Since many of our couples wish to surprise their wedding guests with welcome bags and/or favors of authentic Maine made products, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite Maine made gifts in this blog series. Of course, many of these handcrafted items would make wonderful bridesmaid or groomsmen gifts as well as gifts for parents of the wedding couple. For guests looking for a unique and meaningful gift for the lovebirds, you will find gift inspiration in this series, too.

How did the business start and who are the owners?

This year, Swans Island Company celebrates 25 years of crafting exquisite textiles here in Maine. Our company was founded in 1992 by John and Carolyn Grace, two retired lawyers seeking a return to the land. They began producing wool blankets by hand on on Swan’s Island using traditional techniques, local fleece and natural dyes, winning a Smithsonian Blue Ribbon for Craft. Our current owners, Bill Laurita and Michele Orne, purchased Swans Island Company in 2004. We’re now located on the mainland, carrying on the tradition of handcrafted heirloom blankets, throws, and apparel with our small and talented team of makers.

Describe the products you sell including how they’re made.

Everything we do at Swans Island – from hand-dyed yarns to our signature handwoven blankets – is a testament to the beauty and value of a handmade life. We craft blankets, throws, pillows, wraps, scarves, in our dyehouse and weaving studio. We also collaborate with small, family-run American mills to produce fine knit apparel. From fiber sourcing to our finishing room table, we believe in creating objects of beauty and utility in authentic and earth-friendly ways here in Maine. All are welcome to come visit our Northport studios to learn more about our processes.

Who typically enjoys your products?

Swans Island’s woven goods are modern-day heirlooms, and our customers come to us time and again to help celebrate life’s many milestones: weddings, anniversaries, welcoming new babies, and more. Our hand-monogramming service and exquisite linen packaging transform our unique handwovens into unforgettable commemorative pieces, designed to be cherished for years to come.

People who love Swans Island Company generally care deeply about how things are made, have strong ties to the Maine coast, and appreciate the traditional approach we take to ensure that everything we produce is at once luxurious and sustainable.

What’s the best way to purchase them?

Swans Island Company goods may be purchased at our Camden or Northport locations, online through our website, and by telephone.

What’s your favorite thing about Maine?

We love Maine for its dramatic natural beauty, which inspires so much of our work.

Bill Laurita, Michele Orne
Swans Island Company
231 Atlantic Highway
Northport, Maine 04849
(207) 338-9691
(888) 526-9526

Secondary Address:

2 Bay View Street
Camden, Maine 04843
207.706.7926
info@swansislandcompany.com
www.swansislandcompany.com

Facebook
Instagram

Featured photo by Sharyn Peavey Photography

The post Maine Made Gifts: Swans Island Company appeared first on French's Point - Coastal Maine Weddings.

On Main Street, just steps from the water, is the Belfast Bay Inn. It’s the only boutique hotel in Maine to win AAA’s four-diamond rating, thanks to the expert management of owners Ed and Judy Hemmingsen.

Please tell us about your background in the hospitality industry.
BBI: Eddie and I bought the Bluenose Inn in Bar Harbor, Maine, in 1980, when it was a 19-room motel. We transformed it into a 97-room, AAA-Four Diamond hotel with a beautiful indoor pool and outside pool and added a restaurant that became one of 41 AAA-Five Diamond restaurants in North America. We operated the Bluenose for 21 years and sold it in 2000 to retire.
We retired to Belfast and decided after four years to purchase a pair of row houses on Main Street in Belfast for a European Boutique Hotel.

You and your husband spent years renovating the property. Can you tell us about its history?
BBI: The building dates back to 1840. We spent nearly three years renovating the building and opened with eight luxury suites. Although we are not a bed and breakfast, we do serve a hot breakfast every morning and deliver it to the suite, room service style or, weather permitting, serve in our Garden Courtyard.

Please share a bit about the inn’s European boutique hotel atmosphere.
BBI: Our intimate and private boutique hotel has a reputation that is founded on gracious hospitality, personal service, comfort and attention to detail, which is evident from the moment you arrive. The hotel has a home away from home atmosphere and we have a genuine concern for each individual guest’s comfort and needs, while providing them with immaculate and stylish, residential quality, furnished guest accommodations.
We offer the discriminating traveler a variety of personal touches and extra amenities, such as plush fluffy robes, fluffy towels, Molton Brown amenities, Bose clock radios with CD player, WiFi, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, umbrellas, coffee and tea available in their suite. Some of the suites have a gas fireplace and some have distance water views, all have hardwood floors and original artwork and individual decor.
Our Garden Courtyard offers the perfect setting to toast a beautiful day as the day draws to an end.

