Unique DIY Wedding at William Allen Farm
If you’ve been following Pinch Me Planning for awhile, you know that we’re no stranger to planning and coordinating barn weddings in Maine. A few fan favorites include Jess and John’s wedding at Granite Ridge and Katelyn and Matt’s barn wedding at Beech Hill Barn. But we’re sharing a barn wedding today that may become a new favorite around here.
Last summer, Ilka and Tayler asked Pinch Me Planning to provide day of coordination services for their 200 person wedding at William Allen Farm in Pownal, Maine. The venue at William Allen Farm truly reflects the heart of Maine, as their tagline says. Located quite close to popular coastal towns like Freeport and Brunswick, and an easy 30 minute drive north of Portland, this venue is an ideal venue for a barn wedding in Maine. The property sprawls across 63 acres of woods and open fields, and the entire venue is bordered by beautiful, old stone walls. The barn itself is 200 years old, providing you with a stunning space to design your dream wedding. And dream wedding, this was!
Designing a Wedding at William Allen Farm
Ilka did an amazing job planning and designing her wedding. And as a professional in the space, I think this couple takes the cake for the most personalized wedding I’ve seen with countless handmade wedding details. Ilka and Tayler found so many creative ways to infuse unique details that were truly theirs, and the final event was epic. And only theirs!
For example, Tayler belongs to a band that not only performed at the wedding, but also served as the inspiration for this couple’s wedding favors. Each guest took home a custom made guitar pick with a cute phrase and the couple’s wedding date. But the groom didn’t steal the show here: our bride, Ilka had quite a hand in bringing unique and personal touches to her wedding day. She owns a creative business that sells beautiful, handmade concrete items. So for her wedding, she made all of the concrete decor items by hand: like these the table numbers, sign holders, and ring stands. She is so insanely talented!
Another design element we loved from this barn wedding is the geometric arbor from Maine Event Design and Decor which was beautifully adorned with florals from Watershed Floral. Talk about a statement piece. And just wait until you see the finished product of the reception space inside the barn. Jaw dropping and stunning.
Keep scrolling to see more beautiful pictures from Ilka and Tayler’s wedding, captured by Leah Fisher Photography, and read through our Q&A with Ilka herself.
Ilka Talks About her Maine Barn Wedding
How did you and your husband meet?
I was in graduate school at the time, and my friend invited me to one of Tayler's band's shows in Somerville. When he played that night, he didn't stop smiling, and it was so much fun to see him in his element. We exchanged numbers and went on our first date soon after. He asked me about my summer plans, and I told him I was moving to Copenhagen the following month for a year. It was definitely not what he was expecting! When I was abroad we still talked everyday, and he made plans to visit me 3 months later when we called it official.
What is your favorite memory from your wedding day?
That's a tough one! I mostly loved seeing our friends and family come together and seeing how much fun everyone was having. There was a really happy energy, and everyone seemed to be floating around us. A definite highlight was seeing Tayler and his friends perform some classic songs: She Loves You by The Beatles, I'm a Believer by The Monkees, and You Got it by Roy Orbison. His friends have a really special connection through music, and it was great to have our guests experience that. I also loved my mom's speech because it was so cute and hilarious just like her.
What was your favorite part about having a day-of coordinator for your wedding :) ?
Having Lizzie from Pinch Me Planning as our wedding day-of coordinator was like having a fairy godmother watch over us! I was on the fence about hiring a day-of coordinator but am honestly so happy and thankful that we did. From the rehearsal to the wedding day, Pinch Me Planning ensured that everything was taken care of and flowed seamlessly. I was able to relax and enjoy the time before the wedding knowing that Pinch me Planning was coordinating the vendors and bringing my vision to life. When I walked into the barn as everything was being set up, I definitely had a pinch me moment. Planning an almost 200 person wedding myself was a big undertaking, and it was such a relief to know that there was another person who knew the detailed story that was in my head and who also had experience with weddings. I couldn't imagine it any other way, thank you Pinch me Planning!
Our Team of Maine Wedding Vendors
Venue: William Allen Farm
Photography: Leah Fisher Photography
Flowers: Broadturn Farm & Watershed Floral
Rentals / Decor: A Family Affair & Maine Event Design & Decor & One Stop Event Rentals
Catering: 111 Maine
Desserts: Bear Brook Bakery & Union Square Donuts
Photo Booth: Molly and Victoria Photography
Officiant: Deborah Berry
Beauty: Maine Bridal Hair & Makeup
We’re Your Day of Wedding Coordinators
Don’t let the endless little details of your wedding day stress you out. If you need help planning, designing, or coordinating your Maine wedding, get in touch with us today. Our approach to wedding planning and design is collaborative. You’ll share your own vision of your event concept, and together we’ll make your vision a reality. And since no two events are the same, all packages are customizable to your needs. We can work together to make sure the planning process and timeline suits your needs. Review our wedding planning packages and contact us to start the conversation today.
More Real Barn Weddings in Maine
Ilka and Tayler’s barn wedding at William Allen Farm in Pownal, Maine was made one of a kind with all of their personalized details. However if you like the looks of this real Maine wedding, we bet you’ll also love these other barn weddings that we’ve featured on our blog.
