Ethereal Maine Coast Elopement Inspiration | Reid State Park

My attachment to the state is that of a barnacle to a ledge, the pull of the moon to the earth. Maine, because of its singular and profound beauty, is a place of worship without walls. I love it so. // May Davidson

This dreamy styled elopement on a peaceful little peninsula of midcoast Maine was just begging to be shared.

With the kind of year that 2020 turned out to be for couples and their wedding plans, a common thread stood out to me as the ultimate direction of the season’s trend: the notion of simplicity.

While some partners were forced to downsize their celebration or change their vision and design completely, others opted for elopement over a group gathering. And despite the challenges and seemingly never-ending stress of attempting to navigate state regulations and safety precautions (let alone all the feelings that come along with it), it’s actually been quite beautiful as a vendor to witness partners of all kinds adapt to the changing landscape of 2020 and still celebrate a lifetime together in pure, simple, and meaningful ways.

Keeping that shared experience in mind, I dreamed up a simple styled inspiration shoot at a gorgeous coastal location that was equal parts ethereal, free-spirited, and oh so Maine.

If you’ve ever been to Reid State Park in Georgetown, you know the exquisite sweeping land and seascapes — a mix of rocky coastline and sandy dune beaches juxtaposed with the state’s familiar pine. The perfect setting for this inspired ethereal editorial.

My design centered around a divine blue multi-layer tulle skirt with a dramatic and billowy train. Each element fell into place around highlighting this piece, from the beachy waves of the bride (left down to invite movement) to the location itself and its soft earth tones. I roped in an (engaged!) couple who also happen to work the wedding circuit, with wedding plans of their own next year in Maine’s Bar Harbor. The talent that is Watershed Floral lent her hand on a stunning autumn-inspired bouquet and boutonnière that brought in a seasonal palette to play with the blues. The result was romantic, dramatic yet simplistic, with movement-filled frames that came together more beautifully than I could have hoped for.

While I do love editorials that are over the top with details and props, my intention here was to focus on only a couple, their connection, a drop-dead location, and the help of a few simple details to pull it all together. A fitting reflection of the route many couples have chosen during this pandemic.

Because at the end of the day, when all the exquisite tablescapes, stationery, and accessories are stripped away, what's left are two humans in love, playing in the sand and on the rocks, ready to take on the world together. It's their connection and love language that inspires me most as an artist (and I hope you find yourself inspired, too).

To the photographs!

Location: Reid State Park, Georgetown, Maine
Photographer: Alanna Hogan Photography @alannahoganphoto
Florals: Watershed Floral @watershedfloral
Models: @ranissa_ + @alexandersirois
Hair: C-Roots Salon
Wardrobe Highlights: L&T Couture @ltcoutureatelier + @styled_shoot_dress_rentals

Seacoast Maine wedding photographer, Alanna Hogan Photography, is for those adventurous, free spirits who crave emotive photographs that you can feel in your soul.

For timeless weddings, elopements, engagements + humans in love, you’ve come to the right place.