Coastal Wedding Inspiration Archives

December 3, 2019December 3, 2019

Sample Winter Wedding Weekend Itinerary

At French’s Point, no matter the season, each wedding hosted here is a reflection of our couples and their vision for the experience they wish to share with their family and friends. We LOVE these weddings! But we love nothing more than a winter weekend wedding at French’s Point. It brings back memories of my own winter wedding 10 years ago. Winter weddings possess a magic and beauty all their own, simply not found in any other season. Perhaps I am biased. I do think that French’s Point was made for weddings, particularly this time of year. If you are considering a winter wedding, I thought I would share a sample winter wedding weekend itinerary with you for inspiration. Put your own touches on this and make the weekend your own!

“Winter weddings possess a magic and beauty all their own, simply not found in any other season.” – Jessika, Owner of French’s Point

FRIDAY

1:00PM Check in to French’s Point! Settle into your room and take a deep breath. A festive weekend lies ahead.

2:00PM Kick off the comradery and memory-making with a snowman making contest, some epic sledding down the West slope behind The Farm or a horse drawn sleigh ride around the estate grounds.

3:00PM Freshly bake snickerdoodle cookies and hot coffee make your guests feel at home.

4:00PM Gather your wedding party, family and everyone participating in the ceremony for a rehearsal at your chosen setting to work out the jitters so everyone can relax on the big day. Choose from a cozy setting inside the Conservatory with broad views of the bay or a refreshing location at the Gazebo for a ceremony no one will soon forget!

4:30PM Meet at the bar at The Retreat for a cocktail party and welcome your guests to your rehearsal dinner.

5:30PM Enjoy a delicious rehearsal dinner of wood-fired pizza with seasonally-inspired flavors in the Retreat House Conservatory.

7:00PM Cuddle up around the fire pit on the Cobblestone Terrace in a cozy blanket and reconnect with family and friends while you enjoy in cozy blanket and reconnect with family and friends while you enjoy s’mores fresh off the fire and a hot cocoa bar.

10:00PM Get some rest! Tomorrow is going to be a big day.

SATURDAY

8:00AM Rise and shine, it’s your wedding day! Snowshoe the trails and along the shore in Sandy Point State Park or enjoy a morning yoga session for the wedding party and family lead by a local instructor inside the sun-filled Conservatory.

9:00AM Enjoy a cup of coffee, freshly baked cinnamon rolls, quiche, and fruit with your family at The Farm before you freshen up.

11:00AM Your wedding vendor team arrives to begin preparation at The Retreat. Pampering time begins for you and your wedding party with hair and make-up sessions with your chosen provider in front of the fireplace at The Farm House Parlor. Your ladies snuggle up in front of the fire in the beautiful, locally-made blanket wraps you gifted them for the occasion. Sit back and enjoy the hours leading up to your ceremony with those nearest and dearest to your heart.

12:00PM The wedding party lunch delivered with popovers, warm butternut squash soup & bellinis!

1:00PM The grooms party enjoys the game on the TV in the Recreation Room at The Retreat while they begin preparing and dressing for the festivities. Don’t forget those wedding rings!

2:00PM Here comes the bride! The Bridal Party moves to the Retreat House and has pre-ceremony photos taken on the balcony overlooking the estate. Don’y forget your wrap!

The groom’s party enjoys the distraction of a game of poker or pool while awaiting pre-ceremony photos.

3:30PM The ceremony bell rings out over the bay and calls your guests to the ceremony location of your choosing: the breath-taking Gazebo or inside our stunning Conservatory inside the Retreat House. The moment you’ve been waiting for is here! Your ceremony will commence with that storied stroll toward your beloved.

4:00PM Congratulations to the happy couple! Take your first photos as husband and wife, with your wedding party and family. Head outside to catch the beautiful sunset with your new spouse and photographer. We offer a variety of locations to capture this splendid light.

Your guests will warm up with soup and grilled-cheese passed apps in the Lounge by the roaring fire, while they mix, mingle and enjoy cocktail hour with delicious stationary and passed hors d’oeuvres.

5:00PM Before the dinner reception begins, gather your guests in the foyer and snap some group photos from the balcony. This is a beautiful record of the guests who were able to join you for your big day.

