Vows, Views and Velvet Sweatsuits: An LGBTQ+ Maine Mountain Wedding

In the quiet hallways of West Kingston Elementary, a modern romance began with potatoes. Stephanie and Ashley shared a workspace long before they shared a life. “Steph was a dedicated teacher, and I was the awesome night custodian,” Ashley says. “Cue the classic school romance setup, right? Not exactly! Our first hangout involved me lugging a 50-pound bag of potatoes and a tool bag. Naturally, Steph assumed the tool bag was my purse (it wasn’t), and we’ve been laughing about it ever since.”

Years later, that laughter echoed across Sunday River as the couple celebrated a stunning LGBTQ+ Maine mountain wedding. For these two brides, the day was a beautiful culmination of a long journey.

The brides traded formalwear for fleece and tradition for authenticity. The couple chose a breathtaking ceremony location where they could be themselves. It was the perfect end to a story that began in a Rhode Island schoolhouse.

A Scenic Proposal for a Travel-Loving Lesbian Couple

The road to Newry, Maine, followed 15 months of engagement. Stephanie and Ashley (who both identify as lesbians) spend their summers traveling the United States with their pets, Finnegan and Winnie. They have visited 20 national parks and collected many stories along the way. Their mountain wedding was inspired by these adventures.

Ashley planned to propose during a grueling hike in July 2024. However, Stephanie was tired and hangry after the climb. Ashley wisely waited two days. At the top of Prospect Mountain in New York, the moment finally clicked. Ashley dropped to one knee while pretending to take a photo. Stephanie said yes immediately.

Planning a Non-Traditional Maine Wedding at Sunday River

The couple avoided the rigid expectations often placed on marriers. They wanted a cozy, intimate vibe for their wedding day. This led to a unique dress code: custom embroidered sweatsuits. Their official theme was “Nothing fancy, Just love!”

Every guest and vendor chose between maroon or green sets. The brides got ready together in matching sweatsuits. They later changed into white bridal pajamas for the ceremony. They found a supportive vendor team that embraced this “pajama party” vision. “We got very lucky with our team,” says Ashley.

A Cozy Sunday River Mountain Wedding in Custom Sweatsuits

At 4 p.m., the mountains glowed with peak autumn color. Ashley’s brother served as the man of honor, and Stephanie’s sister was the maid of honor. Both brides were escorted down the aisle by their fathers. They wrote their own vows but kept the ceremony version short and sweet. The backdrop featured gold and crimson leaves, and fall flowers.