What activities do you most recommend to people visiting the midcoast area?
BBI: Our guests love the midcoast area because it allows them to day trip to Acadia National Park and also to visit our neighbors to the south — Camden, Rockport, Lincolnville and Rockland — and then return to the eclectic little waterfront city of Belfast. Belfast has some fabulous shops and galleries and local restaurants that are all within walking distance.
Many of our guests enjoy a morning, afternoon or dinner cruise sail, which leaves right from our town pier, about a two minute walk away. Belfast will have a beautiful walkway along the shore from the boathouse to the footbridge, which will be great for walkers and runners. (It will be available next summer).
We have a beautiful little state park right on the shore, a sandy and rocky beach next to the boathouse within walking distance.

The post Local Lodging: Belfast Bay Inn & Suites appeared first on French's Point - Coastal Maine Weddings.

The Yankee Clipper is owned and operated by Michael, who also owns the Belfast Harbor Inn. Guests tell us often that the proximity of the two hotels is a convenient way to simplify pick up locations for transportation and enjoy the quaint town of Belfast.

The Yankee Clipper offers the traditional amenities found in a hotel. Each of the rooms have either a king-size bed or two extra-long double beds. Rooms also have amenities that include individually controlled heat, a writing desk, microwave, mini refrigerator, coffee maker, free WiFi, air conditioning, flat screen televisions and on-site laundry. Parking just outside your door means you have convenient and easy access to your room. Dogs are welcome at the Yankee Clipper Motel with an additional fee and advance notice as not all rooms are dog friendly.

Details

Address: 50 Searsport Ave., Belfast, ME 04915
Distance from French’s Point: 18 minutes/12.3 miles
Number of Bedrooms:
How many guests it sleeps:
Property Style: motel
REstaurant on premise: no
Minimum Rental Duration: summer and early fall have 2 night minimum
Contact Info: 207-338-2353 + theskipper@yankeeclippermotelbelfast.com
Website: http://www.yankeeclippermotelbelfast.com/

The post Local Lodging: Yankee Clipper appeared first on French's Point - Coastal Maine Weddings.

Since many of our couples wish to surprise their wedding guests with welcome bags and/or favors of authentic Maine made products, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite Maine made gifts in this blog series. Of course, many of these handcrafted items would make wonderful bridesmaid or groomsmen gifts as well as gifts for parents of the wedding couple. For guests looking for a unique and meaningful gift for the lovebirds, you will find gift inspiration in this series, too.

How did the business start and who are the owners?

Dean’s Sweets started as a fun and less-than-serious endeavor in 2004 when Dean Bingham made a batch of rum truffles to give away as gifts to friends and family. Kristin, who had just recently graduated with an MBA, joined the picture at the same time. Things didn’t get too serious too quickly, but eventually Dean and Kristin designed the product, the packaging, and the website. And got married. Thus, Dean’sSweets was born.

After chocolatiering in their home in Portland, Dean’sSweets moved to its first commercial kitchen and store front in 2008. Though a little more serious now, Dean still makes all the truffles, caramels, and other chocolates, and Kristin still co-conspires on the business side.

Describe the products you sell (including how they’re made, if applicable).

Dean’s Sweets is known for its Maine-made, hand-dipped chocolate truffles, caramels, and buttercreams. We use only natural products, no artificial ingredients or preservatives, and never any nuts. We use local ingredients whenever possible, for example, we use Coffee by Design in our coffee truffles and espresso buttercreams. We use Kate’s Butter in our caramels. Our maple truffles are made with Maine organic maple syrup. Our Needhams have a touch of Cold River (Maine potato) vodka. The chocolate stout, uses local brew Allagash Black.

In addition to being nut-free, most truffles are gluten free, and several are dairy free (which also makes them vegan).

Who typically enjoys your products?

People of all ages and all backgrounds enjoy our chocolates. Whether someone is coming in to our store to purchase one or two truffles to eat on the spot, or sending an assortment to a friend across the country, the chocolates are fresh and luxurious. Our highest compliment is when visitors come to our store and remark on the high quality of our chocolate. They say our chocolate compares with the best they’ve had in Paris or Belgium. We strive to make every bite a truly rich and memorable experiences.

Our truffles also make great favors or sweet-table treats at weddings and other celebrations. And we’ve heard that the chocolates are never left behind at the end of the evening, so brides and grooms are advised to keep a few tucked away for themselves. Dean and Kristin had their chocolate at their own wedding, now ten years ago.

