Real Wedding: Sophia & Alex, May at Walnut Hill

May 10

By Essie Haimes, Co-Owner, Walnut Hill and Flanagan Farm

When Sophia and Alex began planning their wedding, they were looking for something that would bridge two worlds: the energy and elegance of city life, and the quieter pull of the natural world. They found it at Walnut Hill in late May, when the property is at perhaps its most extraordinary: gardens in full bloom, the ceremony grove canopied in the most vibrant green of the year, and a quality of light in the long evenings that is genuinely hard to find anywhere else.

It is a celebration that caught the attention of BRIDES magazine, and one that we find ourselves describing to couples often when they ask what is possible here in the spring.

Sophia and Alex met in Manhattan and got engaged in Washington Square Park, but when it came time to plan their wedding, Maine called. One of Sophia's closest friends, Kate Moncada of Golden Hour Planning, pointed them toward Walnut Hill, and the fit was immediate. The restored 1887 barn suited the couple's airy, bright, and minimalistic aesthetic, the on-site farmhouse meant their closest people could stay together all weekend, and the property's natural setting offered something neither of them had quite anticipated: a landscape so alive in late May that it would end up inspiring much of the wedding design.

Why May at Walnut Hill

Walnut Hill in late May is something that has to be seen to be fully understood. The ceremony grove is canopied in the most vibrant green of the entire year. The scent of lilac drifts across the property while abundant tulips and daffodils push up through the gardens. The light in the late afternoon is long, warm, and generous in the way that only a Maine spring evening can be.

Sophia described the experience to BRIDES beautifully: "The most spectacular décor was the (ceremony) grove itself. It created this explosion of green trees around us. We got really lucky that lilacs and tulips also happened to be in bloom on both sides of the boardwalk aisle. We leaned into the beauty of the site itself, then really only added embellishments."

That instinct to lean into the natural beauty of the property at this time of the year is one of the hallmarks of a May wedding at Walnut Hill, and Sophia and Alex's celebration is one of the most beautiful examples of it we have seen.

The Florals

The floral design, executed by Field Floral Studio, was a masterclass in working with the season. Sophia's oversized, asymmetrical bouquet was built from sustainable, locally sourced blooms in shades of white, ivory, and pale purple, including ranunculus, peonies, anemones, and tulips, all at their peak in late May. The ceremony arbor was an organic explosion of seasonal lilac, all locally grown and sourced. Lush reception centerpieces of Queen Anne's lace, ranunculus, and greenery brought the feeling of the gardens directly into the barn. The result was a design that felt entirely of this place and this moment.

The Ceremony

Upon arrival, guests made their way to the ceremony grove along Walnut Hill's signature winding wooden boardwalk, passing lush ferns and daffodils as the path wound deeper into the trees. The grove opens into a natural cathedral of sorts, where a canopy of mature trees filters the light into something soft and dappled, landing gently on the white arbor draped in bountiful lilacs and lush greenery below. It is one of those settings that requires very little and Sophia and Alex gave it exactly that, letting the grove speak for itself while adding just enough to make the space feel entirely their own.

Sophia's younger sister officiated, and both Sophia and Alex wrote their own vows. "The ceremony felt really intimate," says Sophia. "There were a lot of laughs. Alex is a huge Lord of the Rings fan, so there were many references to that."

The processional was perfectly chosen: the Vitamin String Quartet's version of the Miami Vice theme for Alex and his groomsmen, followed by Coldplay's "A Sky Full of Stars" as Sophia's father escorted her down the aisle.

The Look

Sophia's gown was the Lavender design by Liz Martinez, a long-sleeved lace column dress with a plunging neckline and a low back. "When I put it on, I felt it was the perfect balance of dreamy, sultry, and elegant," she says. A low bun by Sarah and Co. Designs showed off two pairs of meaningful earrings: gold hoops from Alex early in their relationship, and a pair from Sophia's parents from her childhood in Hong Kong.

Alex wore a custom gray jacket and trousers from Suit Supply, Orvis wing-tip shoes found at a yard sale a decade earlier, and a black bow-tie tied with help from his father fifteen minutes before the ceremony.

The Reception

Inside the barn, the design remained airy and considered. White textiles and minimalist glassware kept the palette clean, while mismatched vintage salad plates and abundant florals brought warmth and color to each table. Eight ten-foot trees anchored to the barn’s historic wooden posts created a soft canopy overhead, with candle-filled glass baubles hanging from each one.

Personal touches were woven throughout: handwritten place cards by their planner, digital invitations designed by Sophia herself, rehearsal dinner flowers from Alex's mother's garden, and artisan donuts displayed on a board built by Alex's parents. The first dance was to the acoustic version of "Holy" by Justin Bieber and Chance the Rapper, followed by a full dance floor courtesy of DJ Jason Tubbs.

As Seen in BRIDES

Sophia and Alex's wedding at Walnut Hill was featured in BRIDES magazine, photographed by Jennifer Darling. You can read the complete feature here.

A Note From Us

Sophia and Alex, thank you for choosing Walnut Hill. Watching you build your life (and family!) here in Maine has been one of our favorite things about doing this work. We are so glad this property played a small part in your Maine journey, and even more glad that Maine kept you here with us.