Childhood vacation spots often harbor an atmosphere of joy and comfort. For Laura, that spot is Prouts Neck, Maine, and after traveling there with Laura’s family, Carl also fell in love with the quiet, coastal town. When the couple announced their destination wedding location, friends and family were excited to spend the weekend celebrating with the couple in the beautiful serenity of the small town in Maine.

“Prouts does present some logistical challenges, including a lack of hotels and unpredictability of Maine weather in June,” the couple say.

So, the two got to work on housing early and set out to be open to a variety of options to be able to provide enough rooms for guests. Fortunately, they were able to secure a variety of lodging options at nearby hotels and some of their family friends offered to host guests as well.

“We also had family friends who had planned weddings in Prouts before, so we a lot of advice on logistical difficulties or problems specific to planning a wedding in Prouts,” Laura says.

Because options are somewhat limited, the planning process was simplified for the couple and it took some of the stress of trying choosing between vendors away. But, this also meant that the duo needed a wedding planner who could recruit the best-fit vendors for their weekend-long celebration.

Sarah Goodwin from Daisies and Pearls quickly became the couple’s saving grace.

“She had experience planning weddings in Prouts and across the state so was able to help with the specific details required for Prouts but also provided some wonderful recommendations,” the two say.

They also bragged on their friends who were local to the area for recommending Kitchen Chicks and Brea McDonald photography. But, that’s not where the help stopped. In fact, almost everyone pitched in. Their families helped put together and deliver welcome bags to all guests for their arrival in Prouts. Additionally, some talented friends of the couple used their creative skills to make table numbers, sea glass escort cards and invitations in calligraphy.

Travel logistics ended up being easy because of the town’s proximity to Portland and Boston where guests were able to fly into the airport and simply drive or catch a train or bus to the coast.

For Laura and Carl, the decision to have a destination wedding paid off because they were able to have a number of activates prior to the wedding that helped guests get to know each other and contributed to the party atmosphere at the reception.

“We also do not think the other locations we considered can rival the beauty of coastal Maine,” the duo say.

For couples looking to plan a destination wedding, the two suggest to “plan as much in advance as you can and to line up major vendors as early as possible.”

Using every resource available whether it’s the talent of vendors or friends and family, or taking advantage of the time you have to plan, will make for the perfect return to a childlike, stress-free state of mind during your destination wedding stay!

Vendors: Photographer: Brea McDonald Photography, Wedding Planner: Daisies and Pearls, Ceremony/Reception Site: St. James Church/ Private Club Prouts Neck, Maine, Florist: Emily Carter Floral Designs, Stationery: Crane Stationery, Cake/Desserts: Scratch Baking Co. & The Holy Donut, Hair & Makeup: KDS Styling & Reeve Baker, Gown Designer: Judd Waddell, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Brooks Brothers – jacket & Vineyard Vines – pants, Bridesmaids’ Clothing Designer: Union Station, Videography: Chris Battaglia, Band: Sultans of Swing, Rentals: One Stop Event Rentals, Transportation: Portland Discovery, Tent: Sperry Tents Seacoast, Catering: Kitchen Chicks