A Celebration of Art, Community, and Intentional Love
A Love Story Years in the Making
Some love stories begin with a spark. Others, like Sage and Maura’s, unfold quietly over time—woven together through years of near-crossings, shared spaces, and beautifully unexpected reconnections.
Their lives circled each other long before they officially met. From family connections before Sage was even born to overlapping communities in neighboring towns, gym teams, and even rugby leagues—it seemed the universe kept gently nudging them closer.
But it wasn’t until a birthday party—one final introduction through mutual friends—that everything changed.
And just like that, something clicked.
“She Felt Like Home”
For both Sage and Maura, the realization came not in a dramatic moment—but in a quiet, steady knowing.
Sage found herself saying “yes” to new experiences without hesitation—something that didn’t usually come easily. If Maura was part of it, she was all in.
For Maura, it was a feeling:
A warmth that was steady, safe, and growing stronger every day.
Not a fleeting spark, but something deeper. Something lasting.
Double the Proposals, Double the Love
In true “them” fashion, their engagement wasn’t just one surprise—it was two.
Sage proposed first, and within a month, Maura followed with a proposal of her own. After a slightly delayed ring delivery and a very intentional plan… excitement won out.
Maura couldn’t wait any longer and proposed at home—right in the middle of a simple, everyday moment: watering the garden.
Because sometimes, the most meaningful proposals aren’t the most elaborate—they’re the most real.
A Wedding Rooted in Intention, Community & Creativity
Sage and Maura didn’t just plan a wedding—they created an experience.
Inspired by their shared love of art, nature, community, and intentional living, their celebration became:
“Opening Night at the Galleria Forte”
Their wedding transformed Hilltop House into a living gallery—a curated exhibit of their lives, love, and shared story.
Each display featured meaningful objects:
- Handmade gifts
- Childhood keepsakes
- Notes and drawings exchanged over the years
- Personal artifacts from their home and families
Every piece told a story. Every detail had meaning.
Designing a Queer Wedding on Their Own Terms
From the very beginning, Sage and Maura centered their wedding around authenticity.
Rather than following tradition for tradition’s sake, they reimagined what felt meaningful:
- Walking down the aisle together, instead of being “given away”
- Curating music filled with queer artists and iconic LGBTQ+ anthems
- Designing a day that celebrated not just their love, but their community
“Queer love is uniquely special and beautiful,” they shared—and their day reflected exactly that.
A Ceremony Full of Love—Literally
One of the most meaningful moments of their ceremony was a ring warming ritual.
Their wedding bands were passed through every guest in attendance, each person offering a silent blessing or intention.
By the time the rings made their way back, they carried the love and support of everyone in the room
From Intimate to Electric
The day began with a heartfelt and intimate ceremony surrounded by just 40 of their closest family and wedding party members—soft, emotional, and deeply personal.
As the evening unfolded, the celebration expanded into a high-energy reception filled with surprises, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Guests described the night simply as:
“A total blast.”
A Night of Surprises (and One Epic Dance Floor)
True to their creative vision, Sage and Maura planned multiple surprise moments throughout the night—including a standout:
An 80s Retro Mini-Set
With help from their DJ, Walt Breslin, the couple transformed the dance floor into a nostalgic dream—complete with music videos playing throughout the space.
The moment peaked when Maura surprised her mom by changing into her original 1980s wedding dress, while Sage rocked a neon thrifted jacket.
It wasn’t just a dance floor—it was an experience.
A Culinary Experience by Perfect Setting Catering
Sage’s connection to Perfect Setting Catering ran deep—her father, sister, and even Sage herself had all worked with the team in years past.
So expectations were high.
And the Perfect Setting team delivered.
From seamless coordination to exceptional service, every detail was executed with care and intention. Guests were quick to rave:
“The best wedding staff we’ve ever experienced.”
From Chef Monica’s culinary artistry to the incredible service team—and standout bartender Tasha, who brought unmatched energy—the experience left a lasting impression.
Thoughtful Details Guests Will Never Forget
Sage and Maura infused meaning into every part of their wedding:
- Handwritten family recipes as favors
- A dessert table featuring treats made by loved ones
- Homemade rosemary simple syrup & lemon verbena tea from their garden
- A guestbook of self-portraits drawn by attendees
- A seating chart displayed on vintage glass-paneled doors
Even their color palette was intentional—drawn from their eye colors and their cats’ eyes.
Because yes—their cats were part of the celebration too 💛
When the Rain Changed Everything (for the Better)
Like many couples, Sage and Maura dreamed of an outdoor ceremony in Hilltop’s gardens—but rain had other plans.
And yet, what could have been a disappointment became something magical.
At the end of the night, their photographer pulled them outside beneath a grand tree—and captured one of the most breathtaking photos of the day.
By that moment, they weren’t just okay with the rain…
They loved it.
Wedding Day Style
- Sage wore a custom deep olive-green suit from Indochino, embroidered with their wedding date
- Maura wore a thrifted dress paired with a handmade veil adorned with beaded baby’s breath
- Both carried photos of their beloved cats—tucked into a locket and pocket watch
Every look was personal. Intentional. Entirely them.
Their Advice to Couples
Sage and Maura encourage couples—especially within the LGBTQ+ community—to choose vendors who go beyond acceptance and truly celebrate who you are.
“Lead with your love,” they shared.
“Anyone who isn’t fully supportive doesn’t deserve a place in your day.”
They also emphasized the importance of investing in quality and experience—and trusting your instincts when it comes to choosing your team.
In Their Words
“It was so intentional, and full of all of the people and things that we love.”
And that truly says it all.
Vendor Team
- Venue & Catering: Hilltop House & Perfect Setting Catering
- Planner: Samantha Roberts
- DJ: Walt Breslin