What’s the best way to purchase them?

Dean’s Sweets can be purchased online at www.deanssweets.com or at our store at 475 Fore Street, in Portland.

What’s your favorite thing about Maine?

My favorite thing about Maine is how authentically friendly everyone is. People greet one another, make time for one another, and are kind to each other. There’s nothing better anywhere.

Owner(s) Name: Dean & Kristin Bingham

Business Name: Dean’sSweets

Address: 475 Fore Street

City/State/Zip: Portland, ME 04101

Phone: 207 899-3664

Email: dean@deanssweets.com

Website: www.deanssweets.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeansSweets-7548246108/

Pinterest:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanssweets/

The post Maine Made Gifts: Dean’s Sweets appeared first on French's Point - Coastal Maine Weddings.

Since many of our couples wish to surprise their wedding guests with welcome bags and/or favors of authentic Maine made products, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite Maine made gifts in this blog series. Of course, many of these handcrafted items would make wonderful bridesmaid or groomsmen gifts as well as gifts for parents of the wedding couple. For guests looking for a unique and meaningful gift for the lovebirds, you will find gift inspiration in this series, too.

How did the business start and who are the owners?

Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections began in 1983 when Tom Wilbur and Catherine Carty-Wilbur opened a small candy shop on Bow St. in Freeport, Maine. Tom and Catherine were both school teachers at the time and were just looking to supplement their income; selling chocolates and candies made by other companies in their store. It was a few years later that they decided to try making chocolates themselves and secured their first wholesale customer: L.L.Bean. We now have three retail locations, a chocolate factory in Freeport and as of 2016 Andy Wilbur, Tom and Catherine’s son, is the new owner of Wilbur’s of Maine.

Describe the products you sell (including how they’re made, if applicable).

So many products to describe! We make homemade caramels, creams, melt away truffles, needhams, buttercrunch toffee, turtles, marshmallow, fudge, hot fudge sauce, brittle, peanut butter cups, traditional truffles, chocolate dipped cherries, solid chocolate that is molded into just about any shape you can imagine (sea shells, lobsters, bunnies, fish, Santas, shamrocks, pigs, hockey pucks….) we could go on! We can’t forget, of course, our panned chocolates. We are one of very few factories in New England producing panned chocolates, they are the largest part of our wholesale business and include amazing items like chocolate covered blueberries, chocolate covered cranberries, malt balls, chocolate covered almonds, pretzel bites, and many, many more! We produce 100’s of different chocolates and confections.

How are these items made? Well, there are far too many items to explain in detail, but we do try to use local ingredients whenever possible, each item is made with care and by hand in small batches. Also, everything we make is done in our Freeport factory at 174 Lower Main St. in Freeport. There are viewing windows into the factory at all times and we offer tours on select days and times. Best to consult our website or Facebook page for that current month’s event/tour dates.

Who typically enjoys your products?

Anyone and everyone! Chocolate knows no bounds! It brings generations together and is the perfect gift. We have products that are made with 72% dark chocolate and other not-too-sweet items like dark chocolate covered ginger and dark chocolate covered orange peel so even if you think you don’t have a sweet tooth, you’re likely to find something here you will enjoy!

What’s the best way to purchase them?

Our website wilburs.com is being updated weekly with more and more products being added and is the perfect way to have our fine confections shipped all over the country to yourself or a loved one! If you are lucky enough to be in southern Maine visit us at one of our three locations:

174 Lower Main St. Freeport, ME 04032 (factory and retail store)

13 Bow St. Freeport, ME 04032 (retail)

143 Maine St. Brunswick, ME 04011 (retail)

What’s your favorite thing about Maine?

It’s hard to answer this question without sounding too cliché, but if we’re being honest it’s for two reasons: first, because the people here are relatable through all walks of life. Second is the available outdoor space. As we mentioned above we try to source a lot of our ingredients locally and that is made possible in part because of our suppliers have access to this resources of this great state of ours. Our sea salt comes from a company in Marshfield, Maine and is captured from the ocean’s water using Solar power and our vanilla is made in Portland, Maine.

Owner(s) Name: Andy Wilbur

Business Name: Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections

Address: 174 Lower Main St.

City/State/Zip: Freeport, ME 04032

Phone: 207.865.4071

Email: (general questions) liselle@wilburs.com

Website: wilburs.com

Facebook: Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections https://www.facebook.com/WilbursofMaineChocolateConfections/

Pinterest: Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections https://www.pinterest.com/wilbursofmaine

Instagram: Wilbur’s of Maine https://www.instagram.com/wilbursofmaine/

The post Maine Made Gifts: Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections appeared first on French's Point - Coastal Maine Weddings.

