LAURA + CODY
A MOODY HALLOWEEN WEDDING AT WALNUT HILL FARM IN NORTH YARMOUTH, ME
Laura + Cody certainly had a dramatic start to their life together! Though this Boston-based couple had originally considered a celebration closer to home, they changed their mind to a Maine affair as the farm vibe was more their style.
But four days before they were set to wed, a huge storm hit the Boston area. Hurricane-force winds knocked down trees and, in turn, power lines. Left without electricity, I traveled up to Walnut Hill Farm in North Yarmouth, Maine, in the hopes that our team could get everything done in time for Laura + Cody’s big day. When Boston was without power, Maine was not!
Our team worked hard together to give them the moody, farm wedding they deserved. Despite the rain and some last-minute adjustments, we did it! We made Laura + Cody’s wedding dreams come true and, not only that, it turned out to be one of my favorite wedding designs ever.
On that rainy October morning at Walnut Hill Farm, Laura looked radiant as she was pampered by the team of Bei Capelli Salon. Lush waves framed her face. She was absolutely glowing!
Before she slipped into her A-line lace gown by Martina Liana Bridal Designs, Laura took a moment to relax with her bridesmaids, who all wore silk green robes as they got wedding ready.
Meanwhile, Cody donned his Indochino black tux, before being chauffeured over to The Barn on Walnut Hill.
On the porch of the farmhouse, Laura + Cody had their first look.
Cody was so blown away at how beautiful Laura was that he couldn’t stop smiling. They read personal vows to each other making this a sweet moment that had everyone tearing up.
The ceremony was originally supposed to take place in the woods at Walnut Hill Farm, but with the incoming weather we were able to find a last-minute rain tent.
Honeysuckle Way Flowers did an amazing job at moving the large floral archway of red, pink and peach blooms they had created inside the tent. The beautiful scene provided the perfect backdrop for wedding party photos.
The bridesmaids looked stunning in their black Lulus full-length dresses, a striking contrast to Laura’s white bridal gown. While Cody’s groomsmen all looked sharp in their black tuxes.
With group pictures done, it was time for these two to say, “I do!” As Laura walked through the rain and down the aisle, the entire crowd starting cheering her on. I’ve never seen anything like it!
Then, finally, in front of their loved ones, Laura + Cody recited their vows, with some laughs in between, and then sealed their love with a kiss!
As guests made their way into the barn for cocktail hour, Laura + Cody snuck away for some portraits inside of the farmhouse. With the rain still coming down, we were so lucky that Walnut Hill had some beautiful interior spaces for us to use for formal pictures.
We took the barn at Walnut Hill and transformed it into a modern and moody setting as a nod to the Halloween weekend.
Andrea at Honeysuckle Way went above and beyond with the floral design inside of the barn. Greens were draped from the chandeliers and smilax greens and hops were wound around the barn supports. For the tablescapes we worked closely with Andrea as well as Laura + Cody to really make them come to life.
Shiny Chiavari chairs with black cushions lined the sides of the tables. Gold-trimmed black charger plates sat atop black textured tablecloths while deep green cloth napkins were folded between white china plates. Black vases teeming with roses were surrounded by taper and votive candles in glass holders, the flames casting a warm glow throughout the room.
The goal was to create a moody vibe without it feeling too dark and we achieved it by combining deep, rich colors and textures with white accents.
Guests cheered and clinked glasses over the long farm tables as Cody gave a toast, before dancing the night away.
This wedding proves that a farm or barn wedding does not have to be rustic and you can use a dark palette without looking over-the-top. It’s all about balancing light and dark colors, the materials you use, as well as incorporating textures.
It was thrilling to see everything all come together for Laura + Cody. It definitely made all of the scrambling we did during a week without power or internet access to bring their moody, chic design to life worth it!
Laura + Cody, we are so glad we could make this special day happen. We wish you a lifetime of happiness!
Wedding Planning + Design: Jessica Hennessey Weddings
Photography: Elizabeth LaDuca Photography
Videography: Stagger Films
Floral Design: Honeysuckle Way Flowers
Catering: Fire and Company
Entertainment: Eduardo Alves Events
Rentals: Peak Event Services
Tent: One Stop Event Rentals
HMUA: Bei Capelli Salon
Bridal Gown + Accessories: Martina Liana Bridal Designs at One and Only Bridal, Loeffler Randall
Bridesmaids: Gowns Lulus, Lulus Weddings
Men’s Attire: Indochino
Stationery: Minted Weddings
Transportation: Country Coach Charters
Officiant: What Wood Jamie Do
Venue: The Barn on Walnut Hill