A May Elopement for a Wedding Planner and a Fisherman, Dear Friends of our Just Banded Team
VENUE: @JUST_BANDED; PHOTOGRAPHY: KATELYN MALLET PHOTOGRAPHY; OFFICIANT: @MARIANNESEVENTYR; PLANNING; CAUSE WE CAN EVENTS; FLORALS: ELDEBERY FLORAL; HAIR STYLIST: APHRODITE SALON
All photography on this page is by Katlyn Mallet Photography
After learning about our elopement offering and a 2 year long engagement, our team was thrilled when good friends of ours, Jessica and Mike chose to elope with us! Mike, who Captain Ethan referred to as “A Real Fisherman”, spent years working on fishing boats around the world and they lived on a sailboat in California for a year making it the perfect fit for the two of them to celebrate their love. Jessica’s good friend and local talent, Katelyn Mallet joined us for the celebration.
Jessica, a wedding planner for events throughout the country with a company called Cause We Can Events, decided she and Mike would tie the knot before her season got off to its usual roaring start so they picked their date for the flower moon, otherwise a typical Tuesday in May!
Boarding the boat at low tide always comes with some challenges. We lower the baggage down by a gaf, which is basically a giant hook that boat owners typically have with them at all times to grab mooring lines etc. You can see above a friend of the bride and grooms lowering the picnic basket down, and our beautiful bride lowering herself down the ladder while her gorgeous wedding gown draped below. Getting settled takes a few minutes as we put items away, set items out, fasten the groom’s boutonniere and get ourselves ready for the memorable adventure at sea.
May is early for local flowers in Maine, so other than the tulips which I snipped from my garden, we sourced the florals from our trusted New England partners.
We decided to use a soft palette with gentle spring pastels and then add pops of darker purples to add some depth. Between the ranunculus and the personality of the butterfly ranunculus, the garden roses, tulips and of course the locally grown blueberry bells these were a favorite palette. I love the subtle wispy nature of the spring greenery, the emerging tips of the chartreuse colored unfurling leaves that are so gentle you really need to be careful in caring for them. We did the floral install which sits on the stern and frames the seat area so nicely and then added another small installation behind the weather back which was a nice touch since it gives the bride and groom some beautiful florals to look at when they are seated.
After finding a calm spot on the Kennebec River, we turned off the engine and started the ceremony!
Earlier in the day Jess visited Colleen at Aphrodite Salon, an extremely talented hair stylist here in Phippsburg and trusted local vendor who absolutely nailed her gorgeous locks. It has such an effortless style to it but we all know how complicated that actually would be to do!
Marianne, our officiant, and Jess embracing with a giant hug in celebration after finishing reciting their vows
Gabby, Jess’s good friend and business partner of Cause We Can Events
A favorite moment for us after the ceremony is having our bride and groom hold our life ring for some photos!
Imagine saying your vows surrounded by the vast expanse of the ocean, the salty breeze gently tousling your hair as you pledge eternal love. Getting married at sea is an unforgettable experience, filled with romanticism and adventure. And what better way to embrace the spirit of the sea than by embarking on a lobster boat hauling right after the ceremony? Picture yourself and your partner, donning matching Grundens bibs and rubber boots, eagerly helping Captain Ethan pull traps from the deep waters… thats what seasoned lobsterman Mike did! Amidst laughter, anticipation, and the thrill of the catch, he and Jess created cherished memories while immersing themselves in the vibrant world of Maine's lobster industry. This unique post-wedding activity is not only an ode to the rugged charm of coastal Maine but also a testament to the resilience and teamwork that defines a strong marriage.
Mike ever excited to take his haul home! And it barely could fit inside the cooler bag!
Jessica and Mike took their intimate elopement charter with Just Banded as the perfect opportunity to exchange their vows surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Maine coast. After a romantic ceremony on the lobster boat, they continued their celebration with a small reception dinner at a charming restaurant nestled in the heart of downtown Bath. The cozy ambiance and delectable cuisine provided the ideal setting for their loved ones to gather and toast to their new chapter as husband and wife. As laughter and merriment filled the air, Jessica and Mike couldn't have asked for a more enchanting end to their unforgettable elopement adventure.
Thank you to both of you, for trusting our Just Banded team, and choosing to celebrate your commitment to one another with us! We are eternally grateful and can’t wait to get you both back on the boat for a celebratory anniversary next year!