Story
It all started in 2018 when we both happened to be traveling through Spain.
Greg was working as an elephant keeper in the local circus. He just arrived after a 2 month peyote bender in South America and was looking for a change of scenery. He took a fishing boat sleeping in steerage across the Atlantic landing on Costa Brava. Stephanie joined the circus on a whim while hitchhiking across Europe. She was hired as a lion tamer due to being part Egyptian and some odd connection to cats.
And so the world spun them together. One day Carl the Elephant escaped and Greg chased after it cornering Carl in the main tent. Stephanie was practicing her routine when Greg came frantically running in. Carl immediately walked over to Stephanie and wrapped his trunk around her. Carl knew what he was doing. Greg saw Carl and Stephanie and knew he was looking at someone who would change his life forever. Stephanie rubbed Carls trunk, he waved to Greg. Greg walked over slowly as the trapeze artists swung above, unmoved by the RomCom coming to fruition below. Without a word Carl made the two embrace with his long grey trunk draped over them. Greg knew at that moment he didn't want to spend another second without her in his life.
Some would call it love at first sight but they truly have Carl to thank for their serendipitous meeting. They left the Spanish circus together after a month and joined Italy's famous Circo Moira Orfei, where Stephanie became an ostrich-riding, shark-taming showgirl. Greg started selling illegally imported wines to make ends meet. Together they traveled the countryside of Italy, eating copious amounts of cheese and cured meats before deciding to return home to our families two years later, engaged and in love.
Just kidding. We met at Christmas time in NYC.
Two years ago Greg decided to leave NYC after living there for 8 years and move to Salem, Massachusetts. It turned out Steph was in between apartments as the pandemic continued on and was living back home in Peabody. Greg asked Steph to show him all the local Northshore spots. She was more than happy to help the new New Englander find where all the oysters, lobsters and history could be found. And love it was. On their second date Steph took Greg to Eastern Point Lighthouse, a favorite spot of hers and where a year later they would end up getting engaged.
Tidbits
What was your most memorable date?
We were in the middle of our road trip out West, camping nestled between the desert and Manti-Le Sal National Forest, when we saw a frost was coming in. Stephanie suggested staying in a hotel for our last night. On a whim we decided to go to a Moab hole-in-the-wall taco spot. As we finished dinner in the desert we walked outside to the first snow of the season falling. We danced in the snow making a snow angel or two.
What's your favorite activity together?
Traveling, reading & when Stephanie finds a Marketplace steal and makes Greg do the heavy lifting.
Where are you going for your honeymoon?
Japan and Nepal!
What's the best meal you have eaten together?
Grill 23. The biggest smile I have ever seen on Stephanie occurred 3 times. The two times we ate wagyu beef at Grill 23 and the time I proposed.
What's the most memorable trip you have taken together?
Every trip is memorable! Maybe our trip to Spain, Costa Rica... or maybe our most spontaneous a two week trip to San Diego that turned into a two and a half month roundtrip across the country.
We’re on the same page about
Love of Family, Friends, Travel, and Stephanie's consistent need for tacos, sour cream, pineapple and Coca-Cola.
A life goal of ours
To get our EU citizenship (Portugal) and own a home in another country.
We are regulars at
Roy Moore's, Sea Level, La Victoria & The Quiet Few
Schedule
Saturday, May 28, 2022
Shuttle Bus 🚌 & Transportation
3:35 PM to 3:45 PM
Shuttle buses leave from The Sheraton at Sable Oaks South Portland at 3:45 PM sharp.
Please be waiting at the hotel lobby by 3:35, both buses leave promptly at 3:45
There are 30 parking spots available at the venue - spots will be given out on a need basis, let us know when you RSVP. Please carpool and utilize the shuttle buses as best as possible.
Semi-formal wedding attire. Prepare for all weather conditions. Ceremony will be outside.
Ceremony
4:15 PM to 5:00 PM
We're getting married! The ceremony will start at 4:30 sharp and will be held outside in a beautiful tree surrounded site in the woods.
Follow the path/boardwalk from the parking lot, past the welcome sign and take your seat.
Please leave the front two rows open for immediate family.
Semi-Formal Wedding Attire. Please prepare for all conditions
Cocktail Hour & Lawn Games
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Once the ceremony concludes please follow the left path to the lawn. Please enjoy live music, lawn games, some S'mores by the fire, open bar as well as passed and stationary hors d'oeuvre on the lawn and in the cocktail barn.
Reception
6:00 PM to 11:15 PM
Join us in the main barn for introductions, family-style dinner, toasts, dessert bar and a night of partying!
