From Crops to Celebrations: Farming Harmony Hill Farm Then and Now

My grandfather Willis and my Uncle Billy!

When my grandparents purchased Harmony Hill Farm in 1946, farming looked very different than it does today. Their days were shaped by the seasons, the weather, and an endless list of chores that simply had to be done—whether they felt like it or not. Cows needed feeding, fields needed tending, repairs needed making, and the land required constant care. Farming wasn’t just a job; it was a way of life rooted in responsibility, patience, and pride. Today, Harmony Hill Farm no longer produces crops or livestock in the traditional sense. Instead, it has grown into a place where people gather to celebrate weddings, attend workshops, enjoy retreats, and make meaningful memories. While the work looks different, I often find myself thinking that what we do now is still a form of farming—just with a different harvest. There are still chores, and plenty of them. The lawns must be mowed, gardens tended, barns cleaned, floors swept, lights checked, and buildings maintained. There are timelines to manage, details to prepare, and unexpected problems to solve—often at the last minute. Much like my grandparents’ work, the job doesn’t stop because of weekends, holidays, or bad weather. When something needs doing, it needs doing. The gratification, however, is very much the same. My grandparents worked hard for rewards that weren’t always immediate. A successful harvest, healthy animals, or simply keeping the farm running another year brought a deep sense of satisfaction. Today, the rewards come in different forms: watching a couple say their vows, seeing friends laugh around a farmhouse table, hearing that a retreat gave someone the reset they didn’t know they needed. These moments don’t grow in fields, but they are cultivated with just as much care. There’s also a shared sense of stewardship. My grandparents didn’t just work the land for themselves—they cared for it so it could support future generations. In the same way, we now care for the farm so it remains a welcoming, beautiful place for others. Every improvement, repair, and thoughtful decision is made with respect for the past and hope for the future. What has stayed constant is the heart behind the work. Harmony Hill Farm has always been about providing—once it was food and livelihood, and now it’s connection, celebration, and community. The tools have changed, the tasks have shifted, but the values of hard work, hospitality, and pride in what you create remain firmly rooted. In many ways, we are still farming Harmony Hill Farm. We plant ideas, nurture experiences, and harvest memories. And just like my grandparents, we end each long day tired—but grateful—for the privilege of working this land and sharing it with others.

Everything We Offer Our Couples—And Why It Matters

At Harmony Hill Farm, we believe a wedding venue should offer more than just a beautiful backdrop. It should provide peace of mind, thoughtful details, and a sense of ease—so couples can focus on what truly matters: celebrating their love.

Every offering here is intentional. Each detail is designed to support our couples, simplify planning, and create a wedding day that feels seamless, relaxed, and genuinely joyful.

Here’s what we offer our couples—and why it’s so important.

Thoughtfully Designed Farm Tables & Chairs

Our gorgeous, sleek farm tables and chairs are included for both the ceremony and reception. They’re timeless, elegant, and designed to complement the natural beauty of the barn.

Why it matters:
Rentals add up quickly—both financially and logistically. By providing high-quality tables and seating, we eliminate an extra vendor, reduce stress, and ensure a cohesive, polished look from start to finish.

Ceremony Benches & Arbor

From handcrafted ceremony benches to our beautiful arbor, we provide the elements that frame one of the most meaningful moment of your life.

Why it matters:
Your ceremony deserves to feel intentional and beautiful without added hassle. Having these pieces onsite ensures everything fits the setting perfectly and is ready when you are.

Two Comfortable Getting Ready Spaces

We offer two separate, welcoming getting ready spaces so both partners can prepare comfortably and privately.

Why it matters:
Getting ready is part of the experience—not just a means to an end. Having dedicated spaces allows for calm, connection, laughter, and those special pre-ceremony moments you’ll always remember.

A Firepit for Cozy Evenings

As the day winds down, our firepit offers a cozy gathering place for couples and guests alike.

Why it matters:
Some of the best memories happen after the formalities—sharing stories, laughter, and quiet moments under the stars. The firepit adds warmth, charm, and an unforgettable farm feel.

Real Bathrooms (Yes, It Matters!)

Our venue includes real, indoor bathrooms—clean, comfortable, and easily accessible.

Why it matters:
It may not be glamorous, but it’s essential. Your guests will appreciate the comfort, and you won’t have to worry about extra rentals or logistics.