5:15PM Guests are ushered into the beautiful Retreat House Dining Room appointed with beautiful farm tables set for family style service and appointed with all the details you imagined for the reception.

5:30PM Before dinner, introductions of the family and wedding party followed by speeches. Cheers to the happy couple!

5:45PM Dinner is served! Enjoy unique fare chosen by you, provided by your wedding catering partner of choice. A harvest-inspired menu of port wine poached pear salad with a fresh goat cheese, roasted turkey & pork with cranberry chutney served with locally sourced vegetables.

6:15PM Official cake cutting. Enjoy your first dance as a married couple in the Conservatory. It’s time to boogie!

6:45PM Cake and coffee are served.

One last call from the bar. Enjoy one last dance with your sweetie for the perfect ending to a magical day!

9:50PM The Unplugged After Party begins with a laid-back vibe while guest remove their shoes and relax by the fireplace in the Lounge. Fuel the fun with delicious late-night treats with the arrival of a vintage food truck serving sausage subs, pizza, or warm cookies and milk! Take in the silent night and the view of the moonlight dancing on the water and the snow-covered fields.

10:00PM Vendors begin preparing for the next day’s gathering.

11:00PM Bid your guests farewell & return to your cozy room & watch the moon sparkle over the freshly fallen snow.

12:00AM Retreat to your beautiful suite with your new spouse to reflect and celebrate this magical experience.

SUNDAY

8:00AM The caterer arrives to prepare for the farewell brunch. Begin your first day as husband and wife!

9:00AM Your guests stop by The Retreat House Dining Room one last time to say goodbye and enjoy a farewell brunch before heading home. Enjoy a beautiful, hearty buffet, or offer portable food and coffee to-go so guests can get on the road after they bid you farewell.

1:00PM Check out time. Pack up your gifts, snap one last picture to immortalize the experience, and hit the road. It’s time for your next adventure

February 25, 2019March 17, 2019

A Neighborhood Wedding Celebration

Brendan Bullock Photography - French's Point - Family Vacation Home Rental - Maine Wedding Venue

We are blessed… for so many reasons. One of the things that we cherish most about our work here at French’s Point is that our celebrations are all about family & milestone moments. Every wedding & gathering we host here is a gift; one we give and one we receive back twice again. We know that not everyone is so privileged with work that is so happy. Every once in a while, we get to host a wedding that has a personal connection to us directly.

In June, we celebrated Marion & Alex, alongside their family and friends. Marion was part of the tribe of children who grew up here with me on Hersey Retreat Road. Her cottage was two doors down from my own. The path between our homes was well-beaten as our raggle-taggle crew roamed freely between homes all summer. Marion is the youngest of the four siblings in her family. Her sister and I played and competed in the Miss Sandy Point Competition, one younger brother was close to my younger brother and her other older brother and I were friends and sweethearts for a summer. Her parents were always kind enough to fold me into their activities at nearby Fort Knox, antique shopping, my first trip to Moody’s Diner & adventures aboard their sail boat. Her father is a doctor who mended a broken foot in junior high after a soccer injury. He is a history buff and brought that history to life with the best stories (somewhat rooted in truth and enhanced with fantasy). Her father and mine were childhood friends that grew up in the same cottages, just doors away. Her grandparents were members of the church that owned French’s Point before we bought it. I considered Marion’s grandparents the matriarch and patriarch of our little summer community. They are very special family to me, and life-long summer neighbors. Marion might have been the smallest of the sea of cousins in the Bradford Cottage, but she was mighty and adored by all. My sweet father dubbed her “Maid Marion” and to this day, the name has endured for him.

After Alex proposed at the gazebo at French’s Point, they came to me. It seemed for them that celebrating here was the only option, given their connection to the place. They engaged an incredible team of vendors who brought their plans to life for the weekend. Marion in adulthood is articulate, kind, patient, diplomatic, intelligent, and loving woman. It was such a gift to reconnect with her at this stage in our lives. Alex adores Marion and I am so happy to see the mutual respect and admiration between them. We got to be a part of the sweet, joyful, glorious weekend, and for that, my heart is full.

