It's hard to imagine a more delightful engagement story with the Wells Reserve at Laudholm at its heart than the one Beth Geary shared a couple of weeks ago. Here, Beth continues her tale. We fast forward 18 months to…

June 30, 2012

Laudholm was our first and only choice of southern Maine wedding venue. The saltwater farm, rustic barn, grounds, and overall mission of the reserve resonated with us and we couldn’t think of a better location for celebrating our joyous event with 175 friends and family.

John and I love BBQ and wanted to have a casual, fun day that would be a reflection of who we are, as well as provide a relaxed event our guests would enjoy. We worked with Fete Event Catering and a good friend, Robyn Miller, to create a menu of fried chicken, brisket, summer salads, and fun hors d’ouevres. Blueberry pies and strawberry shortcake were served as dessert, and guests sipped their choice of three signature cocktails, wine, and — of course — Geary's beer. (John’s uncle is D.L. Geary and we're very loyal to the family brew.)

A Sperry tent provided shade for the Lower Village People, a band John and I had seen live multiple times while dating and one we loved. We had rented a bunch of Adirondack chairs from Chairman of the Board and placed them all over the expansive lawns so people could cluster and congregate with friends. For a wedding gift, I had custom Geary's cornhole boards made, which became a focal point for many guests that day. The cocktails were flowing, the sun shining, the setting idyllic. It was a perfect summer day.

It all went without a hitch, thanks to our brilliant and spunky wedding planner, Kate Martin of Beautiful Days. Kate even went so far as to help me out of my wedding dress and into a party dress so I could better manage the day’s blazing heat. She and her assistant, Tyler, were incredible —  which allowed me to simply let go and enjoy.

We’ve had many people tell me that it was the most fun wedding they have ever attended. Looking back, are there a few things we might have done differently? Perhaps. But the constant and undeniable staple that made our wedding day so special was the location. Natural beauty, lots of space to make our own, convenient to Kennebunkport hotels, easily accessible for travelers, rustic buildings, a place that does so much good, and the place John popped the question… Laudholm was the icing on the cake and will forever hold a place in my heart.