When you think about a Maine farm wedding in September, you may think about cool, crisp autumn days with a nice breeze and lots of foliage. Well, in this case, summer decided to hang on for a couple of more weeks and this late September wedding was one helluva hot, humid and breeze-less day with maybe a few orange leaves on the trees. No one could have expected this kind of weather pattern but if you asked Ashley + Nick, it was better than a cold rainy day. Despite the hot and sweaty circumstances their wedding was a stunner. Ashley was beautiful and so calm. Nick, being the awesome groom that he is, ran around all morning making sure that everything went off without a hitch (and he did an amazing job!). Everyone came together to make this party the perfect gathering.
I met up with Ashley at the Hampton Inn just down the road from the farm in Kennebunk where I captured some of her preparations with the magical Kimberly Savage. After a while I ran up to The Homestead at Rest and Be Thankful Farm to grab some details before the festivities began. I don’t know who thought of it, but THANK EVERYTHING GOOD IN THE WORLD for the umbrellas that were provided. It didn’t rain but OH MY GAWD the sun was brutal! It was hotter than it was in July! Secretly, I wanted to go sneak up next to one of their guests and take a break from the sun, alas, there was a wondrous old apple tree that had my name under it. haha
Maine farm weddings are popular, and pretty much the way to go if you’re getting married in Maine. George and Michele, of the Homestead, make you feel right at home at the farm and make sure that the bride and groom and all of their guests enjoy their time on the property. From the barn entrance, the horses, the spaces for the bride and groom to get ready, the backyard and gardens, the fields (and sometimes even hayrides on the tractor!), you feel right at home on the farm. Michele does an amazing job coordinating everyone and ensuring we are where we need to be to make it all come together. They also provide things like adirondack chairs to lounge out in the field, giant backyard Jenga, and some corn hole to get your competitive side ramped up during the reception.
And you know how you have expectations about the way a wedding is going to go? Like, “I’m putting my money on mom (or the bride) crying her eyes out”? Well, surprise, surprise, we had a big upset and Nick was the one whose happiness got the best of him (and it was the sweetest thing, ever). At the end, he took a bow, because he kept it together enough to make through. Hooray!
During all of this, Fire + Co was working hard in even more heat while they fired up the brick oven on the back of their truck to make some delicious sliders, tacos, and pizzas. It was a difficult challenge to not hover around too much and drool. They never disappoint! (The pizza was amazing. It was so hot out but WHO CARES when it’s Fire + Co Pizza!? Kudos!)
Rustic Taps also showed up with their own vintage truck to serve up spirits – including beer from many local breweries like Rising Tide Brewing Company, Oxbow, and Banded Horn. I love how creative people are getting with their mobile services like with these vintage trucks!
In the end, Ashley + Nick’s wedding was a memorable wedding, with the heat, the food, the laughs, and the overall gathering. It was a memorable afternoon and I am honored that I was chosen to create some tangible memories for them. Congratulations you two! xo
Wedding Vendor Rock Stars!:
Venue: The Homestead at Rest and Be Thankful Farm
Photographer: Sarah Jane Photography
Hair + Make Up: Kimberly Savage
Catering: Fire + Co
Bar Service: Rustic Taps
Florals: Little River Flower Farm
DJ: Gabe FM Disc Jockey Service
Dessert: The 27th Chip
You can click here to see Ashley + Nick’s engagement session at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
If you are planning a Maine farm wedding I would love to be considered to capture some memories for you!