Marion & Alex

June 16^th, 2018

Bar Services: Trillium

Catering: Trillium

Ceremony and Cocktail Music: Michael Beling – Pianist

Ceremony Venue: The Gazebo at French’s Point

Design and Styling: One & Supp

Dessert: Trillium

Dinner and Dancing Entertainment: Dan Capaldi

Floral Design: One & Supp

Hair: DIY

Makeup: Vanesse at Beauty Mark Salon

Officiant: Woodrow Travers

Photography: Brendan Bullock Photography

Planner: The Purple Orchid

Reception Venue: The Sail Cloth Tent at French’s Point

Rentals: One Stop Rentals & Wallace Events

Transportation: Golf Carts

Rehearsal Dinner Catering: Bar Harbor Catering Company

Rehearsal Dinner Bar Service: Bar Harbor Catering Company

Rehearsal Dinner Location: The Farm House Beach at French’s Point

Rehearsal Dinner Band: John Smedley

Rehearsal Dinner Florist: One & Supp

Rehearsal Dinner Rentals: Wallace Events

Rehearsal Dinner Portable Restrooms: Wallace Events

Rehearsal Dinner Sound: Wallace Events

December 17, 2018December 20, 2018

Vendor Spotlight: Posh + Walker

Maine Wedding Welcome Bag - Posh + Walker - Personalized Gift Bags - A Fogarty Photography

Are you the type of person who always wants to give a thoughtful personal gift but you don’t have time to find it, buy it, and send it?

Posh + Walker has curated gift boxes for every occasion that are wrapped in style and ready for delivery. Take the hassle out of gift giving and make it personal again. They hand wrap each gift and sign every card with a personal note inspired by you.

How long have you been operating your business?

Posh + Walker officially launched in June of 2017.

What inspired your passion for gift design?

We (Amanda & Christina) met in the wedding industry and discovered our shared love of thoughtful gifting during the planning of a styled shoot. We both were already creating custom gift boxes for our engaged couples and had a passion for gifting in our personal lives as well. We realized that although other people want to give more thoughtfully they don’t always have time to put together the perfect gift – not to mention the dreaded run to the post office! The idea of Posh + Walker was born out of the desire to help others gift more thoughtfully without the hassle!

How would you describe your products and services?

Posh + Walker offers a variety of curated gift boxes in our online shop, but what we are most passionate about is custom gifting. We create custom gifts for weddings, corporate events, client branded gifts, and so much more. Together, we work with our clients to create a gift that truly represents who they are as a couple or brand. Our goal is to always make our client’s recipient feel loved and appreciated.

We most recently have launched a Thoughtful Gifting Workshop Series where we team up with local vendors to provide a unique experience to our community. We have hosted sold out floral arranging workshops, wellness themed workshops, and have a few holiday centered workshops on the schedule for the upcoming months.

What products do you typically provide to wedding clients?

We work closely with our wedding clients to create custom gifts such as welcome bags, “will you be my bridesmaid/groomsmen” gifts, bachelorette goodies, and more! The options are endless on creating something that is unique and personal for the couples.

We also have an online shop where we sell pre-made gifts that our wedding clients enjoy like our Welcome to Maine Box, His & Her Bathroom Kits, Bridal Emergency Box, and more.

Please provide us with a sample of a few gift options with prices for Maine weddings.

Welcome to Maine Box

(https://www.poshandwalker.com/product-page/welcome-to-maine)

$18-$22

His/Her Bathroom Kits

(https://www.poshandwalker.com/product-page/his-her-bathroom-guest-kits)

$99

Bridal Emergency Kit

(https://www.poshandwalker.com/product-page/bridal-emergency-kit)

$69

All custom gifts are created based on the client’s budget, delivery, etc.

Do you do any sort of personalization to your products or gift boxes?

Yes! The options are endless with our custom gifting. We have done everything from personalized tote bags to cookies from a local bakery!

How early in advance should our clients book your services?

If clients are looking to create custom gifts with Posh + Walker we recommend reaching out at least 3-5 months prior to their wedding day.

Owner(s) Name: Amanda Fogarty & Christina Padavano

Business Name: Posh + Walker

Address: 6 Classical Lane

City/State/Zip: Scarborough, ME 04074

Phone: 207-951-2956

Email: [email protected]

Website: poshandwalker.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poshandwalker

Twitter: n/a

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poshandwalker/

October 10, 2018October 10, 2018

Fall Weekend Wedding Itinerary

Real French's Point oceanfront Maine wedding | Chris Bennett Photography

Here in Maine, Fall wedding celebrations have become increasingly common, and now rival the summer season for the most sought-after wedding dates. We’re seeing the same trends here at French’s Point. Our seaside location makes us the perfect spot to take in the crisp salt air and brilliant fall foliage that autumn in Maine offers.

