Saddleback, Rangeley, September 27 2008

Rustic elegance." That's what Canadian Allison Kelly and Maine native Nick Charles had in mind when they set their sights on Saddleback for their fall wedding. This outdoorsy couple was looking for a symbolic setting to tie the knot. "The mountain in the background was impressive and comforting and offered us the natural beauty that we love about Maine. It was special to Nick because he grew up skiing at Saddleback. It was significantto both of us because a few weeks earlier we had hiked both Saddleback and The Horn, checking off two of the 4,000 footers in Maine." A Maine fall offers more than just smaller crowds (aka more booking flexibility) — a lot of us Mainers secretly prefer this spectacular season. The newlyweds share our sentiments: "We love the feel and smell of the air in the fall, andof course… the foliage!" Maine's mountains provide endless opportunities to make any wedding weekend un-forgettable. Just ask the groom, who on the morning of caught two brook trout.

Highpoint: The mountain: it's a great place to go hiking and leaf peeping.

Obstacle: Watch out for moose — the couple had one extra-uninvited guest.

The Maine Touch: After filling up on Carrabassett Pale Ale, guests were sent home with chocolate covered blueberries and Maine honey.