REAL WEDDINGS-February 2013
Photographs by David Murray Weddings
October 6 | Wells

Courtney and Jesse met in boarding school, but didn’t get to know each other until they reconnected three years out of college. They knew within weeks of dating that they had found someone special. With strong connections to the east coast and Maine in particular, the couple enlisted the help of Maine wedding designer and planner Kate Martin of Beautiful Days, who helped them bring the barn and beautiful setting of Laudholm Farm to life. Autumn is Courtney’s favorite time of year, and while the season inspired the decor and color scheme, the end result was far from a typical fall wedding. On the rolling lawn, the couple was married by a woman who had been a mentor to both of them at Phillips Academy Andover; she remains an important part of their lives to this day. Their favorite wedding moment took place while the reception was in full swing, when they walked a few hundred feet to a perch where they could overlook the happy scene. “It was a surreal experience,” Courtney remembers.

“LAUDHOLM FARM IS THE PERFECT BLANK SLATE; WE NEEDED KATE TO PAINT THE REST.”

Why…

Maine?
“Maine has a vacation quality to it, and we really wanted our guests to step away from their everyday lives for a weekend. Maine provided the perfect atmosphere to make it happen,” says Courtney. Both of their families have connections to the northeast as well. Jesse grew up spending summers at his grandparents’ farm in Vermont andCourtney’s parents own a cottage in Kennebunkport.

that menu?
Courtney and Jesse had to accommodate a variety of palates, ranging from meat eaters from Chicago to many vegetarians. Plus, Courtney loves Asian food. To make everyone happy, they offered food stations: Chicago, Maine, and Pan Asia.

that seating arrangement?
A tight semicircle created an intimate setting during the ceremony.
the pumpkins? The bride loves pumpkins, and Kate Martin and Leslie Oster of Aurora Provisions found creative ways to incorporate the autumnal icon. Since the bridesmaids’ dresses were a deep orange color, Kate recommended white pumpkins for the tablescape and various displays. Leslie was responsible for a delicious roasted pumpkin bisque starter.

the colorful tablescape?
Courtney originally expressed interest in a white wedding, but found herself drawn to elements such as faux tortoise-shell silverware and green glasses with lovely etching. Courtney’s mother suggested throwing purple in the mix, and found that champagne glasses added just the right touch. White details throughout softened the overall look, which was warm and inviting—rustic, but not overly so.

that lighting?
Wanting to make the spacious barn feel cozier, Kate Martin wrapped seed lights in gauze.
the photographer David Murray? Courtney and Jesse say it was, “love at first sight with David Murray. Not only are his photos breathtaking, but he is also one of the warmest people we have ever met!”

Click for a full list of resources from the 2013 Wedding issue.