Emma + Conor’s Hardy Farm Wedding | Fryeburg, Maine

Though we’re still as busy as ever over here (with new Clients and a big move!), January typically means it’s no longer peak wedding season for the AFA team. And as you might expect, we are seeeeriously missing all the fun that comes with event days.

Thankfully though, the fun hardly has to wait until spring. Thanks to the amazing team at Boston Magazine, we’re thrilled to be revising this picture perfect day in all it’s beauty! Emma and Conor’s sweet day was SUCH a showstopper, filled with love, beauty and a ton of personal elements. We’re so blessed for this feature and especially to be sharing it with you today – we hope you’re inspired by this day as much as we continue to be! A huge shout out to the lovely Jamie Mercurio Photography for capture the day.

Emma and Conor met over eight years ago at Connecticut College, forming a strong bond almost immediately. Starting off as strictly friends, the two quickly identified their shared interests and commonalities (think: traveling, hiking and every outdoor activity you can dream of), but more importantly, fostered a deep respect for each other’s strength, freedom and differences. During their senior year – at a dance where they spent the entire night on the dance floor together – the two decided something just felt right… and maybe more than just a friendship. Their relationship was a natural merging of two lives into one, the beginning of what would be a lifetime of joy and love.

Like the rest of their story, the proposal was nothing short of spectacular. On a fall weekend in 2017, Emma and Conor traveled to Lancaster, New Hampshire to spend a weekend away with friends and family at Emma’s family cabin. At one point during the weekend, the couple and their friends were enjoying the outdoors when someone suggested they stop and take a picture. Emma thought nothing of it, until she turned and saw Conor down on one knee.

“I was very shocked, and very confused, but of course I said ‘Yes’ and was so excited,” she recalls.

Selecting Hardy Farm to serve as the backdrop for this memorable weekend was a no brainer for Emma and Conor. This charming venue is nestled in the White Mountains of Western Maine, surrounded by the natural beauty of rolling hills, open fields and and beautiful wildflowers as far as the eye can see. It has an authentically historic vibe, balanced with a distinct ambience of rustic elegance. Whether in pursuit of adventure, or simply relaxing outdoors, nature has always brought comfort and joy to Emma and Conor’s lives, characteristics they knew were important to weave into every thread of the weekend.

“We loved the setting,” Emma explained, “and liked that the farmhouse had a lot of charm and history.”

Hardy Farm also provided the opportunity for Emma and Conor to be surrounded by a large group of friends and family from start to finish – with many of them staying on site, this tribe enjoyed a weekend of fun outdoor activities leading up to the big day. Because the weekend signified adventure, and also the calming security of their commitment to each other, Emma and Conor were honored to share the beauty of Hardy Farm with their community of family and friends.

Talk about fierce. Emma stunned in her floral appliqué Anais Anette wedding gown and thick fishtail braid that emphasized her natural waves. She sported an effortlessly beautiful look with natural make-up and simple jewelry. And these ladies by her side?! Mismatched dresses in shades of blues and greys completed the bridal party look.

Conor’s sharp look hardly failed to impress. This Groom wore a sleek navy suit with a pink tie and chestnut colored shoes. A vintage belt buckle completed the look.

After putting the final touches on their attire (and a bit of football for Conor and his Groomsmen!), Emma and Conor officially kicked off the day with their first look in a large, open field. Emma’s bouquet was a showstopper here as well – organic, unique and textural, filled with lush ferns and a mix of neutral florals and unusual foliage.

A few group pictures with their wedding party before guests arrived – what a crew!

In true Emma and Conor fashion – these two returned to the venue to greet their guests as they arrived on site. YES, you read that correctly. If this is not a true testament to their personalities, I don’t know what is. Their friends and family are so important to them, and it was a “must” from the very beginning that they greet and mingle as soon as guests arrived. Especially because they had guests travel from far – and we’re talking all the way from Sweden, far! Emma changed into a floral, lace sundress to greet her guests with love and ease, while still keeping an element of surprise by not revealing her wedding dress. Lawn games were a hit pre-ceremony and the bar was open as well, serving beer, wine and the official pre-ceremony beverage of iced tea. You can believe that this mini cocktail hour was a hit!

As guests made their way to the woodland sanctuary, Emma made a quick change back to her dress. Creative and impressive if you ask me!

Emma and Conor’s ceremony was intimate and romantic, nestled just far enough in the woods that they were surrounded by tall trees in every direction – a space that was right at home for these two outdoor enthusiasts. A large wooden pergola defined the area, adorned with tall branches and lush arrangements of ferns, florals and bleached pampas grass. To start the processional, Conor entered the ceremony space with their beloved pup Sadie, a sweet black lab who was rocking her own stylish floral details for the day. Emma was accompanied by both of her parents when walking down the aisle as her loved ones looked on with tears of joy. Many close friends were part of the ceremony through readings, poems and honoring loved ones who had passed. It was sweet, simply and overflowing with love.

