A Romantic Outdoor Wedding in Gorham, ME

Weddings

Apr 29

Private Residence | Gorham, ME

Maine Bridal Couples – Transforming a Family Residence into an Enchanting Wedding Venue

As a luxury event planner, I’ve had the privilege of designing some truly unforgettable weddings, but none were quite as magical as the fairytale celebration I orchestrated for a New York City couple in the heart of Gorham, Maine. This is the story of a couple who held onto their dream wedding through the challenges of the pandemic, and how we transformed a family residence into an enchanting wedding venue that exceeded their expectations.

The Dream Wedding: A New York City Couple's Vision

In the midst of the pandemic, like so many couples, this New York City pair found themselves waiting to say "I do." They had always envisioned a wedding set in the lush floral gardens of the bride’s family home in Gorham, Maine. The couple’s dream was nothing short of a fairytale, surrounded by the beauty of New England and the serene backdrop of the bride’s family residence.

Though the global crisis meant postponing their wedding by an entire year, we remained committed to making their dream wedding come true. The advantage? We had already booked all of their preferred vendors, and they were available for the new date—a key element in ensuring that everything would go smoothly despite the delay.

Planning Amidst the Pandemic: A Silver Lining

The year-long wait wasn’t easy, but it allowed us to reimagine the wedding and take the time to perfect every detail. As a luxury event planner, this was an opportunity to showcase my ability to pivot and adapt under challenging circumstances. Every step of the process, from finding creative ways to enhance the venue to managing the logistics of rescheduling, was carefully planned to ensure the couple’s vision would not only be met but exceeded.

Working with the bride’s family home as the wedding venue presented unique opportunities. The family residence wasn’t just a location—it was a place that held sentimental value. We worked closely with the couple to incorporate personal touches throughout the venue, ensuring the design felt cohesive and meaningful.

Transforming a Family Residence into a Picture-Perfect Venue

Creating a luxury wedding in a private family residence is no small feat. Transforming the bride’s family home into an enchanting wedding venue meant reimagining spaces, coordinating with landscaping experts, and ensuring every inch of the property was picture-perfect for the big day. From the floral arrangements that adorned the garden to the elegant tent that housed the reception, every detail was tailored to match the couple’s fairytale vision.

The stunning floral gardens set the scene for the ceremony. We curated a vibrant, romantic color palette of blush pinks, rich purples, and soft whites, perfectly complementing the natural beauty of the Maine landscape. The bride walked down an aisle lined with intricate flower arrangements, with the groom waiting at the altar beneath an elegant floral arch.

The reception followed on a sprawling lawn, where guests were treated to an intimate and luxurious evening under the stars. Crystal chandeliers and soft lighting illuminated the tent, creating a whimsical atmosphere. Every element was considered: from the custom-designed wedding cake to the personalized place settings at each table, all elements reflected the couple’s personalities and style.

Wedding Planner: Elisabeth Accardi

Photographer: Leah Fisher

Tent: Sperry

Band: Silver Arrow

Invitation: August and White

Calligrapher: Sage and Oak, Lettering By Liz

Caterer: The White Apron

Lighting: Griffin & Griffin

Cake: Cake Elizabeth

Florist: Broadturn Farm

Rentals: Peak

Favors: Stonewall Kitchen