Julia and Conor’s Maine Wedding at the Atlantic Oceanside in Bar Harbor

Julia and Conor first connected on a dating app in 2018 after realizing they had attended schools in the same small athletic conference and had both played sports. They went on several dates before going their separate ways.

Conor reached out again in early 2020, but the COVID-19 lockdowns eventually separated them once more. In early 2021, Julia reached out, and they reconnected through walking dates while much of the world was still shut down. They have been together ever since and like to say that the third time was the charm.

Conor proposed after they returned from spending Christmas with his family in Minnesota. Julia had come down with strep throat, and Conor quickly arranged for her to receive medication because he already had the proposal planned for the next day.

He proposed on the rooftop connecting their Chicago apartment building to a nearby restaurant. Their families were waiting for them at brunch, followed by an engagement party with friends and extended family at their apartment.

Julia and Conor knew they wanted to get married outside of Chicago but considered several locations before choosing Bar Harbor. After finding the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Event Center, they knew it offered the wedding weekend they wanted for their guests. Bar Harbor gave everyone the opportunity to hike in Acadia National Park, go whale watching, explore downtown, and enjoy the coast.

On their wedding day, the weather was sunny and warm, which was perfect since much of the celebration took place outside. Julia and Conor both got ready at the Willows before sharing a first look in the garden and taking family and wedding party portraits.

Julia asked her cousin to perform the ceremony, and he did a wonderful job of including personal and funny stories about the couple.

After the ceremony, the couple and their guests returned to the Willows for cocktail hour. One of our favorite moments came when Julia and Conor shared their first dance outside to close out cocktail hour.

The evening continued with heartfelt toasts, great food, and plenty of fun on the dance floor. It was a pleasure to photograph Julia and Conor’s Bar Harbor wedding. We wish them much happiness in the years to come.