego opted for a "First Look" before the ceremony, so they had PLENTY of time for a creative photo/video session during the day. Later, after the ceremony, this gave them the entire cocktail hour to spend with family and friends. We can't wait to share Diego's full reaction to seeing Lauren in her dress for the first time, but HEY, this is only a sneak peek! Guess you'll have to come back later to see his reaction!

Granite Ridge Estate Bride and Groom First Look

Granite Ridge Estate and Barn Wedding Venue

Lauren and Diego made the decision to keep their ceremony outside, even thought the threat of rain was looming in the distance. The ceremony went on without a drop of rain, and their personal vows to each other had everyone watching in tears (If you haven't watched the sneak peek trailer at the top, you'll see what I mean!). As Lauren walked down the gravel path towards the ceremony with both her father and mother, Diego paused to take a deep breath and soak in the moment. When Lauren arrived at the altar, she hugged both of her parents, and her father whispered "I love you" in her ear....we think...I'm just reading lips.

Bride walking down the aisle at Maine wedding venue

Bride and her father hugging at wedding ceremony in Granite Ridge Estate

After the ceremony in the "wooded wedding site," Diego and Lauren joined cocktail hour, while we captured their colorful reception decor inside the barn at Granite Ridge Estate. If you don't already know, I'm a HUGE fan of cake, and I absolutely LOVED their watercolor mountain 2-tier cake by Autumn Nomad, adorned with colorful, spring florals by Chevaughn Marie Designs. Their table centerpieces were something I'd never seen before, but absolutely LOVED! Instead of large bouquets, they took individual flowers and placed them in their own small vase, lining the center of the table with them. I thought this was adorable...it was like each flower was important and had it's own little home.

Maine Wedding Florist colorful spring design

Here comes that sneaky sunset! Peaking through the storm clouds, just above the mountain ridge overlooking Maine's breathtaking landscape, Diego and Lauren enjoyed the sunset together. It was probably not the sunset they envisioned for their wedding day, but for a day we were almost certain wouldn't get a sunset...they sky sure did prove us wrong!

Maine sunset at Granite Ridge Estate Wedding

Shortly after their epic sunset, the storm rolled through, and the party got started! Make sure to watch their sneak peek trailer at the top of the post, and you'll see where I captured a lightning strike in the distance through the windows! Lauren and Diego hired a live band from Music Management to keep the party rolling! Before everyone got too toasty, we invited their bridal party and family outside for some sparkler fun!