Woah girls. It’s August! The summer is flying by and it’s time for our first fall wedding feature. I know, we can’t believe it either. What better way to kick it off than with Erin McGinn‘s gorgeous images of Stacy and Aaron’s wedding on the coast of Maine. The details and decor were all dusted with a bit of autumn inspiration and the couple took the rainy, fall day in stride. We know you’ll enjoy this one as much as we do!
What made the wedding special and unique?
We were truly committed to finding a location that was a mini getaway for our family and guests and also provide an intimate ceremony and reception. After a long search, we found the perfect location to meet all our needs at French’s Point Estate in Stockton Springs, ME. Our wedding party stayed with us at The Beach Rose Farm, a rustic and charming farmhouse where we spent a few nights with friends and family prior to the wedding. Our families stayed in a cottage house next door on the Estate grounds. It was such a warm and loving experience to have everyone important in our lives together on the Estate. We were able to share the whole Down East Maine experience with a casual, traditional lobster boil on the waterfront at The Lobster Pound for our rehearsal dinner followed by an evening gathering at the fire pit on the bay. With the help of Judy, owner of Flora Fauna, we created our perfect vision with white pumpkins, eucalyptus garlands, lanterns, lace, fiddle heads and wheat. Our colors were a mix of cream, shades of rose, brown and rosewood.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
My perfect dress created by Alvina Valenta was made of ivory lace with a champagne underlay, three tiered hem and sweep train. I found this dress on my first visit to Madeleine’s Daughter, a boutique in Portsmouth, NH. When I tried this dress on for the first time the beautiful, fitted vintage style gown spoke elegance and my old soul heart. My Mom, Aaron’s mom and myself all new immediately it was the one!
What were some touches added to make it personal?
There were many small touches throughout the ceremony and reception that made it personal to us. Being fall, the day was cooler, fur blankets and warm mulled apple cider were provided. A passed down family sixpence, symbolizing health, wealth and happiness was in my shoe as I walked down the aisle. Wearing a diamond pendant that was created from Aaron’s great grandmother’s engagement ring added a sense of nostalgia. The gazebo by the Bay was a perfect setting to exchange our vows. As guests entered the reception they were invited to leave a message on bottles of wine from our favorite vineyard. It was mere coincidence that the vintner shares our married name. We are looking forward to opening them on future anniversaries. We thought it would be special to identify our guest tables with names and sepia tone photos of places that were important to us throughout our relationship. The sepia tones on photos and fonts on invitations and printed items lent a feel of nostalgia and a bit of Mumford and Sons style. We wanted an intimate feel throughout our day and a farm table was centered amongst the guest tables. Our parents, Best Man and Matron of Honor were seated with us. We felt that having a “first dinner” as Mr. and Mrs. Jordan, with our new extended families was a moment to remember and enabled us to spend special moments with all of our guests. Each guest left that evening with a thank you basket containing drawstring muslin bags with packets of cider and caramels and homemade mini pumpkin muffins.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
French’s Point is a waterfront estate situated on Penobscot Bay. As you can imagine, the photo opportunities were endless. One of the most unique and beautiful areas was what French’s point called “The Wedding Tree”. I waited for Aaron’s arrival on a wooden swing hung from the stunning tree. It was there that we shared the most memorable, private part of their wedding day, the first look prior to the ceremony.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
We met on EHarmony, an online dating website where we exchanged email for a few weeks prior to having our first date. We knew right from the start we had a strong connection. Most of our first dates consisted of mini getaways to local eclectic towns, concerts, and great restaurants. In fact, one of our first dates was to Newport, RI; a favorite town our ours. It was so meaningful thus far in our relationship, that Aaron thought it was the perfect location to propose. I felt so special to have a private proposal on the balcony in our private suite overlooking the waterfront.
Vendors: Photography: Erin McGinn // Venue: French’s Point // Band: Sweet Tooth And The Sugar Babies // Suits: Men’s Wearhouse // Cake: Confection Art // Invitations: By Invitation Only On Etsy // Paper Design: Pickled Cherry // Earrings: Maria Elena // Dress Boutique: Madeleine’s Daughter // Designer: Alvina Valenta // Hair and Makeup: Big Day Beauty // Floral Design: Flora Fauna