Lebanon Maine Elopement in the Woods with Donkeys

Hi everyone, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Lauren, Matt, and their newest four-legged friend: a beautiful donkey! Lauren contacted me with visions of a small intimate elopement ceremony since although they were legally married (in the police parking lot – long story!) just a few months prior, they still wanted to get a little dressed up once the winter melted away and get some photos to mark their marriage. So while she and Matt hadn’t decided where they’d celebrate, she was sold as soon as she found Tuckaway Tree Farm in Lebanon Maine with stout Christmas trees dotting the hillside and the donkeys – of course!

I met Lauren two months prior when I photographed her bridal shower at her family’s donut shop in Portsmouth NH where friends toasted the bride, and told stories of her wild shenanigans. It was a great introduction to Lauren and to see how lively, outspoken, vivacious, and animal obsessed she is before photographing her and Matt in Maine!

Once our June date rolled around, her mom joined the two to help Lauren get into her gown, and then she kissed her daughter and sent her off to have a first look with Matt in front of the growing Christmas trees on the farm.

After heading into the woods where their vows were spoken tearfully and letters from family members were read aloud under the tree canopy, they were eager to join up with the resident donkey who joined them so sweetly for pictures.

There was a first dance in the barn to music picked by the groom and desserts eaten with hands (Lauren) and a cake serving utensil (Matt) since forks were just about the only thing they forget to pack away. And before the sun dipped much further and the rain clouds got too close, we snagged some more pictures of them to end the afternoon together.

Lauren, it has been so fun getting to know you, watching your plans come to fruition, and meeting Matt who clearly loves you as much as you love him. I’m so happy you brought me along and that I got to join you in getting SO EXCITED at the site of a donkey approaching from off in the distance! I wish you two all the best!

Venue: Tuckaway Tree Farm in Lebanon Maine
Lebanon Maine Elopement Photographer: I AM SARAH V Photography