According to The Knot, the traditionally popular month of June still attracts a sizeable 13% of annual US wedding celebrations with its lush, vibrant florals and beautiful weather and comfortable temperatures. But the Month of October now comes in third, hosting 12% of all weddings annually with it bright foliage and lovely weather. November is also rising in popularity here at French’s Point for the same reason.

It’s easy to see why so many couples choose a fall event. Steaming mugs of hot apple cider, cozy conversations by the bonfire, impromptu games of flag football, and hay wagon rides evoke their favorite and memorable fall experiences. A long, fall weekend makes for a relaxed, unhurried celebration. It’s no wonder couples are choosing to get married in Maine at this time of year.

Sample Fall Maine Wedding Weekend Itinerary

Here’s one sample itinerary that will keep your guests well fed, comfortably cozy, and thoroughly entertained while they enjoy all the quintessential elements of fall in New England:

Thursday

12:00 p.m. Get your marriage license from the Stockton Springs town office between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. to make it official! The Town Office is not open on Friday.
1:00 p.m. Check in to French’s Point! Settle into your room and soak in the salt air and scenery.
6:00 p.m. Fire up the barbecue grill and enjoy burgers and brats and sample fall-inspired local beers like Marshall Wharf Brewing Company’s Danny McGovern’s Oatmeal Stout, Geary’s Autumn Ale and Shipyard Pumpkinhead with your family and friends as they roll into town to join you for the weekend.
8:00 p.m. Cuddle up fireside and reconnect around one of the many fire pits at the estate. Enjoy the warm, gooey delight of s’mores fresh off the fire.

Friday

7:00 a.m. Start the day off with a morning yoga session for the wedding party and family lead by a local instructor in the sun-filled Conservatory at The Retreat House where you can take in the foliage views of the bay.
8:00 a.m. Enjoy a breakfast of freshly baked apple spice muffins and hearty oatmeal awaiting you in the parlor at The Farm House.
10:00a.m. Choose your own Maine adventure! Excursions to the top of the tallest bridge observatory in the Northeast at Penobscot Narrows Observatory for spectacular leaf peeping with tours of the nearby Fort Knox historic site. Enjoy a tour of one of the many local wineries and breweries. Explore a pumpkin patch or pick-your-own apple farms.
3:00 p.m. Ceremony rehearsal. Gather your wedding party, family and anyone else participating in the ceremony for a rehearsal at your chosen setting to work out the jitters so everyone can relax on the big day.
4:00 p.m. Sip Autumn-inspired cocktails on the terrace and enjoy sunset hayrides through the fields and orchard with your guests.
6:00 p.m. Host a family style harvest dinner on long farm tables, with wood-fired cuisine, prepared by your chosen catering partner in the Retreat House Dining Room in front of the fireplace.
8:00 p.m. Cap off the night with hot toddies and warm apple cider enjoyed in front of the fireplace in The Retreat House Lounge.
10:00 p.m. Get some rest! Tomorrow is going to be a big day.