And they’re married! There was such honest excitement from all of Emma and Conor’s loved ones surrounding them. And we have to admit, this is always one of our favorite moments of every wedding day!

Immediately following the ceremony, guests excitedly moved to cocktail hour (number 2?!) in the middle of the sprawling lawn and lush, enchanting gardens. A 1967 vintage photo camper – otherwise known as “Lucy” – stole the show for these guests, providing endless entertainment and an afternoon full of laughter. Two signature drinks were served at the bar as well – the Happily Ever After & Smoke and Flowers – that were pretty enough to order without even knowing what was in them.

Yum! Dandelion Catering impressed guests with beautiful hors d’oeuvres displays and tasty bites of avocado & corn tostadas, arancini skewers, and summer squash tarts.

Nothing is more fun than having a two close siblings by your side… picking you up whenever you need!

As the evening progressed, guest soon made their way towards the dining tent to the tune of classic hits by Soul City Band. Guests were welcomed by a custom seating chart that featured blue and grey geometric shapes on a stunning wooden backdrop, with gold leaves adorning the structure. The biggest shout out to Jen at The Chatty Press for collaborating on this dreamy piece!

“[The custom seating chart] was one of my favorite things,” Emma explained. “I wasn’t sure what it was going to look like, but on the day of, I thought, ‘This is incredible.’”

As guests entered the tent, the timeless, creative design aesthetic was front and center – a mixture of farm tables with dusty grey table runners and complimentary rounds with floor length champagne linens. The earth tone palette spoke to the natural beauty that Emma and Conor both love and embody.

We see you Dutch Bloemen Winkel…these centerpieces were beauties! *inserting many heart eyes*

Round tables were set with hyacinth chargers, marble plates, copper flatware and a navy cut glass goblet, while farm tables featured matching chargers and flatware, a blush plate, and a white milk glass goblet. A custom sewn grey and white striped napkin sat atop to complete the look. An overabundance of candles and natural florals were weaved into the design as well. In fact, florals were intended to look so natural that they were simply growing from the table with no visible container.

A lounge area complemented the tablescape design, complete with leather wingback chairs, ticking stripe down pillows, marble-top side tables, charcoal linen tufted ottoman and a shield coffee table with gold base.

Watching Emma and Conor enter the dining tent was a moment friends and family will never forget – in awe of the beauty and overwhelmed in the best way possible by taking in the love and emotion that surrounded them. Upon being introduced, they headed to the dance floor for their first dance to “Stand By Me” – performed by none other than Conor’s father. This special moments meant the world to Emma and Conor, and left everyone in the room with eyes sparkling and hearts full.

Dandelion continued to impress with a dinner for the ages – swordfish & cucumber, sirloin filet & fingerlings, fried chicken & corn bread, and Calabrian chili cauliflower & 3 bean salad. Yes please!

After dinner and toasts, Emma and Conor snuck out of the tent for a few romantic shots as the sun was setting. We’ll just leave these here for you…

The love between these two was obvious from the moment we met them, but these pictures make my heart burst. They have such a natural bond and magnetic energy, and it could not have been more beautiful to witness

Up next was parent dances and cake cutting for these two – and you already know how we feel about parent dances. The sweetest moments!

Emma and Conor’s guest could hardly be contained when it came to making it to the dance flew. This group knew how to party! Soul City Band kept the tunes going all night, and when it came time for the last song, this group wasn’t ready to call it a night. Instead, guests moved inside the barn for continued dancing and late night snacks until belly and hearts were full and the pure exhaustion and marital bliss fully set in.

Emma & Conor – we adore you! We loved how you made this day truly your own from start to finish. We’ve been swooning all over again looking at these pictures, forever wishing we could relive this sweet day!

We had the most incredible time getting to know and coming to love Emma & Conor throughout the planning process. Wishing them a lifetime full of happiness and endless adventures together!

xoxo, P

Get the look with A Family Affair of Maine’s specialty prop rentals for New England weddings: Hyacinth Charger, Grey & White Striped Napkins, White Milk Glass Goblet, Brass Geo Terrariums,White Washed Wood Taper Holders, White Washed Bar, Leather Wingback Chairs, Jute Rug, Ticking Stripe Down Pillows, Marble-Top Side Tables, Charcoal Linen Tufted Ottomans, Shield Coffee Table with Gold Base, Custom Seating Chart