Am I the only one wondering how March is already here? These first few months of 2017 have flown by, but we’re certainly not complaining! Spring is just around the corner and I am loving every minute of chasing away the late winter blues! The first warm days of the year are ones I cherish like no other, giving the perfect glimpse of the beautiful summer weddings that lay ahead. The Barn at Flanagan Farm is one of our favorite places in the world to host a wedding, and this one not only kicked off the 2016 season in utter style last year, but seriously gave us all the feels.
These two lovelies met at the tender age of 17, when they were just learning to navigate life at boarding school. As fate would have it, Alli and Morgan were put in the same group to work on a project during their junior year history class, and met once again when they were seated next to one again at a formal school dinner soon after. Though both were shy and quiet at first, a sweet high school love quickly blossomed that has stood the test of time.
“He was very sweet and I thought it was cool that he did freestyle skiing,” said Alli, speaking of her first impression of Morgan. “He had beautiful eyes and a great body.”
Unsurprisingly, Morgan shared these amicable feelings toward All as well. “She was very cute and shy; modest but confident,” he said.
As I’m guessing most of us can certainly remember, dating in high school can be a little tricky. Let alone dating at boarding school! These challenges hardly dampened the love between these two sweets however, as they found ways to spend time together and strengthen their growing relationship.
“At boarding school, you didn’t really have the opportunity to go on dates,” explained Alli. “The first time we really hung out was at one of the dances when we had Motor Booty Affair came to our school. Our friends were all taking pictures of us and Morgan got me to dance even though I NEVER dance. We also had our first kiss that night.”
Swooning over here! High school love never fails to tug at the heart strings.
Dancing to Motor Booty Affair and enjoying life at boarding school was hardly the last of their adventures together. For the next seven years (yes, seven!), Alli and Morgan spent time nurturing their relationship and growing closer with each passing day.
As both of their families would surely attest, a proposal after seven years of dating hardly came as a surprise. What was surprising however, and so very special, was how Morgan proposed. Someone certainly gets creativity points for this one!
“I had told Morgan many times that when he proposed I did not want anything big or in front of anyone,” explained Alli. “He had promised me that when we had found a place to live once back in Maine that we would get engaged at some point and I did not remember this promise at all. The night we moved into our new apartment, I was very sick and not feeling well. Morgan told me to get in bed and relax while he went and picked up Chinese food (my favorite). He told me I better not be asleep when he got home.”
“He came back and put all the food on the bed but the rice I had ordered was right in front of me,” she continued. “I opened up my rice and saw flower petals on it. I thought, ‘That’s weird why would they do that?’ and he said ‘Oh it must be a fancy place.” I moved the petals and underneath was a note that said, “Will you marry me?” I looked up and he was kneeling on the floor holding my grandmother’s ring. I was so shocked I think right away said “are you serious, are you kidding me?” Of course I eventually said yes! He couldn’t have proposed a better way.”
Seriously?! What girl wouldn’t want to get engaged over her favorite meal?!
Not long after the proposal, Alli’s family reached out to us with the hopes of securing an inspiring team of vendors to help create their dream wedding, one complete with rustic, chic, and classic details in a beautiful refurbished barn. Working with these two was a blast – their easygoing personalities and fun spirits made for the perfect addition to our already fabulous team. And the beauty that was created for this day?! Just wait! Thanks to the über talented Kate Crabtree Photography, we are so blessed to be able to share this beauty with all of you.
Alli’s aunt Ashley owns a boutique custom stationery business and shop in Chicago, and who better to design a unique and memorable brand for the two? Ashley was busy creating custom drink cups, napkins for both the rehearsal dinner and wedding, as well as timeless and beautiful day of place cards, programs and menus that added so much love and beauty to the many details of the day.
Alli’s natural elegance radiated through these sweet Nina shoes and gorgeous Rita Vinieris by Rivini dress. And what a stunning group of bridesmaids by her side!
Morgan certainly looked handsome as well, showing off his great sense of style with a custom Peter Renney’s Fashions suit and Cole Haan shoes. With morning preparations complete, these two snuck off to take photos with their closest friends and family members. A first look was not in the plans for the day, so just imagine the anticipation!
A few pre-ceremony family photographs to ease the ceremony jitters!
