Maine – Country Design Home

Nov 20, 2015

The Wedding: The Ceremony

This past weekend I met up with some dear family members that I’m not in touch with very often…except via social media. They were asking me about my daughter’s recent wedding, which made me realize that I never really wrote about it or shared any photos! So, three months later ( boy, how time flies…) here is the beginning of the story…

We had spent a full year planning this wedding, focusing on every detail from decor to dining to the ceremony and music. But what we learned that day is despite your best efforts, you just cannot control Mother Nature. During the week leading up to the date, we all kept checking our iPhone weather apps and noted little sunny icons in a row with the exception of the zero hour- 5pm on the wedding day-which was clearly marked by a lightning bolt and dark rain clouds. Hmmm. So, with our wedding planner checking the weather continuously on his radar, he decided we should go ahead with the outdoor ceremony as planned and rehearsed, keeping our fingers crossed that we made it before the weather hit.

The warm, sunny day started out rather promising, with the groom leading many of the wedding guests…

in a Wedding Day 5K along the rocky Maine coastline.

While the bride and her party were busy being primpedand pampered by hair stylists and the lovely Kate from Kosmetics by Kate…

preparing for the day ahead.

After their run, the groomsmen were also getting set for the big day

(hair and makeup consultants not necessary here, just a brew or two : )

After the groom and his entourage

made their way to the reception site,

it was time to get some dancing shoes on and get this party started!

As our amazing photographer, Paul Granese, of Paul Granese Photography and other family members snapped away, creating pictorial mementos to last a lifetime,

in the bright, hot sunshine,

there were umbrellas at the ready to protect everyone from the heat…

so we optimistically assumed it was all going to be fine.

But, as the ceremony time rolled near and our guests gathered in their seats on the green expanse of lawn near the lighthouse…

ominous, threatening black storm clouds gathered overhead,

so we quickly gathered the wedding party together to begin the ceremony. Just as the dashing FOB (Father of the Bride, for those wedding-uninformed : ) took our daughter’s arm to begin their walk down the aisle,

the first gentle raindrops fell. Someone from the crowd dashed over to hand him an umbrella to protect the beautiful bride…

and as the first notes of the lilting folk music were sung by the lovely Andrea Magee of BeatRoot– the ceremony was interrupted by a startling flash of lightning and a tremendous clap of thunder.

At which point the wedding planner raced down the aisle and asked the bride and groom if they would like to move the ceremony inside…which they agreed would be a ~~good~~ fantastic idea…

…creating a scene right out of an adventure film…everyone ducking for cover and looking back over their shoulders

Guests Running from Rain while scrambling to race inside as the pelting rain soaked suit jackets and shawls and created a “bad hair day” for all…

…and a pond of water where the lawn games had been played just moments before.But then, something quite magical happened. Dampened by the downpour but not shaken, the bridal party quickly reassembled, then entered the small function room (not really meant for the size of this crowd) to cheers and applause,

something you don’t often see at a wedding ceremony…and exchanged their loving

Vows and oftentimes quite humorous vows,

surrounded by a very close circle of family and friends.

Circle of Love Was this our ceremony space of choice? Nope. But it was perfectly suited for this happy couple and their guests…providing a much more intimate and moving ceremony that ended with a rousing rendition of “All You Need Is Love” by BeatRoot (and our guests : ).A crazy start to an unforgettable wedding day celebration! Part Two: The Party is next! Have a great weekend everyone-hope it doesn’t rain on your special day! Susan

Filed Under: About Me, Inspiration, The Wedding 2015, Views From My Back Porch · Tagged: Andrea Magee Beat Root the Band, Kennebunkport, Maine, Paul Granese Photography, The Nonantum Resoirt, The Wedding Ceremony Country Design Home

Aug 28, 2014

Wedding Bell Blues

By countrydesignhome · 8 Comments

Well, it’s back to school time for Coach! So, what did we do on our summer vacation, you ask? Opened up a vintage shop in The Barn at Todd Farm.