Saturday

7:00 a.m. Rise and shine, it’s your wedding day! Take a walk through the trails in the Sandy Point State Park and enjoy the beautiful foliage and smell of salt water and pine.
8:00 a.m. Enjoy a cup of coffee, freshly baked quiche, and fruit with your family at The Farm at French’s Point before you freshen up.
9:00 a.m. Your wedding vendor team arrives to begin preparations at The Retreat at French’s Point.
10:00 a.m. Pampering time begins for you and your wedding party with hair and make-up sessions with your chosen provider in the Top Level Apartment Parlor of the Retreat House. Sit back and enjoy the hours leading up to your ceremony surrounded by the ones you love.
12:00 p.m. Wedding party lunch delivered with curried pumpkin soup and apple salads. The groom’s party and family can enjoy a casual lunch on the barbecue lawn after enjoying some healthy competition with a game of flag football on the recreation lawn at The Farm.
2:00 p.m. The groom’s party arrives at the Recreation Room at The Retreat to work out those nerves with a game of pool or darts, or watch the game of the TV. Don’t forget those wedding rings! Bridal party gets dressed and has pre-ceremony photos taken on the balcony overlooking the estate.
3:00 p.m. A bluegrass band sets the mood as guests arrive by trolley to mingle and enjoy hot mulled cider on the terrace.
3:30 p.m. The ceremony bell rings out over the bay and calls your guests to the ceremony location of your choosing: the Gazebo, the Oceanfront Lawn, Lower Level Terrace or East Overlook Terrace. Offer locally made wraps to keep them cozy while you say your vows.
4:00 p.m. Congrats to the happy couple! Take your first photos as husband and wife, with your wedding party and family. Your guests will mix and mingle while they enjoy cocktail hour with delicious drinks and hors d’oeuvres on the terrace, take a stroll on the bluff path, take in the commanding view of the foliage on the shores of the bay from our signature Grand Daddy Adirondack chairs, or play a rousing game of cornhole on the oceanfront lawn.
Before the dinner reception begins, gather your guests and snap some group photos on the cobblestone terrace. This is a beautiful record of the guests who were able to join you for your big day.
5:00 p.m. Guests are ushered inside the beautiful and cozy Retreat House Dining Room or the Sailcloth Tent Structure for the reception with tables set with all the details you imagined.
Catch the beautiful sunset with your new spouse and photographer. We offer a variety of locations to capture this splendid light of the setting sun and rising Harvest Moon.
5:20 p.m. Before dinner, introductions of the family and wedding party followed by speeches. Cheers to the happy couple!
5:40 p.m. Dinner is served! Enjoy unique fare chosen by you, provided by your wedding catering partner of choice.
6:30 p.m. Official cake cutting. Enjoy your first dance as a married couple. It’s time to boogie!
7:00 p.m. Cake and coffee are served.
9:55 p.m. Enjoy one last dance with your sweetie for the perfect ending to a magical day!
10:00 p.m. Move the party to The Retreat House to enjoy an unplugged after party with a laid-back vibe. Fuel the fun with delicious late-night wood-fired pizza with fall flavors like roasted butternut squash and ricotta, and spicy sausage and apple. Snuggle in front of the fire as you recount the adventures of the day.
12:00 a.m. Bid your guests farewell and retreat to your beautiful suite with your new spouse to reflect and celebrate this magical day. Vendors begin preparing for the next day’s celebrations.

Sunday

8:00 a.m. Enjoy your first cup of coffee as a married couple as you enjoy the sunrise over the bay from your private balcony. The caterer arrives to prepare for the farewell brunch.
9:00 a.m- 11a.m. Your guests can stop by The Retreat Dining Room one last time to say goodbye and enjoy a farewell brunch before heading home. Enjoy a beautiful, hearty buffet for a more formal affair, or offer portable food and coffee to-go so guests can get on the road after they bid you farewell.
12:00 p.m. Sit in the Grand Daddy Adirondack chairs on the Bluff Path one last time to soak it all in.
1:00 p.m. Check out time. Pack up your gifts, snap one last picture to immortalize the experience, and hit the road. It’s time for your next adventure!

*Due to the Coast Guard sound ordinance and zoning restrictions, all amplified music must cease at 10:00 p.m and exterior lights extinguish at midnight.

Featured Photo by Chris Bennett Photography

May 29, 2018January 5, 2019

Sail Cloth Tent

Our brand-new sail cloth tent is up and gleaming in the spring sunshine today… pennants waving in the breeze. I can see many a happy celebration enjoyed in the shade of this beauty. Thank you to our friends at Wallace Events for ensuring that our tent is always clean and secure and our guests are comfortable.

February 5, 2018January 5, 2019

A Weekend Winter Wedding Itinerary for French’s Point

Winter Wedding Coastal Maine French's Point

Winter Weddings at French’s Point are always a favorite of ours. Enjoy a weekend wedding celebration with family and friends, fireplaces and warm drinks! Go snowshoeing on our backyard trails, sledding, or relax on a sleigh ride with your newlywed! Whatever your favorite winter activity is, enjoy it here at French’s Point for your weekend winter wedding! Sample just a taste of what your winter wedding itinerary could look like at your French’s Point winter wedding…

FRIDAY

1:00PM Check in to French’s Point! Settle into your cozy room and take a deep breath. An incredible winter wedding weekend lies ahead.

