Happy fall my lovely wedding friends! Where has the time gone?! It seems like it was just last week that I was writing to introduce our fabulous team and setting goals for the new year. We are so blessed to have spent the past few months surrounded by charming couples, fabulously hardworking vendors, and most importantly, a great deal of love. Though we cannot wait to share our 2016 weddings with all of you, we have decided to take a step back to revisit and fall back in love with the many weddings that we are long overdue to share. So in the spirit of fall, we are pleased to be featuring the sweet day of Katie and Damon at The Farm at Eastman Hill.
These two delightful individuals met over 20 years ago, when Katie was just a young girl entering high school. Spending the next two decades as companions (Katie was actually better friends with Damon’s younger brother!), the two finally took the jump and began dating much later in life. According to Katie, Damon was “the sweetest, shy-est guy,” when they first met many years ago. “I could not get him to join a skinny-dipping pool party even under the cover of darkness.” Their first date was just as memorable as the first time they met, spending it nestled in a movie theater watching “The Black Swan”, until finally, Damon made the first move.
The two grew ever more fond of one another, until eventually Damon proposed by a beautiful waterfall in central Massachusetts. “Apparently, Damon was planning to propose to me at my favorite place in the world—my family’s lake house on Kezar Lake in Maine. Unfortunately, my parents unexpectedly showed up.”
“Damon is my complete opposite,” explained Katie. “Whereas I would rather be existing in another reality or daydreaming about another reality, Damon is firmly rooted in the earth and can navigate the nitty-gritty of life very well.” This pure balance was ever present on their special day, as they navigated the events of the wedding with ease and love, balancing one another as a team.
When Katie reached out to us in the early stages of the planning process, I understood immediately how important the venue was for her and Damon. The Farm on Eastman Hill has always held a special place in my heart, but for Katie, getting married at this location was always a dream.
“I knew that I wanted to get married in Maine near my parents’ lake house,” she explained. “My parents have been vacationing on Kezar Lake ever since I was 4 years old. Every year, we would drive by the Farm at Eastman Hill to see its picturesque views and beautiful gardens. My mom and I fantasized about having a wedding there. My mom saw on VRBO that is was available to rent for events. I couldn’t believe it.”
“The old brick farmhouse was renovated in the 1920s, so it has an art deco feel. Around that time the attached barn was converted into a stage theater. The second floor of the barn was converted into guest rooms as well as a games room. It’s an ideal place to hold a cocktail hour and dancing. Many out-of-town friends were able to stay at the farm at Eastman Hill with us as well and we had such a wonderful reunion.”
Katie’s ideal wedding at the Farm at Eastman Hill was more than just a dream, but was brought to fruition by a lovely team of vendors on the most gorgeous of days. Thanks to the wonderfully talented Emily Delamater, we have stunning images that capture the sweet elegance and charming aura of this special day.
These sweet, fall blooms were perfectly arranged in our vessels by the local talent, Sue Sidwell.
What a beautiful, fun loving group! Katie was especially fond of her bridesmaids dresses, noting the simplicity in utilizing different dresses for everyone. “I asked the ladies to either rent or use a pre-existing navy dress,” she explained. “Two of my bridesmaids rented a beautiful navy blue lace Monique Lhuiller sheath from “Rent the Runway.” I really liked not having exactly-matching dressing but everyone “went together” really well.
Another special detail we swooned over? Damon’s navy pin-stripe suit was actually the same suit that his father was married in many years ago.
This Jewish ceremony was certainly one for the books – from candle lighting ceremonies and special readings to traditional ceremonial aspects coupled with soft tunes by Laurie Meeder, these sweet loves embraced marriage in the most inspiring of ways.
Celebratory bubbles filled the air as Katie and Damon enjoyed their first moments as husband and wife. Next up, party time!
Delicious food arrangements by the fabulous 111 Maine!
Katie and Damon’s family style dinner left guests with full bellies and warm hearts. House marinated rosemary & garlic beef tenderloin, Panko crusted Haddock fillet with tomato and gremolata, and handmade ravioli were just a few of the delicious menu options. 111 Maine continued impressing guests with this beautiful wedding cake, along with an assortment of fall flavored desserts and warm apple cider.
Blueberry jam favors provided by Stonewall Kitchen were a guest favorite!
The party lasted long into the night, as Katie and Damon danced the night away surrounded by their loving friends and family members.
We are truly honored and blessed to have had the opportunity to work with with such a charming couple, as well as their delightful and supportive families. These sweet loves recently celebrated two years of marriage – congratulations Katie and Damon! We love you both very dearly and wish you continued happiness for years to come.
We’d also love to thank the entire team of vendors that assisted us in creating such a magical day.
Hair and Makeup: Lisa Nail, Portland Hair Company ** DJ: Dave Dionne Entertainment ** Photo Booth: Maine Photo Booth Co. **Event Rentals: One Stop Event Rentals and A Family Affair of Maine **Invitation Design: Minted **Engagement and Wedding Rings: Advanced Gems and Jewelry
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