Sourcebook
Winter 2026
Published by:
Technigraphics / CJC|creative P.O. Box 916, West Springfield, MA 01090 (413) 737-1152
Publisher: Jim Powers jim@weddingsourcebook.com
Editor: Lisa Powers lisa@weddingsourcebook.com
Distribution
Distributed at no charge to locations in the Greater Springfield area, including but not limited to: Agawam, Amherst, Belchertown, Brimfield, Chicopee, Deerfield, Easthampton, East Longmeadow, Enfield, Feeding Hills, Granby, Hampden, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Ludlow, Monson, Northampton, Palmer, Somers, Southampton, Southwick, South Hadley, Springfield, Sturbridge, Suffield, Three Rivers, Westfield, West Springfield, and Wilbraham.
Look for a new Sourcebook issue at your local public library, bridal shops, florists, bakeries, banks, and many other locations, including our advertiser’s businesses.
Policies
The entire contents are copyright ©2026 and no portion of any article or ad may be reproduced by any means without prior permission of the publisher. Technigraphics shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad, or for typographical errors in publication, except to the extent of the cost of the space in which the actual error occurred.
Advertising Sales & Information: (413) 737-1152
lisa@weddingsourcebook.com
Display Ad rates are as low as $250 per issue. All ads include a presence on www.weddingsourcebook.com and receive digital promotion monthly. Discounts available for multi issue purchases. To appear in the next issue, your ad and payment must reach us by the deadline below.
Spring 2026 Deadline March 15, 2026
publisher’s corner
Welcome to 2026!
Can you believe it? Another year has passed, and we couldn’t be more excited about what this new year holds for our engaged couples and for the incredible wedding professionals who make celebrations in our region so special.
One of our favorite things to share in every issue is Real New England Weddings. These are real couples, real love stories, and real celebrations happening right here in our community. Our area offers such a wonderful mix of unique venues, talented wedding professionals, and creative options, and we’re proud to showcase the weddings that truly reflect the heart and style of New England.
Let’s talk color for a moment. The Pantone Color of 2026 is Cloud Dancer, and if you’ve seen it, you might be thinking, Really? White? But white has always played a meaningful role in weddings-from the timeless elegance of a traditional wedding gown to classic white blooms like roses and ranunculus. We’re also seeing white used in dramatic and modern ways, with flowing drapery across ceilings, walls, and backdrops. Cloud Dancer becomes the perfect canvas, allowing other colors to shine-bright florals, textured greenery, sparkling crystals, and creative uplighting all come to life against it.
As always, we love sharing trends, but we believe trends should be inspiring-not intimidating or budget-busting. Social media can sometimes make wedding planning feel overwhelming, showcasing ideas that are beautiful but simply out of reach. So here’s a word we’re happily bringing into 2026: Consignment! Yes-buying and selling wedding décor, tableware, and even wedding gowns. It’s a wonderful way to find something truly special, give items a second life, and make thoughtful, budget-friendly choices along the way.
To all of our newly engaged couples, congratulations once again. We’re honored to be part of your planning journey. Be sure to find us in printand online 24/7-where we’re always here to inspire, guide, and support you every step of the way.
Here’s to a beautiful year ahead.
Jim and Lisa Powers Publishers, The Wedding Day Sourcebook
Upcoming Bridal Events
Hilltop Farm’s Bridal Showcase & Open House
Sunday, May 31st, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Hilltop Farm 1616 Mapleton Avenue
Suffield, CT
https://www.eventsathilltop.com/bridal-open-house.cfm#rsvp
Brass Rail Open House
May 3, 2026 2-6pm 90 Point Grove Road Southwick, MA
https://brassrailmeetinghouse.com
Western New England Fall Bridal Show
Sunday, November 8, 2026, 11-3pm
The Western New England Bridal Show
Veils & Cocktails - A Wedding Soiree
Date TBD, 2026 6-9PM The Boylston Rooms 122 Pleasant Street Easthampton, MA For information: www.cjcevents.com
The MassMutual Center 1277 Main Street
Springfield, Massachusetts
For Tickets: www.cjcevents.com
The area’s largest one day Bridal Show. Fashions, vendors, prizes and more!
Veils & Cocktails A Wedding Soiree
Attend the Annual Western New England Fall Bridal Show
Celebrate with Us at The Annual Western New England Fall Bridal Show!
Congratulations on your engagement!
The Western New England Fall Bridal Show at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA takes place every November and the Wedding Day Sourcebook is a a proud sponsor. We’re thrilled to say we are STILL here and always ready to help engaged couples plan their most amazing, memorable wedding. For 2026, mark your calendar for November 8, 2026. This show is once again returning to the MassMutual Center… and we can’t wait!
