Maine Winter Engagements 2019
After a very busy year of weddings up and down the east coast, winter is a welcome peaceful time for me. It is also my favorite time of year to take engagement photos. Most weddings in Maine take place between late Spring to Autumn, so I have the most flexibility in winter, and I find there are so many benefits to bundling up and adventuring with your love!
My favorite thing to capture during winter engagements is the coziness. The cuddles are REAL! I love the quality of the hugs and laughter that ensues when taking photos outside with a bit of chill in the air. The colder temperatures keep people home, so you have so many locations to yourself. Most of my couples do not like being the center of attention, so they are more comfortable during their session without an audience. Sunrise and sunset are at reasonable hours- so you don’t have to wake up at 4 am to get golden hour photos.
I love photographing in the snow. Capturing it falling is magical, and the brightness of it illuminates the quieter landscape. Night also becomes more photogenic as twinkle lights are in abundance- and they make such an elegant setting almost anywhere. If you love winter sports that’s another opportunity to catch you doing something you love in your element.
If you are considering a Maine winter engagement session, do it! You won’t regret it.
Alex + Lauren: Winter Wedding at the Press Hotel + Portland City Hall
Winter weddings are dear to my heart. I find that the cold brings people together along with the benefits of rosy cheeks and cozy scenes. It’s a quiet, snowy evening tonight, and it feels like a perfect time to share the story and intimate Maine winter wedding of Alex and Lauren.
Their wedding day began at the Press Hotel on Exchange Street in Portland, Maine. The hotel gets its namesake from the building’s history as the former printing plant of the Portland Press Herald. They have paid homage to the building’s history not just in name, but by incorporating literary design elements throughout the hotel. The lobby features a distinguished installation of typewriters, text covers the walls of the halls, and books are used as functional decor in every room.
I met Lauren in her modern suite overlooking the Old Port and harbor. She got ready with her close friends, mother, sister, and adorable ring bearer. Her demeanor was so relaxed and joyful- she was a glowing, radiant bridechilla. After the whole group was ready they went down to the entrance of the hotel where Lauren met Alex for their first look. This moment was exquisite- as they shared sweet ecstatic expressions- I can’t help, but smile thinking about it. Alex and Lauren were set up by two colleagues and now close friends. One of them happens to be a judge, so she was able to marry them in the Portland’s City Hall- which is right across the street from the press hotel. I love it when my clients are brilliant, practical, and plan their day to be walkable- it makes for a wonderful flow to the wedding day.
Lauren and Alex walked over to Portland City Hall arm in arm, then we quickly took portraits for ten to fifteen minutes. The authenticity in their smiles and embraces was remarkable to witness. As we went inside and family got in formation to ascend the gorgeous spiral marble staircase and head to the State of Maine Room where their ceremony took place. Again, I have never seen a couple beam like these two. Alex stood at the altar with a brilliant smile as the ring bearer and maid of honor walked up the aisle, followed by Lauren and her father. There was so much emotion in the room; the officiant, Justice Gorman teared up as the two were joined at the altar. The ceremony was eloquent, short, and sweet. These two were married by someone they love, surrounded by people they love, in the state they fell in love- there’s nothing better than that.
Everyone joined together in the lobby for celebratory hugs and photos, then proceeded back to the Press Hotel for an elegant cocktail hour in the art gallery. The space was warmly welcoming with accents of candlelight. Lauren and her mother made beautiful succulent and air plant terrarium center pieces that accented the cocktail reception tables. The signature cocktail of the evening was The French 75 - juniper, fresh lemon, and bubbles- a divine celebration of winter. The bar was accented with book sculptures and succulents. I just loved the cohesive modern aesthetic of the night.
Inside the composing room, there was one long, sophisticated table adorned with greenery, white florals, and of course candle light. Every floral detail by Yellow Twist Design was wildly refined- just like Maine. Their cake lay atop a gorgeous book sculpture stand, and the accent black wall of the room made everything glow. Guests were welcomed in and the Dapper Gents duo began playing. Food and drink flowed, followed by cheerful, thoughtful toasts. After the last glasses were lifted, it was time for dancing and although it was a small group they were fully spirited! I will look back on Alex and Lauren’s wedding day with deep fondness. I am so grateful to have met them, and so grateful they chose me to be their Maine wedding photographer. Congratulations Lauren and Alex!
