This wedding was more than just a dinner party, it was a whole weekend of revelry, wine-ing and dining with friends and family from near and far. The awesome celebration took place at French’s Point in Maine’s Penobscot Bay, an old historic estate with incredible views of the coast and plenty of sleeping spots for a big crowd of loved ones.
With lots of manicured gardens and coastline vantage points, there’s no shortage of indoor and outdoor venue options on the grounds at this gorgeous Maine wedding venue. It's just the right size to do a buyout and sleep all of your wedding guests on property in cozy, private digs. Plus, it comes with a sailcloth tent on-site, which is a major win.
We recently had a little chit-chat with the lovely bride about her experience of choosing French’s Point sight unseen. Based in Miami, the bride and groom didn’t even have a chance to pop up to Maine prior to the wedding, but they knew this was the perfect venue for them to bring all their loved ones to one place for a long weekend of celebrating and having a whole campus to themselves. Here’s the scoop, straight from the newlywed.
Words by bride Kaleigh; Photos by Greta Tucker Photography
What were some of the highlights of your experiences at the venue?
Our number one highlight has to be the layout of the homes at French's Point and the close proximity of everything. Both of our immediate families were able to comfortably stay together in the farm house. The farm house is just stunning, every room has an ensuite bathroom and it's own key. This gave every guest the privacy of having their own space yet the feeling of all being together in one home. Also, having our close friends and relatives in near by cottages, made it feel like a little community. To be able to feel secluded from the world, and have everyone so close together (within walking distance) is amazing and exactly what I was looking for when researching venues. Working with all of the FP's staff was so flawless and stress free. From the first email introduction, to post wedding Sunday brunch, everything was just plain easy (which is exactly what one wants on their wedding!). No surprises, no disappointments, what more could you ask for on your wedding!
Tell us about the venue in general? Location, capacity, etc..
Frenchs Point is absolutely stunning from every angle. I loved how secluded and private it was. From the panoramic ocean views at the main venue house, to the meticulously manicured grounds and gardens, there isn't a single view that isn't beautiful (and of course, amazing for photos!). When researching possible wedding venues, one of the main requirements I had in mind was finding a place that would be 100% our own. No outside people, no strangers, no country club members, I just did not want anyone invading our space. That is exactly what you get at French's Point. There was a certain elegance, class and natural beauty that is so breathtaking. I was so blown away by the venue online that I booked it without even seeing it in person! and If you can believe it the online photos and videos do not do this property justice, you really have to see it in person to feel the magic there.
What made the venue a great backdrop and setting for photos?
What didn't make the venue a great backdrop for photos?! There were so many different areas throughout the property that set different moods for photos. Some of our personal favorites were down by the rocky yet gorgeous beach and the lush green and floral landscaping. So many great angles around the front of the farmhouse for taking large group photos (wedding party and family photos specifically). The absolute best for bridal party photos was on the patio outside of the bridal suite. There is a giant swing that was so much fun to take photos on (even for a large bridal party). and the backdrop of the patio is stunning. All you see is ocean, cliffs and greenery. The bridal suite is overall just a great space for the bridal party to hang out and spend time together while getting ready. There was plenty of room for a photographer to pop in and out to capture such a special time of the bride getting ready with all of her best friends and immediate family.
Favorite existing design elements of the venue?
My favorite existing design element of the venue was the overall craftsmanship and elegance of the estate. You can clearly tell that every aspect was carefully taken into consideration, not a single space was overlooked. The beautiful wood features, the open spaces, the ease and flow of the rooms. They are grand enough to accommodate a large group but still somehow feel intimate and private. The large deck that faces the ocean is also a beautiful and functional space. When looking for a venue we really wanted something that gave us a classic New England feel and French'a Point captures that feeling flawlessly.
Did you do anything in the surrounding area while you were there? Any great restaurants?
All of our close family and friends were staying on the same street or extremely close by, so we hosted all of the events at the farm house and estate itself. We did go to lunch at Nautilus on Friday that was very tasty. If we had had more time, I would have LOVED to stop at all the antique stores...If I knew there were so many around I probably would have went up earlier and did some prop shopping for the wedding.
Did you meet anyone at the venue that you connected with or made a lasting impression?
Everyone I met at the venue was just outstanding. They were genuinely nice (but not over the top, annoying nice), personable and SO helpful. One person that I would specifically like to acknowledge is Sarah...We exchanged emails for over a year, she helped me coordinate all details from Miami where I live. I was even more impressed by her when I met her in person. She is beyond professional but also personable, calm, cool and collected in times that most people would be a nervous wreck. She truly helped relieve any and all anxieties I had or went through while trying to plan a wedding hundreds of miles away.
Any inside tips??
My tip would be to recommend having all your guests rent the near by cottages. Having everyone so close by, to the point where hardly anyone even had to drive once they arrived, was such an incredible experience. The hotels are a little far away, and there isn't much in the area for transportation (no Uber and cabs are far and few in between) so research all of the surrounding rental homes! I recommend taking full advantage of the venue and booking a long weekend if possible. From the first cocktail party to the final Sunday brunch, we wouldn't have even considered going anywhere else for these events. We really got to enjoy every inch of the venue because we took full advantage of everything French’s Point has to offer!
We can picture it now. Sitting by a campfire the night before your wedding, with just your closest friends, having spiked hot chocolate and cozying up in Adirondack chairs overlooking the rocky shore. Hello, relaxation. Can’t think of a better way to celebrate a wedding weekend than in a place where all your people can gather at the drop of a hat.
Credits
Photographer: Greta Tucker Photography | Second Photographer: Courtney Elizabeth | Event Planning + Design: Love Affair | Floral Design: Flora Fauna | Catering: Bar Harbor Catering Company | Calligraphy: Papel & Co. | Lettering + Signs: Bliss Lettering | Makeup: Jo Louise Beauty | DJ: BTE Entertainment