This wedding show is different from others with its state of the art building, clean, bright event space and a curated selection of top wedding professionals from across Western New England. It has always been your chance to meet face-to-face with talented vendors including photographers, florists, cake designers, and more. By interacting with these experts, you can find the perfect match for your vision and budget, all in one place.
From bridal gowns to venue decorations, rental equipment, tents and catering options, food trucks and the latest local new wedding trends, this show features a diverse array of services and products. You can explore compare offerings and gather ideas that might just inspire your dream wedding. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see, touch, and especially taste the options available before making any commitments.
Many vendors usually do offer special promotions and discounts exclusively for bridal show attendees. By participating, you can take advantage of these deals, which might include discounted
services, special packages, or complimentary addons. It’s a great way to save money while securing high-quality services. Be ready to leave your information and book an appointment as desired wedding professionals will book up quickly.
This wedding event is a fun, enjoyable experience. Bring your wedding party! Enjoy the lively atmosphere and get excited about the journey ahead.
Save The Date of November 8th!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to jumpstart your wedding planning in a vibrant and engaging setting. Join us at the Annual Western New England Fall Bridal Show on November 8th at the MassMutual Center, Springfield, MA and immerse yourself in a day of inspiration! See you there, and here’s to a beautiful journey ahead!
Produced by CJC Events, the event is sponsored by The Wedding Day Sourcebook. Media sponsors include MassAppeal and WWLP TV22. For Information: www.cjcevents Contact: lisa@cjcevents.com - Phone: (413) 737-7555
Bridal Show Planning Tips!
Are you planning on attending a bridal show?
Looking for some inspiration and information? Lets get you prepared for a day of fun and inspiration!
Create a Wedding Email Address
This gets you organized, keeping all your wedding planning information together in one account. It helps you keep conversations with vendors and businesses organized and out of your daily email box.
Get Advance Tickets!
Some shows offer free or advance discount tickets if you register in advance of the event. This will save you time getting into the show.
Don’t Forget the Wedding Party!
Brides, grooms, attendants, family, anyone helping to plan this wedding could attend! A recommendation to consider: as much as you may like to bring little ones, especially flower girls, to this event, it can be overwhelming for them and a distraction for you.
Bring Labels!
One of the easiest ways to leave your information with a wedding professional that you’re interested in is to have a pre-printed label with your name, wedding date and contact info. You can also enter to win show specials or giveaways by just sticking a label on their signup slip.
Wear Comfortable Shoes!
You’ll be walking a bit, looking through displays, standing while speaking with wedding professionals. Make sure you have comfortable shoes on your feet as you’ll be covering a lot of ground.
Make Sure That You Eat!
There’s sure to be concession stands, food samples and delicious cake to taste. Make sure you eat and stay hydrated as all the goodies come your way.
Take Notes and Information!
If you find a wedding professional or business you want to work with, make an appointment. Be sure to pick up a business card or flyer and mark it so you know you liked them and why. Don’t be afraid to take some information on a wedding professional or business you may not be ready to even talk to yet. You can use it after the show to look up their website, social media and connect with them after the show.
Have Fun!
Enjoy the show! Wedding professionals and businesses are there to help you with your wedding plans, to assist you with finding your style, wedding inspiration and point you in the right direction to all those things you may need to have an amazing celebration. Take time to have fun in photo booths, sample food, talk to the experts and taste the cake! It’s time to celebrate!
The Quiet Rebellion of Film: Why Analog Photography
by Seth Kaye
Every so often, an old medium resurfaces not as a novelty, but as an antidote. The resurgence of film photography in weddings isn’t about nostalgia or hipster affectation, its about authenticity. In an era increasingly defined by generative imagery, infinite retouching, and the algorithmic perfection of our social media feeds, film offers a counterpoint with something physical, imperfect, and deeply human.
Film occupies a rare space in the modern visual landscape. Each frame is a direct record of light interacting with a physical emulsion, an event that occurred in real time, under real conditions. When you hold a developed negative up to the light, you’re quite literally holding the moment itself. It’s not data. Its emotion made tangible. That physicality carries weight. It creates trust in an age when digital images can be altered beyond recognition or even fabricated entirely. Couples often describe their film photographs as “feeling more real”,
About the Author
Is Finding Its Place at Modern Weddings
and in a sense, they’re right. Film has an inherent truth because it bears the marks of the process that created it. The visible grain and subtle inconsistencies of film are the fingerprints of authenticity. It reminds us that beauty often lives in imperfection.
