Kate and Mitch were immediately drawn to the raw, industrial space their striking Portland venue 58 Fore Street and it’s easy to see why in these gorgeous images by Henry + Mac. The ceremony was held in the small, wood beamed space strung with cafe lights and the reception was help in a open, painted brick room.Emily Elizabeth Events brought the space to life, contrasting the rough industrial space with softer elements like lush flowers and greenery by Pretty Flowers Maine and pools of incandescent light. We’re totally loving all the lounge spaces with amazing vintage rentals from One Stop Event Rentals. The look is cozy and cool and perfect for a beautiful fall wedding.
From Kate and Mitch: When we began looking at potential wedding venues, we fell in love with the Portland Company. With its rough wood floors, painted brick walls, and dramatic architectural details, it was an amazing space to work with. We were particularly taken with the “engine room,” a smaller space off the main room with massive wooden beams and alcoves that created an almost cathedral-like atmosphere. While we were immediately excited about the raw, industrial space, our parents took longer to convince!
Our wedding planner, Emily Hricko of Emily Elizabeth Events, helped us bring the vision together. We contrasted the rough industrial space with softer elements like lush flowers, greenery, and pools of incandescent light.
The dusk ceremony was dark and romantic, with subtle lighting highlighting the beams and enveloping the guests in a warm glow. It was quiet and intimate, but the air felt like it was buzzing with electricity. The ceremony was officiated by Erika Hewitt, a Unitarian Universalist minister, and each of our sisters did a reading.
After the ceremony, guests relaxed on vintage settees and mingled while they sipped champagne from coupe glasses. Inspired by the fall harvest, the dinner menu included locally sourced butternut squash soup, seared halibut, and braised short ribs from Dandelion Catering.
After a delicious dinner and a few touching speeches, we hit the dance floor. Our favorite part of the night was when, moments after the first song began, we turned to see every single table empty—everyone was dancing! They kept dancing the entire evening and we all left with tired feet, hoarse voices, and satiated by food, friends, and love.
From Emily Elizabeth Events:
It would have been hard not to fall in love with Kate and Mitch. They’re so well-suited to one another and had such incredible vision. With their uncompromisingly good taste and great sense of humor, they were excellent collaborators on the design plans from start to finish. Our thoughts on how everything should taste, smell, look, and feel coincided in that way that people describe as being able to finish one another’s sentences.
With the raw beauty of the Portland Company as our canvas and an incredibly talented team, we created a sophisticated and artful evening that was all understated glamour and grace. Gold flatware, elegant calligraphy, Edison bulb features, geometrics, flickering candlelight, velvet settees, sweet smelling blooms, and live music all came together to create a warm ambiance in the lofty space. It was timeless yet edgy; an ideal combination.
They were married in November and there was something really romantic about Portland in the off-season. It was chilly and a little bit grey, perfect weather for sweaters, coffee shops, and a warehouse wedding. One of my favorite memories (there are many) of their wedding was distantly hearing the train go by during their ceremony. They had the attention of each and every one of their guests and the energy in the room was palpable. It was the perfect opening to the evening’s festivities and of course, to the rest of their days together.
Photography: Henry + Mac // Event Planning and Design: Emily Elizabeth Events // Florals: Pretty Flowers Maine // Invitation Suite: Gus & Ruby Letterpress // Venue: 58 Fore Street, Portland Company Complex // Chalkboard Hand Lettering: Tori Hricko // Calligraphy: Hush // Lighting Design: The Event Light Pros // Officiant: Rev. Erika Hewitt // Hair and Makeup: Ariel Johnson // Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Musicians: The Longfellow String Quartet // Band: Kahootz // Gown: Jenny Packham // Bride’s Shoes: BHLDN // Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo Collection // Rentals: One Stop Event Rentals / NECR – New England Country Rentals / Exeter Events & Tents / A Family Affair of Maine // Catering and Dessert: Dandelion Catering Co. // Accommodations: The Press Hotel // Transportation: Country Coach Charters & Limousine