Spent two glorious weeks touring the UK and Ireland. Didn’t get a chance to visit with the queen, but her house is quite lovely : )

Plus, we celebrated my milestone birthday and announced our daughter’s wedding engagement! Woo Hoo! Let the wedding planning begin! Admittedly, I have been thinking about this for quite some time. After all, what mother doesn’t dream of the perfect wedding for their daughter? But I have to say that I was not quite prepared for the amount of traveling, viewing and decision-making this past weekend just to secure a venue for the summer of 2015. When Coach and I asked where my daughter and her fiancé would like to have their wedding, their response was “anywhere along the ocean from Maine to Rhode Island.” Yikes.

When you grow up along the coast, the stunning blue hues of the shimmering ocean as a perfect wedding backdrop seems the obvious choice. BUT, that’s quite a span of coastline to cover in just a few days, so we did our best and came up with a couple of obvious front runners. Friday we drove north, “down Maine” as the natives call it, along the coastal route through Wells, York, Ogunquit, Kennebunkport and Portland. Yes, we did. There were the quintessential New England venues like Union Bluff in York

and The Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport.

In Portland, we discovered The State Theatre,

a very cool turn-of-the-century movie theatre with no outdoor views. Next we ventured to the Portland Regency, a downtown hotel with a spectacular roof top deck at 25 Pearl Street

with amazing views of the Portland harbor.

All fantastic, each with its own quirky and charming selling points. Day two, we ventured to the South Shore and Cape Cod. Since we had vacationed on Martha’s Vineyard for many summers over the years, we had often discussed that as the wedding destination of choice. But since many, many of our guests will be flying in from around the world, we decided that asking them to land in Boston, then drive to the Cape, then board a ferry to the island seemed a bit much to ask. So, we are sticking to mainland America. What did we discover on Saturday’s southbound trip? There was the absolute Cape Cod charm of The Popponesset,

the tented venue on the dunes in Mashpee-I mean, have you ever seen a bluer blue sky??

Then, The Sea Crest Beach Hotel in Falmouth,

featuring bright Orange-Crush-colored umbrellas scattered down the beach as a contrast to the deep blues of the ocean and sky, a “bubble room” on a golf course in Onset (not on the ocean, but still quite beautiful)

and the White Cliffs Country Club in Plymouth,

literally perched on a cliff with the most spectacular ocean vistas

I have seen in a very long time. Not surprisingly, many of these venues had very few dates still available for the summer of 2015! But since we have teachers and students who will be traveling and attending the nuptials, July & August are it. So we need to move quickly in order to secure our spot or we will be blue! Do you have a favorite in this bunch?? And do you have any other suggestions, north or south of the city of Boston? Speak now or forever hold your peace : ) Have a terrific Thursday, everyone! We’ll keep you posted! Susan

Filed Under: Inspiration · Tagged: Maine, Nonantum Resort, ocean views for wedding venues, The Popponesset Inn, The Regency Portland, The Sea Crest Beach House, The Union Bluff, wedding venues Cape Cod, Wedding Venues Kennebunkport, Wedding Venues Maine, Weddings in New England, Weding venues, White Cliffs Country Club, York

Aug 9, 2013

Mainely Antique Attractions

By countrydesignhome · 3 Comments

Recently, Coach and I spent a few days in Maine at the Bethel Inn and Resort for a little R & R. On our way there, we stopped at the Undercover Flea Market in Oxford Maine

(they don’t appear to have an internet presence, so no direct link. Ah, so maybe they are really undercover…) Thought long and hard about this table, but decided against it-too pricy to paint and flip.

While in Bethel, we discovered not much going on downtown, so we ventured out to find some antique shops in the area that were listed in several brochures he had picked up at the visitors center. The Steam Mill Antiques

was right around the corner from our hotel. Looked promising, with a vast array of junk and stuff all around the property. We visited, several times, but it was never open! Will definitely have to return another time…Next stop, the Picker’s Paradise in Welchville (again, no links here).

We were drawn in by the beautiful Great Canadian wood canoe in the parking lot.

