If you live in Maine, you quickly learn that winter must be embraced (no matter how hard you try to fight it). It’s cold, yes, but the beauty of the season is something that can hardly be ignored. It’s one of my favorite times to find inspiration, practice my craft, and collaborate with some of our closest peers.
About a year ago, we had the opportunity to do just this – and thanks to our dear friends at Seacoast Weddings, we are over the moon to be sharing the result of this picture perfect collaboration with you today. We have some serious inspiration in the form of a dreamy winter styled shoot captured by the talented Greta Tucker Photography. With an all-star vendor team, a gorgeous backdrop at French’s Point Estate and a weekend filled with adventure, this vision came to life in ways we could only dream of.
Our vision for the weekend was an art nouveau-inspired elopement, designed for a Manhattan-based couple traveling to Maine with their closest friends and family in tow. For this stylish, face-paced duo, New England is the ideal destination to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
The best part of this inspiration shoot? We had an absolutely fab, newly engaged couple model for us (Annie and Garrett, thank you!) and we got to soak up all the fun as the dedicated “wedding guests”. Our team made the trip to Stockton Springs for the weekend to not only design and support our peers, but model a little bit ourselves! (Side hustle modeling career here we come 😉 ) A huge shout out to the lovely Jessika Brooks-Brewer at French’s Point for dreaming up this concept!
We designed the look with glamour in mind. The best of Manhattan luxury made its way into this black-tie styled affair through a rich color palette of emerald, gold, and black and geometric design details throughout. The invitation, designed by none other than the local Gus & Ruby team, as well as the stunning envelope by Soigne Calligraphy, set the tone for the entire event with its romantic, dramatic calligraphy and rich tones.
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Ari Kellerman and her husband on this grand adventure weekend. She curates a most stunning collection of antique jewelry, artifacts and props and has the most fascinating stories to tell on her journey to gather. If you don’t know Ari, just following her travels on the Insta will keep you engaged in the rich history that is everything Maine.
From the unique wedding ring to these classic shoes, vintage elements were incorporated into the day for an old world feel. To the surprise of no one, it was one of my favorite pieces of the design!
Our Groom was styled in a luxurious fashion, wearing black pants with a contrasting white tuxedo jacket and black bow tie. His attire was sleek and upscale, with the white jacket not only matching his Bride, but emulating the gorgeous, soft white snow that surrounded the venue.
In true Manhattan fashion, our stunning Bride had a fashion moment herself, wearing multiple looks throughout the day. For the first look and portrait photography, she was dressed in a classic wedding gown with elegant buttons adorning the back. We paired this with a sophisticated updo, vintage jewelry and a white fur wrap tied with a satin ribbon. Just look at these images! This sophisticated and seasonal look was ideal for the beautiful (and snowy!) surroundings. A tremendous thank you to Elizabeth for the care and gorgeous selection from Madeline’s Daughter.
Moving inside for the ceremony highlighted the warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complemented the natural beauty that is winter in Maine. We were honored to work with Leslie of Marigold Floral Studio and the talented team at Griffin & Griffin to design a luxurious indoor ceremony site for a romantic, intimate feel. With only 24 guests in attendance, this ceremony featured lux daybed seating and an overabundance of greenery and bright floral. The room itself was grande, so we kept the decor toned down to let the dark oak and gold tones speak for themselves. Natural candlelight only enhanced the cozy feeling of warmth and love in the space, and a gold mirrored backdrop added an element of elegance.
These flowers were simply incredible! Leslie has such a unique eye and graceful touch-she is an absolute joy to work with.
Amy Kercsmar of Harp for all Seasons provided a most beautiful and elegant performance for the ceremony and our guests. A harp is truly timeless and Amy’s presence alone with that stunning harp lent a most graceful and loving feel to the space. Anna Perlman brought the music to another level adding in some gorgeous violin.
For the ceremony and reception to follow, we styled our Bride in a complementary look: a stunning traditional and glamourous white gown with elegant buttons, billowing sleeves, and an open back. Her hair and gorgeous make-up was styled by none other than uber talented Ariel Johnson in a loose fishtail braid and adorned with a vintage hair comb for the indoor ceremony.
I love this picture! While we didn’t have a surprise proposal on set, our models did share a real connection that shined through the entire weekend. We adore them!
This bouquet was everything. Leslie of Marigold Floral Studio knocked it out of the park with this natural look filled with white anemones, yellow roses, eucalyptus, and organic vines. Stunning!
