Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
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44 | JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2015 nshoremag.com director of events Ashley Piazza. "You can use as much or as little of the property as you'd like." Receptions are typically held in the three-peaked tent. Nestled in a grove of older pines, it can hold 210 guests or 250 with an exten - sion. "The setting is very private, serene, and peaceful," describes Piazza. "There's an adjacent grassy area with a fire pit that is perfect for games." One of the property's show - pieces is its antique barn, a favorite cocktail site. With a setup of high-tops and buffet tables and twinkling lights overhead, it epito - mizes rustic chic. Piazza can even arrange for farm-appropriate add-ons such as golf cart transpor- tation and hayrides. In light of its most recent addi- tions—permanent bathrooms and a bridal suite—it's obvious that Smolak prefers to give couples more, not less. "We've wrapped trees in sparkling white lights, we provide lanterns on shepherd's hooks outside the tent. We even line the pond with tiki torches. We've improved our venue every year," says Piazza, "which means that couples have less to do and more peace of mind." 315 S. Bradford St., N. Andover, 978-682-6332, smolakfarms.com WATERFRONT Cruiseport Gloucester was con - ceived for one purpose: to host impeccable waterfront weddings. Completed seven years ago, it is modern in every way yet its aesthetic embraces New England tradition. Its showpiece is a ballroom designed to host up to 320 guests with vaulted ceilings, crystal chan - deliers, and glossy wood floors. Although elegant, its primary purpose is to defer to the views of historic Gloucester Harbor beyond, proportionately framed at all times by expansive windows. In fair weather, couples and their guests can mingle and lounge on the ballroom-length deck. "We only handle one wedding at a time, so each couple has access to the entire building," says direc - tor of events Bridget Jaramillo. But perhaps the most unique option of all is that couples can forgo the ballroom completely and hit the high seas on the Beauport Princess. This floating event site boasts two dance floors, three bars, and an open-air top deck. It's a harbor tour and a wedding com - bined, and definitely an experi- ence that guests won't soon forget. 6 Rowe Sq., Gloucester, 978-282-9700, cruiseportgloucester.com Booking your venue is one of the most important planning decisions you'll make, which is why we asked the following event professionals to share key questions to broach before signing on the dotted line. ASHLEY PIAZZA, DIRECTOR OF EVENTS, SMOLAK FARMS Are there restrictions relating to start/ end times and town ordinances? Does [a seasonal outdoor venue] offer a contingency plan in case of inclement weather? Is there more than one wedding per day, and do multiple events occur at the same time? Is the person who booked the wedding also the coordinator throughout the planning process, and will he/she be on-site the day of? BRIDGET JARAMILLO, DIRECTOR OF EVENTS, CRUISEPORT GLOUCESTER Are taxes and service fees included in your pricing? (At some venues, this can add up to 20 percent over your rental fee.) Is full-service wedding planning included? Are candles allowed without a fi e marshal? photographs by Derek Halkett (left), Benoit & McCarthy Photography (right) Cruiseport's main dining room overlooks Gloucester Harbor; Left, a campfi e at Smolak Farms.