Since many of our couples wish to surprise their wedding guests with welcome bags and/or favors of authentic Maine made products, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite Maine made gifts in this blog series. Of course, many of these handcrafted items would make wonderful bridesmaid or groomsmen gifts as well as gifts for parents of the wedding couple. For guests looking for a unique and meaningful gift for the lovebirds, you will find gift inspiration in this series, too.

How did the business start and who are the owners?

Black Dinah Chocolatiers (BDC) opened it’s doors in 2007, on tiny Isle au Haut, Maine. Steve and Kate Shaffer operated both BDC’s confectionery production, and a busy seasonal cafe, from their island home until 2015. In June of 2015, the business relocated to Westbrook, Maine.

Describe the products you sell (including how they’re made, if applicable).

Black Dinah Chocolatiers specializes in handmade chocolate confections, and gift-worthy presentation. All truffles, sea salt caramels, and novelty confections are made with fairly-traded and sustainably-grown chocolates and sugar. All of our confections are made from whole ingredients, grown locally and/or organically, including cream, butter, fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Who typically enjoys your products?

Our confections are most commonly purchased as gifts by people who want to communicate a sincere, heartfelt message to a friend, client, or beloved family member. Our confections are family and holiday traditions, and are gifted privately, or used as coveted favors for large corporate celebrations or highly personalized weddings.

What’s the best way to purchase them?

Our full line of chocolates and confections can be purchased on our website, or at our retail locations in Westbrook, Maine and Blue Hill, Maine. Our truffles and barks are sold at retail partners throughout Maine and New England, and across the country.

What’s your favorite thing about Maine?

The abundance of fresh, healthful, and beautiful food, grown, produced, and shared on small family farms.

Kate and Steve Shaffer
Black Dinah Chocolatiers
869 Main St.
Westbrook, ME 04092 and 5 Main St., Blue Hill, ME 04614
207-887-9763
info@blackdinahchocolatiers.com
www.blackdinahchocolatiers.com
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

Do you have a favorite Maine made gift? Leave your ideas in the comments.

The post Maine Made Gifts: Black Dinah Chocolatiers appeared first on French's Point - Coastal Maine Weddings.

Ashleigh and Josh had a beautiful, summer black-tie wedding filled with love and lots of wagging tails here at French’s Point! The cuteness of their tiny attendants was only matched by their sweet pooches who sauntered down the aisle in celebration of their marriage. Ashleigh and Josh included all the things that meant the most to them on their big day, as a result, their wedding was truly their own.

Thank you to the wonderful team of vendors which brought this vision to life. We wish this wonderful couple a life filled with love and big, wet kisses and fuzzy snuggles.

Bar Services: The Bar Association
Catering: Blue Elephant Catering and Events
Ceremony Venue: French’s Point Waterfront Gazebo
Dessert: Sweets by Sue
Ceremony, Dinner + Dancing Entertainment: Double Platinum Celebrations
DJ: Double Platinum Celebrations
Event Planner: Blue Elephant Catering and Events
Floral Design: Flowers by Hoboken
Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist: Green with Envy
Lighting: Event Lighting Concepts
Officiant: Ericka (the groom’s sister)
Photography: Bethany & Dan Photography
Reception Venue: French’s Point
Rentals: Wallace Events + French’s Point
Transportation: NorthEast Charter & Tour Co.

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#1 Where to Start: What kind of lodging do you need?

Talk to the Wedding Couple

Talk to the couple about their vision for their event related to lodging. They may envision their guests staying in the lodging at French’s Point in combination with the other area rental cottages along Hersey Retreat Road, which leads into French’s Point or they may want a combination of these rentals as well as local inns, hotels and motels.

Who Will Stay at French’s Point?

French’s Point offers 19 guest rooms in 18 suites at French’s Point. There are 12 guest rooms at The Farm and there are 6 guest suites at The Retreat including one Family Suite that has a shared bath with a room with a queen bed and a room with two sets of bunk beds. Each suite has its own private bathroom. Check out the floor plans to The Farm and The Retreat for details. We suggest you determine who will occupy these 19 guest rooms before you do anything else. Typically, the guests that are nearest and dearest to the couple stay in these rooms, ie. immediate family and wedding party. Many couples want their weekend to feel like a wedding and a reunion/vacation nicely combined. This option offers that experience.

