Ever since I filmed Kelly & Bryan's fabulous, rustic/elegant wedding there last summer, I have been itching to go back and film at the ever beautiful Barn at Hardy Farm in Fryeburg, Maine. So when I was hired to do Jillian and Dan's wedding video, I was ecstatic to say the least. I knew from our first meeting together that we would all get along famously, and that I could produce a wedding video for the Dohertys that would fit their personalities and capture the essence of their friends, family, and all those the details brought to the day.
My assistant, Elise, and I headed up on the beautifully sunny, Maine summer day, and the weather was fabulous. It was a ride-with-the-windows-down kind of day, and that's just what we did. When we reached Hardy Farm, you could just feel the excitement in the air. There's just something about the moments before a wedding ceremony that I love - nervous energy, excitement, love, hope, wonder all rolled into one beautiful and confusing emotion. The best part is seeing the support of friends and family members surrounding a bride and groom as they are going through these emotions, supporting them much like a sports team. That always seems to help take the edge off for the couple, and this day was no different. We started with Jillian's preparations in the beautiful apartment in the main house. If you haven't been, it's such a cute space, very well done, complete with kitchenette, dining room and living room. Just the perfect place to prepare with a group. I also love the full-length, trifold mirror for preparations! While the girls were all in their robes, we soon moved to the barn itself, and then the secret garden-type ceremony area tucked away a short distance in the forest. Oh, the forest. Maybe I hadn't paid much attention to them last year, but the trees were a lot bigger than I had remembered, and were so lush and green, and made the place look like something out of a fairy tale. I was so glad to have gotten to spend even a little time out there as I hadn't been before. Seriously so cool. Then it was back to the house to finish up preparations, and move on to the guys.
The nice thing is that even without doing a first look, with good communication and planning, the house is designed in a way where the groom and his guys can be kept in a separate wing from the girls' apartment upstairs perfectly. And so it worked out perfectly! After grabbing some footage in the barn, it was time to move and gather the guys into their wing and on to a few pre-ceremony portraits and the ceremony itself. And what a beautiful ceremony! It was in the garden ceremony area on the north side of the property, and the sun had just barely hidden behind the massive tree line of the surrounding forest, cooling the ceremony area. It made for a very pleasant experience for everyone, and the beautiful flowers fixed to the arbor. And that hand made arbor was so stunning (made by a friend of the bride and groom, if you can believe it!), decked out with flowers hanging in mason jars, and a beautiful floral spray by Dutch Bloemen Winkel. If I ever renew my vows or have a celebratory ceremony, I want one just like it. Seriously so awesome. Following was the ever-fun cocktail hour on the patio and lawn, complete with local Maine beers, wine, and strawberry lemonade (one of my absolute favorites!). Then on to an incredibly scrumptious dinner in the tented area, complete with toasts, thank you speeches, and so much laughter, hugging, and smiles ear to ear. After, we all gathered into the barn to watch the couple start the dancing together, then with their parents, and then with the entire group! And that group could really bust a move, and had an amazing time. It felt like I was in a modern musical with everyone singing along to Taylor Swift, dancing together and breathing life into the party! I was surprised to see there was even a Photo Booth set up in the loft area of the barn, and it added that much more fun and spontaneity to the party environment! It's always hard to leave when there is so much fun, laughter and singing going on - that's probably the hardest part of the day for me is sometimes having to part with the celebration right at its peak. But a seriously, to-die-for cupcake on our way out seemed to soften that blow. Think Dutch Chocolate meets gooey Sea Salted Caramel center, with Sea Salt Caramel Frosting. Holy crow - you know me and my sweets! And even for as sweet as the cupcakes were, they were a part of an even sweeter day, for an even sweeter couple who took TEN YEARS for their marriage to happen! So, without further ado, I present to you these details and more featured in the wedding film of Jillian and Dan! Enjoy!
If you like what you see, and would like something similar to remember your own unique and special day, I'd love to chat! 207-808-2151 or weddings@207weddings.com
-Brittany
Check out the seriously talented vendors who worked together to pull off this amazing day:
Still Photography: Greta Tucker Photography
Ceremony musician & event DJ: Aaron Topfer
Hair & Makeup: Style Me Portland
Bridal Gown: Watters
Florist: Dutch Bloemen Winkel
Catering: Good Food Store
China, Linens & Day Of Coordinator: Showcase Events
Photo Booth: Maine Snapshot Studio
Cupcakes: The European Bakery Inc.