In beautiful Norway, Maine, Granite Ridge Estate & Barn (one of my favorite wedding venues) captivated us with its breathtaking views, making Amanda and Ryan’s wedding a truly unforgettable experience. The estate’s natural beauty provided the perfect backdrop for a Maine wedding. The crown jewel of this venue, however, was undeniably The Barn – an enchanting space that lent itself seamlessly to the heartfelt ceremony.
Tornado Wedding – A Wild Twist of Fate
What was meant to be a smooth-sailing day took an unexpected turn, earning Ryan and Amanda’s wedding the endearing nickname of “the tornado wedding.” The morning started off fine as Amanda prepared for her big day, but ominous weather forecasts hinted at the possibility of rain. As the day progressed, the erratic weather took a surprising turn when a tornado touched down just outside the barn. The staff and guests, and especially the bride and groom, handled everything with ease and grace as the rain poured and winds howled, prompting discussions about evacuating the guests. Miraculously, the need for evacuation never arose, but the last-minute decision to move the ceremony indoors added an unexpected twist to the day. The rain ceased just 15 minutes after the ceremony, leaving us with a magical atmosphere for capturing ethereal moments in the mist, with raindrops clinging to the trees.
Reception Revelry – Dancing, Delights, and S’mores
Despite the weather’s attempt to steal the spotlight, the reception turned out to be a lively celebration filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable moments. The dance floor came alive with the newlyweds and their guests, creating an atmosphere of pure happiness. A highlight of the evening was the whimsical s’mores station, where guests could create their own sweet treats, adding a fun and interactive element to the festivities. The camaraderie and laughter shared on the dance floor and around the s’mores station made for memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.
In the end, Ryan and Amanda’s Granite Ridge wedding was one for the books! The beauty of the venue, the resilience of the couple, and the magical moments created amidst the chaos made this wedding a truly remarkable and cherished chapter in my journey as a wedding photographer.
Vendors List:
Venue: Granite Ridge Estate and Barn
Wedding Photographer: LAD Photography
Caterer: Blue Elephant Catering and Events
Rentals: Affordable Events
Florist: Paula Hanley
Band: Sweet Tooth & The Sugarbabies
Beverage: TNT Event Services
Videographer: Paperback Productions- Shea Hardiman
Hair & Makeup: Jessica Candage & Ashley Sevigny
Bride’s Dress: Tara Keely, Kleinfelds
Bridesmaids & Flower Girl’s Dresses: Jenny Yoo, Flair
Suits: Joseph A. Bank
Rings: Bouvier Jewelers