We are so blessed to know and love this entire family. Alli and Morgan truly had the most supportive group of people surrounding them throughout the entire weekend’s events. And they clearly take pretty amazing photos too!
I truly cannot think of a time when I’ve seen this intimate woodland sanctuary look more dreamy than this. So many are drawn to Flanagan Farm for this right here, this beautiful space tucked just in the woods to serve as the perfect backdrop for a loving ceremony. And I know you’re eyeing those amazing florals. Seasons Downeast Design went all out for this wedding and it certainly shows! From the lush arbor greens to the overflowing ceremony florals, the amount of beauty here was simply breathtaking.
Between the readings and profound love shared between these two, this ceremony absolutely brought me to tears. Alli and Morgan have such a tender love for one another, one that shone brightly as they exchanged rings and read their vows. Most special of all was a surprise ceremony from two of Alli’s aunts. Though they had planned to share a reading, they surprised everyone when they released monarch butterflies in honor or Alli’s late mother. It was so touching and memorable; not a dry eye in sight!
So in love with this! This sweet photo is by far one of my favorite images from the day. The first moments after a ceremony are so special, filled with such earnest joy and genuine love. These two were loving every minute of it!
Alli’s Nana Diane was truly a joy to work with during the planning process. This woman has style and grace like no other Nana on earth (although I’d have to admit that if mine were still living she might have some competition-ha!).
Morgan’s family also planned the rehearsal dinner at the venue the night prior, which was a beautiful start to the weekend.
One last photo before the party begins! How stunning is this group?!
Guests enjoyed a beautiful assortment of hors d’oeuvres and a delicious bar menu from Dandelion Catering, as well as lawn games such as croquet and corn hole. The blue skies and warm sun could not have been more perfect for this fun, outdoor cocktail hour!
We brought the outside indoors with this stunning design! The Event Light Pros blew us away with these fabulous chandeliers, adding the perfect pop of color against these lush white centerpieces. I will forever be in awe of the beauty that was created in this space, because I mean.. just look at it! La Tavola tablecloths served as the perfect foundation for these classic tablescapes, complete with an assortment of mercury glass votives and the perfect pop of color in the navy napkin.
A sweet first dance and a darling speech from Alli’s Nana kicked off the night and let me tell you friends, it was a standing ovation for all three of these wonderful people! After being introduced from the second floor balcony, Alli and Morgan danced and laughed their hearts out to a unique song written and performed by Morgan’s younger brother Will. After a loving speech from Nana, and from Alli’s beautiful and most special sister and Maid of Honor Lauren (which you get a snippet of at the incredible footage by Ryan Denning Creative at the bottom of the post), guests were ready to eat a delicious dinner and have some fun!
Yum! Dandelion Catering continued to impress guests with their impeccable family style dinner service, complete with entrees of grilled hanger steak, roasted halibut, and wild mushroom penne. And this cake! Inserting heart eyes here! Nothing Bakes Like A Parrott never fails to deliver a stunning (and delicious!) beauty of a cake.
Guests danced the night away to funky tunes from the Boston-based and very talented Unity Band. There was certainly no shortage of fun and stylish dance moves here! At one point in the night, Alli and Morgan snuck away to spend a few moments with their handsome pups as well. These sweet dogs were around all weekend and you better believe I loved every minute of it! When the night came to an end, Alli and Morgan spent time with their closest friends and family members around a warm bonfire under a beautiful starry sky.
Alli and Morgan – you two are simply amazing! We can never thank you enough for entrusting us with all of the details surrounding your special day. It was truly an honor! I so hope you enjoyed your weekend getaway honeymoon to Naples, Florida and are having the best time planning your one year anniversary trip to the Caribbean. In your new house I might add! Congratulations to both of you on this wonderful move and on almost a full year of marriage! Wishing you endless happiness and love for many years to come. XOXO
See more of the magic of this day through the talented eyes of Ryan Denning here.
We would also like to thank the following vendors for assisting us in creating such a magical day:
Hair and Make Up: O2 Salon and The Blind Pig Barber Company ** Transportation: VIP Charter Coach ** Event Rentals: One Stop Event Rentals, Heartwood Essentials, and A Family Affair of Maine Bridesmaids Dresses: J Crew
A Family Affair Design Blog 