Happy Sunday, Friends! We are certainly getting back in the swing of this if I must say so myself! Today, we are thrilled to be revisiting the magical wedding of Erika and Gian at the always impeccable venue, The Barn at Flanagan Farm. With its sophisticated elegance and countless heartfelt moments, this special day was one that we were truly honored to be a part of. Captured by the ever talented Whitney of Emilie Inc., this sweet day was filled to the brim with charming details, warm smiles, and an outpouring of love.
Erika and Gian met online in 2011, shortly after Erika had ventured to Philadelphia to follow her dreams of graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania. After chatting online for a few weeks prior, this sweet couple enjoyed hours of laughs and first date jitters when they met at a Mexican restaurant in Southern Philadelphia.
“I knew I already liked him,” Erika explained when speaking of their first date. “He has a personality people are drawn to and he is very friendly. His eyes as well – they are deep brown and very sweet.”
“We met up and ended up walking to the restaurant (3 miles) because Erika was scared to get in a cab with a “stranger”, recalled Gian. “The walk helped us relax before we got to dinner though.”
Needless to say, their first date was a success, and after two years of laughter and adventure, Erika and Gian were blissfully engaged after a romantic proposal in Martha’s Vineyard.
“Gian planned a special trip to the island with the intention of proposing at Gay Head Lighthouse before a dinner at the Beach Plum Inn,” explained Erika. “When we got to the lighthouse, there was a wedding going on so we couldn’t get up there. Gian made it through dinner (barely) and took me back to the lighthouse after dinner and popped the question in the dark at the bottom of the lighthouse. It was private and surreal with the light spinning around hitting the ocean.”
It was at this point when our team entered the scene, assisting Erika and Gian with planning and sourcing rentals for their nautically inspired day. With a shared vision in mind, we were able to put our heads together to capture exactly what they wanted to transform their wedding dreams into a reality.
“Everything felt super personalized,” the two recalled. “The biggest comment from guests was that everywhere you looked there was a little detail that was very “Erika” or very “Gian.”
It is comments such as these that truly touch our souls; to know we captured Erika and Gian’s charming personalities and brought their vision to life is a gift within itself. We are forever grateful to have met these two delightful individuals and work with such an inspiring team of vendors to bring this day to fruition.
Erika stunned her guests in her beautiful Peter Langner dress and Kate Spade shoes. Her father was especially proud to see his little girl grown up and ready to walk down the aisle.
What a fun group of handsome men! The groomsmen looked sharp in their Brooks Brothers suits, but it was Gian who stole the show in his custom, grey suit and cool shades.
The weather may not have cooperated, but the rain definitely did not hinder this fabulous day! Umbrellas were at the ready as Erika, her family, and the bridal party traveled from Flanagan Farm to the breathtaking Cathedral Church of Saint Luke in Portland where Erika and Gian held their ceremony.
While each ceremony is unique and special in its own fascinating way, Erika and Gian’s traditional ceremony melted hearts. They were a team, balancing and supporting one another as they stood at the alter, hand in hand, reciting their vows and exchanging rings. Their love filled the cathedral and brought tears to nearly every eye in the room. With such a profound start to the day, guests knew a beautiful reception awaited them at Flanagan Farm.
111 Maine impressed with their arrangement of fruits, crudite, and local cheeses.
These sweet blooms provided by Emily Carter Floral Design adorned guest tables and perfectly complimented the navy details in the place setting. We loved the fun design this wedding brought – from knot ties placed throughout the barn to our black lanterns and large glass jars used to hold candles and illuminate the tables, the barn looked picture perfect as guests enjoyed a lavish dinner followed by dancing and desserts.
Soul City Band filled the room with fun, jazzy tunes throughout the evening, livening the barn and inspiring the continued feeling of joy and love that was present through the entirety of the day.
“The band was amazing and made the space come alive to the point where everyone was on their feet dancing,” recalled Erika. “They even let a guest moonlight for a song.”
This sweet couple recently celebrated two years of marriage – wishing them love and happiness and they continue to navigate through this beautiful world together! We are so thankful to have been a part of their special day – we love you dearly Erika and Gian!
We’d also love to thank the entire team of vendors that assisted us in creating such a memorable day:
Cocktail Hour Band: Tricky Britches **Wedding Cake: 111 Maine ** Hair and Makeup: Akari Beauty ** Event Rentals: One Stop Event Rentals and A Family Affair of Maine ** Wedding Favors: Seawicks Candle Company ** Invitation Design: William Arthur ** Engagement and Wedding Rings: Walter J. Cook Jeweler **Wedding Day Transportation: Maine Limousine and VIP Charter Coach
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