*Some tables will be moved out of the barn after dessert to open up the floor for everyone to cut some shapes - so please keep an eye on your place setting and announcements for details*
Shuttle Bus 🚌 & Transportation
11:25 PM to 11:30 PM
Shuttle buses will be leaving at 11:20-11:30PM (exact time: TBD) from the barn parking lot. Please be ready to go as ride shares may be tough at that time of night.
Drop off is at The Sheraton at Sable Oaks and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
Registry
Instead of physical gifts we are hoping for support in buying our first house or funding our honeymoon.
Travel
Getting In
We recommend flying into Boston Logan or Portland Airport. The hotels are in South Portland, 10 minutes away from Downtown Portland. Flanagan Farm is 25 min south of Portland and an hour and a half north of Boston Logan.
We are not getting wedding blocks due to the nature of new Covid policies.
Please book your hotel as soon as possible as we cannot guarantee a room.
Portland Sheraton at Sable Oaks, Sable Oaks Drive, South Portland, ME, USA
Shuttles leave from this hotel at 3:45 sharp.
If you are not staying here and will use the shuttle, please be in the lobby by 3:35PM
Holiday Inn Express & Suites South Portland
Holiday Inn is a 4 minute walk to The Sheraton Sable Oaks South Portland, where the shuttle buses will be picking up and dropping guests off.
Please walk to (or park at) The Sheraton Sable Oaks lobby by 3:35. Shuttles will leave promptly at 3:45
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland, ME
The shuttle will NOT be stopping here.
This is about a mile from the Sheraton and Holiday Inn where the shuttle will be picking and drooping off guests
Complimentary Shuttle
May 28
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Shuttles to the wedding will depart from the Sheraton at 3:45. Times are subject to change as we get closer. Shuttles will leave promptly on time - don't be late!
May 28
11:15 PM - 11:30 AM
We'll have a good time at the reception and after-party, then relax on our complimentary shuttles that will take you back to the locations listed above. There will be two shuttles at 11:30 back to hotels once the music stops.
Booking Assistant - Find Hotels Near Our Venue
Suggested Stay:
Fri, May 27 - Sun, May 29
Buxton, ME, USA
Q & A
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our Q & A first!
When is the RSVP deadline?
Due to COVID policies we have an earlier then usual RSVP deadline. Please RSVP as soon as possible if you know that you will or will not be attending. All final RSVPs will be needed by April 1st, so we can have an accurate headcount. Thank you for understanding! :)
COVID Details:
As stated in your invitation, for the safety of everyone, we are asking that all guests are fully vaccinated or get a PCR test 2-3 days before attending. There a multiple free testing options as well as tests at most CVS & Walgreens, where you can book 7 days in advanced (they go fast). Masks will be provided at the ceremony.
Can I bring a date?
Please check your invite.
Are kids welcome?
As much as we love your little ones, we will not be including them in the ceremony or reception unless stated otherwise on the invitation.
What will the weather be like?
It's early Spring in Maine. Be prepared for all weather conditions and check the weather frequently.
What should I wear?
Semi-formal - formal wedding attire. Due to the ceremony and Cocktail hour being outside, stilettos are not encouraged. Thicker heels or wedges are recommended.
Where should I park?
There is limited parking available at the venue - these spots will be given based on need. - Please let us know when you RSVP!
We recommend most people utilize the shuttle service from our hotels (Sheraton Sable Oaks in South Portland).
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Our wedding ceremony is outdoors, but our reception will be in a barn :)
Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?
Our ceremony is unplugged. We have wonderful photographers, so please refrain from taking photos during the ceremony. If you feel the urge to take photo/video please hold camera low as to not obstruct our photographers shots
Wedding Party
Laurie Roberts
Maid of Honor
Joseph Roberto
The Best Men
Sarah Ferri
Bridesmaid
Sal Palmiero
The Best Men
Heidi Bezemes
Bridesmaid
Craig Carroll
The Best Men
Carrie Doherty
Bridesmaid
Ryan Geswell
The Best Men
Kate McCaron
Bridesmaid
Michael McNulty
The Best Men
Laura Caraker
Bridesmaid
Justin Garilli
The Best Men
Nicolette Duval
Bridesmaid
Brett Borbidge
The Best Men
Mackenzie Christensen
Flower Girl
Madelynn Costigan
Flower Girl
Nora Moore
Flower Girl
Mr. Meow
Honorary Attendant
Aspen
Ring Bearer
Beth Killian
Officiant
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