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
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!