In the quiet hallways of West Kingston Elementary School, a modern romance began with potatoes. Stephanie and Ashley shared a workspace long before they started their lives together. “Steph was a dedicated teacher and I was a great night caretaker,” Ashley says. “You think of a classic school romance setting, right? Not exactly! For our first hangout, I carried around a 50-pound sack of potatoes and a tool bag. Naturally, Steph thought the tool bag was my wallet (it wasn’t). We’ve been laughing about it ever since.”
Years later, their laughter echoed across the Sunday River as a couple celebrated their stunning LGBTQ+ wedding in the mountains of Maine. For both brides, the day was a beautiful culmination of a long journey.
Brides replaced formal wear with fleece and tradition with authenticity. The couple chose a breathtaking wedding location where they could be themselves. It was the perfect end to a story that began in a Rhode Island schoolhouse.
A scenic proposal for a lesbian couple who loves to travel
The road to Newry, Maine followed 15 months of work. Stephanie and Ashley, who both identify as lesbians, spend the summer traveling to the United States with their dogs Finnegan and Winnie. They visited 20 national parks and collected many stories along the way. Their mountain wedding was inspired by these adventures.
Ashley planned to propose during a grueling hike in July 2024. However, Stephanie was tired and hungry after climbing. Ashley wisely waited two days. The moment finally arrived atop New York’s Prospect Mountain. Ashley got down on one knee, pretending to take a photo. Stephanie immediately said yes.
Plan a Non-Traditional Maine Wedding in Sunday River
The couple avoided the rigid expectations often placed on marriage partners. They wanted a cozy and intimate atmosphere for their wedding day. This resulted in a unique dress code: custom embroidered sweatsuits. The official theme is “Nothing fancy, Just love!”
All guests and vendors chose either maroon or green sets. The brides got ready in matching sweatsuits. They then changed into white bridal pajamas for the ceremony. They found a supportive team of vendors who embraced this “slumber party” vision. “Our team was very lucky,” Ashley says.
Cozy Sunday River Mountain Wedding with custom-made sweatsuits
At 4 p.m., the mountains were ablaze with the colors of autumn. Ashley’s brother served as maid of honor, and Stephanie’s sister served as maid of honor. Both brides were escorted down the Virgin Road by their fathers. They wrote their own vows, but kept the ceremony short and sweet. The background featured golden and crimson leaves and autumn flowers.
The couple shared a private first meeting with their cat and dog. This personalization continued through to the reception. The bar serves sangria and apple ginger fizz mocktails, each named after a pet. The brides, who don’t drink alcohol, forego the booze and toasted their guests with s’mores around the fire pit. It was perfect for a wedding in the mountains of Maine.
As the sun began to set, the couple and their guests lit rainbow-colored smoke bombs, creating clouds of bright color over the rustic mountain landscape. This was a visual representation of their advice to other LGBTQ+ couples. “Don’t let the opinions of your family, friends, or others stop you from having the wedding of your dreams.”
We are happy to report that Ashley and Stephanie were surrounded by love and support during their wedding. “I didn’t feel judged by anyone and everyone could see the love we had for each other. That was important.”
photograph: Alison Clarke Photos
venue: The Glen House
Planning/coordination: brenda brochure
Flower design: Pooh Corner Farm
Video shooting: VMG wedding
Catering: happy hibachi
Bridal costume: Wavells
Attendant Embroidery: Emmy Sue’s Boutique
jewelry: rare carat
Hair & Makeup: JW Artistry
Moderator: all in one wedding
Bakery: Bakery run by Nicoel and mainly local artisans
Favorite: DreamByWoodpecker (Etsy)
DJ: Johnny Collins (Ash’s younger brother)
Source: Equally Wed – LGBTQ+ Wedding Magazine and Wedding Vendor Directory – equallywed.com