2:00PM Kick off the camaraderie and memory-making with a snowman making contest, some epic sledding down the West slope behind the farm or a horse drawn sleigh ride around the estate.

4:00PM Gather your wedding party, family and everyone participating in the ceremony for a rehearsal at your chosen setting to work out the jitters so everyone can relax on the big day. Choose from a cozy setting inside the conservatory with broad views of the bay or a refreshing location at the Gazebo for a ceremony no one will soon forget!

4:30PM Meet at the bar at The Retreat for a cocktail to kick off the festivities as guests arrive for your rehearsal dinner. Enjoy the sunset from inside the warm Retreat.

5:30PM Enjoy a delicious rehearsal dinner in the conservatory.

7:00PM Cuddle up fireside around the fire pit on the cobblestone terrace in cozy blanket and reconnect with family and friends gooey delight of s’mores fresh off the fire.

10:00PM Get some rest! Tomorrow is going to be a big day.

SATURDAY

9:00AM Enjoy a cup of hot coffee, freshly baked blueberry muffins, quiche, and fruit with your family at The Farm before you freshen up.

12:00PM Wedding party lunch delivered with popovers, chicken salad, and mimosas of course!

1:00PM The grooms party enjoys the game on the TV in the Recreation Room at The Farm while they begin preparing and dressing for the festivities. Don’t forget those wedding rings!

2:00PM Time to put on your gown! The Bridal Party and has pre-ceremony photos taken on the balcony overlooking the snowy picturesque estate. Don’t forget your wrap!

The groom’s party arrives to relax in the Recreation Room at The Retreat and enjoys the distraction of a game of poker while waiting for pre-ceremony photos at The Retreat.

3:30PM The ceremony bell rings out over the bay and calls your guests to the ceremony location of your choosing:

The outdoor Gazebo
The Conservatory inside the Retreat House

The moment you’ve been waiting for is here! Your ceremony will commence with that storied stroll toward your beloved through the gentle Northeast snowfall.

4:00PM Congratulations to the happy couple! Take your first photos as husband and wife, with your wedding party and family. Head outside to catch the beautiful sunset reflecting off of the glossy ice-filled bay of the Penobscot with your new spouse and photographer. We offer endless locations to capture this splendid light.

Your guests will warm up with a toasty beverage in the Lounge by the roaring fire, while they mix, mingle and enjoy cocktail hour with delicious stationary and passed hors d’oeuvres.

5:15PM Guests are ushered into the beautiful Retreat House Dining Room appointed with beautiful farm tables with cascading winter greens set for family style service. All the winter wonderland details you imagined for the reception start to come to life as guests find their seats.

5:30PM Before dinner, introductions of the family and wedding party followed by speeches. Cheers to the happy couple!

5:45PM Dinner is served! Enjoy unique fare chosen by you, provided by your wedding catering partner of choice.

6:15PM Official cake cutting. Enjoy your first dance as a married couple in the Conservatory. It’s time to boogie!

6:45PM Cake is served alongside a warm hot cocoa bar!

9:50PM One last call from the bar. Enjoy one last dance with your sweetie for the perfect ending to a magical day!

10:00PM The Unplugged After party begins with a laid-back vibe while guest remove their shoes and relax by the fireplace in the Lounge. Fuel the fun with delicious late-night treats with the arrival of a vintage food truck serving sausage subs, pizza, or warm cookies and milk!

Vendors begin preparing for the next day’s celebrations.

12:00PM Retreat to your beautiful suite with your new spouse to reflect and celebrate this magical experience.

SUNDAY

8:00AM The caterer arrives to prepare for the farewell brunch. Begin your first day as husband and wife!

9:00AM Your guests can stop by The Retreat Dining Room one last time to say goodbye and enjoy a farewell brunch before heading home. Enjoy a beautiful, hearty buffet, or offer portable food and warm coffee to-go so guests can get on the road after they bid you farewell.

1:00PM Check out time. Pack up your gifts, snap one last picture with the snowy backdrop to immortalize the experience, and hit the road. It’s time for your next adventure!