Vendor Love
Florals: Yellow Twist Design
Dress: BHLDN
Event Coordinator: Anna Paschal, Portland Press Hotel
Music: The Dapper Gents
Venue: Portland Press Hotel
Allie + Nate: Maine Maritime Museum Wedding
There are not enough kind words I can say about Allie and Nate, they both exude kindness and joy. They were drawn together by their love of the outdoors, and their love of adventure. On their way down a mountain in Yellowstone, Nate proposed to Allie, and since I am blogging about their Maine wedding- Allie said yes. On a cool September day, Allie and Nate celebrated their wedding at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. The museum is such a beautiful spot that showcases Bath’s rich history as a boat building community alongside authentic historical structures that melt my New England heart with their beautiful cedar shakes, and character features.
The bridal parties rode from their hotel in style aboard Bath’s free trolley that runs through the town. I met Allie getting off the trolley with her bridesmaids and took her to Nate for their first look. Allie welled up with tears of joy, and Nate wiped her tears. They made the decision to do the bulk of their portraits before the ceremony, so they could truly enjoy their cocktail hour and reception (which is what I prefer as well as a 80% photojournalistic style photographer). They both glowed as they walked hand in hand around the grounds talking and embracing, and finally met up with their epic wedding party of 15 at the boathouse. The bridesmaids looked striking in floor length black gowns in an array of styles, and the groomsmen looked classically sharp in suits of gray.
Allie’s bridal style was beautiful, botanical, and bohemian. She is a biologist and has a deep love of the earth- which she reflected exquisitely by her choice in florals by Wendi Allen at Skillins Greenhouse. Her hair was wrapped in a asymmetrical crown of greenery and her bouquet was a celebration of bright summer flora. Nate’s bespoke boutonniere featured a single cardinal ranunculus.
The ceremony took place on the shore of the Kennebec River. The sun streamed as the bridal party made their way down the aisle. Escorted by her Dad, Allie both teared up and laughed as she looked at Nate. A close friend led the ceremony, and throughout it was abundantly clear that these two are devoted to each other in the deepest sense. Surrounded by their loved ones and a beautiful piece of earth they sealed their ceremony with a kiss. Coming down the aisle they were met with a massive amount cheering, and the joy felt tangible. It’s moments like these when I think how did I get to be so lucky? I love being a Maine Wedding Photographer.
After the ceremony in typical Maine coastal fashion, a chilly wind began to blow, and the fog rolled in (which is my personal favorite for both photographs and atmosphere). It made both the cocktail hour and indoor reception especially cozy. The rest of the night was filled with dancing, delicious food, exceptionally hilarious speeches, and donuts! It was my honor to photograph this amazing celebration and I wish Allie and Nate a lifetime of joy!
Vendor Love:
Dress: Kite and Butterfly
Makeup: Jes Levesque, The Dollhouse
Hair: Charlsie Harder
Flowers: Wendi Allen at Skillin's Greenhouse
Catering: Stone Cove Catering
Donuts: The Italian Bakery
DJ: Alex Sirois- The Celebration Corporation
Lighting: Maine Event Design and Décor
Amy + Jon: Georgetown, Maine Wedding
Amy and Jon live in Upstate New York where Amy is a wedding photographer, so I was honored when she asked me to be her Maine wedding photographer. They were married on the first day of September in Georgetown, Maine. Their wedding day was an incredible gathering at the Coveside Bed and Breakfast owned by Jon’s parents. Since they planned their day from New York, I did not get to meet them beforehand. I was charmed by the kindness of Amy, her adorable children, Jon, and their sweet dog Ruby.
The whole day was very emotional in the best way. Amy and Jon both smiled and cried during their first look as Amy made her way down the aisle. Maria Northcott from A Sweet Start led the ceremony beautifully, while Jon and Amy laughed more than any other couple I have ever seen. They exchanged vows and rings, took a sip of wine, and were pronounced married in the state of Maine. As they made their way back down the aisle, a nearby cannon fired loudly which shocked both the couple and guests.
After the ceremony, we headed just down the road to Reid State Park for sunset wedding portraits. Reid State Park is a magical piece of Maine. There is both natural sandy beach and gorgeous rocky coastline surrounded by conifers and sand dunes. Amy and Jon were happy to climb, run, and get a little sandy. They wanted to capture the gorgeous romance of the landscape, which made photographing them a joy. Amy took her shoes off and was a barefoot bohemian goddess. One shot they had to get shared their most exciting news - that they are expecting a baby boy!
Back at the Coveside Bed and Breakfast, a dinner of artisan pizzas was provided by Pizza by Fire and made onsite in their mobile, wood-fired pizza oven. The couple was welcomed and toasts were made, followed by the cutting of their cake, which was artfully baked and decorated by their mothers. The couple also provided Maine’s quintessential dessert - whoopie pies by Wicked Whoopies.