One of film’s greatest strengths is its refusal to conform to precision. The medium has its limits, but within those boundaries lies its character. Film renders light differently. It interprets rather than replicates. And in doing so, it captures something closer to how memory itself functions: layered, textured, and a little bit flawed. The imperfections of film make it unpredictable in the best way. A wedding day, after all, isn’t a controlled environment. It’s a living, breathing sequence of unscripted moments. Film doesn’t seek to perfect those moments, instead it honors them as they are.
Digital photography is indispensable. It provides precision, reliability, and the freedom to work fluidly through a wedding day’s countless transitions in light and emotion.
Film invites a different pace and intention. It slows the act of seeing and resists the polished surfaces of digital imagery and the algorithmic uniformity of AI “art”. Where digital excels at capturing everything, film excels at distilling essence, and when combined, they create a visual dialogue. Digital brings clarity. Film brings soul. Together, they form a more complete record of the day. An interplay between modern efficiency and timeless emotion.
In wedding photography, emotion and memory intertwine. The blend of digital and film allows a story to unfold with both accuracy and atmosphere. The renewed fascination with film is more cultural than it is coincidental. As AI-generated images and digital manipulation blur the boundaries of reality, people are seeking images that feel unmanufactured. The more synthetic our visual world becomes, the greater our hunger for what feels honest and truly authentic. It’s about honoring the human element that makes photography an art form, not just an image.
Film reminds us, in the quiet click of a mechanical shutter and the slow reveal of a developed negative, that not everything worth remembering needs to be flawless. Some things are better left beautifully, intentionally human.
Seth Kaye is an award-winning documentary wedding photographer whose work blends the precision of digital with the soul of film. With over three decades of experience photographing weddings, events, and editorial stories, his approach celebrates authenticity, emotion, and the subtle poetry found in real moments. You may view his work at www.sethkaye.com.
New England's LARGEST & Most Complete Wedding Shows with Exhibits, Live Entertainment, & Dazzling Fashion Shows
36th Annual
DALEDESMARAIS
CONNECTICUT BRIDAL EXPO
Springfield Wedding and Bridal Expo
January 10, 2026 - January 11, 2026
January 8-9, 2022
CT Convention Center 100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford CT 06103
Better Living Center
32nd Annual
1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA 01089
SPRINGFIELD WEDDING & BRIDAL EXPO
January 15 & 16, 2022
Better Living Center "Home of the BIG E"
1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA 01089
Worcester Wedding and Bridal Expo
January 18, 2026
15th Annual
WORCESTER BRIDAL EXPO
DCU Center
January 22-23, 2022
50 Foster Street Worcester, Massachusetts 01608
DCU Center 50 Foster Street, Worcester, MA 01608
8th Annual
KC101 BRIDAL EXPO
Westchester County Wedding and Bridal Expo
January 29, 2022
Oakdale Theatre 95 S Turnpike Rd Wallingford, CT 06492
January 25, 2026
21st Annual
Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY
WESTCHESTER COUNTY BRIDAL EXPO
January 30, 2022
Westchester Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom 660 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591
Connecticut Wedding and Bridal Expo
February 7, 2026 - February 08 2026
19th Annual
Connecticut Convention Center 100 Columbus Boulevard Hartford, CT. 06103
KISS 95.7 HARTFORD BRIDAL EXPO
March 6, 2022
Hartford XL Center 1 Civic Center Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103
Trending Trends Sourcebook
Personalized & Interactive Food and Drink
Food and drinks remain a highlight, with signature cocktails named after pets, places, or passions. Mobile bars, champagne carts, and creative latenight snacks—from ice cream trucks to nostalgic treats—add surprise and personality guests love.
PHOTO: Ice Cream Emergency
Consignments!
Businesses like Creative Consignments CT provide a way for couples and event planners with a passion for sustainability to buy and sell gently used wedding dresses, wedding decor, table setting decor, china, table linens, and more. Located in Hamden, Connecticut, Creative Consignments services all of New England! www.creativeconsignmentsct.com
Artistic Installations & Statement Design
Couples are choosing one standout design element to transform their space. Draping, creative lighting, lounge areas, hanging florals, and statement bars help set the mood. The focus is on intentional details that align with the couple’s vision, not over-the-top decor.
PHOTO: CJC Lighting
Weddings Events
Union Station is Northampton’s newest modernized banquet facility, however its early Gothic Romanesque building has been a fixture for over 100 years. Originally built in 1897 by renowned architect H.H. Richardson, Union Station was the pinnacle of excitement as thousands boarded trains to far off destinations.
