Hope you’re ready for all the feels, my friends! As we’re enjoying another fabulous start to the season, Jenna and Alans’ sweet summer wedding has been on my mind. This couple is one of a kind, and their stunner of a wedding showed off their unique personalities in the best possible way. Too excited to be sharing this memorable day with you all today!
Jenna and Alan met nearly seven years ago through an online dating website. Before the era of swiping on dating apps, these two spent their first days excitedly logging in to their accounts on their computer, hoping to see another sweet message from the other. After a few days of giddy exchanges, the two met for dinner, on the exact date of their wedding.
“I can still recall walking up to Alan while he stood at the front door of the restaurant,” Jenna explained. “I was thinking to myself how handsome he was, how perfect it is for me to walk up to him like this as our first interaction & of course, don’t fall – don’t fall – don’t fall.”
It was an instant connection for Jenna and Alan, as they sipped and dined on an outside patio overlooking a river. The train that rolled through mid-way through dinner (yes, really!) hardly impacted their flowing conversation: “We sat there and looked at one another”, remembers Jenna. “It could have been a nightmare for a first date, but it felt quite comfortable.”
Alan agreed: “I remember feeling comfortable quickly around her. But it was her natural beauty and honest smile that really jumped out to me.”
Their first date was hardly the last; the two spent their next years growing close, exploring the world together through endless adventures, and building such a pure love that most would envy. And their proposal? Nothing short of amazing. Grab the tissues for this one!
In their adventurous spirit, Jenna and Alan decided to go on road trip, stopping at a picturesque resort in the Ozark Mountains. They spent the day hiking and exploring, and ended the day with dinner overlooking the remarkable view of the mountains.
“All day I had suspected he may propose”, explained Jenna. “Right before we left dinner it started to pour, and Alan suggested we go for a walk in the summer rain, as we have done in the past. In the middle of our walk I turned to find Alan down on one knee holding my family ring that my great-grandmother, grandmother & mother have all worn. The moment could not have been more perfect.”
Like I said – ALL the feels. These two sweets started planning their destination wedding in Kennebunkport, Maine as a surprise to much of their friends and family, but we couldn’t be more grateful they chose this beautiful state for their special day.
“Adventures are kind of our thing,” said Jenna. “We wanted to celebrate our
6th anniversary with a wedding weekend in whimsical Maine with our closest family & friends.”
And celebrate they did. Jenna and Alan have the most supportive friends and family that flew from all corners of the country to celebrate their love. We’re still not over this fabulous group!
These two not only have good taste in friends, but an elegant sense of style that shone bright throughout the day. Their wedding vision was a dream to bring to life – warm hues and earthy tones created an intimate atmosphere, while complimenting pops of color and gold accents showed off their contagiously fun personalities.
A huge shout out to Snell Family Farm for these gorgeous blooms. The fun centerpieces with bright purple and pink jewel tones absolutely stole the show. And the amaranth?? Swooning over here!
The table settings were a dream. We used a mixture of rustic farm tables with complimentary rounds. Farm tables were adorned with cut glass crystal vases to make the florals pop, amethyst goblets, gold accents throughout, and an emerald napkin to complete the look. Rounds were draped with lush floor-length linens, adorned with silver urns and complete with knotted navy napkins.
My favorite part of this look was the unique table names and place card combo. Gold place card holders sat atop the plates to represent guest’s spirit animal. Talk about a creative, personal touch!
Jenna and Alan tied the knot outside on the picture-perfect lawn at Hidden Pond. Guests enjoyed pre-ceremony beverages of fruit-infused water and lemonade while enjoying the peaceful, natural surroundings.
Under a wooden arbor and surrounded by loved ones, Alan’s best friend had the honor of officiating the ceremony. Jenna and Alan laughed and cried and said “I do.”
This stunning lady was a true gem – as well as Jenna’s biggest cheerleading, Maid of Honor and loving best friend. Jenna and her mom share a special bond that was so beautiful to witness throughout the day.
And they’re married! There wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd, even as guests continued to smile the whole way through. And the look on Jenna and Alan’s face post-ceremony was simply pure bliss!
