Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108 Page 109 Page 110 Page 111 Page 112 Page 113 Page 114 Page 115 Page 116ing the reception. Here in the U.S., Nor- een explains that the belly dance is often performed at bridal showers, bachelorette parties, or even baby showers. “It’s a won- derful celebration of femininity, bring- ing women together in movement,” she says. “I’ve participated in all of these dif- ferent elements locally with Lebanese, Ira- nian, Iraqi families, and non-Middle East- ern Americans who want to include the symbolism and the joy of the belly dance.” Sounds like the perfect way to shake up the reception with your bridesmaids. Luck of the IrIsh F or some, like James McClay and his wife Meghan, the world is their backdrop. In 2014, the Portland residents celebrated their wedding in Ire- land, where James grew up. “Meghan grew up in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Her fa- ther has English heritage, and her moth- er’s side of the family is originally from Ireland. Meghan only really celebrat- ed her Irish side,” James says. “I use cele- brate loosely–she has a shamrock tattoo on her ankle. She’s very embarrassed about it since meeting me!” The Emerald Isle may be out of reach for many of us, but for those who wear a sham- rock on their hearts (or ankles), The Maine Irish Heritage Center, formerly St. Domi- nic’s Church, is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city for a wedding. The cathedral boasts stained-glass win- dows, a historic bell, and an aisle that could make any bride swoon. Music from the old country is another surefire way to transport your guests to County Cork. The McClays hired a traditional Irish group to play the harp, violin, and whistle during their Catho- lic ceremony. The McClays also honored their Irish heritage through small, traditional ges- tures. In an Irish wedding, a groom offers his bride a coin that represents all he pos- sesses. James gave Meghan the same coin his own father gave his mother, plus a new one he’d bought just for her. Sometimes, a small but symbolic cultural nod can be the most significant. As with any good fairy tale, love will cross mountains, rivers, seas, and even cultures. The ceremony may vary, but the goal is in- evitably the same: two families with separate stories are bonded by love, vowing to draft a new story–one for future generations to look back on as they write their own. n Photography: Justine Johnson Photography: Justine Johnson We are a full service catering company that specializes in finding the right balance between elegance ... and pleasure. CATERING Beautiful Food For All Occasions (207) 832-6337 laura ca C A T E R I Beautiful Food For All (207) 832-63 www.lauracabotcatering.com • 207-832-6337 www.lauracabotcatering.com Photography: Justine Johnson Beautiful Foods For All Occasions PO Box 628 • Waldoboro, ME 04572 (207) 832-6337 CATERING Beautiful Food For All Occasions (207) 832-6337 PO Box 628 • Waldoboro, ME 04572 We are a full service catering company that specializes in finding the right balance between elegance...and pleasure. social. corporate. weddings. full bar services 68 p o r t L a n d monthly magazine Maine Wedding Planning Guide