A Day-Of Coordinator

Our experienced day-of coordinator facilitates your ceremony rehearsal, provides guidance on your wedding timeline, answers questions, offers vendor recommendations, and oversees transitions and behind-the-scenes logistics to ensure a seamless event.

Why it matters:
This allows couples—and their families—to truly be present. No answering questions, no putting out fires, no worrying about what’s next. Just enjoying the day you’ve worked so hard to plan.

Parking Attendant

We provide a parking attendant to guide guests and keep everything running smoothly.

Why it matters:
First impressions matter. A well-organized arrival sets the tone for the entire day and ensures guests feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they arrive.

Clean-Up Crew for Décor

At the end of the night, our clean-up crew takes care of décor so you don’t have to.

Why it matters:
After a full day of emotions and celebration, the last thing you should be thinking about is cleanup. This allows you to end your night relaxed, happy, and focused on what comes next.

A Historic Farmhouse Rich in Character

At the heart of Harmony Hill Farm is our beautifully maintained historic farmhouse, offering both charm and a deep sense of history.

Why it matters:
A historic setting brings warmth, authenticity, and timeless character to your wedding day—elements that simply can’t be replicated. The farmhouse provides an intimate, meaningful backdrop for getting ready, gathering with loved ones, and capturing photographs filled with texture, light, and story. It grounds the day in a sense of place, creating an experience that feels both elevated and deeply personal.

Why We Do It This Way

We’ve seen how overwhelming wedding planning can be. Our goal is to remove as many stress points as possible while offering an elevated, thoughtful experience that feels personal—not packaged.

At Harmony Hill Farm, you’re not just booking a venue. You’re choosing a place where details are handled, people are supported, and your love story is honored every step of the way.

Because your wedding day deserves more than beautiful scenery—it deserves care, intention, and heart.

A Wedding Day, Seen Through the Farm’s Eyes

I wake up before everyone else.

The light creeps slowly over the fields, stretching across grass that’s been walked by generations before today. The morning air is still, interrupted only by birds and the soft hum of a farm coming to life. I’ve seen this kind of day before — many times — yet each one feels new.

Today, someone is getting married.

Early footsteps arrive first. A car door closes gently, as if not to disturb the calm. Vendors follow, familiar and focused, carrying flowers, linens, music, and pieces of a celebration that hasn’t quite begun yet. The barn stands ready, quiet and patient, holding its breath.

Inside, dresses are unzipped from garment bags and hung just right. Shoes are placed carefully beneath chairs. There’s laughter — the nervous kind — and moments of silence where someone stares out across the fields, imagining the day ahead. I feel the anticipation settle in, like dew on the grass.

By midday, I’m filled with movement.

Friends gather. Family arrives. Hugs linger longer than usual. There are tears already — happy ones — and whispered reassurances passed between people who love deeply. I’ve held these moments for years. I know how precious they are.

When it’s time, the world slows.

Guests take their seats. The breeze moves gently through the trees, just enough to remind everyone they’re here, together, in this moment. Then comes that quiet pause — the one right before vows — where hearts beat loudly and everything else fades away.

I’ve heard many promises made here. Some spoken through tears, some through laughter, some steady and strong. Each one different. Each one sacred. The words float across the fields and settle into the land, joining all the others I’ve kept safe over time.

Later, the sun begins to dip.

Golden light wraps the barn, and laughter spills out onto the grass. Glasses clink. Music drifts into the evening air. Shoes come off. Children chase fireflies. Couples sway under twinkle lights, unaware of anyone else around them. This is my favorite part — when the celebration feels effortless, when joy takes over.

As night settles in, I listen.

I hear stories being retold, plans for the future, and quiet “I love yous” spoken without an audience. Eventually, the lights dim. The music softens. Goodbyes are long and full of meaning. One last look back. One last deep breath.

When everyone leaves, I remain.

The fields rest. The barn exhales. Another love story becomes part of me — woven into the land, the wood, the air. Tomorrow, I’ll wake again, just as I always do, ready to hold whatever comes next.

If these fields could speak, they’d tell you this:
Every love story feels at home here.

And I’m honored to hold them all.

From Rainwater to Sparkler Exits: Favorite Moments at Our Maine Wedding Barn

Every wedding brings its own personality. Each week during our wedding season, we get to witness the hard work couples pour into their planning. We see creativity, attention to detail, fresh ideas, cherished traditions, and so much love woven into every choice.

