Kennebunk Maine Backyard Wedding - Shot on Film

An areal view of the bride walking down the aisle in this backyard ceremony. ©Jess Living Photo

An elevated backyard wedding in Kennebunk, Maine, captured entirely on film — where timeless elegance met heartfelt intimacy. Set at the groom’s family home along the Maine coast, this celebration blended New England charm with an effortlessly refined aesthetic. Every element, from the local-inspired floral design to the candlelit dinner beneath their stunning sail tent, reflected the high school sweetheart couple’s intentional and unique vision for their celebration.

As an art-focused wedding photographer, I’m drawn to weddings like this — celebrations that feel both grounded and elevated, where every frame tells a story of connection, place, and meaning. This gallery is a love letter to film wedding photography and to the kind of day that reminds us: beauty often lives in the most familiar places.

The Rehearsal Dinner

Taking place at Lost Fire’s backyard patio, Luca - the new hotspot restaurant in Kennebunk, Maine. It was delicious and beautiful in every way.

Getting Ready

Both Salma and Charlie got ready in his childhood home, one after the other. Full of nods to each other, shared history, and all of their loved ones, both present and passed.

Details

Each detail is chosen with meaning, reflecting the heart of the couple’s story — and it deserves to be documented thoughtfully and beautifully.

Bride & Groom Portraits

Harsh bright day-time light always looks so good on film - and being an all-film wedding, I was excited to be able to do some daylight portraits right after their first look. But we also were able to sneak in some golden hour portraits later in the day!

Bridal Party & Family

Surrounded by their closest friends and family, the couple felt so supported and celebrated.

Decor

Each detail of the decor on this day was so purposeful and intentional. I loved being able to capture each aspect, especially on film.

The ceremony backdrop setting was not done by a florist, but was grown in the ground by the groom’s parents. They took so much time out of their last year to make their yard perfect for this wedding!

Ceremony

Salma wanted to walk down the aisle herself, so she did most of the way solo, but was joined by her maternal grandfather once she reached the back of the ceremony setup. He then was able to walk her through the guests and to give her away to her groom. One of my favorite photos from this day is the groom’s epic jump of joy at the end!!!

Cocktail Hour

Celebrating over charcuterie and cocktails is always a great idea.

The Reception

Some of my favorite reception photos I’ve ever taken. Shooting a reception on only film forced me to be so intentional with each shot, and it ensured I got some beautiful, emotional, and epic dancefloor moments.

Vendors:

Photo: Jess Living Photo

Florist: Fawn Meadow Florals

Dress Designer: Watters

Day-of Coordination: Elizabeth O’zemko

Content Creation: Citrine Wedding

Bridesmaid Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu

Groom Suit: Ralph Lauren

Groomsmen Suits: The Black Tux

Hair Stylist: Natasha Baxter

Makeup Artist: Kara Day

Catering: Smoke BBQ

Bartenders: Five O’Clock Mobile Bar

Cocktail Hour Charcuterie: The Port Box Co.

Rentals: Revelry Events

Music: Coastal Event Entertainment - dj sean