Following the intimate nuptials, guests enjoyed a festive cocktail hour on the patio at Hidden Pond. The bar was stocked with three signature cocktails including the “Benedict Drake” – smoked bourbon – for the Groom and the “Annabella Gail” – a spicy paloma cocktail – for the Bride. The “Easy Like” rounded out the list, offering guests a classic mix of vodka and Arnold Palmer with a lemon twist.
The fun hardly stopped there: guests enjoyed an array of lawn games and delicious hors d’oeuvres from Hidden Pond. A display of seasonal cheese and fruit was adorned with beautiful florals that guests raved about. And the show stopper during cocktail hour? A stocked raw bar to give guests the full Maine experience. Featuring cocktail shrimp, king crab legs, oysters, and lobster tails, this hors d’oeuvres display was certainly a crowd favorite!
We thought this cocktail hour couldn’t get any better… until Jenna and Alan told us they wanted to have a champagne tower. This replacement for a traditional champagne toast is EVERYTHING. Poppin’ bottles has never been so fun! It didn’t take long for these newlyweds to fill this beautiful tower, finish off the bottles, and share the drinks with their friends and family.
Am I the only one that noticed this versatile dress? Jenna found this Robert Bullock stunner at The Little White Dress in her home town of Denver, Colorado. She removed the off-the-shoulder sleeves following the ceremony, and slipped on a stunning jeweled belt to finish off her look.
Parent dances were a must for Jenna and Alan, and we were honored to witness such love between them. Parent dances will always pull at my heartstrings!
As guests headed into the tent for dinner, they were welcomed with a beautiful scene of unique decor, fresh florals and stunning outdoor views. A first course of arugula, parmesan and prosciutto salad draped with balsamic vinaigrette awaited guests as they found their seats.
Fried chicken anyone?! Hidden Pond served up a fabulous menu that packed the punch on flavor and lended itself to a whole lot of fun. Guests could hardly resist the crispy fried chicken, which was paired with braised short ribs, gnocchi with spring peas and asparagus, and wood fired summer vegetables.
Throughout dinner, friends and family members toasted the newly married couple with old stories and memories that will last a lifetime.
It wasn’t long before dinner commenced and the dancing began. This crew knows how to throw a party!
“We are a true Yin & Yang / opposites attract example,” said Jenna. “We see
our pairing as a major strength but also find humor in the fails
of when we walk in opposite directions assuming the other was
thinking what I was thinking. With all of our opposites – we
both hold the same values and dreams.”
It’s safe to say this fun photo booth was a hit. The boxwood wall provided the perfect backdrop to compliment the natural beauty outdoors, while fun props were used by all. Not sure if I’ve ever met a cooler group of friends!
Guests danced long into the night, celebrating their shared love for Jenna and Alan, and their newfound love for the state of Maine.
“It was important to us that we have a small wedding so we could customize to our personalities and our guests – I think that’s exactly what we achieved.”
Forever wishing we could relive this memorable night and celebrate Jenna and Alan all over again. Their loving, adventurous personalities radiated throughout the day, which we planned with care to be uniquely theirs.
J&A: we adore you! We’re forever grateful that you allowed us to be part of your special day and cannot wait to watch your next adventure together.
XOXO, Paula
Get the look with A Family Affair of Maine’s specialty prop rentals for New England weddings:
Vintage amethyst goblets | Cut crystal decor |Silver plated trophy vases | Animal place card holders |Antique white vanity | Boxwood details
And a special thank you to all of the vendors who made this day one to remember:
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Hidden Pond Resort |Event Rentals: One Stop Event Rentals | Specialty Rentals: A Family Affair of Maine (yes, that’s us!) | Photography: Jamie Mercurio Photography | Ceremony Musician & DJ: Joe Farren| Floral Design: Snell Family Farm | Catering & Bar: Hidden Pond Resort| Hair Stylist: Hair That Moves | Make Up Stylist: Joya Beauty | Invitation Design: Anticipate Invitations Wedding Dress Shop: The Little White Dress Denver, CO | Wedding Dress Designer: Robert Bullock | Bridal Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka | Bridal Veil/Headpiece: BHLDN | Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss | Bride’s Wedding Ring: Sarah O, Denver, CO | Groom’s Wedding Ring: Manly Bands | Engagement Ring: family heirloom
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