Every time I walk into the barn after a couple has finished decorating, I can’t help but smile. This old barn—where I stacked hay as a teenager—has a beauty all its own, and when a couple adds their vision and personality, it truly fills me with joy!

All this reminiscing got me thinking… what are some of the little moments and clever ideas that have made my heart smile over the years? Here are just a few that pop into my mind.

• A couple baked & decorated their own wedding cake the night before—just the two of them. Such a sweet and intimate way to begin their celebration.

• One couple organized all their table décor by packing each table’s items into a labeled box. It made decorating quick, smooth, and beautifully stress-free.

• Traditional, yes—but we love a lively sparkler exit. It always feels magical.

• At the end of one evening, everyone stepped outside the barn so the couple could share a private dance under our twinkling lights. Truly romantic.

• We adore when couples take a planned 15-minute break together during the day. It’s the perfect chance to breathe, regroup, and soak in the moment—because getting married is a big deal.

• One couple used a photo of our barn and had their invitation company turn it into a stunning watercolor for their wedding invitations. Such a creative touch.

• On a rainy wedding day, the mother of the bride collected rainwater as a symbol of fresh beginnings. I’ve now continued the tradition—whenever it rains, I save a beautiful jar of rainwater for our couples as a keepsake.

• A surprise donut truck rolling in at the end of the night—because who wouldn’t want fresh donuts and hot coffee to wrap up a perfect evening?

• A couple who stood in the center of the dance floor while each table gathered around them for a quick photo op. It was fun, organized, and surprisingly fast!

As you plan your own wedding, remember—it’s perfectly wonderful to embrace tradition, but it’s also exciting to think outside the box or draw inspiration from other couples. After all, this is your wedding, and your ideas should reflect your personality and love story. No matter what, your guests are there to celebrate the union of two people they love, and all the special touches you bring to your day make it even more magical.

Wedding Planning Guide for a Rustic Barn Venue in Maine - Keeping It Simple & Elegant

Jen Stevens Photography

1. Build Your Vendor Team

Once you’ve selected a barn venue you love, it’s time to choose your vendors. A great team of vendors paired with a an experienced venue can make all the difference. Secure vendors as soon as possible.

• Caterer

• Florist

• Bar Service

• Photographer

• DJ/Band

• Officiant

• Videographer

• Hair & Make Up Artists

• Bakery

• Rentals

• Transportation

2. Make Your Guest List

• Know your venue’s guest capacity

• Keep in mind…your guest count drives your costs—food, drinks, rentals, tables, chairs, linens, favors, etc. Know your per person cost

• Have you spoken to them in the last 12–18 months?
  If not, they may not need to be on the list—unless they’re close family you see less frequently

• What size wedding are you looking for?

  • Intimate (under 50) → prioritize closest family and friends

  • Medium (50–120) → close circle + extended family + important friends

  • Large (150+) → wide guest list, social friends, coworkers, plus-ones

3. What Vibe Are You Looking For?

Rustic barns naturally offer warmth, charm, and authenticity. Decide whether your vibe is:

• Rustic elegance (soft lighting, neutral florals, simple décor)

• Modern farmhouse (clean lines, greenery, candles)

• Whimsical country (wildflowers, fairy lights, vintage touches)

Once the vibe is clear, every choice becomes easier.

4. Keep the Décor Minimal but Meaningful

A rustic barn already provides a stunning backdrop—wood beams, open space & touches of history. Lean into that.

less clutter = more atmosphere

Simple, rustic, & elegant décor ideas:

• Loose greenery runners on long farm tables

• Neutral florals (whites, creams, soft blush, eucalyptus)

• Candles or LED pillars to create glow

• Use Wooden boxes or barrels

• String lights or bistro lighting to elevate the ambience

• Soft Draping

• Chalkboard Signs

5. Consider a Day of Coordinator

If your venue doesn’t provide a Day-of Coordinator, hiring one is highly recommended. Having a dedicated point person to greet vendors, handle last-minute details, and keep the timeline on track is invaluable—allowing you and your new spouse to relax and enjoy every moment.

6. Keep the Timeline Relaxed

Barn weddings feel best when the day flows naturally.

A simple elegant timeline:

• 4:00 – Ceremony

• 4:30 – Photos + Cocktail hour

• 5:30 – Dinner

• 6:00 – Toasts

• 6:30 – First dances

• 7:00 – Open dance floor

• 8:30 – Dessert

• 10:30 – Sendoff

7. Use Nature as Your Statement Piece

What makes a barn venue magical is the land around it.