*Due to the Coast Guard sound ordinance and zoning restrictions, all amplified music must cease at 10:00 p.m and exterior lights extinguish at midnight when guests not occupying lodging at the estate must depart.

Photographers Featured: C.A. Smith Photography, Emilie Inc. and Michelle Stapleton Photography

December 18, 2017January 5, 2019

Maine Made Gifts: Swans Island Company

Maine Made woven wedding gifts | Photo by Sharyn Peavey

We are so blessed to live in Maine, and not just because of the warm, sunny summers and the picturesque white winters, but because Maine is home to a large number of talented crafts people and artisans like weavers, potters, soap makers, chocolatiers, woodworkers, and jewelers. In every shop in every town, you’ll see incredibly-crafted, unique Maine-made products.

Since many of our couples wish to surprise their wedding guests with welcome bags and/or favors of authentic Maine made products, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite Maine made gifts in this blog series. Of course, many of these handcrafted items would make wonderful bridesmaid or groomsmen gifts as well as gifts for parents of the wedding couple. For guests looking for a unique and meaningful gift for the lovebirds, you will find gift inspiration in this series, too.

How did the business start and who are the owners?

This year, Swans Island Company celebrates 25 years of crafting exquisite textiles here in Maine. Our company was founded in 1992 by John and Carolyn Grace, two retired lawyers seeking a return to the land. They began producing wool blankets by hand on on Swan’s Island using traditional techniques, local fleece and natural dyes, winning a Smithsonian Blue Ribbon for Craft. Our current owners, Bill Laurita and Michele Orne, purchased Swans Island Company in 2004. We’re now located on the mainland, carrying on the tradition of handcrafted heirloom blankets, throws, and apparel with our small and talented team of makers.

Describe the products you sell including how they’re made.

Everything we do at Swans Island – from hand-dyed yarns to our signature handwoven blankets – is a testament to the beauty and value of a handmade life. We craft blankets, throws, pillows, wraps, scarves, in our dyehouse and weaving studio. We also collaborate with small, family-run American mills to produce fine knit apparel. From fiber sourcing to our finishing room table, we believe in creating objects of beauty and utility in authentic and earth-friendly ways here in Maine. All are welcome to come visit our Northport studios to learn more about our processes.

Who typically enjoys your products?

Swans Island’s woven goods are modern-day heirlooms, and our customers come to us time and again to help celebrate life’s many milestones: weddings, anniversaries, welcoming new babies, and more. Our hand-monogramming service and exquisite linen packaging transform our unique handwovens into unforgettable commemorative pieces, designed to be cherished for years to come.

People who love Swans Island Company generally care deeply about how things are made, have strong ties to the Maine coast, and appreciate the traditional approach we take to ensure that everything we produce is at once luxurious and sustainable.

What’s the best way to purchase them?

Swans Island Company goods may be purchased at our Camden or Northport locations, online through our website, and by telephone.

What’s your favorite thing about Maine?

We love Maine for its dramatic natural beauty, which inspires so much of our work.

Bill Laurita, Michele Orne
Swans Island Company
231 Atlantic Highway
Northport, Maine 04849
(207) 338-9691
(888) 526-9526

Secondary Address:

2 Bay View Street
Camden, Maine 04843
207.706.7926
[email protected]
www.swansislandcompany.com

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Featured photo by Sharyn Peavey Photography

December 4, 2017January 5, 2019

Maine Made Gifts: Black Dinah Chocolatiers

Maine wedding favors Black Dinah Chocolatiers

How did the business start and who are the owners?

Black Dinah Chocolatiers (BDC) opened it’s doors in 2007, on tiny Isle au Haut, Maine. Steve and Kate Shaffer operated both BDC’s confectionery production, and a busy seasonal cafe, from their island home until 2015. In June of 2015, the business relocated to Westbrook, Maine.

Describe the products you sell (including how they’re made, if applicable).

Black Dinah Chocolatiers specializes in handmade chocolate confections, and gift-worthy presentation. All truffles, sea salt caramels, and novelty confections are made with fairly-traded and sustainably-grown chocolates and sugar. All of our confections are made from whole ingredients, grown locally and/or organically, including cream, butter, fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Who typically enjoys your products?

