It wasn’t too long ago that I first had the pleasure to meet this cutie pie.  Of course, he was a wee little thing back then.  For this second photo shoot we decided to meet up at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal, Maine.  Having never been there before, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  It turned out to be the perfect spot for a fall photo session.  Thanks to Edwin’s parents for helping make this shoot such a success.  I think the images so wonderfully capture Edwin’s many expressions.  Some of my favorites are below. Enjoy! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When you attend a university that does not have a big sports program, where academics and internships are more competitive than the basketball team, you get used to people not being familiar with the school. At American University we waited for hours for tickets to hear President Clinton speak while at other schools the students were queuing up for March Madness. So when Alison and Phil told me they first met at American, I was floored. It’s so uncommon to talk to people who have heard of American let alone went there.  Clearly I was meant to photograph their wedding.

Alison and Phil have no real ties to Maine. They wanted a small, low-key wedding with just their family. They chose On the Marsh in Kennebunkport for their ceremony and dinner. Alison spared no expense when it came to the table décor. She brought in the talented folks at Fleurant to create a stunning look with lush burgundy, purple, and orange flowers and warm silver accents. A girl after my own heart, Alison insisted a proper wedding cake even if it meant lugging the uneaten bottom tier back home to Chicago. I know I’ve said it here before, but I’m not ashamed to repeat it – I love that my job ends with cake! Cake baker extraordinaire, Gayle Forte, did not disappoint.

Thanks to Alison and Phil for braving the chilly – and windy – fall day. It was worth it – these photos are so wonderful! And thank you for sending me home with a big slice of cake. It was hands down the most delicious cake of the season. Your Chicago friends must have been so happy to help you eat the rest of it! Best wishes to you both.  And go Eagles!!

Below are some of my favorite images from the day. To see more, please take a look at the slideshow. Friends and family, the proof gallery is up on Pictage. You will need to contact Alison or Phil for the access code.

Getting ready location:  Maine Stay Inn
Dress:  Paloma Blanca
Venue:  On the Marsh
Florist: Fleurant
Cake:  Gayle Forte, Let Them Eat Cake
Officiant:  Jim Hager

Fact:  it rains a lot on Saturdays.

Wedding planning is a lot about trying to control the various aspects of your day.  Ultimately there is one thing you must accept that you cannot control – the weather.  This year was a wet one for Maine weddings.  As the bride and groom you have two choices – let it ruin your day (I don’t recommend this option) or just roll with it, knowing you planned accordingly for just such a thing.  Luckily for me, Chris and Kim chose the latter.  On their wedding day, it was really wet and really dark outside with honestly no chance of a break.

I had never worked at Camp Hammond (Yarmouth, ME) before, but I knew it was an historic property with a tented reception area.  A dark rainy day meant we’d be inside a lot, and the interior of the house proved challenging.  This place is historic in every way, including its lighting.  I knew I’d have to get creative with the what light there was and crank up the ISO sensitivity on my camera to its limits. I’m not going to lie to you – I cursed the place up and down for its low wattage light bulbs and small, furniture-filled rooms.  I scouted out some possible photo locations and crossed my fingers the bride and groom would be game.

Of course, Chris and Kim are such kind and easy going people that they rolled with everything the day handed us.  Their ceremony was moved inside to the great hall.  They exchanged vows in front of a roaring fire, surrounded on all sides – even above – by their friends and family.  It was a truly special moment for everyone.  I can’t recall a more atmospheric and intimate wedding ceremony.  After the ceremony, guests mingled in the house while the tent was readied.  That night, as it rained buckets overhead, Chris and Kim and their guests danced in celebration (there were some crazy scenes on that dance floor).   As I was leaving, I spied Kim’s father holding the hand of his sweet little grand-daughter who was fast asleep in her stroller.  When the little ones get that tuckered out you know it’s been a great event!

It was a real honor to be a part of Chris and Kim’s wedding day.  They are truly one of the sweetest couples I’ve ever met, and I am grateful for the trust they put in me to capture their wedding day.  I am beyond thrilled with the results.  Below are some of my favorite images.  Check out their slideshow for more.

 Best wishes for a long and happy life together, Chris and Kim!     

  

 

  

  

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Venue:  Camp Hammond, Yarmouth, ME
Florist:  Fleur de Lis, South Portland, ME
Bride’s Dress:  Mikaella Bridal
Bridesmaids’ dresses:  B2
Officiant:  Connie Jo Mills
DJ:  Brian Zutter