In the 19th century Union Station hosted U.S. Presidents, college students, and brave military members returning home. Union Station began its story capturing a spectrum of emotions as travelers began their journeys, and it is in this spirit that the venue continues to provide the beginnings of stories as unique its history, ever capturing these moments in time.
Catering
Union
Lemelin Photography
The Tunnel Bar
Hale Channel Photography
The Tunnel Bar
Ashley & Carolyn Sourcebook
Ashley & Carolyn’s Wedding Team
Photographer
Kathy Bunnell
Bunnell Photography
Bridal Shop
Marianne’s Bridal Outlet (both dresses)
Bridesmaids Attire
Azazie
Bridesmen Attire
Suitmen
Ceremony and Reception
Upper Vista at the Log Cabin, Holyoke, MA
Invitations
Canva and VistaPrint
Florist
Willow & Moss Flowers
Band
Vibrant Productions
Decor
I do Love a Rental
Hair and Makeup
Honey Hair & Beauty, LLC.
Cake/Desserts
Frosted Swirl Cupcakes
Rings
DeScenza Diamonds
First Dance
Choregraphed by Olga Stepanets at Arthur Murray Natick Dance Center
A good professional wedding photographer has a combination of extensive experience, updated equipment, and artistic ability. A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event involving countless fleeting, special moments that cannot be recreated. We’re sharing Bunnell Photography’s wedding of Ashley and Carolyn on October 11, 2025 at the beautiful Upper Vista of the Log Cabin in Holyoke, MA.
The inspiration and theme for Ashley and Carolyn’s wedding came from the colors of the flowers they chose as well as eucalyptus and gold. The Upper Vista made for a beautiful location overlooking the valley.
Their “first look” was at the D Hotel, part of the Log Cabin Hospitality Group. As a same-sex couple they wanted to avoid the “usual” first look setup of the “bride” approaching the “groom”, so they were carefully arranged back-to-back, holding hands, and then they turned to face each other. Ashley and Carolyn took the time to read extended personal vows to each other at that time with shortened versions for the official ceremony.
The Upper Vista at the Log Cabin made for a beautiful ceremony location. Ashley and Carolyn’s wedding party consisted of both men and women who were paired up untraditionally with both sets of parents each walking them down the aisle.
Stationed at the reception was a personal memory wall with beautiful images of loved ones who were unable to celebrate with them but remembered. The reception kicked off with Ashley and Carolyn’s first dance to “Then” a piano mix by Brad Paisley. Not wanting to leave anyone out of the day, photos of their Boston Terrier, Patrick and their rabbit, Bolt, were placed on napkins!
The band was so much fun, keeping the celebration going right out on the dance floor with guests singing along with the mic and keeping the floor packed.
Hello, I am Nicole Vives.
Bake Me a Cake is a reputable business with eight years of experience in providing exceptional baked goods. Your wedding cake awaits its grand entrance. We specialize in cakes and pastries, having created over 6000 custom cakes. As a professional cake artist, I specialize in wedding cakes, hyperrealistic cakes, and birthday cakes. I would love to create your dream wedding cake. We are ServSafe certified, allergy certified, food permitted, insured, and bonded to meet all your sweet treat needs.
LOVELACE DESIGN
A wedding is not just a day. It is a collection of moments that unfold gently. The way a space breathes. The way your people gather. The way the entire weekend feels when it is shaped with care.
At Lovelace Design, we create celebrations that are personal and beautifully considered. From private estates rich with character to over-the-top ballrooms that invite bold transformation, we guide the experience with clarity, creativity, and a sense of calm.
We believe in design that elevates without overwhelming. We believe your guests should feel welcomed and cared for. We believe you should be able to step into your weekend fully present, knowing every detail has been thoughtfully prepared.
Katie & Jesse
Sourcebook
Katie & Jesse’s Wedding Team
Photographer
Lemelin Photography
Bridal Shop
Pearl Bridal Boutique
Menswear
Macy’s
Ceremony and Reception
Union Station
Invitations
Zazzle, Inc
Calligraphy
Mary Beth Reed Calligraphy
Florist
Durocher Florist
Officiant
Mikki Vierick
DJ
Gary & Natalie Jones
Hair
Renee Collier
Source Hair Salon
Makeup
Crystal Vazquez & Company
Cake
Greggory’s Pastry Shop
Rings
Kay Jewelers, Manly Bands
First Dance Song
Make It Easy by Sierra Black
Personal Moment: We had Jesse’s oldest son, who was 12 years old at the time, stand in front of us to do our ring exchange. It meant a lot to all of us to give him this responsibility and include him in our ceremony.