Incorporate:

• Sunset photos in fields

• Trail walk-through photos

• Fire pit for gathering

• Outdoor games (cornhole, giant Jenga, ring toss)

These add personality without adding expense.

8. Add Personalized, Simple Touches

Some meaningful but effortless ideas:

• A welcome sign with the date

• A memory table for family photos

• Simple favors like local honey, maple syrup, or wildflower seeds

• A handwritten note at each seat

• Give a welcome/thank you speech

These make guests feel connected—and they photograph beautifully.

9. Relax and Enjoy the Charm

A simple and elegant barn wedding works because it’s genuine. Guests feel comfortable, the setting is beautiful, and the day unfolds naturally. A wedding at a barn venue creates an atmosphere that’s romantic, warm & unforgettable!

The Heart of the Day: Crafting a Meaningful Wedding Timeline

A thoughtful wedding timeline is important, but it should highlight the moments that matter most to you. Choose the activities that feel meaningful, keep things simple, and avoid packing the schedule so tightly that you lose time with the people you love. You don’t need to follow trends—focus on what feels right for the two of you.

Here are some of my favorite meaningful moments couples have included in their timeline:

• Share a quiet, private moment after the ceremony. Stepping away together gives you a chance to breathe, take everything in, and savor the start of your marriage.

• Enjoy your meal in a private space before joining the reception.

• Include a short welcome speech during the reception—it’s a heartfelt way to make your guests feel appreciated and excited to celebrate with you.

• Cut the cake! It doesn’t have to be extravagant; even a simple cake is a beautiful symbol of new beginnings.

• Exchange private vows, and consider adding personal love letters to make the moment even more meaningful.

• Share a sunset gift exchange—a sweet, intimate gesture at golden hour.

• Incorporate a ring warming. Passing your rings hand-to-hand in a small circle before the ceremony infuses them with love and intention.

• Take a pre-ceremony walk around the property to ground yourselves and calm any nerves.

• Share a private dance at the end of the reception, once the space has cleared. It’s a beautiful way for you and your love to savor one final moment together as just the two of you.

Haven Photography

Let’s give them something to talk about!

(Why do guests love rustic barn wedding venues?)

My grandfather’s hay barn…equipped with conveyor belt above the lights.

When Mark and I decided to transform our family farm into a wedding venue, we knew our barn and property were beautiful—but we had no idea just how much guests would fall in love with it. It wasn’t until we became seasoned barn venue owners that we truly understood the magic.

Over the years, we’ve hosted around 175 weddings, and during each one, we take the time to watch and listen. We notice the moments when guests first enter the barn for the reception—their eyes widening in awe, the soft murmurs of “Wow,” or the curiosity about our chandeliers, which hang from an original conveyor belt that once carried hay to my uncles in the sweltering hayloft.

We see them gazing out at the sweeping landscape as they wait for the wedding party to make an entrance. Their smiles are full of joy—and sometimes nostalgia—as they remember the carefree days of childhood, running through fields and forests. Many guests stop us to ask about the history of the farm, and we always answer with pride and delight.

Now I understand why barn venues are so beloved. They don’t just provide a beautiful backdrop—they offer experiences, memories, and stories that guests carry with them long after the celebration ends.

• Picturesque Backdrops: From weathered beams to rolling farmland, barns offer stunning photography opportunities both inside and out. Every corner becomes a frame-worthy moment for your wedding album.

• Flexible Space: Barns provide versatile layouts for ceremonies, receptions, and dancing—all under one roof. The open design allows for creative seating, décor, and entertainment arrangements.

• Cozy and Inviting: The intimate feel of a barn encourages guests to mingle, relax, and feel part of your special day. Rustic elements like fire pits, twinkle lights, and farm tables enhance a welcoming vibe.

• Connection to Nature: Often set on expansive properties, barn venues give couples the chance to celebrate surrounded by fields and gardens—perfect for outdoor ceremonies or sunset photos.

• Unique Experience: Unlike traditional banquet halls, barn weddings feel personal and one-of-a-kind. Each venue has its own history and character, giving your day a memorable, authentic touch.

• Customization Opportunities: Barns are a blank canvas—you can infuse your personalities through décor, flowers, lighting, and seating, making the celebration uniquely yours..