Our confections are most commonly purchased as gifts by people who want to communicate a sincere, heartfelt message to a friend, client, or beloved family member. Our confections are family and holiday traditions, and are gifted privately, or used as coveted favors for large corporate celebrations or highly personalized weddings.

What’s the best way to purchase them?

Our full line of chocolates and confections can be purchased on our website, or at our retail locations in Westbrook, Maine and Blue Hill, Maine. Our truffles and barks are sold at retail partners throughout Maine and New England, and across the country.

What’s your favorite thing about Maine?

The abundance of fresh, healthful, and beautiful food, grown, produced, and shared on small family farms.

Kate and Steve Shaffer
Black Dinah Chocolatiers
869 Main St.
Westbrook, ME 04092 and 5 Main St., Blue Hill, ME 04614
207-887-9763
[email protected]
www.blackdinahchocolatiers.com
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October 9, 2017January 23, 2018

Sunny Summer French’s Point Wedding

Sunny summer coastal French's Point wedding | Nadra Photography

Caitlyn and Mike’s sunny, summer French’s Point wedding was the celebration of marriage of two of the kindest souls. They met in law school and took time to carefully plan their wedding and craft the custom wedding experience they were seeking. Their family and friends enjoyed the beautiful, sunny, Maine summer day. Their ceremony at the gazebo was simply beautiful. The sweetest flower girl, cutest little gang of ring bearers, and one adorable pooch preceded the bride! It was one of our favorite moments of the day. During cocktail hour, guests enjoyed the culinary delights of 111 Maine, sipped cocktails, rocked on the terrace enjoying the views, and played games of corn hole. The reception was hosted in the nautical sailcloth tent where they ate, danced, and laughed the night away under a clear, star-filled sky. This joyful celebration was expertly orchestrated by Refinery Events. We loved working with the wonderful vendor team Caitlyn and Mike assembled which brought their vision into reality.

Bar Service and Catering: 111 Maine
DJ: Sirois Sound Production
Day of Coordinator: Refinery Events
Floral Design: Flora Fauna
Hair and Makeup: Glow Salon
Photo Booth: Sirois Sound Production
Photography: Nadra Photography – Leigh Doran
Reception Venue: French’s Point
Rentals: Wallace Events + French’s Point
Transportation: NorthEast Charter & Tour Co.
Videography: Drew Buerhaus Film

August 28, 2017January 23, 2018

Hersey Retreat Road Cottage Series: Davis Cottage

Coastal Maine rental homes and rental cottages near Belfast, Maine

One of the wonderful things about French’s Point Estate is that in addition to more traditional hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts, there is an extensive network of nearby houses and cottages available for rent. These local accommodations offer your guests the ability to turn their time in Maine into a vacation experience, affording more privacy and closer proximity to your events at French’s Point. The cottages and rental homes offer more amenities than traditional hotels such as kitchens, more living space, and private beaches.

There is no better way to create a magical destination wedding experience for your guests!

There is no better way to create a magical destination wedding experience for your guests than to recommend they reserve the cottages and homes that are within walking distance to French’s Point! With a variety of housing styles, capacities and costs, the Hersey Retreat Road Rentals provide a range of options that will suit all of the needs of your family and closest friends!

French’s Point does not own, operate, or confirm reservations for these properties. Many of our guests enjoy staying at them, so we’re providing this information as a way to simplify your wedding planning. With this series, we are highlighting some of the closest and most commonly rented cottages located right on Hersey Retreat Road and within walking distance to French’s Point!

Davis Cottage

Address: Hersey Retreat Road
Distance from French’s Point : ¼ mile
Number of Bedrooms: 3
Number of Bathrooms: 1
Number of Parking Spots: 4-6
How many guests it sleeps:6-10
Property Style: Camp
Minimum Rental Duration: 3 nights

Contact Info:
Gail Gannon
[email protected]
(321) 576-5886
http://www.vrbo.com/510254

Davis Cottage is located on the ridge overlooking the beach and road leading into French’s Point Estate. It is only seven doors down from the estate, accommodates up to 14 guests, has reasonable rental rates and flexible rental duration terms, making it an easy choice for your guests for lodging when they are attending your wedding at French’s Point. The cottage has a cozy interior with six bedrooms, a kitchen living/dining area, beautiful views of the ocean and private beach.