Something Unique: We did not have a traditional wedding party. My son and daughter stood with me and Jesse’s two sons stood with him during the ceremony. We wanted to keep it small and intimate and celebrate our two families coming together. I had both of my parents walk me down the aisle. As a mother already, I know how much of your life, heart and soul goes into raising children and I felt like my mother deserved to take that walk alongside my father and me.
Special Details: Jesse painted and distressed a wooden “R” four our guests to sign. We now have it hanging on the wall in our bedroom.
Special Moments: Jesse and I each brought two children into our marriage. After the ceremony during the dancing, all our kids and my mother in-law, along with Jesse and I, formed a big circle on the dance floor and held hands while we danced. It was not planned, it just happened naturally and was a really sweet way to celebrate our two families coming together.
Content submitted by the Bride, Katie Ritter
Planning your wedding yourself? Awesome!
Not hiring a planner or day-of? Totally cool! ...still want a little help?
I’ve got you covered with my
+ Editable templates for you to customize, including day-of and to-do timelines
+ List of tips and tricks from a real-life wedding planner and coordinator (me)
Hi there! I’m Halley, founder, owner, and lead planner of Baldwin and Rose: Event Enthusiasts, and I believe that everyone deserves to have a stress-free wedding (and that it shouldn’t be cost-prohibitive to do so).
+ TWO hours of my time, to be broken up as you see fit: all in one go, two 1-hour sessions, four 30-minute sessions, or even eight 15-minutes sessions (which I don’t recommend, but you do you!) DIY Wedding Package! Scan here to learn more!
Nicole & Dylan
Nicole & Dylan’s Wedding Team
Photographer Ron Lemelin Photography
Bridal Shop
Nicole Wzorek Designs
Formal/menswear
Hockerty & Nicole Wzorek Designs
Ceremony
Holy Trinity Church, Westfield MA
Reception Venue
Chateau Douillett in Springfield, MA
Invitations
Elegant Wedding Invites
Videographer
Kayla Ebner with K. Ebner Creative
Florist
Websters
Caterer
Emma’s in Westfield, MA
DJ/Band
Steve
Sourcebook
Bag Piper Rory McLean
Ceremony Music
Kory Bruno
Lighting and Draping
CJC Lighting and Production
Hair
Serina Cerra
Makeup
Mandi Pacitti with Brows by Mandy
Cake/Dessert:
Cake: Caterina Thomas
Cupcakes Frosted Swirl
Mini desserts: Cerrato’s
Rings
Virginia Ann with VAD Custom Jewelry
First Dance Song:
Calum Scott - You Are The Reason and L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole
1st Dance Choreographer
Fred Astaire in West Springfield
And the Bride Wore Red!
A Wedding Professionals Gets Married
Submitted by the bride: Nicole Wzorek
Theme/Style/Inspiration:
Victorian Renaissance wedding, Color palette: Golds and jewel tones Special details: Nicole made her own custom wedding gown that transformed throughout the day and evening. Dylan had a custom morning suit with embroidery work added by Nicole Wzorek Designs. We had performers throughout the day as well. We had a fire dancer, bag piper, trapeze dancer and a trumpet player. We also had our mother’s wedding dresses on display in the venue.
Special Moment:
Our first dance, we had a choreographed dance with some of our friends. They danced around us while Nicole took a layer of her dress away.
Unique Aspects of this Wedding:
Our wedding was designed to feel like stepping into a living Victorian fairytale, with touches of magic and immersive entertainment woven through every moment of the evening. We wanted our guests to feel transported, and the experience unfolded like a storybook; filled with music, movement, and delight.
As a local wedding vendor myself, planning our own wedding was an especially joyful experience. It meant so much to incorporate as many local vendors as possible. People we know, admire, and have worked alongside for years. Bringing their talents together for our big day made the planning process incredibly fun, personal, and meaningful. From the very start of cocktail hour, guests were greeted by the mesmerizing talents of Keara, our fire dancer, who set an enchanting tone for the night.
Throughout the evening, the elegant sounds of bagpiper Rory McLean added a regal, old-world ambiance at various intervals. Amongst the guests, our trapeze artist Ashton Noonan performed graceful aerial choreography, creating a captivating and ethereal atmosphere.
As guests explored the cocktail hour, they discovered whimsical “hidden” Disney princesses. Each one paired with a themed message and an optional celebratory shot for anyone who wished to partake. This playful touch added an element of magic and surprise. Inside the venue, we added a deeply personal element that meant the world to me: both of our mothers’ original wedding gowns were displayed on dress forms, accompanied by their portraits from their wedding days. Seeing their gowns showcased so beautifully, honoring the women who shaped us, was incredibly special and emotional.
