Jillian and Paul
Photo: Aaron Delesie
After a New Year's Eve proposal, Jillian Parker and Paul Blakeslee decided to borrow a page from Marie Antoinette’s playbook for their opulent New England wedding.
The 19th-century reception site near Cape Elizabeth, Maine, proved a unique backdrop for their chosen theme: Versailles. To bring together the couples' home state and their foreign inspiration, they set the stage in Maine, and Sofia Coppola’s "Marie Antoinette" inspired a rich palette of teal, pale pink, and gold, which played the starring role.
The couple’s monogram appeared inside a crest with a coat of arms inspired by Marie Antoinette. Its border was borrowed from a box of Laduree macarons from Paris, and the teal-and-gold envelope liner echoed the pattern on the bottle of St-Germain elderflower liqueur, which was used in a signature drink. Each guest also received accommodation information, an itinerary, and a reply card, bound with a matching paper sleeve (papelpress.com).
The Barn on Walnut Hill is a turn-of-the-century renovated barn and farmhouse whose attached chicken coop was turned into a wet bar for the reception.
Paul, a clinical dietitian and culinary school grad, spared no flavor while dreaming up their menu. Oysters, reminiscent of the couple’s first date, were followed by greens dressed with a vinaigrette that showcased his family’s maple syrup, and a small cup of gazpacho, a nod to Jillian’s Texas roots. The main course, rack of lamb, paid tribute to a Valentine’s Day meal he had once prepared for his future bride.
Dinner menus featured hand calligraphy, gold engraving, and a Marie Antoinette design.
The red velvet wedding cake is topped with an urn holding roses, hydrangeas, and gardenias (twofatcatsbakery.com).
Location: The Barn on Walnut Hill
Event Production and Design: Lisa Vorce of Oh, How Charming
Catering: Kitchen Chicks Catering
Floral and Event Design: Mindy Rice Floral Design
Stationery: Papel Paper & Press
Cake: Two Fat Cats
Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale
Rehearsal Dinner: Portland Lobster Company
Calligraphy: Anne Jones
Music: Southern Maine String Quartet
DJ: Red Shoe
Tent: Sperry Tents
Rentals: Be Our Guest
Photo Booth: Maine Photo Booth
Lighting: Barker Decor Service
Restrooms: Blow Brothers
Wedding Filmography: Ogden Media
Wedding Photography: Aaron Delesie
Hair: Akari
Makeup: Michael Wormwood
Transportation: Custom Coach & Limousine
Vintage Car: Maine Limousine Service
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