Some weddings revolve around details. Some follow tradition. And some — like Aislinn and Steve’s — are shaped entirely by who the couple is together and the life they already love.
On September 13, 2024, with just 25 of their closest family and friends, Aislinn and Steve created a full-day wedding experience inside Acadia National Park that felt less like an event and more like a celebration of who they are together. From before sunrise to after sunset, their micro wedding unfolded as an intentional adventure. Calm and relaxed, yet undeniably celebratory.
Photographed by Bridget & Ryan Photography, the day was thoughtfully paced to include meaningful activities, quiet moments for just the two of them, and time woven throughout for their guests.
Getting Ready in Airbnbs + Setting the Tone
The morning began in separate Airbnbs, allowing for a calm, unhurried start to the day. There was no rigid timeline or performative rush, just space to ease into what was ahead. From the outset, the focus wasn’t on tradition for tradition’s sake, but on designing a day that reflected how they actually live and move through the world together.
Working closely with their photographer, Bridget, they thoughtfully selected locations, shaped a timeline that made sense for the landscape and light, and curated a vendor team that aligned with the experience they wanted to create. Each piece was intentional, allowing the day to unfold naturally rather than feel orchestrated.
A Coastal Ceremony at Acadia National Park
Rather than a traditional aisle, Aislinn walked across a rocky stretch of coastline alongside her dad, with family and friends gathered naturally along the shoreline. The ocean served as the backdrop, creating a setting that felt expansive yet intimate at the same time.
There was no prescribed theme guiding the design, only a clear intention to honor their relationship. They met at a classic car show, so they traveled between the ceremony and reception in a vintage car — a subtle, personal nod to where their story began.
A “Cocktail Hour” Reimagined
Immediately following the ceremony, guests gathered — not at a venue — but in the parking lot of the trailhead. Instead of passed champagne and hors d’oeuvres, the couple hosted a cozy morning gathering of coffee, hot chocolate, and breakfast pastries.
It was simple. It was warm. It was entirely fitting for a September morning in Maine.
Aislinn and Steve love hiking, so they invited their friends to join them for a midday hike. Instead of separating portraits from guest time, they blended the two — creating shared memories rather than scheduling them around each other.
Rock Climbing on the Coast
Rock climbing is central to their relationship. They’ve traveled together for climbing trips, so it only made sense to include it on their wedding day. They invited their climbing guide from Splitter Alpine Adventures to be part of the celebration and intentionally carved out time to climb along the coast.
Following the climb, they hiked to a summit at sunset and found themselves nearly alone. That quiet stretch of time — climbing, hiking, and reflecting together — became one of the most spectacular parts of the day.
Florals with Meaning
One of the most personal details? Steve made all of the florals himself.
Sourcing blooms from Salt Farm Flowers, he assembled the arrangements and even created the party favors. Every floral element was handcrafted and intentional adding another layer of meaning into the experience.
A Brunch Reception at Sweet Pea’s Cafe
Rather than an evening dinner reception, the couple chose brunch at Sweet Pea's Cafe, a local farm-to-table restaurant.
The shift from coastal ceremony and outdoor adventure to an intimate brunch gathering felt seamless. It allowed the celebration to remain relaxed while still honoring the significance of the day.
The reception details were planned in collaboration with Sweet Pea’s Cafe, while many of the smaller elements throughout the day were DIY. Their cake came from Affectionate Confections, and hair and makeup was provided by Sun and Sage Hair Studio.
A Wedding Built on Intention
There wasn’t a single standout moment because the entire day functioned as one cohesive experience.
From driving a classic car in honor of how they met, to climbing cliffs with their guide, hiking with friends, sharing coffee in a parking lot, and gathering for brunch at a local café, each part of the celebration felt deliberate. Nothing was filler. Nothing was performative.
They created space for their guests. They created space for adventure. And most importantly, they created space for one another.
It’s a reminder that a micro wedding doesn’t need to follow a formula. When the focus shifts from production to relationship, the result is a day that feels aligned, personal, and entirely its own.
Florals: Assembled by Steve, sourced from Salt Farm Flowers
Reception Venue: Sweet Pea's Cafe
Hair & Makeup: Sun and Sage Hair Studio
Cake: Affectionate Confections
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Jennie LaVanchy is a former micro wedding bride, and she now supports countless couples in planning their own intimate celebrations through her blog, featuring real micro wedding stories and a curated vendor directory. Her practical advice and firsthand experience make her a go-to resource for those seeking to create memorable and meaningful micro weddings.
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