Inside was a variety of antiques and collectibles. Wishing I had grabbed this chubby old cow doorstop. I often experience what I refer to as “non-buyer’s remorse.” I see something that I love, hem and haw about it, because I don’t need ONE MORE THING, so I leave it, then lust for it when I am back home. Oh, well.

This shop featured several pieces that were reclaimed and repurposed, like this LOVE sign, created from old frame pieces and lace. LOVE.

On our shopping expeditions, I noticed quite a few “Boston” items,

which made me feel very nostalgic for the place we call home. Across the street was this shell of an old building, now being dismantled and sold for parts.

In year’s gone by it was the Welchville Methodist Church turned antique shop.

But after being on the market for quite some time with no bites, the owner decided he could no longer afford the upkeep. So everything, including the bell tower,

is for sale. If you are in the market for some architectural salvage, this might be your place! Next up, Pa’s Tradin Company in Oxford, Maine.

…a huge co-op shop that was neatly organized into departments like furniture & outdoor gear-snowshoes, anyone?

and more Boston collectibles.

I did score a couple of great items, like this gorgeous cupboard (the vendor literally was loading it in the back door when I spotted it, and he and Coach moved it right back out the back door into my CRV!)

and my little buck (projects in progress : )

Drove by this place, Pic-N-Paw in Norway, Maine a couple of times, but again, it never was open! What’s up, Maine?!?

On our way home, we discovered Bridgton, Maine, a country town with some fun shops- again, many not open. But we did find Harry Barker’s Emporium and Harry Barker’s Two, antiques co-operative shops, with some donated items being sold to raise funds for the local Harvest Hills Animal Shelter.

There I found Exit, stage left.

Nearby was Flowerbed Farm Antiques in Bridgton. True to its name, there were exquisite, colorful flower beds surrounding the property. There are so many massive white homes in Maine with attached barns! Can you say barn envy?!

Outside and in, an array of restored, repurposed and reclaimed items for your shopping pleasure.

Beautiful minty green bedroom set. Sooo country pretty!!

Adorable rustic antique horse cart.

Following Rte 302 South to Portland on our way home, we happened upon Naples, a picturesque resort town. And there we discovered Antique Revival. Again, no media presence, but this guy doesn’t need it. Sprawling property loaded with anything and everything you could possibly want or imagine you need!

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

Enormous, three story barn,

packed to the rafters-literally

Greeted by the human-sized roosters at the entrance,

once you step inside, you are transported back in time.

Room after room of antiques and collectibles and junk,

an overwhelming assortment of furnishings, goods and finds.

For the serious collector (may the Force be with you)

or the casual collectibles shopper,

this is one spot that’s worth the trip! So I’m adding a few more pins to my map, and we’ll be heading out again soon. But for now, it’s good to be back home.

Have a great weekend, everyone! And if you are in the mood for some antiques shopping overload, head up Rte. 302 to Maine.

It is so worth the trip. OK, it’s TGWB (time to go wallpaper the bathroom)… Susan

Filed Under: Auctions, Fleas & Fabulous Finds, Outdoor Adventures, The 3 R's Recycle, Re-Furbish, Re-Love · Tagged: Bridgton, Harry Barker's Emporium, Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, Maine, Maine Antique shopping, Pa's Tradin Company, Steam Mill Antiques

Jul 24, 2013

Maine, Unplugged

By countrydesignhome · 2 Comments

Literally. Last week Coach and I spent a few days away at the lovely Bethel Inn and Resort in, where else, Bethel, Maine.

A quaint, rural town with a few little downtown shops and pubs, Bethel is a great place to kick back and unwind for a couple of days. The resort special was 2 nights, 2 full breakfasts (I made that waffle myself-yum!)

one four-course dinner in the tavern and unlimited golf. Now for Coach that meant 3 days of 9 holes of golf each day. (Now if this had been me searching for my ball hit from the first tee of the first hole on the first day in the blazing sun, not sure I would have persevered for three days…just saying…)

For me that meant one day of 7 holes, driving the cart around and replacing the divots I had made on the greens and fairways PLUS two other days of hanging around, trying to find somewhere that gave me some bars on my iPhone. (because what’s a blogger without internet?!?) I would like to know, AT&T, why Coach can call me from Germany on his old 1990’s flip-phone and it sounds like he’s in the next room, but I take a road trip to Maine and have no service at all!?!?!