Amy and Jon ballroom danced together under the stars, and then had an incredibly sweet first dance with their kids. After much dancing, the festivities ended with an absolutely incredible fireworks display at the shore of their land over the cove of Georgetown Island. Amy and Jon’s wedding day was exquisite, but more importantly, truly authentic to them and who they are. It was magical to see them be wed, and I am so grateful to have been their Maine wedding photographer! I wish all the best to their beautiful family!
Vendor Love:
Venue: Coveside Bed and Breakfast
Caterer: Pizza by Fire
DJ: Northeast Event Design - Greg Young
Officiant: Maria Northcott - A Sweet Start
Dress: Pronovias from Angela's Bridal in Albany NY
Suit: Calvin Klein
Rings: Springer's in Bath, Maine
Whoopie Pies: Wicked Whoopies
Wedding Party and Alter Flowers: The Little Posy Place in Schoharie, NY
Lindsey + Doug: Maine Lake Wedding
Lindsey and Doug share an adventurous spirit, so I was completely thrilled when they asked me to photograph their Maine wedding.They have been all over the world together from Patagonia to their own van-life adventure across the US. My first meeting with them was in their beautiful River front home that they fixed up together and had just moved into a few months prior. They have wonderful taste, hearts of gold, and love being outdoors, so I knew their wedding would be epic.
Their off grid Maine wedding was hosted at Doug’s fathers Camp in Sumner, Maine. Lindsey got ready with her bridal party at the Maine Camp while Doug and his groomsmen set up at the Lake Camp. Lindsey’s bridal style was bohemian and celestial- she even went barefoot for most of the day. Her bridesmaids looked like water goddesses dressed in blue with the most incredible flower crowns made by FIELD Floral Studio. After a sweet toast and gifts exchange the group drove over to the Lake Camp for the first look.
Doug waited for Lindsey out on the ceremony rock. Upon seeing each other they were both elated and soaked up some quiet time together before the festivities started. A sweet rain rolled in while we were taking portraits, and it brought a gorgeous mist along with it for the ceremony.
Guests threw on rain coasts and ponchos and headed to their seats. Doug's good friend officiated and included personal stories that added laughter to their radiant exchange of love. As the ceremony ended the bagpiper began to play, and the joy floated in the air. The couple walked up the hill and were greeted with hugs, handshakes, and a bottle of 14 year old Oban whiskey.The whole group headed back to the main camp for the reception, and Lindsey and Doug took their first ride as a married couple on an ATV. Upon their arrival, they were welcome with some of the most enthusiastic hollers I have ever heard.
Their catering provided by Chimney Rock Food Co was exquisite. The menu was made up of local fare including lots of seafood- Lindsey even made a point to shuck an oyster in her wedding dress! They had beer from local breweries, a whisky bar, and to top it all off their dessert was donuts from the Holy Donut in Portland, Maine. And yes- I did take a donut to go.
Lindsey and Doug make this world a better place, and I am honored to captured their incredible journey. Cheers to Lindsey and Doug!!
Vendor Love…
Flowers: FIELD Floral Studio
Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Catering: Chimney Rock Food Co.
Dessert: Holy Donut
Lillie + Shaun: Colorful, Summer New Hampshire Wedding at Tumbledown Farms
Shaun and Lillie were married on a beautiful, overcast summer day in Brookfield, New Hampshire. Their wedding day was an incredible gathering, bringing together their families and friends from all over the world. When I first talked to Lillie she described her celebration as a colorful fiesta, and said she wanted it to be the "chillest wedding ever". I absolutely loved that description, and it completely hit the mark. Her bridesmaids were a cheerful rainbow parade in lace cocktail dresses, she requested her florist just put whatever was in season in her bouquet, and she had a smile on her face for the entire day. Shaun and Lillie started the festivities with a sweet, private first look.
Guests gathered for the wedding at the barn at Tumbledown Farms, they were than caravanned via tractor ride through the woods to an open field with a view of the mountains.
After the ceremony the party continued back at the Tumbledown Farms barn with lots of good brews and barbeque. The toasts were some of the sweetest I've ever heard. On top of every detail being stunning- Lillie also baked her own wedding cake, and all of the desserts! This unique celebration was a dream to photograph. Cheers to Lillie and Shaun!
