East Coast Soul Wedding Performance

Newagen Seaside Inn Wedding in Southport, ME

August 14, 2014

Lee & Max

Ensemble: Stax | Ten Piece

A stunning coastal celebration at Newagen Seaside Inn featuring jazz in the gazebo, a soulful first dance, and a packed tented dance floor. East Coast Soul was honored to bring the soundtrack to this unforgettable Southport, Maine wedding.

Newagen Seaside Inn Wedding in Southport, Maine

Venue: Newagen Seaside Inn, Southport, ME

Band: East Coast Soul

Date: August Wedding

Couple: Lee & Max

There are coastal Maine weddings, and then there are Newagen Seaside Inn weddings — breezy, romantic, and carrying that unmistakable Down East charm. When Lee and Max invited East Coast Soul to soundtrack their celebration at this iconic harborfront property, we knew we were in for something beautiful. With sweeping ocean views, a lawn-lined cocktail hour, and a tented reception tucked among the pines, the entire evening felt warm, effortless, and deeply personal.

This was a couple who valued simplicity, sincerity, and great music — the perfect match for the spirit of Newagen and the perfect environment for an unforgettable night.

A Perfect Coastal Maine Setting

Newagen Seaside Inn is one of the most scenic wedding venues in Maine — a classic coastal retreat with wide-open lawns, ocean breezes, and views that stretch all the way into the Atlantic. Guests spent the afternoon exploring the property, taking in the rocky shoreline, and enjoying the relaxed elegance that makes Newagen feel like its own little world.

For a couple like Lee and Max, who wanted a celebration that felt organic and unfussy, this venue could not have been more fitting.

Ceremony & Cocktail Hour on the Lawn

The ceremony took place onsite with a hired string trio — a decision that set an elegant, timeless tone before the evening festivities started. Once the vows wrapped, guests made their way to the expansive lawn and deck area for cocktail hour.

East Coast Soul performed movable, low-volume jazz from the nearby gazebo, creating a relaxed and summery backdrop as guests mingled outside. Soft swing, cool jazz, and instrumental takes on familiar standards filled the ocean air without ever overpowering conversation.

With sailboats drifting in the distance and golden light settling over the harbor, cocktail hour captured everything special about summer weddings on the Maine coast.

Tented Reception with a Warm Welcome

At 6:00 PM, guests filtered into the reception tent as East Coast Soul played live music to set the tone. Lee and Max preferred a minimal-MC evening — no long introductions, no big announcements — just a simple, joyful moment to welcome the newlyweds into the room.

As requested, the band kept microphone use understated and tasteful all night, guiding the flow of events while keeping the focus where it belonged: on the celebration itself.

A Romantic First Dance

Before dinner began, Lee and Max shared their first dance to a live performance of “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green — a soulful choice that fit perfectly with the atmosphere of the evening. Halfway through the song, we welcomed guests to join in, filling the dance floor with warmth and connection right from the start.

Dinner, Toasts & Coastal Atmosphere

Dinner was served as a sit-down meal, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the stunning ocean views under the soft glow of string lights. Lee’s father offered a heartfelt welcome toast, followed later by speeches from the Matron of Honor, Jackie, and Best Men Tory and Mark.

Throughout dinner, the band kept things understated with recorded instrumental music per the couple’s request — smooth, unobtrusive, and perfect for conversation.

Parent Dances

After dinner, the evening transitioned into parent dances. Lee shared a sweet dance with her father to “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra, performed by the band. Max and his mother followed with a joyful rendition of “I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder — a moment that filled the tent with smiles.

Both dances were intentionally kept short, creating meaningful moments without slowing the evening’s momentum.

A Dance Floor That Never Slowed Down

Once the formalities wrapped, it was time for the dance floor — and this crowd was ready. As the couple requested, East Coast Soul opened with Motown and oldies, drawing every generation in immediately. The first set featured classics from Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Sam & Dave, Al Green, and more.

As the night progressed, we moved into more contemporary selections, keeping the dance floor full from start to finish. The tent glowed with energy, laughter, and the kind of joyful chaos that defines an amazing Maine wedding.

Breaks were brief, recorded music stayed instrumental, and the party kept rolling straight through until the final note at 10:00 PM.

A Beautiful Night at Newagen Seaside Inn

Lee and Max’s Newagen Seaside Inn wedding was everything we love about performing in Maine — welcoming, heartfelt, ocean-kissed, and filled with great people who came ready to celebrate. East Coast Soul was honored to be a part of it, and we’ll always remember this unforgettable August night on the coastline.

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