California girl Aimee Catton kept the theme cool and casual for her wedding to native New Englander Rafe Anderson. A family member's home by the sea set the tone for the festivities, which were rich with Maine-inspired details.
THE BRIDE Aimee Catton, 27, communications specialist at an investment firm
THE GROOM Rafe Anderson, 28, consultant to the Boston Red Sox
THE DATE July 19
THE SCENE Ceremony and reception at a private home in Phippsburg
HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS Aimee and Rafe first encountered each other when her family moved cross-country from San Diego to Connecticut her freshman year of high school. The two dated over the next four years, then went their separate ways for college. "Neither of us ever expected to reunite," Aimee says, "but we became friends again as college graduation neared." Friendship turned to romance after Aimee moved to Boston for a job -- and Rafe soon followed. A few years later they became engaged.
MADE IN MAINE The couple selected Rafe's aunt and uncle's seaside home in Phippsburg for the ceremony and reception, a decision that decidedly influenced the tone of the wedding. Dinner featured surf and turf as the main course, and small lobster trap Christmas ornaments as favors. Aimee and Rafe also chose a preppy, New England-style look for their invitations -- navy with white polka dots -- a pattern that popped up again on Rafe's wedding day tie.
KEEPING IT CASUAL Aimee decided against a traditional wedding gown, choosing instead to purchase an ivory evening gown that she had altered to her specifications. She accessorized the simple sheath with a crystal and pearl-adorned veil and pearl jewelry. Her necklace was a wedding gift from her grandfather, and she'd been given the earrings by her late grandmother years before. "We married on her birthday," Aimee says. "I really wanted to include her in some way."
A SEASIDE CELEBRATION As the ceremony time approached, an antique trolley brought guests from their hotel to the site -- a grassy lawn overlooking the water. Afterward, guests headed to the yard for the reception. Three tents (two dining and one dancing) formed a v-shape around a large oak tree, giving people plenty of room to mingle and to enjoy the spectacular ocean view. After dinner, everybody got in on the fun -- the father of the bride and a few other family members even entertained the group with a performance of the song 'California Girls' in the bride's honor, complete with Hawaiian shirts and a surfboard.
--Kate Wood
photography © Sharyn Peavey
For the ingredients that make up this wedding, see right-hand column of this page.
-- Kate Wood
See More: Real Weddings: Summer