The reception details stole the show for me on this shoot, with an abundance of wild greenery and warm candlelight (these amazing tinted and mirrored glass boxes give a look of infinite candles!) creating a mysterious and inviting atmosphere for guests. We loved loved loved working with these colors! Adorned with a lavish emerald velvet tablecloth, each large guest table featured a unique block of tall and short smoke glass terrariums and an abundance of wild and enchanting blooms throughout. Beautiful cut glass hurricanes filled in the empty spaces adding a unique and contrasting moodiness. In fact, the floral design added an unexpected and modern twist to our subtle Gatsby inspiration, providing a contrast to the glamour with wild vines, natural greenery and pops of color with white anemone and peach colored roses to elevate the look. Cascading greens hung from the ceiling to add to the drama and intimacy of the room.
For daylight hours, Griffin & Griffin created these gorgeous silk gold drapes, tied back to allow for a beautiful golden frame against a picturesque and signature French’s Point waterview around the room. As the sun went down, we pulled the drapes closed and used uplighting so that the focus was on the reception details and added to the golden glow on the tables.
Each place setting featured monochromatic floral china, a black monogrammed napkin from White Tulip Embroidery and a hand-crafted place card for guests. Beautiful silver flatware and clear cut glassware from PEAK Event Services added a vintage touch to the design. We loved how this subtle color palette was immensely impactful against the rich emerald and pops of color in the floral design.
Champagne and signature drinks were poured prior to dinner – and they were just as delicious as they were beautiful! These concoctions were designed and poured by the talented crew at Bar Harbor Catering Company.
And um….can we talk cake for a moment?? We wanted some subtle stained glass details, and I’d say Melissa from Bear Brook Bakery definitely delivered! The design of this cake is phenomenal and I personally know how painstaking the detail was, from the slices to the stain, to the gold paint on the edges of each! Perfection.
Our vision for dinner was a romantic occasion filled with love, toasts and intimate conversations among this close-knit group. Elopements are one of my favorite ways to celebrate a Couple, with their truest friends and closest family members surrounding them. This feeling of warmth and love is not only what we kept in mind for the design (intimate vibe and close tables means more conversation!), but something we felt with this team of vendors on such a special weekend.
No acting here, just a whole lot of fun! We were so blessed to be involved in this shoot in such a creative way. And a night to get dressed up with my sweet husband and close friends around? I’ll gladly welcome that one! Ariel Johnson made us all look and feel like glamourous guests.
Bear Brook Bakery we see you and these picture perfect desserts… you never fail to impress! This hardworking lady is someone I’m honored to know and collaborate with – a mom of many little ones and a dear friend, she always goes above and beyond in her design. The desserts are undoubtedly flawless, but again, that CAKE?! Melissa captured every element or art-deco and took it to a whooole never level.
After an incredible dinner, what could be better to pair with dessert than an espresso bar? Dave of Espresso Dave’s has all the coffee however you like it. This is the ultimate touch to cap off dinner and keep the party rolling for a few more hours.
After a beautiful evening, a Sunday farewell brunch concluded the weekend in true Maine style, complete with outdoor activities and fresh espresso, providing an extra layer of warmth on a chilly winter day. Maine winters have a way of bringing out the child in all of us, and it is through these luxurious, fun-filled events that the best memories are made. Stay tuned for Day 2 of this weekend coming soon! Here’s a sneak peek to make the wait a little more bearable 😉
It was SUCH a treat to work with the entire group of vendors involved in this spectacular day. We’re always proud of the work that can be accomplished when we come together, and this is the perfect example. Thank you for allowing us to showcase a beautiful design and take part in this wonderful experience!
xo, P
PS: Rising Moon Films captured all of the beauty and pure excitement from this weekend in the most creative of ways. Check it out below!
Shop the look with A Family Affair of Maine’s specialty prop rentals for New England weddings: daybed settee, smoke glass terrariums, green velvet linens, antique glass and brass tea cart
And a special thank you to all of the vendors who made this day one to remember:
Shoot Venue: French’s Point Estate | Photography: Greta Tucker Photography | Design + Specialty Rentals: A Family Affair of Maine | Rentals: PEAK Event Services | Floral Design: Marigold Floral Studio | Coordination: To The Point | Catering & Bar Service: Bar Harbor Catering Company| Cake & Desserts: Bear Brook Bakery | Specialty Lighting: Griffin & Griffin | Hair & Makeup: Ariel Johnson Makeup | Videography: Rising Moon Films | Invitation Design: Gus & Ruby | Ceremony Musicians: Harpist Amy Kercsmar and Violinist Anna Pearlman| Wedding Gown, Groom’s Attire & Wedding Guest Attire: Madeleine’s Daughter | Jeweler: Ariantiquary | Bride & Groom Model: Annie Boss and Barrett Russell | Coffee Station: Espresso Dave’s / Fun to Eat Fruit | Gift Bags/Welcome Bags: Rachael Anderson’s The Best From My Nest / Salted Butter Farm / Bell the Cat
A Family Affair Design Blog 