Photographing elopements in Maine usually brings me to this state’s most popular destination - Acadia National Park. Even though I often visit the same locations with many different couples, each adventurous celebration is uniquely special. Mercedes and Pete’s intimate sunset wedding with their son and a few family members was no exception.
These two traveled from New Jersey to elope in Acadia for a number of reasons. Besides the obvious draw of Maine’s rugged beauty, Mercedes and Pete came here (as so many couples do) because the park holds personal significance for them too. It was in Acadia that they first discovered they were pregnant, and it was here they also took their first family vacation. In Mercedes’ words, “It just made sense to start the next chapter of our lives there!”
When Mercedes first reached out to me about their Acadia elopement photography, she wrote, “I’m very particular about the style of photography that is going to capture our special day, and yours fits perfectly!” This woman has phenomenal style and class, and I was totally flattered and excited to document her family’s love story.
Self-described as “very unconventional”, this couple met in a bar and became quickly inseparable. They are the definition of opposites attract. She’s a vegetarian who loves yoga and waking up early. He’s a meat-eating night owl. She’s an introverted homebody (with a dreamy Instagram to prove it); he’s an outgoing social butterfly. He’s 17 years older than her; she doesn’t care. In their words, this is how they make it work:
“Instead of focusing on our differences in a negative way, we embrace our uniqueness & really take the time to nurture the things we have in common. We may be very unconventional, but we’re crazy about each other & the love we have is very real, especially the love we share for our son!”
This adventure happened way back in 2019, right before the autumn equinox. I met them where they were getting ready at the Bar Harbor Inn. Then we drove to Cadillac Mountain to a spot they had chosen for their ceremony, facing the setting sun on the west side of the summit, and far from the crowds. One of my favorite moments of the day was when they exchanged rings and then gave their 3-year-old son Reagan his very own ring as well. I have definitely been known to shed tears behind my camera because the sweetness is too much, and that moment brought no exception.
One of my other little favorites? Mercedes’ yellow flats. Because flats, y’all, are as fancy as we can get out here in the wilds of Maine while still looking like a bohemian goddess. Her handmade shawl was precious too. As a knitting/fiber arts/vintage clothing-obsessed photographer, I always appreciate these details.
After the ceremony we went to one of my favorite locations: the very end of Ocean Path near the Otter Cliffs. It’s usually relatively quiet there, and it’s the perfect mix of woods and water and epic coastal views. They booked me for 3 hours, and that was just enough time to fit this all in.
I love hearing from couples with unique stories like this. Are you planning a tiny wedding in Maine? Want to elope in Acadia and looking for a photographer? Let’s connect!
As always, I sent over a few sneak peeks for them by the next day because most of their family didn’t know they were eloping in Maine. They used some of these photos to share their exciting news. Enjoy this sneak peek of Mercedes and Pete’s Acadia elopement photos!
