La Rochelle Estate Wedding with Garden-Inspired Tent Decor
Emma and Jordan’s La Rochelle Estate wedding was everything a coastal Maine summer celebration should be; timeless, joyful, and rich in romantic detail. Set at the historic Gilded Age estate overlooking Frenchman Bay, their July wedding brought modern elegance and floral charm to one of Bar Harbor’s most iconic venues.
Originally built in 1902 for George Bowdoin—a descendant of Alexander Hamilton and a banker with J.P. Morgan—the La Rochelle Estate has long been admired for its classic architecture and sweeping lawn that stretches to the sea. Emma and Jordan’s wedding made full use of this storied setting, beginning with an intimate, floral-lined ceremony at St. Saviour’s Church before guests gathered for cocktails on the patio and lawn of the estate.
From there, guests were welcomed into a stunning reception tent that blurred the lines between garden and event design. The entrance was draped in soft white fabric and framed with welcoming bursts of blush, yellow, and blue blooms by Honeysuckle Way, creating a seamless transition from historic estate to whimsical celebration. Escort cards in the shape of sailboats offered a playful nod to the couple’s love of the coast.
Inside the tent, we designed a lighting and greenery installation that brought the entire space to life. Strands of greenery were suspended overhead, weaving throughout the tent ceiling and dotted with individual bulb pendants to create an ambient glow. Over the bar—custom-painted in a soft, sage green and adorned with floral vinyl decals—we installed woven rattan pendants that echoed the summer garden aesthetic while anchoring the space with a hint of organic texture.
Warm wood tables were topped with linen runners, textured place settings, and a sea of candlelight, all nestled between lush, colorful floral centerpieces. The layered lighting and botanical elements worked in harmony to create a reception that felt effortless and immersive—elegant yet welcoming, with a sense of Maine magic woven into every detail.
As the sun set over the lawn, guests danced beneath the lights and toasted to the newlyweds on a checkered dance floor, bringing this unforgettable La Rochelle Estate wedding to a joyful close.
