Alex and Mark’s Vintage Glam Hardy Farm Wedding | Fryeburg, Maine

This stunning couple is not only getting ready to celebrate their first anniversary; they just welcomed their first baby into the world! Congratulations, Alex & Mark! I still cannot help but smile when I think back to this splendid day at Hardy Farm this past May of 2018. Their love for each other lit up their rainy Maine wedding day.

Since meeting these two at the very beginning of the planning process, it was easy to see their immense fondness for one another – they have a magnetic energy that was obvious and easy. We have been swooning over this day and couldn’t be more honored to share it with you!

These two beauties met nearly ten years ago through mutual friends at a hockey game in Boston, MA. They started off as friends, with their sense of humor bonding them initially.

When thinking back to their first date, the pair decided they didn’t really have one. Although at the time they went as friends only, they would probably have to consider their trip to the Topsfield Fair to be the first “date.”

Mark explained, “We formed a friendship that led to an unlikely relationship and eventually to marriage, and if I could do it again I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“I think we are alike, but also so different,” he continues. “There was always a high comfort-level and I never felt like I had any sort of guard up or was pretending to be someone I am not. We challenge each other to be better people. We learn from each other and can have really nonsense conversations or intelligent conversations. We get out and do things and just enjoy being together.”

Their engagement was the perfect mixture of romance and wit. While off enjoying the scenery of London along with the play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”, Mark got down on one knee, declaring, “I promised your dad you’d call your mom with the good news.” He tenderly asked Alex to be his wife with the perfect ring.

Their wedding vision was an absolute dream to bring to life. With classic elegance, Alex and Mark brought together the new and the old. Soft pastels and earth tones with accents of gold set a dreamy atmosphere, perfect for their unique, relaxed personalities.

From the emotional moments of getting ready, to the first look, and – most importantly – The Kiss, this couple’s day will never be forgotten. A huge, heartfelt thanks to the amazing Emily Delamater for capturing each memorable moment and detail in photos.

The table settings were well thought out: a mixture of large round and Hardy Farm’s farm tables. Extra long gauze style runners in slate were draped on the farm tables, while floor length white linens adorned the rounds. While all tables had a mixture of different blue and white patterned vintage plates, the rectangular tables had low arrangements and green vintage goblets while the rounds had slate blue goblets, all accented with touches of gold in both votive candles, candlesticks and the gorgeous hammered gold flatware. A sweet light blue hemstitch napkin completed the look.

Alex and Mark beautifully tied in their home – Boston – with their wedding destination. She says, “I liked how we were able to incorporate Boston and Maine in the wraps for our invitations by using an old logo from the defunct Boston-to-Maine railroad.”

Krista Knickerbocker, Mark’s amazingly talented sister, designed their breathtaking invitations.

Alex found her ethereal bridesmaid dresses from BHLDN. With a simple yet elegant feel, the dresses tie in perfectly to the overall aesthetic. Each bridesmaid looked radiant in her dress alongside her luxurious bouquet of peony, thistle, ranunculus, dusty miller, and silver dollar eucalyptus by Snell Family Farm.

The “I dos” were said out in the gorgeous forest ceremony site at Hardy Farm, beneath a simple, rustic arbor that was adorned with soft gauzy fabric and greenery. One of the favorite parts of Alex’s processional was the adorable flower girl and ring bearer.

I was amazed with the array of Alex’s talents. She took to hand lettering during the planning process and created all of the signage for the day from the welcome sign, adorable ring bearer sign and the incredible blue ribbon place cards seen above.

Being married by Mark’s sister is something this couple holds near to their hearts as a special gift. Alex says, “Mark’s sister married us and we gave her free reign to say whatever she wanted and it was beautiful; her little sentiments and stories were so perfect. Mark’s sisters Caroline and Angela’s readings that we selected were fitting. I did force Mark to write our own vows and I am so glad I did! It was so touching to hear his words and to express how I feel about him in front of the most important people in our lives.”

Cocktail hour was also stamped with their own personal touches. “The cocktail Mark made and bottled was certainly unique and I loved the little flasks we chose to serve them in, with the vintage map of Winchester, his hometown, on the front.”

Guests were able to warm up around the fire pit while enjoying the signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

“The food was amazing – unlike most weddings we’ve been to. I wanted the food to be stellar and not an afterthought or a boring ‘chicken, fish or beef’ type of menu. Fire & Co knocked it out of the park,” added the bride.

Post cocktail hour, guests were invited into the barn to witness their first dance to Rock of Gibraltar by Nick Cave.

Guests entered the tent and circled the dance floor to witness Mark and Alex pouring the champagne tower; a first for us! We all sort of nailed it.

The dinner buffet consisted of spit slow roasted pig, roasted chicken, rosemary fingerling potatoes, grilled spring vegetables and kale caesar salad. It was abundant and beautifully served by Fire + Co staff.

Alex and Mark had desserts galore, from their scrumptious 3-tiered Naked Cake with a triad of different flavors from top to bottom; vanilla / blueberry / lemon, carrot frosted with gold-leaf and cookie dough. Drool!

Not to mention they also had cake the most incredible cake pops, fresh macaroons, pie pops, mini pies, and even mini cupcakes. Everyone’s sweet-tooth was beyond satisfied.

Every part of the timeline carried with it meaningful moments that didn’t stop. The energy on the dance floor was super infectious and the party ensued until the wee hours of the night.

I so wish we could relive this stunning day over and over again! These two really made it their own, just like their love story.

We had the most incredible time getting to know and celebrate Alex & Mark on their wedding day. Wishing them the very best on their new adventures together as parents!

Much love,

Paula

Get the look with A Family Affair of Maine’s prop rentals: