Julie and Steve’s day was a moody, modern, downtown love story—with a heavy dose of drama, candles, and rich color. Set in the heart of Portland, Maine, their Westin Portland Harborview wedding combined Gothic architecture, deep jewel tones, and personal touches that made it feel both cinematic and completely them.

Details That Set the Tone

The invitation suite gave guests a taste of the mood before they even stepped into Portland. Designed with modern gothic elegance in mind, it tied in rich black and muted texture, with elevated typography that hinted at what was to come.

Every day-of detail was considered: signage, menus, place cards—it all felt like an extension of Julie and Steve’s story. It wasn’t just about looking good; it was about making everything feel intentional from the first impression to the final dance.

Ceremony Meets Cathedral Energy

Julie and Steve tied the knot just a few blocks away at Williston-Immanuel United Church, and it could not have been a better match for their aesthetic. Think stained glass, vaulted ceilings, and a whole lot of presence. The ceremony felt powerful but deeply personal—exactly what they were hoping for.

Beauty That Brought the Drama (in the Best Way)

Julie had one of the biggest bridal parties we’ve ever worked with—and every single one of them looked incredible. Each bridesmaid wore a different black dress that felt totally unique but still cohesive. It was giving high-fashion meets timeless edge.

The Studio Maine was behind hair and makeup, and they absolutely nailed it. Julie’s look was soft glam with a modern twist, and her girls were glowy, confident, and completely camera-ready. Getting ready that morning at the Westin had the perfect energy—hype, calm, and full of anticipation.

A Moody Vision with Historic Charm

They wanted something bold. Different. Not overdone, but impactful—and the Westin Portland Harborview gave us just the right amount of classic elegance to play with. We leaned into a dramatic palette of deep greens, black, and merlot, layering it with lush florals from FIELD Floral Studio, warm candlelight, and textured details that brought out the mood without feeling too heavy.

And that staircase moment when guests entered? Fully dressed in greenery. Total showstopper.

Ballroom Glow-Up at the Westin Portland Harborview

Back at the Westin, the table design was all about balance—elegant with a little edge. Every table was dressed in soft gray linen and black velvet napkins, adding contrast and a bit of drama. At each place setting, we layered mixed-metal china—a blend of gold and silver detailing—alongside crystal cut glassware, all from PEAK Event Services, giving the tables just the right amount of shine. With a guest count of over 200, we opted for all round tables to create a clean, cohesive layout that felt polished without feeling crowded.

FIELD Floral Studio brought in lush, textured centerpieces full of deep burgundy, blush, and greenery. A Family Affair Maine added the final touch with vintage-style table number frames and soft candlelight, tying everything together in a way that felt moody, romantic, and completely Julie and Steve.

The Cake

Hanami Cake Design delivered a sculptural cake moment that felt more like art than dessert. Clean lines, bold structure, and subtle texture made it stand out without being over the top—and yes, it tasted as good as it looked.

Bold Floors & Big Energy

And let’s talk about that black and white checkered dance floor. Installed by PEAK Event Services, it made a serious statement—bold, graphic, and completely in line with the modern gothic vibe. It grounded the room in the best way, giving us that high-contrast moment that looked amazing in photos and instantly pulled guests into the party space. And once the dancing started? There was no going back. Northeast Event Design brought the heat from the first song through the after-party. From cocktail hour beats to full-on reception energy, they kept the flow seamless and the dance floor packed. It wasn’t just a party—it was an experience.

“Devyn was a heaven-sent! She handled all the communication between my vendors to ensure my vision for the day came to life. Her attention to detail was unmatched and she put me at ease during the planning phase! On the day of the wedding Devyn and Evie were so much fun, professional, and on their game! We are super appreciative of their help and I know our special day wouldn’t have gone nearly as smoothly if we didn’t have Emerald Events as part of it!“

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WEDDING VENDOR TEAM:

Wedding Photographer: Erin of Boston

Wedding Planning and Design: Emerald Events

florist: FIELD Floral Studio • ceremony venue: Williston-Immanuel United Church • reception venue: Westin Portland Harborview Hotel • rentals: PEAK Event Services • candles: A Family Affair Maine • DJ: Northeast Event Design • bakery: Hanami Cake Design • hair and makeup: The Studio Maine • videographer: Jesse Cuilla Films • brides dress: Pronovias • brides shoes: Dolce and Gabbana • jewelry: Barmakian Jewelers • grooms custom suit: 9Tailors • grooms shoes: Del Toro

Thinking Portland Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a bold, design-forward Westin Portland Harborview wedding, Emerald Events can help you bring that vision to life. Portland is full of character-rich venues and unexpected details—let’s make yours unforgettable.