Maria Northcott
Wedding Officiant • A Sweet Start
Creator of The Maine Wedding Network
Native New Englander. Former school teacher. Sought-after wedding officiant. Of all the labels that describe Maria Northcott, however, the one you’ll hear most is “creator of community.” It’s not just weddings that are Maria’s passion- it’s the people at the heart of those weddings. Whether it’s couples planning their wedding or the professionals who serve them, Maria thrives on building relationships and making connections. Not only is Maria in demand as an officiant by couples across the country, but she’s also the founder of the Maine Wedding Network fostering a sense of collaboration and support among professional wedding vendors throughout the state. Whether it’s a discussion by the wood stove in her midcoast cottage or at one of the 20+ weddings she officiates each year, Maria exudes a warmth that draws people in, makes them feel comfortable, and sends them back into the world with a brighter spark in their eye.
“Being relevant means always being open to learning new things. I stay relevant by actively seeking out new information and different ways of perfecting my craft. Being relevant means searching, striving and exploring. To me, it’s not about using the newest technology or downloading the most recent social media app, it’s so much more than that. It’s being open to new messages, to new language, to new ways of being. It’s about self-reflection and not staying stagnant. Routines are good, but stretching and reaching is what allows us to grow and keeps us relevant.”
Amy Northard CPA
The Accountant for Creatives
Amy Northard, CPA and Founder of The Accountant for Creatives is a Certified Public Accountant based out of Indianapolis, who works with creatives all over the US to make taxes and bookkeeping less scary. She’s not your parent’s accountant and her goal is to make the overwhelming money tasks you deal with as a business owner simple and manageable.
When she’s not helping clients with taxes and bookkeeping, you can find her taste-testing craft beers, on a run with her Goldendoodle pup Lilly or planning her dream log cabin with her husband.
“Being relevant means that I always keep learning and adapting to best serve my clients.”
Meg and Brian Tetrault
Two Pines Creative
Meg and Brian have been a team for many years—both personally and professionally. Recently married and relocated to northern New Hampshire from Massachusetts, they have brought their creative and marketing expertise with them. Their agency—Two Pines Creative—specializes in providing small businesses with elevated graphic design, branding, web design & development, marketing strategy, and digital content creation (photography and video production). Meg and Bri have a deep passion for helping businesses organically grow through inbound marketing techniques and a rich digital presence.
When Meg and Brian aren’t behind computers you’ll surely find them either in the woods hiking or skiing or working with wood while they build something in their workshop.
“To stay relevant is to continually be deeply connected to your craft: adapting, innovating and nurturing at every turn. It’s better to look forward than to be left behind.”
Courtney Wetzel
Courtney is a highly motivated, detail oriented entrepreneur with a passion for excellence. She is known for her big ideas and fearless pursuit of her dreams. She bought her first bridal shop in Presque Isle, ME in 2011 at age 23 but her vision was always for more! In 2015 she and her husband purchased a historic 3 story former bank building in Bangor and the Blush brand was born. Just 4 months later, Courtney and her husband purchased an existing women’s clothing and formal wear store in Portland. The Presque Isle and Portland stores were re-branded to carry the Blush name and in December 2016 the Portland location was remodeled to eliminate casual clothing and offer couture wedding gowns.
Blush stores are known for their beautiful dresses, over the top service, and carefully designed spaces. Courtney now works from home, focusing on buying, branding, training, and marketing. Leading three stores and over 25 staff members to success has required her to develop efficient systems for duplication and consistency so that the Blush experience touches every customer and so that the brand can continue to grow in the future. Business is a family affair for Courtney, as she and her husband work together daily and are expertly assisted by an adorable 1 1/2 year old son and their Boston Terrier, Lucy.
“Being relevant to me means being able to connect with your peers and customers in a personal way by staying current, educated, attractive, and innovative.”
Nadra Edgerley
Nadra Edgerley began her career in photography over 17 years ago in northern California, where she graduated from Humboldt State University with a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art. Since then, she has captured hundreds of weddings and thousands of beautiful moments. Nadra is drawn to the connection between people who love each other most in the world. She combines her fine art background, technical skill and years of experience to bring out the best in others. The result is beautiful imagery that will lasts for generations.
Nadra is not only an accomplished photographer, but a mentor to photographers and small business owners, an educator and speaker on topics of small business and photography. She lives on the coast of southern Maine with her husband and four children.
“Being relevant to me means always learning and growing while staying true to your vision.”
Kate Martin
Floral and Event Design, Event Planning and Coordination
Beautiful Days
Kate. Owner and Big Chief of Beautiful Days since 2005. Treasure Hunter and Styling Maven at Maine Prop House since 2015.
Designer, bon vivant, renaissance gal, flower lover and creative adventurer. Seeking beauty, knowledge and inspiration from art, music, food, architecture, interiors and fashion everyday.
Every Sunday morning my dad would come home with the New York Times. I would go right to the fashion section, followed by arts and leisure eating up all that was “happening” in the world beyond the small island of Nantucket where I grew up. Inevitably my passion for the pretty things and wanderlust led to styling chic window fronts with modern fashion mixed with antique treasures, digging in the dirt of beautiful gardens, ski bumming and photography in Colorado, more photography and adventuring in Central America and interior design in San Francisco. Peppered through out has been alot of live music, off the beaten track diversions, food indulgences and family and friend gatherings. Ultimately landing in Maine… I love where I live and love what I do.
“Staying relevant means being open and honest, adventurous and ambitious, genuine and curious.”
Jay Curcio
Executive Chef/Owner of The White Apron and Sofi & Luca’s
The White Apron and Sofi & Luca’s
“The difference is in the details.” Chef Jay Curcio has been actively involved in the culinary world for most of his adult life, having had the pleasure of sharing food knowledge and impeccable catering services with the Seacoast area for more than 11 years now. The variety of experiences Jay gained during his early career in the food industry all led him to open The White Apron, where he currently is owner and executive chef. He loves the fact that The White Apron allows him to oversee a team of incredible talents, and has brought him the opportunity to cook for clients from a variety of backgrounds. From corporate events to weddings, local fundraisers to cocktail parties, private corporate jets to elegant events around Lake Winnipesaukee, The White Apron has done, and continues to do it all!
In addition, Jay also owns Sofi & Luca’s (named after his two children) a made to order bakery hand crafting freshly-baked cookies and treats. You can sample these “treats” at the Relevant Workshop!
“I consider my understanding of industry trends, while maintaining the integrity of the food I prepare, to be relevant in what I do for a living. Being able to communicate with a client, giving them an understanding of how we successfully contribute to their important day, and exceeding their expectations, is what I strive for. After all, food isn’t just what sustains us, but what also brings people together.”