Winter
Visualize Your Winter Experience
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 15 years ago. Winter weddings possess 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 magic and beauty all their own, simply not found in any other season.” – Jessika, Owner of French’s Point
FRIDAY
| 12:00 P.M. | Check in to French’s Point with your House Captains & meet the Property Manager! Deliver welcome bags to guest suites, & settle into your cozy room. |
| 1:00 P.M. | Guests are welcomed to each home, with wine & charcuterie boards delivered by Bell the Cat. |
| 2:30 P.M. | Let the fun begin, with a snowman making contest, some epic sledding down the West slope of the Farm, or a horse drawn sleigh ride around the estate grounds. |
| 4:00 P.M. | Gather your wedding party & family for a ceremony rehearsal. Choose from a cozy setting inside the Conservatory, with broad views of the bay, or a refreshing location outside at the Gazebo, for truly memorable ceremony! |
| 5:30 P.M. | Enjoy a delicious rehearsal dinner at award-winning, local fine-dining eatery, Hichborn. |
| 8:30 P.M. | Cuddle up in front of the fire place in the Retreat House Lounge & reconnect with family & friends. |
| **10:00 P.M. | Get some rest! Tomorrow is going to be a big day. |
SATURDAY
| 7:00 A.M. | Bell the Cat delivers coffee, freshly-baked cinnamon rolls, quiche, & fruit, to each home, so guests can enjoy a cozy breakfast in their pajamas. |
| 8:00 A.M. | Snowshoe the trails along the shore in the Sandy Point State Park, or enjoy a morning yoga session for the wedding party, inside the sun-filled Retreat House Conservatory. |
| 9:00 A.M. | Your Hair & Make Up team arrives to begin preparations in the Parlor of the Retreat House Apartment. Sit in front of the fire & enjoy the views of the bay. |
| 12:00 P.M. | The Bridal Party lunch is delivered by Bell the Cat to the Retreat House Apartment, with popovers, warm butternut squash soup, arugula & goat cheese salad, & bellinis! |
| The Grooms Party lunch is delivered by Bell the Cat to the Beach House Recreation Room, with warm burritos & beer. They take in the game on the TV & play some ping pong, while they begin dressing for the festivities. | |
| 2:00 P.M. | The Bridal Party has pre-ceremony photos taken on the Retreat House Apartment balcony overlooking the estate. |
| The Groom’s Party moves to the Retreat House Recreation Room & enjoy a game of poker or pool, while awaiting pre-ceremony photos. | |
| 3:00 P.M. | The ceremony bell rings out over the bay, & calls your guests to the ceremony at the Conservatory or Gazebo. Offer your guests a cozy throw blanket before they take their seats. |
| 3:30 P.M. | Congratulations to the happy couple! Guests are greeted in the Retreat House Lounge for cocktail hour, with Hot Toddies & Hot Mulled Cider, where they warm up in front of the fire & enjoy cocktail hour. Take your first photos as a married couple, with your wedding party & family. |
| 4:00 P.M. | Head outside to catch the beautiful sunset with your new spouse & photographer. |
| 5:00 P.M. | Guests are ushered into the beautiful Retreat House Dining Room, appointed with a fireplace & beautiful farm tables, aglow with candle light. |
| 5:15 P.M. | Introductions of the family & wedding party followed by speeches. Cheers to the happy couple! |
| 5:30 P.M. | Dinner is served! Enjoy a harvest-inspired menu of unique fare, chosen by you, provided by your catering partner of choice. |
| 5:45 P.M. | Cut the cake & enjoy your first dance as a married couple in the Conservatory. Welcome guests to the dance floor. |
| 6:15 P.M. | Cake & coffee are served. |
| 9:55 P.M. | Enjoy one last dance. |
| **10:00 P.M. | Relax by the fireplace in the Retreat House Lounge. Enjoy delicious late-night treats with the arrival of a vintage food truck serving sausage subs, or warm cookies and milk! Take in the silent night & the view of the moonlight dancing on the water & the snow-covered fields. |
| **10:30 P.M. | The Bar Closes. Cozy up next to the fireplace as guests await their shuttle escort. |
| **11:00 P.M. | Bid the last of your guests farewell & retreat to your beautiful suite with your new spouse to reflect on this magical experience. |
| **12:00 A.M. | Vendor departure & lights out. |
SUNDAY
| 8:00 A.M. | Bell the Cat arrives to prepare for the farewell brunch, while you enjoy the view from your balcony! |
| 9:00 A.M. | Guests stop by the Farm House Dining Room to enjoy a farewell brunch. |
| 11:00 A.M. | Guests check out & vendors depart. |
| 12:00 P.M. | Hosts check out. Off to your honeymoon adventure! |
| * NOTE: | Bell the Cat is a trusted provider for coffee & meal delivery service & brunch. See the preferred Vendors Guide for contact details. |
| ** NOTE: | Quiet Hours- All Amplified music must cease at 10:00p.m. at the Retreat House & 9:00p.m. at the Farm House & Beach House. Guest activity & noise must be contained within the homes during Quiet Hours. On-site lodging guests must return to their designated lodging home & off site lodging guests must depart by 11:00p.m. Vendors must depart by midnight, when exterior lighting extinguishes. After Parties are not permitted. |
