Maine & New Hampshire Wedding Photographer // Matt + Maylen’s Laid Back Long Lake Wedding

Fourth of July Weekend Vibes, Paddleboards Included

Matt and Maylen pulled off the kind of wedding that makes you want to text your therapist, “See? It can be done without chaos.”

They got married over Fourth of July weekend at a private residence on Long Lake in Naples, Maine, and it was everything a chill, heartfelt family celebration should be.

Getting Ready, Family Style

The day started off slow and sweet with both Matt and Maylen getting ready, surrounded by the people who know them best. There was no glam squad, no chaos, no overly dramatic TikTok music playing in the background (that I know of). Just good vibes and meaningful moments.

Maylen, absolute queen that she is, did her own hair and makeup. Her mom and her son’s girlfriend helped her into her dress, making it such a beautiful generational moment. Meanwhile, Matt was the definition of “ready in five,” with his dad there to help button things up (literally and emotionally).

Front Row for Everyone

Okay, let’s talk ceremony setup because these two were the first couple to ever pull off a circular ceremony. Everyone had a front row seat. No awkward neck craning. No “can you see?” whispers. Just one big, cozy circle of love.

The ceremony kicked off early (yes, early, which might be the most miraculous thing to ever happen at a wedding), and Matt and Maylen saw each other for the first time at the top of the aisle. It was one of those quiet, emotional moments that somehow felt both cinematic and completely un-staged.

They each read their own vows, kept it short and sweet, and then it was time to party.

Mingling, Dancing, and Zero Stress

After the ceremony? Zero timeline stress. The family just… mingled. Danced. Caught up. Took selfies. It felt more like the best family reunion ever, but with better outfits and a way cuter couple at the center.

We knocked out all of the formal photos they wanted, and since everything was so relaxed and ahead of schedule (who are these people?!), we even had time for extra photo requests from the guests. Like, yes, you can get a photo with the bride. We got you.

Dinner + Dockside Shenanigans

Dinner was a chill family-style spread—no seating chart, no plated meals, just grab a plate and sit where your vibe guides you. Everyone was laughing, chatting, and just fully enjoying the day. Zero pretension. All love.

Then we snuck away for couple's portraits by the lake. I had them walk, talk, laugh, and just be. (Spoiler alert: they nailed it.)

And because they are straight-up legends, Matt and Maylen ended their portraits on paddleboards out on Long Lake. Like, full wedding gear. Paddleboarding. On the actual lake. 10/10 no notes.

The Grand Finale

The night wrapped up with a sparkler exit that felt more like a mini firework show than anything else. Everyone was laughing, cheering, and celebrating the hell out of these two.

Matt and Maylen’s wedding was intimate, laid-back, and full of moments that actually mattered. No fluff. No forced traditions. Just a beautiful day on the lake, surrounded by family, laughter, and two people who genuinely enjoy the hell out of each other.

Cheers to doing things your way. And paddleboarding into married life like total badasses.