If a popular sports bar had not been so crowded one Friday afternoon eight years ago, Nikki Thornton and Timothy Rooney may have never met. “Nikki and her friend were kind enough to share their table,” remembers Timothy. “While we didn’t get an opportunity to chat at first, we both found ourselves consistently sneaking quick peeks from across the table.” Nikki confirms, “A few rounds and some great conversations later, Tim and I were inseparable.” 

When the time was right, Timothy took a one-day trip to Nikki’s hometown to formally ask her parents for their permission to propose. As Timothy is from New England, he planned the proposal to take place on a summer road trip from Boston to Maine. Incorporating a few of Nikki’s favorite things, the day began with a visit to the botanical gardens, followed by an oyster-farm cruise, and finally a sunset picnic at the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, where a photographer was hiding to capture the special moment. 

As a floral designer in the wedding industry, Nikki had a clear vision for the big day and selected a whimsical, garden-inspired wedding design for the celebration at their historic home. In a span of one year, they not only planned a wedding but also renovated their Queen Anne-style house built in 1855 and restored the barn on property. “So far it’s been our biggest accomplishment as a couple and something I firmly believe brought us closer together, setting us on a path for an adventurous life together,” affirms Timothy. 

Friends and family found their seats for the ceremony beneath a 100-year-old pecan tree atop wooden cross-back chairs, which faced the newly renovated black barn. Lush, colorful blooms lined the grassy aisle, and the spot for the vow exchange was marked with a striking asymmetrical installation of magnolia branches, greenery, and organic florals. “We really wanted to embrace having our wedding at our place,” shares Nikki. 

At last, the bride made her way down the aisle in the “Primavera” gown by Claire Pettibone, which showcases embroidered long sleeves, a floral bodice featuring peonies and green vines, and a softly gathered tulle skirt layered over silk charmeuse. Nikki wore her long hair down beneath a veil made complete with dried hydrangea petals from her mother in law’s home, and she carried a bouquet of garden roses and ranuncluses, as well as zinnias, celosias, coral vines, and baby pomegranates grown in her own garden. 

“We really wanted to embrace having our wedding at our place.”

For the cocktail hour and wedding reception, “our goal was to have a tailored, backyard garden vibe,” smiles the bride. Loved ones enjoyed custom cocktails served from a vintage-camper bar hooked up to the couple’s 1967 Datsun pickup truck. Once guests found their seating assignments by way of unique acrylic displays placed over punchy floral arrangements, they moved into the barn for a dinner highlighting barbecue and Mexican fare. 

The reception space was decorated with loose vines that climbed up the wooden posts, and textured tablescapes were adorned with local vibrant blooms and taupe taper candles. “I wanted the flowers to stand out, and we wanted to bring the outdoors in!” Nikki notes. 

Slices of a gorgeous wedding cake embellished with lifelike sugar flowers were offered, along with macarons, meringue bites, and cookies. A live wedding band kept everyone dancing all night long under the stars. “We spent so much time imagining what our wedding experience would be, we didn’t prepare for the emotion, energy, and love that comes with sharing your special day with all the people that matter most in your life,” the groom confirms. 

After a year of making their home and wedding exactly as they envisioned, the bride’s advice for couples planning their own wedding is simple. “Do what you want to do!” she urges. “Put as many personal touches in your wedding – that’s what makes it special.”

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