A Nautical Summer Wedding at the Inn on Peaks Island on Peaks Island, Maine
Erica Gagne (30 and a head of middle school administration) and David Kittle (28 and a stock broker) planned a nautical summer wedding at the Inn on Peaks Island on Peaks Island, Maine. “I grew up in Maine, but have been living in Chicago for the past eight years,” says Erica. “I have longed to bring my Chicago friends and family to my home state and what better way to share it with them than a celebration! It was a no-brainer.”
Incorporating elements of the Maine coast throughout the day was essential for Erica and an Oceanside garden party theme was chosen for the day. Shades of pink, blue and white perfectly reflected the summer season and island locale, while details like hand-painted buoy escort cards, colorful paper lanterns, confetti cake and a recipe box guest book — a nod to the couple’s love of cooking — brought an element of playfulness and personality to the decor.
The day started with an outdoor ceremony, complete with a quaint gazebo, officiated by David’s father. “David’s cousin read an excerpt from Letters to a Young Poet and my cousins read and Irish Blessing to celebrate both our love, while remembering aunts who had recently passed,” says Erica.
After saying their “I do’s,” the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed a night of dinner and dancing at the Inn on Peaks Island. Navy table linens and lantern centerpieces spoke to the wedding’s subtle nautical theme, while bright pink flowers added a pop of vibrant color to the reception tent. After dinner, everyone hit the dance floor, where they danced the night away, glow sticks in hand, to popular ‘80s hits.
A tip for the taking from Erica: “David and I love to have a good time. We love a good cocktail and a great dance party. David was adamant about the neon ‘80s sunglasses for guests and the glow stick necklaces seemed like the perfect complement to our ‘80s-centric music. Our advice to couples is to have fun, and don't sweat the details because everything works out in the end!”