Jillian & Matt’s Dreamy Garden Gate at Haley Farm Wedding in Maine

Garden Gate at Haley Farm: Background & History

Tucked into the charming countryside of Maine, Garden Gate at Haley Farm is a hidden gem for couples dreaming of a romantic and rustic New England wedding. With sprawling fields, enchanting wooded paths, and a perfectly restored barn, this venue blends the magic of a private estate with the natural beauty that makes Maine such a sought-after destination. For couples seeking a New England wedding venue that feels both secluded and full of personality, Garden Gate at Haley Farm delivers in every way. It’s a photographer’s dream with endless backdrops—from golden meadows to forested hideaways—and the kind of warmth that instantly makes guests feel at home.

This enchanting wedding barn and flower farm nestled in Sebago, Maine—just minutes from Sebago Lake, an area famed for its pine forests and mountainous backdrops

A Dream Turned Reality

The property dates back to around 1817, preserving the original farmhouse and barn that once functioned as a working Maine farm
In 2010, Sarah and Rich Bianculli began their journey after Sarah, who grew up in Maine, fell in love with the idea during her very own wedding day: “I wish we owned a barn!”
By 2014, they found the property—recognizable by its charming yellow barn door—and closed on it in March 2015
Over the next few years, they embarked on extensive renovations and their first weddings took place in the fall of 2017

The Property Today

The Barn: A beautifully restored 42 × 60 ft space with new floors, a new roof, integrated lighting, heat, fans, and a built-in bar. It can host between 130 and 150 seated guests, depending on configuration.
Wooded Ceremony Site: Hidden behind the barn, this forest clearing features a birch arbor and benches—perfect for intimate, nature-filled ceremonies.
Lawn & Deck: A 40 × 60 ft lawn adjacent to the barn—ideal for cocktail hours, games, or a fire pit area—and a two-story deck overlooking the forest, excellent for outdoor bars or mingling.
Flower Field: Blooming from early August to late September, this section features rows of dahlias, zinnias, sunflowers, and more—often used for portraits or private vow ceremonies. Bulk blooms are available for DIY floral needs.
Farmhouse & Wedding Suite: The on-site historic farmhouse sleeps 12–14 people and includes comfortable amenities like a full kitchen, living rooms, sitting room, and bathrooms. The wedding suite upstairs serves as a prep space for the wedding party.

Summary Snapshot

Established: Barn and farmhouse originally built circa 1817, launched weddings 2017)

Location: Sebago, ME—Western Shore of Sebago Lake

Key Spaces: Restored barn, wooded ceremony site, flower fields, farmhouse

Capacity: 130–150 seated guests

Special Touches: Inclusive values, DIY florals, homey farmhouse, scenic New England charm

Jillian & Matt’s Wedding Day Story

Nestled in the heart of Sebago, Maine, Garden Gate at Haley Farm is the kind of wedding venue that feels like stepping into a storybook.

The sprawling farmhouse, weathered barn with its signature yellow door. It’s pure New England charm with a touch of rustic elegance.

When we photograph a wedding here, the magic starts long before the ceremony. We’re documentary photographers at heart, quietly observing and capturing those unscripted, in-between moments during the getting-ready period—the laughs between friends, the nervous deep breaths, and excited glances. We’re not afraid to step in when it matters. If moving a chair for better light or clearing a coffee table will elevate the shot, we’ll do it in a heartbeat. Our goal is to keep the vibe authentic while making sure every photo sings, which means blending into the background when you forget we’re there and jumping in just enough to make magic happen.

At Garden Gate at Haley Farm, this balance is effortless. The rooms are bathed in soft window light, the antique details are a treasure trove for storytelling, and every corner feels like it was designed for this. By the time the first look begins, we’ve already built a visual narrative that weaves together the personalities, relationships, and atmosphere of the day—setting the stage for everything to come.

From the moment Jillian and Matt arrived, you could feel the excitement in the air. Their day began with a first look—a quiet, joyful moment where they saw each other for the first time against the backdrop of Haley Farm’s lush greenery. Afterward, they embraced the venue’s charm and went exploring… straight to the chicken coop! The laughter and candid moments we captured there are some of my favorites from the day—quirky, unexpected, and totally them.

Once the group photos were wrapped, we whisked Jillian and Matt away to hide before the ceremony. Guests made their way to the most magical ceremony space: tucked deep into the woods at the far edge of the property. A long winding path led to the clearing, creating a runway-like entrance for the wedding party and the couple. It was pure magic watching Jillian make her way down that path, sunlight streaming through the trees.

After the “I dos,” guests enjoyed a sun-kissed cocktail hour on the lawn, sipping drinks and mingling as the Maine golden hour worked its magic. We snuck away for dreamy golden hour portraits—every frame glowing with that warm, late-summer light. Inside the barn, the reception details were perfection: rustic wood tables, lush florals, and candlelight dancing off the vintage chandelier above the dance floor.

Whether you’re local or planning a destination wedding in New England, Garden Gate at Haley Farm offers an idyllic mix of nature and charm. From forest ceremonies to barn receptions, it’s the kind of place that lets couples fully customize their celebration. Plus, with Maine’s unbeatable sunsets and seasonal beauty, every moment feels like it belongs in a wedding magazine.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends rustic elegance with heartfelt moments, I’d love to help you capture every laugh, tear, and dance floor twirl. Whether you’re planning your day in Maine, around New England, or anywhere your love story takes you, let’s make magic together.