This, my friends, is my dream wedding. A modern meets rustic love-fest set against one of the prettiest locales you will ever see (I’m talking to you, Barn on Walnut Hill). It’s chevron runners meets yummy goodness from Kitchen Chicks meets all sorts of awesome from Emily Carter Floral Designs, and it’s all wrapped up in one seriously amazing party. See it all captured by Becca Wood right here.
From Becca Wood Photography… Meaghan & Derek met in North Carolina where she was a newscaster for a local network. When they fell in love and Meaghan’s job took her to Maine (she now works as a newscaster for WMTW), Derek followed her up North, despite his love of the south and warmer weather. They have grown to love Portland over the past couple of years and thought Maine would be the perfect place to bring their families together to celebrate their wedding!
From the Bride… Our wedding day was overcast, when the weatherman promised sunshine. It was humid, when it was supposed to be dry. But all the unexpected surprises that day turned in to a perfect evening. Our wedding day was the perfect expression of who we are as a couple: romantic, fun and a little bit old fashioned. Best day ever!
Derek and I have spent the last three years learning about Maine and falling in love with all this state offers. We wanted to make sure our guests, the majority of whom were travelling to be here, understood what a beautiful, peaceful and rustic place it is. The Barn On Walnut Hill just had that vibe. It was elegant but tough, sophisticated and fun all at the same time. We knew it was perfect. The nature sanctuary out back was also such a breathtaking place for us to exchange vows.
Our ceremony included a reading of a letter from my grandparents who have been married for 60 years, had 11 kids, 15 grandkids and six great grandkids. They told us the secret to a lasting marriage is like baking a cake, the ingredients to which were understanding, compromise and patience. Derek and I wrote our own vows. I vowed to love him even when he cheats at Scrabble, he promised to love me when I get all “Type A” like I tend to. Hand-sewn, chevron fabric programs included a note to our guests. Each program was tied with a yellow ribbon like a little gift to our friends and families.
From the ceremony to the cocktails to the reception, each detail was meant to embody Maine’s rustic charm. Old blueberry boxes I found at a Rt. 1 Kennebunk antique store were used to serve champagne, each with fresh blueberries inside. Derek and I decided to have the inside of the barn draped and lit to soften it but still keep its integrity as a rustic, country space.
One of the favorite elements was the tablescape. Our colors: soft gray and white with pops of yellow was supposed to feel both feminine and masculine at the same time. Full white flowers: peonies, David Austen Roses and ranunculus contrasted against the grayish hues of the dusty miller in a clean white centerpiece. Yellow table numbers popped against the arrangements on a custom gray and white chevron runner. Modern, sleek bud vases with a white flower flanked the tables and a single crespedia ball graced each napkin with a menu. It was both modern and rustic; romantic and edgy all at the same time. I love the contradiction of it all – the contrast seemed to work so beautifully.
We did our best to make the day about romance and we wanted our guests to feel it. With twine, we tied tags with our stamped initials around mason jars. Inside the jars, guests could serve our specialty “Something Blue” cocktail made up of blueberry lemonade and vodka.
And speaking of little gifts, the Love Cupcake truck was a huge hit! We opted for cupcakes instead of a traditional cake. Being my favorite treat, we wanted to showcase the cupcakes in a way that highlighted them. The cupcake truck was that perfect fit! It was interactive and charming – with that vintage twist we were going for. Plus, we got a special moment to sneak out of the reception and enjoy the sweets together alone.
Ultimately, the goal of the day was to make each person feel our love for them and of course, have a seriously awesome party! Derek’s best friend Brian got up and played the banjo with the Bob Charest Band. Lobster mac and cheese and sliders kept the crowd going after dinner. Not to mention the Holy Donuts (a Maine specialty) and Maine’s official state treat, whoopie pies. All washed down with milk from a local farm in the classic glass bottles!
Above and beyond all of these details, I look back and remember, just simply, love.
Photography: Becca Wood Photography | Dress: Andrea's Bridal | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: Kitchen Chicks Catering | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Ceremony & Reception Site: The Barn on Walnut Hill | Cupcake Trailer: Love Cupcakes | Flowers & Design: Emily Carter Floral Designs | Music: Bob Charest Band