Suzanne Simmons Photography

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Jessica & Matt's Rustic Wedding at The William Allen Farm in Pownal, Maine

Susie Simmons

Jess & Matt's wedding was one I have been patiently waiting to photograph for just over two years since I first met them both at Sam & Ryan's wedding way back in 2014. As soon as they set the date, a call was made to Sam to get my contact information and they quickly made me officially their photographer for their July 16th wedding. As Jess and I were reminiscing while she was getting ready, she brought up images that I had taken of the two of them at Sam & Ryan's wedding and I immediate said they would be making an appearance on my blog when I posted their sneak peek. Since I like to keep my promises...

Now, on to their wedding. Jess & Matt's wedding was held at The William Allen Farm in Pownal, Maine, which boasts expansive grounds, a lovely pond, air conditioned quarters to get ready in, and their timeless big red barn with a massive deck. Although this was my first wedding there, I have been driving by it for years now and, ever since Jess & Matt booked me, have been giddy declaring that I was going to shoot there every single time. I oh so love barn weddings!

Jess and her ladies spent their morning prepping in the bridal suite of the Farm. We were all VERY excited to have air conditioning as summer was blazing with a vengeance outside. Meanwhile, the barn was adorned with gorgeous flowers from Jess' parent's flower shop, Flowerland, as well as delicious looking cupcakes from Heavenly Delights Bakery as well as plenty of old lace and burlap. All of Jess' hard work with planning definitely paid off in spades as the entire estate was perfect.

Following a very personal ceremony next to the pond and their formal portraits, it was time to celebrate the newlyweds. Matt's brother roasted him like only a brother can during a toast that included an apple for Jess, who is a teacher, when he was referencing his brother's storied past in school. It definitely brought the house down! After the toasts, dinner, formal dances, and the cake was cut... Jess & Matt opted to take the party outside onto The William Allen Farm's huge deck! A mid-reception dance relocation was certainly a first, but it was gorgeous outside watching the sunset. It was so much fun!

Jess & Matt, thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me to tell the story of your day. It was such an honor! And thank you to Sam & Ryan for playing matchmaker and helping connecting them with me. It was so awesome to see you both again!