Historic Wedding Magic

MEG AND CHASE HOST A WEDDING CELEBRATION HONORING FAMILY AND VINTAGE PORTLAND AT THE HISTORIC PORTLAND MASONIC IN THE HEART OF THE CITY'S BUSTLING DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

Story by Susan Grieve  |  Photography by Mikaela King Photography
 
Meg Curran and Chase Blanchard had the unusual opportunity to get to know each other before they ever met. “Chase is a Merchant Marine and ships out to Angola Africa for work,” Meg recalls. “We had a mutual friend that wanted to set us up but Chase had to leave for work before we ever had the chance to meet. For the next four weeks we emailed each other every day, and had the unique opportunity to really get to know one another before we even met face to face.” Once they met, Meg says she knew Chase was “the one” early on. Meg remembers Chase introducing her to his grandparents. “The way he interacted with his family showed me that we shared the same family values. He really cherished and appreciated his relationship with his family and was excited to have me be a part of it.” 

Chase planned an elaborate proposal but changed his mind at the last minute. “Chase can’t keep a secret and surprises are not his strongest quality. He had a whole elaborate plan to propose but instead picked up the ring, brought me breakfast in bed, and asked me to marry him all on the same morning. To be honest, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way!” 

Meg and Chase decided to hold their ceremony and reception in the same place: The Portland Masonic, in Portland’s downtown district. Meg remembers finding the venue at a wedding show and started imagining the possibilities. “I could not get the Portland Masonic out of my mind. It had everything I wanted. The building had so much character and was steeped in history. Walking through the building was like traveling back in time. We loved every detail from the original antique elevators, to the oversized fireplaces, to the amazing rooftop view that looked over all of Portland. We knew right away that this hidden gem in Portland was right where we wanted to spend our special day. Meg built the theme of the wedding and reception around the building itself. “I wanted the building to be the theme and to use décor to accent the feeling of timelessness that it has. Using the bold architectural detail and design as the framework, I kept the rest of the details simple and clean to draw attention back to the building.” 

The couple incorporated nods to the venue, family, and Maine in other special details as well. “I found vintage post cards with pictures of Congress Street and The Portland Masonic on them. A good friend helped transform them into personalized wedding invitations. 

Adding some special family touches was also important to Meg and Chase. “For our wedding favors, I wanted to incorporate a little nod to Maine,” says Meg. “Chase’s Aunt helped by hand carving and painting 200 chickadee ornaments to go with the whoopie pies made by Baked With Love. It was personal and a gift made with lots of love for our guests. According to Meg, dessert plays a major role in other family celebrations, and the wedding was no exception. “My mother comes from a big Italian family, and it is our tradition to have Italian cookies at all major life events. My grandmother and aunts spent the week prior making hundreds of pizzelles and other Italian cookies to grace our dessert table. It was really special to see family come together to make sure the tradition continued for our wedding.”
 
Meg remembers the wedding day being full of excitement and anticipation. “The day started with the girls and I getting ready at my parents’ house in Portland. Chase and the boys were at our house in Windham. We both had relaxed mornings spending time with our families with a few mimosas. The photographer met my family and I at the venue around noon and that’s where I put my dress on and getting ready. Chase and the groomsmen arrived shortly afterwards. They waited downstairs and greeted guests as they arrived. As we started to make our way downstairs for the ceremony I could hear the string trio start playing and everything felt real.” Meg remembers the moments spent with her father right before the ceremony as a highlight of the day. “My dad and I waited in the antique elevator before it was time to walk down the aisle. Having those few minutes alone with my dad before he gave me away was one of my favorite memories of the whole day.”

After a beautiful ceremony officiated by a close friend, the party to started. Guests enjoyed cocktails as well as a variety of hors d’ouvres including Maine lobster rolls. After cocktail hour, everyone was led into the Armory for dinner. Chase’s grandfather Fred and his sister Louise kicked off the dancing and got the whole room cheering and clap- ping before dinner was even served. It set the tone for the rest of the night. Having the 9-piece Carmine Terracciano Band with the brass section definitely fit the theme of the vintage building, and they even let my family take over for another family tradition of singing Bruce Springsteen’s “Thunder Road”. Looking around the room and seeing everyone we love there to celebrate with us on the biggest day of our lives made the whole day so much more then we could have imagined.” 
 

In Meg's Words 

I’m so glad that... we didn’t do a first look. I loved the excitement of Chase seeing me for the first time as I walked down the aisle. 
 
One of my favorite moments was... when Chase’s grandfather kicked off the dancing and the whole room erupted with cheers. He lost his battle to cancer just four weeks later, and this is a priceless memory we will always cherish. 
 
I didn’t realize... how fast the day would go by. I heard time and time again “the day goes by fast, take it all in” and it did. I made sure to look around and soak up every bit of it. 
 
I wish... we could have spent more time with every guest. We were so thankful for everyone who came from near and far to celebrate with us! 

 

Maine Vendors 

Venue: The Portland Masonic
Wedding Planner: Blue Elephant Events and Catering, Saco 
Officiant: DJ Peterson
Caterer: Blue Elephant Events and Catering, Saco
Bar Service: Spirits Catering, Portland Florist: Windham Flower Shop, Windham 
Wedding Gown: Blush Bridal & Formal, South Portland 
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: His and Hers by Andrea’s Bridal, Portland 
Photography: Mikaela King Photography, Bangor
Bridesmaid Attire: Andrea’s Bridal, Portland 
Wedding & Engagement Rings: Day’s Jewelers, Portland 
Hair, Makeup & Nails: Ellen Maloney, Primp Salon, Falmouth
Wedding Cake: Baked With Love, Casco 
Invitation/Paper Goods: Jessica Donovan
Reception Music: The Carmine Band, Portland 
Transportation: Portland Limousine, Standish
Alterations: Antoine’s Formal Wear, Portland 
Videographer: Jacy Quint Creative Services, Scarborough