Rentals Closest to French’s Point

You can refer to the blog post series about the Rental Cottages of Hersey Retreat Road for details about some of the rental properties closest to French’s Point. For an extended stay, house rentals offer more amenities and are more affordable that nightly properties such as hotels and motels.

Hotels, Motels, and Inns

However, some guests may only be able to come for the night or two around the wedding, so a hotel or inn property may be a better option. There is a nice portfolio of nightly lodging properties near French’s Point of varying price points and styles. We suggest the newly renovated Belfast Harbor Inn, its sister property, the Yankee Clipper, or the luxury Belfast ay Inn & Suites. These properties offer a nice spectrum of options for guests.

PRO TIP: Consider setting up shuttle transportation for the wedding day to and from these local accommodations to ensure guests can enjoy themselves and safely get home at the end of the night.

Accommodations Guide

We provide our clients with our Accommodations Guide and the Area House Rental Guide. These resources offer  information about the properties in the area that guests may have interest in reserving for lodging.

#2 Next Steps: when and how to secure room blocks

When to Block Rooms

For events taking place at French’s Point between May and October, we encourage reserving rooms no later than three months in advance. For events on long weekends, we suggest reserving them as far as five or sixmonths in advance.

PRO TIP: We suggest having lodging information on the wedding website before Save The Dates are sent, so guests can reserve their lodging and begin planning their time with you for a weekend of fun and memory-making!

 Contact the Property

Once you determine which properties you are most interested in suggesting to guests, contact the property. Most offer Room Block Rate Locks for large groups. This means they will offer a rate lock or reduced rate for rooms reserved within a room block. Some properties will offer a Room Block Hold, but will require a credit card to hold the rooms and the card will be charged for unsecured rooms once you get to the expiration date of the Room Block Contract. House Rentals do not offer holds. You can still suggest these properties to guests.

Update the Wedding Website

Add the chosen lodging options, website link, contact details and a description to the wedding website or wedding app the couple is using for their event. We recommend including a suggested date by which the lodging should be reserved.

Learn more about French’s Point, we can’t wait to hear from you!

The post How Can I Help: Lodging Blocks appeared first on French's Point - Coastal Maine Weddings.

Ocean, Ocean, and more Ocean

You can see the ocean borders the property on three sides, which makes for stunning panoramic views of the bay from both of our buildings.

Farm House

On the East side of The Farm spread, we have a beautiful private beach area with a massive stone bonfire pit right on the shore; two tree-swings overlooking the cove, perfect for relaxing swinging; and a wonderful East side terrace with a cozy fire pit.  At the top of the hill sits The Farm house with incredible views all around.  The house has 12 guest rooms with en suite bathrooms, a fully appointed kitchen, fireplace parlor, and a lower level recreation room. Behind the farmhouse out the parlor sliding doors is the BBQ lawn with picnic tables and grills, perfect for an afternoon cookout.  Behind the BBQ lawn is the West side terrace with a gas fire pit and beautiful sunset views overlooking the orchard, garden, gazebo, the recreation lawn with croquet, horse shoes, badminton, volleyball, bocce ball, corn hole, and new for 2018, giant Jenga!  Beyond this rec lawn is 106 acres of wooded Sandy Point State Park preserve with 1 ½ miles of walking trails..

“There is so much more here than I expected!”

Retreat House

At the tip of the peninsula, The Retreat House sits with a commanding 280-degree view of the bay. The beautifully landscaped gardens punctuate the views and gathering areas like the cobblestone terrace, the ceremony gazebo and promenade and the oceanfront lawn. The Family Tree Garden offers some of the best photo opportunities on the property, particularly at sunset.  Below the Family Tree is our gorgeous custom sailcloth tent structure on a full floor set along the edge of the bluff.  The beach path leads to the gorgeous oak trees that lead to the shore and stunning sunset views.

This property was made for relaxing days spent with loved ones making memories that will last a lifetime and fill your heart.  Come explore the estate for yourself and let us know what you think. Contact us for a private tour of our estate.

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Bar Service and Catering: 111 Maine
DJ: Sirois Sound Production
Day of Coordinator: Refinery Events
Floral Design: Flora Fauna
Hair and Makeup: Glow Salon
Photo Booth: Sirois Sound Production
Photography: Nadra Photography – Leigh Doran
Reception Venue: French’s Point
Rentals: Wallace Events + French’s Point
Transportation: NorthEast Charter & Tour Co.
Videography: Drew Buerhaus Film

The post Sunny Summer French’s Point Wedding appeared first on French's Point - Coastal Maine Weddings.