Vandiver Inn Wedding | Liz + Brad

This Vandiver Inn wedding is so full of emotion. Liz and Brad wear their hearts on their sleeves, and it showed throughout the day. So many smiles and tears of joy were shared with their friends and family, and I’m glad I could be part of this special time.

The Couple

When Liz and Brad were invited to go bowling with a coworker and her husband, neither of them knew they were the only other two people going. It turned into an unintentional blind date ending with Liz kissing Brad on the cheek. “You call that a kiss?” Brad asked, and showed her what a real kiss is all about! And that’s how it all started.

Leading up to their engagement, Brad had been planning to propose to Liz during a vacation to Maine. Liz says he carried the ring in his pocket the entire trip waiting for the right moment. The moment came at the eleventh hour when they wanted just oooone more lobster roll on their way home and stopped at the Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth. Liz noticed Brad was acting strangely and suggested they get back on the road, but not before exploring the lighthouse one last time. Brad seized his moment and got down on one knee just as Liz was appreciating the special alone time they were having at the end of their vacation. She was so excited, she quickly urged Brad to get up so that they could steal some pictures with the gorgeous lighthouse backdrop in total privacy. From the beginning, their relationship has been full of sweet surprises and fun moments.

The Wedding

Liz and Brad’s Vandiver Inn wedding was super sweet and emotional. As I was waiting for the first look with Brad, I asked how he was feeling. He told me he wasn’t nervous at all, that it felt like they’d been married forever. The videographer, Jim, and I have nearly forty years of marriage experience between us (Jim accounting for 35 of those–he’s the real expert!) and talking with Brad, Jim and I agreed on some sage advice. That throughout your lives together, you think things will never change. There are even times when you think it hasn’t. It’s a slow change – you don’t realize it’s happening while you’re in it. Then, five years into the future and looking back, you realize not only how different but also how much deeper and profound that love has become.

At that moment, Liz turned the corner to meet Brad, and it was go time. Both of them were in tears. It was a truly heartfelt moment, and it was definitely not the last time they both cried that day. The ceremony had us all in tears from start to finish, as did the toasts. It was a beautiful day filled with love, fun, and nerdiness. Liz is hilarious and adorable and I could hang out with her all day. They even entered their reception to the tune “Everything is Awesome” from the Lego Movie. Not only do Liz and Brad know how to openly express their love, they also know how to have a great time.

I can’t wait for you to check out these gorgeous images from the day. Here are some of my favorites.

Vandiver Inn Wedding Photos

Vandiver Inn Wedding Vendors

Venue: Vandiver Inn
Photographer: Breanna Shaw, Photography by Brea
Photography Assistant: Jeana Lombard
Wedding Coordinator/Planner: Jo, Vandiver Inn
DJ/Band: Frank, Friendly Entertainment
Videographer: Jim, Black Tie Video
Officiant: Dennis Thorseth (family friend)
Bakery: Desserts by Rita
Caterer: Vandiver Inn
Bridal Gown Designer: Allure Bridals
Bridal Shop: Bridals by Elena
Hair Stylist + Makeup Artist: Abby deRosset
Florist: Amanda’s Florist
Rentals/Linens: Vandiver Inn
Wedding Stationery: Invitations by Paper in the Park