Barrels and Wildflowers: Victoria & Jack's Fall Wedding at The Cellars at Allagash Brewing | Portland, Maine
Victoria and Jack kept their day relaxed and easygoing in the best way: a courtyard ceremony under string lights, an afternoon of good beer and fire pits with the people they love, and a barrel room that turned into a dance floor once the evening came on. Wildflowers, lavender, and the first color of fall in the trees.
Everyone gathered early so the photos could be taken care of before the ceremony, which meant time for the two of them under the trees at the edge of the property, the leaves just starting to turn. A wildflower bouquet of dahlias and asters, a cream knit tie, a slip dress with a strand of pearls down her back, and a quick cheers with an Allagash before anyone else arrived. Then the bridesmaids in lavender satin, who could not keep a straight face for long.
Inside, the room was set with long wooden tables, jars of wildflowers, brass lanterns, and greenery down the center, all of it in front of walls of oak barrels. It is hard to think of a better backdrop for two people who love a good beer.
The ceremony was out on the courtyard, under a wooden arbor draped in white with string lights overhead and fall color filling in the treeline behind it. Jack walked in with both of his parents, and Victoria came down the aisle between hers. One of the groomsmen officiated, which kept everyone laughing, and they each read their own vows. Rings, a kiss, and back up the aisle to cheering on both sides.
No grand entrance and no seating chart. Just an afternoon on the patio with drinks and apps, guests pulled up to the fire pits, and Victoria sitting down on a bench among her friends like any other guest. The toasts happened right there in the open air, with family and friends taking turns at the mic and everyone else laughing along. Then a short thank you from the two of them.
Later in the evening everyone moved inside. Their names were chalked on a whiskey barrel, the guest book sat under a gold mirror that said Kindly Sign, and guests filled the room between the barrel racks. Victoria danced with her dad, Jack danced with his mom, and then the two of them had their first dance on the concrete floor with the whole room watching. They cut a white cake painted with lavender sprigs, there was pie for anyone who wanted it, and the dance floor took it from there.
A courtyard ceremony, an afternoon by the fire pits, and a barrel room full of the people who showed up for them. No fuss, just a really good day. Congratulations, Victoria and Jack.
Planning a brewery wedding in Portland?
The Cellars at Allagash gives you a courtyard for the ceremony, a patio with fire pits for the afternoon, and a barrel room that does the decorating for you. If you are planning a wedding in Maine, we would love to hear about it.