Many guests paused to admire the craftsmanship, the history, and the sentimental significance behind each gown. Another incredibly meaningful aspect was that I made my mother’s dress for the wedding. Creating something for my own mom was truly special. I loved watching her dress come to life, stitch by stitch and seeing how radiant she felt wearing something made just for her.
Our celebration embraced a full Victorian theme, and we invited our guests to dress in Victorian- inspired attire. I was beyond thrilled by how many guests truly committed to the vision, men arriving in top hats and canes, friends sewing their own gowns and ensembles, and everyone embracing the elegance and drama of the era. It made the atmosphere feel even more immersive and unforgettable.
One of the most personal aspects of the day was our fashion. I designed and created my own wedding gown, dreaming up a piece that felt Victorian, magical, and deeply “me,” incorporating my favorite colors and the artistic couture details I love. I wanted it to be a true work of art; something dramatic, romantic, and expressive.
Dylan also had a vision for his ensemble, and I loved bringing it to life for him. Creating a custom piece for my groom was incredibly special; seeing him wear something made with such intention and love was one of my favorite parts of the day.
When it was time for us to enter the reception, the room erupted with the brilliant sound of Caterina Thomas on trumpet, announcing our entrance with grandeur. From there, we transitioned straight into our choreographed first dance, something we had lovingly rehearsed with the Fred Astaire Studio in West Springfield. Our dance began with a classic waltz before transforming into a group number.
A few of our friends joined us, dancing around us in a beautifully coordinated moment that led into a theatrical dress reveal; my sister-in-law, Teresa Sweeney, and Dylan helped remove an outer layer of my gown, revealing a second look crafted for the reception.
As the group dancers exited, Dylan and I continued our first dance, ending with an elegant foxtrot. This was my absolute favorite moment of the night; I truly felt like we were living inside a Disney movie.
The celebration continued with a dance floor overflowing with laughter, movement, and joy that lasted all the way until the very last song. Earlier in the day, we exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony at Holy Trinity Church in Westfield, MA, surrounded by our loved ones and the timeless beauty of the church’s architecture.
Our wedding was a blend of romance, artistry, local talent, and Victorian charm. An unforgettable celebration filled with magic, personal craftsmanship, and moments we will cherish forever.
We are endlessly grateful to our family and friends whose support, creativity, and love helped bring our dream wedding to life. We truly couldn’t have done it without them.
AdventurUS Ever After Launches
With A Heartfelt Wedding Celebration and Honeymoon Gift for A Local Couple Facing Stage 4 Breast Cancer
AdventurUS Ever After, a newly established 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to gifting dream honeymoons to deserving couples facing significant hardships, proudly celebrated its official launch with an unforgettable night of love, hope, and community. The inaugural “One Love” event honored its very first recipients: Wes and Stephanie, a local couple whose journey has been marked by courage, devotion, and the realities of Stephanie’s Stage 4 breast cancer battle.
In an emotional and joy-filled ceremony, AdventurUS Ever After surprised guests by marrying Wes and Stephanie live during the launch celebration. Surrounded by family, friends, supporters, and community partners, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows that highlighted their resilience, deep love, and unwavering commitment to each other despite life’s challenges.
As the night’s most meaningful moment, AdventurUS Ever After announced that it will be sending the newlyweds on an all-expenses-paid honeymoon to Sandals Resorts in Jamaica—a serene, luxury escape designed to give them time to breathe, reconnect, and create cherished memories together. Through this gift, the nonprofit honors its mission: to uplift couples experiencing medical, financial, or personal hardships by giving them the joy and healing of a once-in-a-lifetime
About AdventurUS Ever After
honeymoon experience.
“Our vision has always been to celebrate love in its strongest and most resilient form,” said Kristi Upton, Founder of AdventurUS Ever After and Owner of AdventurUS Travel. “Wes and Stephanie embody everything our organization stands for—hope, courage, and the belief that every love story deserves a beautiful chapter. Being able to give them this moment, and this honeymoon, is exactly why we built this nonprofit.”
The launch event also served as the beginning of AdventurUS Ever After’s fundraising efforts, which will allow the organization to expand and gift additional honeymoons each year. Attendees joined together in support through donations, sponsorships, and an outpouring of community encouragement—laying a powerful foundation for the charity’s future impact.
AdventurUS Ever After will continue to host events, accept donated wedding attire and décor, and collaborate with Caribbean partners—including the Sandals Foundation—to make more honeymoon dreams possible for deserving couples.
