Maine & NH Wedding Photographer // Simi & Joe // Arabella Estate, Buxton
Simi and Joe’s wedding at Arabella Estate in Buxton was everything a rustic barn wedding should be, laid back, full of laughter, and the kind of day where even a thunderstorm couldn’t kill the vibe.
Like all great modern love stories, theirs started on Tinder. Their first date? A few beers and a heated game of Bananagrams at Aeronaut Brewing. (If you can fall for someone while they’re slapping down a seven-letter word to crush your soul, you’ve found your person.)
Fast forward to the proposal….Joe didn’t go the traditional candlelit dinner route. Nope. He took Simi for an April polar plunge at Plum Island. It was freezing, no one else was around, and after they jumped in, he popped the question through chattering teeth. Simi said yes, and then, plot twist….both families and close friends were waiting in the parking lot to celebrate. They capped off the night at her parents’ place in Newburyport, warming up with food, hugs, and champagne. Pretty legendary way to start an engagement.
And then came the wedding day. When I pulled up to Arabella Estate, the weather was perfect, not too hot, not too cold. Of course, Mother Nature had her own plans for later. Inside, hair and makeup were in full swing, and the barn looked incredible. Tables were perfectly set, and each guest had the cutest little wildflower seed packet at their place setting (such a sweet touch).
Simi has this amazing vintage, old-Hollywood vibe, especially with her short hair. Sarah, who I’ve worked with plenty in my studio, was on makeup duty, giving Simi a gorgeous natural look that fit her style perfectly. The girls were laughing, sipping, and enjoying the getting-ready buzz, while the guys basically did the speed-run version of “help each other get dressed” before Simi slipped into her gown.
Her dress? Simple, classic, and totally stunning. The lace back gave it that extra wow factor, and paired with her glam, she was straight out of a golden-era movie scene.
We jumped right into the first look and some portraits, and then, bam, the sky decided to test us. A quick sprinkle at first, then full-on downpour. Luckily, the ceremony was set up inside the barn, and honestly? It couldn’t have been more perfect. The thunder cracked, lightning lit up the sky, and inside, Simi and Joe delivered some of the best vows I’ve heard. Funny, heartfelt, and so them.
After the kiss and the cheers, the party officially began. Toasts were heartfelt but had everyone laughing, the dance floor opened up, and before long people were rocking funny hats while dancing their faces off. It was pure joy from start to finish.
We closed the night with cake cutting and one last killer portrait of Simi and Joe by the bar, where the lighting was moody and perfect for them. Despite the storm outside, their wedding was nothing but warmth, laughter, and the best kind of chaos.
Simi and Joe proved that sometimes the rain doesn’t ruin the party—it makes it unforgettable.