Vendor Love
Flowers: Jen at Full Moon Farms, Wolfeboro NH
Venue & Catering: Tumbledown Farms in Brookfield NH & Tumbledown Cafe in Brookfield NH
Dress(es): Maggie Sottero "Hazel" for ceremony & BHLDN "Jones" for reception
Ben + Amie: Portland, Maine elopement
When Amie and Ben asked me to photograph their Portland, Maine elopement I was thrilled. On their first date, their coffee was paid for by a previous customer, and from then on they have considered their relationship lucky. From meeting them I can say they are not just lucky, they are also deeply caring people who value each other in an authentic way. When they decided to get married they wanted it to be simple and focused on what mattered most. They chose their favorite city, and to do it with just their favorite person. I love the romantic spontaneous nature of elopement photography, and their union especially fit the bill since they planned it to be a complete secret! They spent the week prior to their nuptials enjoying Maine's best breweries, camping in Acadia, and exploring the coastal landscape.
On Friday July 27th, I met them in front of Grace, a gorgeous contemporary restaurant in Portland that was created inside of a church from the 1850s. At exactly 5pm the church bells rang and the large red doors opened ceremoniously. Inside, Amie and Ben met up with their two close family members who served as their witnesses and ordered cocktails to toast the occasion. After imbibing, the small party headed to the Eastern Promenade. Strolling along the water with boats bobbing in the harbor, and wildflowers abounding could not have been more perfect- as Ben is both a hobby boat builder and gardener. The two were definitely in their element; laughing the entire time as we took photos, and as we walked the clouds grew more dramatic.
We met with their officiant Janice Gardener (from Hitch, Maine) down at Fish Point along the rocks. Janice set a peaceful l tone as the sky grew more grey with both the impending night and a rain storm headed our way. Ben mentioned in his vows how lightning struck the moment they got engaged, and at that very moment lightning struck out at sea. It was a remarkably timed event that had Amie laughing in disbelief. Tears were shed as they both mentioned their beautiful past and looked forward to their future. Just a minute after they were declared married the rain started to fall and the small party absconded to the Fort Allen Park Gazebo.
Every element of their Maine elopement was ideal, yet completely authentic. Being able to work with couples who are truly in love is my greatest joy as a wedding photographer. Amie and Ben's wedding embodied that, and I could not be more excited for them. I was told their families were thrilled by the news. Congratulations again Amie and Ben!
Claire + Alex: Minimalist Shenandoah Wedding
Alex and Claire met in elementary school, and a few decades later in June they decided to be wed. From the first time I met Claire I knew their wedding would be magical. She is a graphic designer and described the different elements she would be designing herself. Their wedding style was minimalistic, and sustainable. They encouraged guests to label their own drink cozies to reduce waste- which as a frequent wedding attendee I have noticed can add up. Claire also designed the invitation, table numbers, and signage throughout the reception space. Most ingeniously, she created the guest seating chart which hung as a gorgeous design element in the entrance of the lodge. The Mixed metallic color scheme brought together everything from the decor to the bride's jewelry. Most importantly the couple made it clear to me that they wanted their day to focus on time spent with their loved ones, which is my favorite kind of celebration.
The wedding festivities took place at Shenandoah Woods in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia; a beautiful property on the side of a mountain that provides beautiful cabins, and event space that overlooks the valley. Both Claire and Alex had large mixed gender bridal parties who walked through the woods to the scenic ceremony spot. After the ceremony, the bride and groom took the time to hug their parents before they walked down the aisle together, which was incredibly thoughtful and indicative of their priorities. All of the attendees walked the short trail through the woods to the lodge where they were greeted for cocktail hour. The two signature cocktails of the evening were the Kentucky and Moscow Mule, served in copper mugs. Guests also had the option of getting a beer from the wooden drink canoe.
After a short photo session, the rain began to roll in, and dinner was served. Charlene's kitchen provided a lavish display for the buffet. The weather changed throughout the day from sunny to cloudy with a breeze, then ultimately down pouring, and by the end of the night cleared up for all to enjoy time under the stars. Alex and Claire wanted to keep their wedding events simple so they opted for toasts, first dances, and the Hora. The bride and groom decided to forgo the cake cutting in favor of a donuts; which created great enthusiasm amongst their guests. All of the elements of their wedding were exquisite, and the final showstopper was the surprise firework show by the mother of the bride. Alex and Claire chose to be honest, simple, and conscious with their wedding celebration, and it was my privilege to be a part of it. Congratulations Alex and Claire!
venue: Shenandoah Woods
planning: Another Wild Hare
catering: Charlene's Kitchen
design: Claire Smalley