Magical Memories at Bear Mountain Inn and The Barn

Chris and Farida discovered Bear Mountain Inn when they were looking for a quiet getaway to celebrate their one year together. Farida took a gamble and bought a weekend on Groupon, knowing nothing about the Waterford, Maine location except what she read on line. To Farida, it seemed like “the perfect place to celebrate one year of what seemed like the perfect relationship.”

Chris wasn’t as sold on the idea at first. He didn’t know why they had to drive a couple hours from Boston to a place unknown, but he went along with Farida’s plan. Upon arrival, they were greeted warmly by the innkeeper and spent a wonderful weekend hiking, eating local cuisine and enjoying the comfortable amenities in the seclusion of the Maine woods. They returned year after year for their anniversary weekend, developing a friendly relationship with the owner and staff. Loving the personal touches like in-room fresh flowers, the couple decided to visit the Inn twice a year, returning to experience the magnificent New England fall foliage, apple picking at the Pie Tree Orchard and canoeing on the Bear Mountain Inn lake.

As their relationship developed and they became engaged, it was time to think about a wedding location. They returned to Bear Mountain Inn that year to discuss wedding plans in a place that brought them peace of mind with an emotional connection. They hadn’t thought about getting married at BMI until they arrived for this special wedding plan weekend. As soon as they both stepped out of their car, they looked at each other and it was clear – “Why wouldn’t we get married here?” To them both, it made perfect sense. They chose mid-September for their wedding date.

They had shared their love for Bear Mountain Inn with their family and friends over the years. So when Farida and Chris told them they would have their wedding there, everyone was elated and excited to experience the magic of Bear Mountain Inn themselves for such a special occasion. The wedding plans would truly reflect who they were as a couple, and would provide a weekend of fun for their guests.

Well into the planning process, they learned that the Inn was being sold. Farida and Chris were devastated, but had so much invested already that they decided to visit the Inn to meet the new owners. Upon meeting Julie and Brian, all their apprehension subsided. Julie and Brian greeted them with hugs and shared their excitement for their vision for the Inn as new owners.

That September Chris and Farida exchanged vows at Bear Mountain Inn, in front of their family and closest friends. Julie and Brian and their incredible team went above and beyond to ensure the couple had the day they had envisioned, and more, with so many personal touches. At the entrance of the ceremony was an email Farida had sent to her best friend the evening of her and Chris’ first date four years earlier. Their favors were apple cider donuts from Pie Tree Orchard.

Julie and Brian were there every step of the way, making sure their day was perfectly a “joyful celebration of love.” Guests felt like part of the Bear Mountain Inn family.

Chris and Farida decided to stay a few extra days for a mini-honeymoon. They were surprised and thrilled to find the dining area decorated with their wedding flowers, so they could enjoy them and the beauty of their wedding for days after.

One year later the happy couple celebrated their anniversary at Bear Mountain Inn and were pleased to see the thoughtful, chic updates made to the Inn without losing the charm that drew them there in the first place. It continues to be their favorite place to get away, now with their favorite Maine friends, Julie and Brian.