Retreat at French's Point, Stockton Springs, Maine

February 9, 2008

We originally hoped our wedding would take place in September or October at The Retreat at French's Point, which we own.

Fortunate for business — but, what we thought at the time, unfortunate for us — many other couples had the same idea!

Each time we selected a wedding date a client would request the same. As new owners we had no problem saying, "Business first!" We booked much of October for other weddings until one day we reached the logical conclusion: Create a magical winter wedding.

What we most wanted for our wedding — family, an intimate atmosphere, something unique to us and to French's Point — was all that mattered. The middle of winter, February 9, 2008, would work just fine!

With approximately six weeks to plan, we knew we would need to draw upon every resource we had cultivated for others' weddings. Although I had planned summer weddings for clients in as little as five weeks, the winter backdrop posed additional challenges — primarily snow!

Fortunately, we had a wonderful group of vendors that were willing to help make our plan a reality. We assembled our "dream team" in short order. To make matters a bit more challenging, we decided we wanted a dramatic tent against the waterfront and reserve the interior of the Retreat for the "befores and afters," to borrow from the Irish, of our wedding weekend.

Our Theme We thought about the characteristics of our relationship when considering themes. We had worked hard for what we achieved at the Retreat — both independently and together — and we were proud of our accomplishments.

What better way to embody that concept than a peacock? The color scheme was created from inspiration from the peacock feather: Celadon Green, Chocolate Brown, Gold, Amber, Pale Pink and Ivory. We also wanted to honor their Scotch/Irish/British heritage so the music for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner reception was Celtic, as was the general mood of the ceremony.

An Intimate, Family Affair We chose to downsize the guest list for the winter event from 300 to 150 guests due to the capacity of the tent. Also, we had seen our share of large weddings where the bride and groom barely get to speak to each guest, let alone each other. In the end we made our event about us and those closest to us — family and immediate friends. As a result, we like to think we enjoyed our wedding weekend to the fullest and never felt rushed or torn for time.

Highlights of the Winter Weekend Wedding

There are a few moments throughout the course of any wedding that will always remain in our memories. There are also several key decisions that really define the nature of the event.

The Joanie Madden Ensemble and Dancers

The music for the ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner reception was provided by world-renowned Irish whistle and flute player Joanie Madden and her ensemble. I fell in love with Joanie's music when I lived abroad in Scotland and Ireland. It was a dream come true to have Joanie playing "Women of Ireland" on her whistle while father walked her down the aisle. (Joanie actually determined the wedding date; February 9th was the only date she could accommodate with her tour schedule.) Guests loved the lively Celtic music during dinner and the wonder- ful entertainment provided by the Irish Step Dancers. Hiring the Joanie Madden Ensemble and dancers was one of the best decisions we made to ensure the event was memorable and unique.

The Children

Some of the most beautiful and treasured moments throughout the weekend were provided by the junior members of the wedding party. The fleet of five mini maids and three bell ringers created unscripted mo- ments throughout the ceremony and the reception. The photos say it all.

Heidi's Solo

During dinner our guests really enjoyed the musical entertainment and dancing provided by the Joanie Madden Ensemble. However, the musical highlight of the hour was provided by flower girl, Heidi Tilton. Midway through a dinner set, seven-year-old Heidi approached the band and expressed it was her turn to sing. The ensemble provided instrumental accompaniment as she sang an adorable version of the Bubble Gum Song, much to the delight of all!

The Wedding Favors

The brown craft paper favor boxes hung off the corners of the chairs at each setting at the reception and were decorated with chocolate brown and celadon green ribbons, as well as a monogrammed "B" and a real peacock feather. The boxes contained products that are made or served by French's Point. The boxes for adults included Memories Made in Maine Blueberry Marmalade made by employee and dear friend Gay Dion and Winterport Company's Oatmeal Popover mix. The teenagers' favor boxes had Winterport Company's Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix. The kids favor boxes contained kaleidoscopes, rock candy, a scroll of construction paper tied with twine and washable crayons, a package of chocolate cookies and a juice box. The babies' favor boxes contained a soft stuffed animal (bunnies for the girls and frogs for the boys) and a coordinating foam board storybook, animal crackers and a juice box.

Comfort First

Invitations notified guests to prepare for an outside ceremony. Heading toward the ceremony the guests passed a bronze bin that contained 150 rolled throw blankets tied with an ivory satin ribbon. A program and little brass bell was tucked into each blanket. Instant hand and foot warmers wrapped in brown craft paper and tied with ribbon were also available for guests.

We were blessed with a clear and mild day with a fresh layer of snow on the ground from the night before. It made for a beautiful canvas for the ceremony. We placed eight cast iron propane heaters among the seating for the ceremony to keep guests and musicians warm. (Not one compliant from a single guest has been heard about the cold that day.)