For those wishing to support or learn more about AdventurUS Ever After, visit: www.adventurustravel.com/adventurus-ever-after
AdventurUS Ever After is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to gifting unforgettable honeymoons to couples who have faced significant medical, financial, or personal hardships. Founded by travel agency owner and concierge vacation planner Kristi Upton, the nonprofit is rooted in compassion, community, and the belief that love deserves to be celebrated—especially in life’s hardest moments.
Sponsor’s for the event -
Images by SSU Photo
Sandals Resorts
Crestview Country Club
CJC Events
The Wedding Day Sourcebook
DJ Scully
AdventurUS Travel
Summer Wind Wedding Films
Michelle Anne Hair Design
Tomlinson Builders
Pamela Sullivan Realtor
Island Routes
Becky Bakes
Wedding Trends:
What’s Popular, What’s Personal & What’s Here to Stay
Trends come and go… and then there are those that truly stick. Some become beloved traditions, while others simply offer inspiration for couples who want to do things a little differently. Many couples intentionally avoid “trendy” elements in favor of something deeply personal—and that’s perfectly fine, too.
At the end of the day, a wedding should feel like you. It should include meaningful details, create an unforgettable experience for your guests, and leave you with beautiful photography and videography that tells your story for years to come.
The word trend is simply a way to describe what’s popular right now. Whether you embrace one idea or several is entirely up to you. Below are a few wedding trends we’re seeing couples throughout New England truly loving.
Micro-Weddings & Intimate Guest Lists
Smaller, more intimate weddings continue to be popular—and for good reason. What began as a necessity during COVID has evolved into a thoughtful, intentional choice for many couples.
With a reduced guest list, couples are finding they can create deeper connections and more meaningful moments with everyone in attendance. Many are reallocating their budgets toward elevated experiences—upgraded food and beverage offerings, enhanced décor, personalized favors, and immersive entertainment. The result? A wedding that feels less like a production and more like a heartfelt gathering of the people who matter most.
Wedding Consignment Shopping & Sustainable Choices
Couples are becoming increasingly mindful of their environmental impact, and sustainability is shaping wedding planning in exciting ways. Enter wedding consignment shopping, a growing buzzword in the industry. From décor and signage to gowns and wedding-day attire, consignment and resale options allow couples to buy, reuse, and resell beautifully curated pieces. Locally sourced, reusable décor, and minimizing waste not only feel good—they often add character and charm that mass-produced items simply can’t match.
Guest Experience Takes Center Stage
Today’s couples are thinking beyond tradition and focusing on how their guests feel throughout the day. The goal? An experience that’s memorable, engaging, and fun. Live wedding painters, interactive photo booths, 360° photo experiences, customized dessert displays, and even cookiesto-go at the end of the night are just a few ways couples are elevating the guest experience. These thoughtful touches encourage interaction, spark conversation, and create moments guests will talk about long after the wedding ends.
Personalized & Interactive Food and Drink
Food is always one of the most talked-about elements of a wedding, and couples know it. Signature cocktails (often named after pets, favorite places, or sports teams) remain popular, along with mobile bars and mini champagne wagons. Late-night bites are also evolving. While pizza trucks are still a favorite, couples are getting creative with ice cream trucks, nostalgic snack carts (think childhood favorites), and unexpected treats that surprise and delight guests.
Unique Venues with Character
Non-traditional venues continue to shine. Art galleries, industrial spaces, breweries, wineries, and museums, especially those with outdoor areas, offer couples unique backdrops that reflect their personalities and provide incredible photo opportunities.
Couples are drawn to spaces that feel authentic, flexible, and less cookie-cutter, allowing their vision to truly come to life.
Fashion with Personality
Wedding fashion is anything but one-size-fits-all. Non-traditional gowns, prints, bold accessories, and colorful bouquets are making a statement. Suits are stepping outside the box as well, with modern fabrics, coordinating colors, and stylish shoe options. We’re also seeing mixed-color bridesmaid palettes that complement a main wedding hue, reception dresses for dancing the night away, and a strong emphasis on comfort without sacrificing style.
Artistic Installations & Statement Design
Couples are looking for that one element guests haven’t seen before. Draping to define spaces, lounge furniture for relaxed conversation, themed bars, hanging florals, chandeliers in tented weddings, and creative lighting designs all help transform a venue and set the mood.
These installations don’t need to be over-the-top—they simply need to feel intentional and aligned with the couple’s vision.
Staying True to Your Style
While inspiration is everywhere, it’s important to stay true to your own style, vibe, and budget. A wedding doesn’t need to be “Pinterest-perfect” or “Instagram-worthy” to be beautiful. Don’t let social media pull you away from what feels right for you.
