Jess and Patrick came to us with hopes to plan an epic second wedding; their first wedding had been an intimate celebration due to Covid. We lucked out getting to plan not one but TWO amazing days for them.
It was a fun-filled experience for their guests from the moment they arrived.
When was the last time you went down a 20′ inflatable slide? This couple pulled out all the stops and we are so glad they chose to work with us! We know you’re going to love them as much as we do.
Meet Jessica and Patrick
Jess and Pat met in Chicago when Jess started working in one of Pat’s restaurants, but it wasn’t until later in their friendship that they started dating. Their relationship was (and is!) full of adventure and travel. During one of our first meetings they told me they hope to explore every continent before they turn 40- including Antarctica!
From the beginning, Jess and Pat’s ideas were over the top and we LOVED it! They wanted this day to be as much about their friends and family as they did about them. To kick off the weekend of the New England adventure for their guests, they held a Lobster bake at Flanagan Farm.
Remember how I asked when the last time you had gone on an inflatable slide was? Well, Jess and Pat surprised everyone with one from 207 Bounce. The kids and the adults alike enjoyed taking their turn going down the slide!
What was the best part of the planning process?
Working with unique vendors who are passionate about their work, which was reflected throughout the creative process through execution. Having a dedicated planner (AFA) proved to be invaluable. Having a team helping navigate everything from contracts, day of schedule, to the finite details was the best decision we made in the entire planning process- not to mention all of the behind the scenes work they put in to make our wedding weekend so incredibly special!
The vendor team that Jess and Pat chose were, in fact, unique. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Make sure to check out their links!
Wedding planner: A Family Affair Maine Florals: Bad Rabbits Flowers Venue: Flanagan Farm Lighting: Griffin & Griffin Lighting Catering: Fire & Company Rentals & Decor: A Family Affair of Maine, Heartwood Essentials, One Stop events , Transportation: Custom Coach , Photographer: Cody James Barry Photography , Entertainment: Silver Arrow Band, Four Handed Illusions Central Maine Pyrotechnics , 207 Bounce, Maine Photo Bus Beauty: Rivers Edge Spa & Salon
After spending the morning getting ready, Jessica and Patrick decided to do a first look. This is such a special moment you get to share with your significant other. During this time it’s only you two (and your amazing photographer, in their case Cody James Barry Photography .)
Look how serious these two took their job!
For florals, Jess and Pat went with bright yet elegant colors. Bad Rabbits Flowers even covered our Self Standing Barn Doors in wild flowers for the ceremony. The colors alongside the rugs placed down the aisle created a breathtaking setting. Seriously, I couldn’t stop taking pictures of the florals all day!
Guests were greeted with a pre-ceremony beverage before taking their seats. The ceremony was lead by Pat’s uncle with music by Silver Arrow Band. Pat’s uncle couldn’t have said it better:
“Most sequels aren’t always better but there are definitely exceptions.”
After the ceremony it was cocktail hour, and what a cocktail hour it was. Fire & Company provided a charcuterie board, mini lobster rolls and an oyster station. They also set up the roaming speakeasy complete with a full bar (of course).
A post ceremony beverage is a must for the newly weds!
What do you feel your guest will remember the most about your wedding?
How FUN it was! With a destination wedding we wanted to make sure our guests were well taken care of and entertained the minute our wedding weekend began. From transportation to a photo bus, magician, lawn games, bouncy slide, several bars, food, fireworks to bands throughout the weekend- everyone was engaged and excited. With layers of fun and entertainment there as never a dull moment throughout our weekend long celebration.
Jess and Pat outdid themselves with entertainment. During cocktail hour they had Maine Photo Bus come. Guests were able to take fun photos with Lucy, the 1961 Volkswagen bus. Lucy was a hit with all the props!
Guests could also play lawn games. Four Handed Illusions even came and did magic show for guests.
What did you love the most about your venue?
Flanagan Farm is so special as it lends different spaces to create unique experiences all within one venue. The grounds are stunning and provide great photo options. My personal favorite is the path through the woods opening to the wooden sanctuary. The natural setting is so beautiful and provided a wonderfully intimate setting for our ceremony.
As the guests were invited into the barn for dinner they were given a suitcase tag with their table number on it. The perfect, personal touch incorporating the adventurous couple’s love for travel.
Griffin & Griffin Lighting created a stunning over head visual over the head table and added trees around the barn. A lounge set sat facing the dance floor for those special wedding chats. The whole barn came together just right and created the most perfect atmosphere.
Bad Rabbits Flowers arranged beautifully vibrant flowers to compliment our blue and white plates and vintage blue goblets.
We know it is so hard to choose- but what was your favorite part of your wedding weekend? (If you can’t choose feel free to tell us a few!)
All of it! Kicking the weekend off with a welcome party for everyone was a great way to bring people from different aspects of our life together prior to the wedding. Taking a private moment for just the two of us after our ceremony was a great recommendation we added into our day. It was great to take a breath and grab a bite to eat before rejoining our guests. As dinner wound down we invited our guests outside for dessert and a surprise fireworks display. This was the perfect transition to kick off a dance party, and the photos/video turned out great!
For dinner, Fire & Company served a family style meal. They cooked up some delicious smoked chicken with chimichurri sauce and flat Iron steak paired with horseradish crema. Jess had an outfit change and they joined guest and thanked them for coming to their special event.
After dinner Jess and Pat had one more surprise for their guests before they hit the dance floor. They invited everyone back to the tent outside for champagne and dessert where Maine Pyro put on the most incredible fireworks show.
After the fireworks everyone was fired up and ready to dance. Jess, Patrick, and their guests went on to dance the night away.
The amazing Silver Arrow Band performed and Fire & Company served the drinks. After some dancing Fire & Company brought out the last meal of the night: breakfast burritos!
Any advice for couples on their wedding day or throughout the planning process?
Trust your vendors! Give them the freedom of creativity to execute your vision, this is what they do best. Try to meet your vendors prior to the wedding. This will help them gauge your personality and style and you’ll feel more comfortable trusting their process. This is especially true for your wedding planners, photographer, and videographer!
We absolutely loved working with Jess and Pat and wish them all the happiness in the world. This sequel was definitely one to remember!
Love the rentals Jessica and Patrick used? Check out our rental shop! If you’re ready to plan the party, event, or wedding of your dreams, contact us today.
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