So, since my iPhone was not much use except as a camera and since today is Wanderlust Wednesday, I am sharing some of my favorite sights from our road trip. We took the inland route up (or down, depending on who you ask), but the coastal route home. Hope you enjoy!!!

The Road To Nowhere

Cow Barn in Bethel

Chicken Barn

Bethel Inn Lake House

Porch Rocker on The Lake House Dock

Bales of Hay

Antler Tree

Ocean Edge York Maine

Kennebunkport View from the Bridge

River Cottage in Kennebunkport

Sunset in Kennebunkport

Aside from all of the golfing and eating, we managed to do quite a bit of junking and antiquing. It is just astounding what my little CRV will hold!

Have loads of pics of shops and treasures and finds, but that’s a blog for another day! Hope you had a “main”ly great day!! Susan

Filed Under: Outdoor Adventures · Tagged: antique shopping in Maine, Barns of Maine, Bethel, Bethel Inn, Bethel Inn and Resort, kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Maine, ocean in York Maine, Porch Rocker

Jun 20, 2012

Shipping Up to Portland

By countrydesignhome · 2 Comments

No need to cross the pond this week! In New England, we have so many lovely coastal cities and towns on the Atlantic, so we decided to head Down Maine, as the saying goes (yes, it doesn’t make sense, since we were heading north, but click the link for the history). This past Saturday, husband (we call him Coach around here) and I drove to Portland, primarily to visit some shops we had seen at Brimfield a couple of months back. Just an hour+ ride away, Portland has loads to offer for a fun day-trip from Boston: a lovely seaport district, antique shops and restaurants, The Portland SeaDogs AA Baseball Team and of course, lobstah. First stop-My Sister’s Garage, an antique farmhouse on the side of Rte 302, filled with stunning displays, all sorts of antiques, textiles and

vintage, re-purposed furniture, restored and re-designed on the premises. How “country pretty” is this white lacy bedroom and dining room?!! Dreamy!! Vintage vignettes throughout the shop… kitchy kitchen and wondrous wedding dress.

Made my first purchase of the day, this cute throw pillow created from vintage tea towels, which now sits proudly on the porch.

Headed back down 302, stopping at The Ruby Slipper, an antiques co-op. Spotted this charming painted china hutch filled with pretty pink china.

After that came a yard sale or two, then on to Pendexters. Funky little building…no website…loving this sign…furniture and bric-a-brac stacked to the ceiling.

Next stop, Portland Architectural Salvage Company. Anything you could possibly need or want to refurbish an old home is stuffed into this 4 story warehouse.

Whether you’re searching for doors or windows, bathroom fixtures or just miscellaneous junk, you will find it here. Hmmm, this sign might be perfect for me…

Around the corner we stumbled upon an indoor flea market, where we purchased this giant pottery crock. Coach seems to think it will be a fine fire-wood holder for the long winter months.

On to Portland’s Seaport District, once a major commercial and shipping port, that is now home to dozens of shops and boutiques lining the cobblestone streets.

Ranging from the funky t-shirt genre of Cool as a Moose to high end pottery and jewelry from

Edgecomb Potters, and stunning interiors from Simply Home and

Nicolas Homes, by Nicola Manganello, there is literally something for everyone, including a piece of the Berlin Wall! Of course, after all that driving and shopping, we needed a treat, so off we went to find Two Fat Cats Bakery, serving up scrumptious “made-from-scratch” sweets.

Had to try a chocolate/raspberry whoopie pie, and this Bourbon Pecan Pie was so beautiful, we couldn’t leave it on the shelf- and at $22.00- it was worth every sticky, crunchy, yummy bite!