Some wedding venues are chosen because they’re beautiful. Others are chosen because they already mean something.

For Ella and Andrew, their shipyard in Boothbay Harbor was personal. Transforming it into a wedding venue was an incredible opportunity to create something entirely their own, in a place that was already part of their lives.

And these two! I don’t think I’ve ever met a couple more genuinely happy or grateful. Their excitement was contagious, and their appreciation for everyone involved made this wedding an absolute joy to plan.

A Welcome Party on Cabbage Island

With family and friends traveling from across the country, Ella and Andrew began their wedding weekend with a traditional Maine lobster bake on Cabbage Island.

The evening was a white party, with guests dressed entirely in white against the backdrop of Boothbay Harbor. Ella chose a vibrant blue dress, a striking contrast that brought even more personality to the occasion.

It was a wonderful introduction to coastal Maine and a fitting beginning to a weekend that reflected Ella and Andrew so well. They had brought their favorite people from all over the country to a place they loved, and now they had an entire weekend to enjoy together.

Transforming a Boothbay Harbor Shipyard

I have a particular appreciation for weddings in unconventional spaces. A shipyard certainly comes with its share of logistical challenges, but it also offers something you can’t manufacture: character and a genuine connection to the place.

Transforming the property required us to think creatively about how the wedding would look, feel, and function. The shipyard wasn’t simply a backdrop. It was an important part of Ella and Andrew’s lives, and I wanted the wedding to honor that connection while creating an entirely different experience within the space.

These are the kinds of projects that make my work so interesting. There’s tremendous satisfaction in taking a complicated setting and making something spectacular happen there.

A Surprise Sailboat Ride and a Dance Floor Full of Captains

Immediately after the ceremony, Ella and Andrew were surprised with a sailboat ride on Boothbay Harbor. I can’t think of a more fitting way to begin their marriage than heading out onto the water in a place they love so much.

And then there were the captain’s hats.

Ella and Andrew had enough ship captain hats for every single guest, and when the dancing began, out they came. An entire dance floor full of people wearing captain’s hats!

It was playful, a little ridiculous in the very best way, and completely wonderful. I appreciate couples who have fun with their weddings, and this was such a perfect reflection of their personalities.

The People Made This Wedding

As much as I enjoyed the creative challenge of transforming the shipyard, what stays with me most is Ella and Andrew’s gratitude.

They were so genuinely delighted by everything. They appreciated the people who traveled to be there, the professionals who helped bring the wedding together, and the opportunity to celebrate in a place they loved.

There was nothing performative about their happiness. They were simply thrilled to be getting married and sharing the experience with their favorite people.

And I think that’s what made this wedding so wonderful. A meaningful setting, a few terrific surprises, a dance floor full of captains, and two people who couldn’t have been happier.

What a privilege to have been part of it.

---

Charity Lynn Weddings provides full-service wedding planning and design in Boothbay Harbor and throughout coastal Maine and New England, specializing in private properties, distinctive venues, and multi-day wedding weekends.

Creative Partners

Photographer: @shelbycookpowell

Venue:@bristolmarine

Florist:@1timesthecharm

Beauty:@megan_of_maine

Catering: @misshamills

Bar: @downeastpours_and_planning

Band: @eastcoastsoul

Rentals: @afa_rentals @onestopeventrentals

Lighting: @griffingriffinlighting

Live painter: @alex.leigh.art

Welcome Party: @cabbage.island.clambakes

Transportation: Maine Bus Company