Just like trends, choosing the right wedding professionals is key. Talented local vendors are passionate about bringing your vision to life and creating a celebration you’ll cherish forever. If you decide to embrace a trend, choose one that feels personal, meaningful, or simply fun. It’s wonderful to try something different—but remember, you don’t have to do it all.
Happy Wedding Planning!
Sourcebook
Genevieve & Andrew
Photographer
Seth Kaye Photography
Ceremony and Reception Venue
Private Property, Kennebunk, Maine
Genevieve and Andrew’s wedding day was one for the books, taking place in the charming town of Kennebunk, Maine. The setting, a tent erected in Genevieve’s parent’s wooded backyard, was a sight to behold.
Neither saw the other before the big reveal as Genevieve’s father walked her down the aisle at the beginning of the ceremony. Andrew, as well as the gathered guests, were stunned by Genevieve’s unique and colorful wedding dress. It spoke to the uniqueness of their union and their plans for the day ahead. Their dog Bear walked Genevieve’s maid of honor down the aisle, and was as much a part of the wedding as his human counterparts.
After their beautiful ceremony in the woods, where guests sat on benches made from trees that had been cleared to make the field more suitable for their plans, their families came together where we made portraits of them with parents and siblings, as well as their attendants and, of course, Bear.
The highlight of the day for me, as their photographer, came after the family portraits were done. I had arranged a miniportrait session with the newlyweds. We took a leisurely walk in the woods behind the property, taking our time to capture their bond in the serene woodland setting.
Genevieve & Andrew
The tree-lined path that led to a dock overlooking the river that ran through the woods was the perfect backdrop for their portraits. We took our time making several portraits, using both digital and film to capture the essence of their love for each other.
This time was not about making everything perfect. It was a chance for them to step away from the crowd, to share some alone time as a newly married couple. It was an opportunity for me to capture them in their most natural and relaxed state, away from the eyes of their guests.
I believe that the best wedding photos are the ones that are not overly posed or scheduled. They are the ones that capture real moments, raw emotions, and authentic expressions. My time with Genevieve and Andrew in the woods was the epitome of this belief. Their love for each other was so palpable, so real, that it made my job as their storyteller easy.
Genevieve and Andrew’s wedding was as authentically unique as they were. Between the unique location for their ceremony, their beautifully decorated tent with its enchanted forest theme, and our walk in the woods, these were the perfect ways to make that uniqueness and authenticity real. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and beautiful moments, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.
Things To Do - A Bridal Checklist
12 to 24 Months Ahead
• Subscribe to the Wedding Day Sourcebook
• Attend every Bridal Show you can! Check www.weddingsourcebook.com
• Announce your engagement
• Decide on the atmosphere you’d like at your wedding
• Talk to family & fiancé about budget
• Decide the size of your wedding
• Talk to clergy or J.P. and arrange ceremony location & date
• Find a reception location available on your date
• Plan wedding theme and colors
• Choose your wedding party
• Compile your guest lists and set up a system to track RSVP’s.
• Select all your formalwear
• Select bridesmaids dresses
• Select tuxes and accessories
• Set up a wedding registry
• Choose a wedding planner
• Choose a photographer
• Choose a videographer
• Choose a cake
• Choose musicians for ceremony
• Choose musicians /DJ for reception
• Choose a florist
• Choose lighting and decor
• Reserve any rental equipment needed
• Send deposits to all your vendors, keep all your contracts with your payment schedules.
• Arrange transportation from your house to the ceremony, from the ceremony to the formal photography location, from there to the reception, and from the reception to the honeymoon night location.
4 to 6 Months Ahead
• Reserve accommodations for your out-of-town guests
• Select and order your invitations and thank- you cards
• Arrange your honeymoon travel
• Order rings and engraving
• Have a menu tasting and finalize food selections
2 to 4 Months Ahead
• Address and assemble wedding invitations
• Buy enough postage for invitations and RSVP envelopes
• Mail invitations
• Make hair and makeup appointments including a trial 1 to 2 Months Ahead
•Finalize all arrangements with all vendors
• Have final dress fittings
• Attend showers and send thank-yous
• Plan a get-together with your bridesmaids
• Marriage license (fewer than 30 days before the ceremony)
•Finalize meal counts with venue or caterer
2 Weeks Ahead
• Plan to change your name on your Social Security info, driver’s license, credit cards, & bank accounts -- you will need a certified copy of your wedding certificate.
• Make a seating plan for the reception; write placecards 1 Week Ahead
• Pack for honeymoon
• Pack an emergency kit for the wedding day containing a sewing kit, comfortable shoes, hairspray, touch up kit, bobby pins, kleenex, Pepto Bismol, etc.
