Saturday September 21, 2024
Portland, Maine, USA
231 days 10 hrs 12 mins ago
Story
As fate would have it, in 2018, Alex and Kara both traveled separately from Boston to Portland to attend a beer festival. They met after the festival at a nearby bar, Brian Boru. While their first interaction could be described as slightly hazy, they connected over their love of live music and late night pizza (Alex asked for Kara's number and embarrassingly sent her a ton of pictures of the pizza he ate after the bar). They went on their first official date a week later in Boston and the rest is history! 😊
Tidbits
How did you propose?
Alex, Kara and Bruce went on a nice fall walk in November on Mackworth Island. Alex suggested going to the Eastern Promenade of Portland to see if there were any food trucks for lunch. It was November, so Kara was 99% sure there wouldn't be any food trucks, but she went along with Alex's idea anyways. When Kara was proven right, she insisted they go somewhere else for lunch. But Alex pleaded they get out the car and walk around (for basically no reason). Alex had a secret plan to surprise Kara by having her sister Krista show up at this spot unexpectedly. Once Kara saw Krista, she ran over to her and Alex followed behind and dropped to a knee to propose! She said yes!
Afterwards, Alex planned for some of their friends and family to celebrate with the newly engaged couple at their favorite spot in Portland, Apres!
What was your most memorable date?
We have had many memorable dates, especially while traveling. One of our top dates has to be snorkeling in Guadeloupe!
Where are you going for your honeymoon?
Japan 🇯🇵 🍱
What's the most memorable trip you have taken together?
In 2021, we went on an epic road trip from Lake Tahoe to Seattle. We got to see friends and so much of the West Coast. We cruised the Pacific Coast Highway and made stops in San Francisco, Napa Valley, Eureka CA, Crater Lake, Bend OR, and ended in Seattle!
What's the best meal you have eaten together?
Our best meals have been at the restaurant Scales in Portland! If you are visiting Portland for the wedding, we recommend Scales for amazing seafood.
What's your favorite activity together?
Obsessing over our dog/child, Bruce.
Schedule
Friday, September 20, 2024
Welcome Drinks at Après
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Join us for a welcome drink (or 3!) at one of our favorite places in Portland, Après.
Open bar of their craft seltzers, local beers and wine!
Sorry, no food will be served. But there likely will be a food truck there in case you're hungry.
There is a parking lot just for our guests in the back of Apres. There will be signage to direct you to the right spot (it's a little hidden).
Casual!
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Ceremony and Reception
4:30 PM
Our ceremony and reception will be at Brick South in Portland, ME!
Ceremony will be indoors and starts at 4:30PM. Following the ceremony, there will be a cocktail hour and reception at the same venue. Weather permitting, the cocktail hour will include an outdoor beer garden.
Dinner, dancing and partying after that!
Semi-formal / Cocktail
Registry
Travel
Accommodations for September 21-22 Weekend
September is the high point of tourist season for Portland, Maine (it's also the nicest time of year)! In fact, there will be 2 large cruise ships in port during the weekend of the wedding. It will be very busy in the Old Port (downtown). Accordingly, hotel prices are very high for the weekend, especially in the Old Port. If you're looking to book a hotel, do explore hotel options in neighboring towns like South Portland, Westbrook, Scarborough, Old Orchard, or even the Yarmouth/Freeport area for less expensive options. Airbnb or VRBO has hundreds of options and are cheaper than most hotels. If you have any questions with accommodations for the weekend, please don't hesitate to ask us!
Parking At The Wedding Venue (Brick South)
There will be 70 parking spaces at the wedding venue, Brick South, for our guests. This should be enough parking spaces to accommodate all of our guests, but if you're staying nearby, you can always take an a short, inexpensive Uber/Lyft to the venue.
Clarion Hotel (Walking Distance To The Venue)
While not the fanciest hotel, the Clarion Hotel is the closest one to our wedding venue! It is a 10-minute walk to Brick South: maps.app.goo.gl/wKsNUHe9hg4ngCuj7
Our Favorite Restaurants
Scales - Amazing seafood
Evo Kitchen + Bar - Best Mediterranean food
Yosaku - Great sushi
Twelve - If you're feeling fancy!
Fore Street - Incredible food
The Great Lost Bear - Largest beer list in Portland
Things to do in Portland, Maine
Explore the Old Port for shopping and dining
Take a ferry to Peaks Island
Visit any one of the million breweries
Visit the Portland Head Light
Go to the beach (Willard, Higgins, Pine Point or Scarborough are all great)
Walk along the Eastern Promenade or Back Cove
Q & A
Feel free to email us if you have specific questions:
Alex: apalmer18@gmail.com
Kara: cooperr.kara@gmail.com
When is the RSVP deadline?
Please RSVP by August 20th.
Can I bring a date?
When you RSVP, it will indicate if you have a +1!
Are kids welcome?
As much as we love your little ones, we will not be including them in the ceremony or reception.
Where should I park?
There is plenty of free parking at Brick South, the wedding venue.
What should I wear?
Semi-formal, cocktail attire for the wedding.
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Our wedding ceremony and reception is indoors. If the weather is nice, there will be a beer garden available during cocktail hour.
Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?
During the ceremony, we ask you to not take pictures with your phones. But go nuts with photos during the reception!