A CHIC WOODLAND WEDDING AT HARDY FARM IN FRYEBURG, MAINE

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This beautiful bohemian wedding at Hardy Farm in Fryeburg, Maine, had our team crying tears of joy for so many reasons. With lush florals, lots of blue velvet and a stunning bridal kaftan, this was the picture-perfect wedding for a woman whose heart cannot get any bigger.

I met Jen + Brendan back in 2019 through one of my very best friends, my incredible hairstylist, Christine. When Jen found out that Christine’s brother was in dire need of a kidney donor, she wanted to see if she was a match. Amazingly, she was and donated her kidney to Christine’s brother, giving this husband and father the greatest gift of selfless love, life. 

When I found out that Jen was engaged and planning to get married, I knew I had to step in and donate my services as a wedding planner and designer. I wanted to create Jen’s dream wedding, while making the whole experience as stress-free as possible for this incredibly beautiful woman (and the man who stood by her side). She had given a piece of herself to Christine’s family and, in return, left a permanent mark on all of our hearts.

The morning of the big day, Jen and her bridesmaids got ready at Hardy Farm, a quintessential New England venue. 

This whimsical invitation suite designed by Mintie Paperie and brought to life by Jen (and her insane DIY skills!) included a personalized crest featuring Jen’s and Brendan’s first initials. It is a unique touch and one that they can continue to use throughout their lives together. To keep their vows safe, they entered them into these keepsake notebooks.  

For her “something blue,” Jen wore peacock blue shoes by Nine West that matched the bridesmaids gowns as well as the box that she keeps her Heidi Gibson Designs engagement ring. Each bridesmaid's dress hung on a personalized hanger, making for a great memory for each of the special women in Jen’s life.

While her a-line gown from Miss Hayley Paige was glamorous, the tiered tulle and lace hemline along with the deep-v neckline kept with the bohemian feel. 

One of my favorite moments of the day was when I had the opportunity to bring Jen her bouquet, a masterpiece by Beach Plum Floral. She got emotional, then I did, then Christine did and the whole room was crying happy tears! 

The bridesmaids wore matching toile robes and Jen donned a white lace kimono as Christine from The Bridal Bar and Amanda Jean, their makeup artist, went to work, giving them all a glamorous, yet natural look. The beautiful BHLDN crystal stars and moon hair pins looked gorgeous in Jen’s long curls. 

Jen took a few moments with her beloved pup, Murphy, before her mom helped her into her dress. Tears were shed once more when her mom gave her a big hug, and then again when Jen’s bridesmaids saw her final look, and yet again when she had a first look with her dad! It was just such a beautiful morning and we were so thrilled to be a part of it. 

Meanwhile, down the street, Brendan and his groomsmen, pulled on their tuxes and dapper bow ties from Madeleine’s Daughter. Brendan’s mom helped him to button up his shirt in a sweet moment between the two. 

When everyone was ready, Brendan got to see Jen in her wedding gown for the first time. The look of awe and joy on his face says it all! They shared a sweet kiss before the rest of the wedding party gathered for pictures. 

The men looked sharp in their tuxes while the bridesmaids stunned in their peacock blue velvet Jenny Yoo Bridesmaids gowns with varying necklines. We loved how Brendan’s jacket was velvet as well, allowing him to stand out amongst his groomsmen.

And of course, Murphy had to get into the pictures, proving that furbabies can play an important role in your big day!

The ceremony took place amongst a forest of lush trees. Jen’s dad walked her down the aisle to Brendan who was waiting beneath a massive full floral ceremony pergola by Beach Plum Floral. Family and friends cheered as Jen + Brendan had their first kiss. Then it was time to party!

Guests were welcomed to the tented reception by a custom 12 foot long escort card display from Boston Backdrops, featuring beer steins personalized with the couple’s wedding crest that doubled as favors.

Inside the tent, tall centerpieces of bright orange dahlias and pampas grass graced the long tables, while blue Oxford Hidden Garden dinner napkins, pressed glass water goblets, reception menus and woven chargers were set at each place. Rattan pendants and delicate greens hung from the rafters of the tent, as well as strings of lights. Pillar candles in glass chimney hurricane lamps dotted the tables. On the sweetheart table, Jen + Brendan had “Bride” and “Groom” martini glasses. 

The white three-tiered cake was by Confection Art. 

Guests were treated to cocktails from The Roaming Speakeasy Co., putting those personalized beer steins to good use.

While the guests gathered together for cocktail hour, Jen + Brendan shared their first few moments as husband and wife privately with some gorgeous portraits taken in the sun-drenched fields.

Jen then changed into a stunning bridal kaftan by Grace Loves Lace. The sunset shining through the lace sleeves is just so romantic. 

But for their first dance, she changed back into her ceremony dress, really making a statement on the dance floor as she twirled beneath the sparkling lanterns and twinkling lights.

A custom backdrop behind the sweetheart table read, “From this day to the end of my days.” How enchanting!

Due to the pandemic, Jen + Brendan reduced their guest list by half as many of their guests were unable to attend. However, thanks to Latimer Studios, those that were unable to be there could view the ceremony the next day and were so happy to share in the moment.

As couples continue to plan their weddings in 2021, a smaller guest list does not have to mean less of a celebration. It can provide an opportunity to focus on impactful details like the stein wall and floral design for Jen + Brendan’s big day. 

Jen + Brendan, it was such an honor to be part of your special day and it will be an event we will remember for years to come!

Wedding Planning: Jessica Hennessey Weddings
Photography: Rachel Buckley Photography
Venue: Hardy Farm
Floral Design: Beach Plum Floral
Videography: Latimer Studios
Catering: Blue Elephant Catering
Bar Cart: The Roaming Speakeasy Co.
Bartending Service: Hook’d Cocktail Co.
Bar Napkins: The Emerald Hound
Cake Design: Confection Art
Custom Beer Mug Wall: Boston Backdrops
Specialty Linen Rentals: BBJ Linen
Tabletop Rentals: A+ Party Rental Maine
Hair Stylist: The Bridal Bar Boston
Makeup Artist: Amanda Jean
Ceremony Gown: Miss Hayley Paige
Bridal Boutique: Madeleine’s Daughter
Reception Gown: Grace Loves Lace
Bridal Shoes: Nine West
Engagement Ring: Heidi Gibson Designs
Bridesmaids Gowns: Jenny Yoo NYC
Menswear: Madeleine’s Daughter
Entertainment: The Middlemen Band
Lighting: Griffin & Griffin Lighting
Stationery: Mintie Paperie
Calligraphy: Allison Kathleen
Transportation: First Student Inc.