Caroline and Vanessa wanted a wedding that felt like them and Maple Rock Farm in Parsonsfield, Maine delivered. October 5, 2024. Clear skies, crisp air, fall foliage doing its absolute most. A red barn, an apple orchard, and a vintage 1979 VW bus serving charcuterie. These two didn’t miss a single detail.

The Morning

They started the day together in the farmhouse on the property, sitting on the bed, writing their vows side by side in comfortable silence. This honestly tells you everything about their relationship. Getting ready happened the same way: together, lots of laughing, hair and makeup done right next to each other. When it was time to get into their dresses, they each had a moment with their moms. Then bridesmaids first looks. Then their own first look out front of the farmhouse, which was exactly as emotional as you’d expect.

The Ceremony

Their best friend Katy officiated and absolutely nailed it. Personal stories, real anecdotes, the crowd was laughing and crying in equal measure. Charlie, their dog, served as ring bearer and delivered the rings to his moms with full seriousness. As good boys do.

The Taylor Swift details were everywhere and they were perfect. The seating chart read “At every table, I’ll save you a seat.” The guest book sign said “You and me forevermore.” Every piece of it felt intentional rather than decorative.

The Reception

Wood-fired pizza from Hickr’y Wood Fired Pizza. A charcuterie spread from The Portland Board. Instead of a cake cutting, they did a first bite of pickle pizza. First dance to “Lover.” DJ Aaron Topfer kept the floor packed all night. The wedding party wore checkered Vans. Bill and Cass at Maple Rock Farm kept everything running smoothly while Caroline and Vanessa just got to enjoy their day.

Sunset portraits on the farm with October light and foliage everywhere. Honestly it one of those sessions where you just don’t want to stop.

Caroline summed it up after getting her gallery: “We have no words left other than we are just so grateful and lucky to have had the best in the business!!”

I’m the lucky one. What an absolutely amazing day!!

---

As a Maine wedding photographer, I love any excuse to shoot in this state and Maple Rock Farm is one of those venues that makes the job genuinely fun. If you’re planning a wedding here, I’d love to chat.

If you’re still exploring Maine venues, get in touch and I can point you in the right direction. And for more New England wedding inspiration, check out my complete guide to New England wedding venues.

Vendors

Venue & Coordination: Maple Rock Farm
Photography: Andrea Van Orsouw
Videography: Seacoast Wedding Films
Catering: Hickr’y Wood Fired Pizza
Charcuterie: The Portland Board
Bartending: On The Rocks
Dessert: Delectables by Danette
Hair: Melissa McNulty – Karma Hair Studio
Make-Up: Jill Tilton
Florals: Moonset Farm
DJ & Live Music: Aaron Topfer

Q: Where is Maple Rock Farm located? Maple Rock Farm is in Parsonsfield, Maine, about an hour from Portland and about 30 minutes from the New Hampshire border. It’s a working farm with a red barn, apple orchard, and farmhouse all on the same property. Very much a full-weekend destination kind of venue.

Q: Is Maple Rock Farm good for LGBTQ+ weddings? Absolutely. Caroline and Vanessa’s wedding was one of the most joyful celebrations I’ve ever photographed there, and the team at Maple Rock Farm was wonderful to work with. If you’re looking for a welcoming Maine wedding venue, this one belongs on your list.

Q: What’s the food situation at Maple Rock Farm? You can bring in your own vendors, which means you get total flexibility. Caroline and Vanessa had wood-fired pizza and a charcuterie from a vintage 1979 VW bus and a full charcuterie spread. It was one of the more memorable wedding menus I’ve seen. The bus alone was a photo backdrop.

Q: What time of year is best for a Maple Rock Farm wedding? Fall is stunning! Tthe foliage in October is peak New England and the farm setting makes the most of it. That said, summer weddings here are equally beautiful with the orchard in full green and the long golden evenings.

Q: Do you travel to Maine for weddings? Yes! I’m a Connecticut-based wedding photographer and I travel throughout New England regularly. Parsonsfield is about 3 hours from me and absolutely worth the drive. Let’s chat about your day.