This elegant wedding celebration at The Barn at Flanagan Farm was a dream brought to life with historic charm, coastal influences, and a stunning candlelit reception. Carrie and Gabe crafted a wedding weekend that blended classic romance with the best of Maine—from a cathedral ceremony in Portland to sunset portraits on the rocky coastline and a tented dinner under the stars. With a focus on meaningful details, incredible food, and a packed dance floor, their celebration was as heartfelt as it was unforgettable.
A Venue That Brought Their Vision to Life
When Carrie and Gabe started planning in early 2021, they thought Maine would be a destination wedding for them. But after moving to Portland, they realized they had found their perfect wedding location just 25 minutes from home.
Flanagan Farm was the first venue they toured, and it immediately set the bar high. “It had the perfect harmony of historic and modern,” Carrie shares. “We saw a few other places, but none of them had the same warmth and charm.”
The property also gave them the freedom to create an immersive weekend for their guests. “Having the farmhouse for three days allowed us to make the most of the space. We even hosted a lobster bake in the apple orchard for our rehearsal dinner—highly recommend!”
An Elegant and Personal Ceremony
The couple chose the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland for their ceremony, a place rich with family history. “Gabe’s parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles all got married there, so it felt incredibly meaningful,” Carrie says.
To make the moment even more special, Carrie’s priest from New Jersey officiated, and her cousin sang Ave Maria in honor of loved ones who had passed. “It was the perfect way to bring our families together in a way that felt really personal.”
After the ceremony, the newlyweds took portraits at Two Lights State Park, where the rugged Maine coastline created a breathtaking backdrop. “We got engaged on the beach, and the coast has always been a huge part of our lives,” Carrie explains. “It was the perfect way to incorporate that into our wedding day.”
A Candlelit, Coastal-Inspired Reception
For their elegant wedding celebration, Carrie and Gabe wanted a design that felt classic yet relaxed, letting the natural beauty of Flanagan Farm shine.
They chose a color palette of light blues, creams, black, and gold, with candlelight and lush greenery setting a romantic tone. “Chevaughn, our florist, absolutely nailed it,” Carrie says. “The candlelit tented dinner under the late summer sky, with just a hint of Maine’s September chill, was pure magic.”
Dinner was a family-style, wood-fired meal by Fire & Co., featuring fresh, local ingredients—including mini lobster rolls during cocktail hour. “We wanted everyone traveling here to experience the best of Maine,” Carrie shares.
As the evening unfolded, guests moved into the barn for an epic dance party, complete with a cocktail bar after-party to keep the celebration going. “Having a separate space for dancing made it feel so intentional,” Carrie says. “It was just a huge, joyful party, exactly how we wanted to end the night.”
Favorite Wedding Day Moments
For Carrie and Gabe, the entire weekend was unforgettable, but a few moments stood out:
- Seeing each other at the altar: “A classic bride moment, but seeing Gabe at the end of the aisle made everything worth it.”
- Walking back to the reception tent at sunset: “Looking out at all of our family and friends in one place, knowing they were there for us, was such a peak moment.”
- The after-party in the cocktail barn: “It was so fun to have an easy transition from dinner to dancing to after-party. Our DJ kept the energy going all night!”
Advice for Couples Planning Their Own Elegant Wedding Celebration
- Find vendors you trust. “The right team makes all the difference. Our photographer, Jenn Darling, and our videographer, Salt + Pine, were by our sides all day. It was such a relief knowing we could trust them completely.”
- Take breaks from wedding planning. “It’s easy to let planning consume every conversation. Set aside time to just be engaged and enjoy life together.”
- Focus on what matters most. “Decide on your top three priorities—whether it’s food, music, photography, or florals—and invest in those. Every couple’s top three will be different!”
- Be present. “The day flies by! We reminded each other to pause and take it all in. Otherwise, you blink and it’s over.”
Carrie and Gabe’s elegant wedding celebration at The Barn at Flanagan Farm was a stunning mix of history, nature, and personal touches. From their heartfelt cathedral ceremony to the candlelit reception and unforgettable dance party, their wedding weekend was a true reflection of who they are as a couple—joyful, welcoming, and full of love.
Venue: The Barn at Flanagan Farm | Ceremony: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception | Planner: Fern and Flair | Photography: Darling Photography | Videography: Salt + Pine Films | Florals: Chevaughn Marie Designs | Hair & Makeup: Natasha the Hair Fairy (hair), JW Artistry (Janna Wojtas, makeup) | Catering: Fire & Co. | Desserts: Prairie Baking Co. | Rentals & Lighting: Griffin + Griffin (lighting), One Stop Events (rentals) | Bar Services: Roaming Speakeasy (prosecco & beer cart) | Bridal Gown: Rita Vinieris, Kleinfeld | Stationery: Zola | Entertainment: Maine Made Weddings
If Carrie & Gabe’s elegant wedding celebration at The Barn at Flanagan Farm inspired you, check out the latest issue of Evergreen Weddings Magazine! Packed with real wedding stories, expert advice, and creative ideas, it’s your go-to guide for planning a day as unique as your love story. Click here to purchase our latest issue.
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