In a most random coincidence, Meghan and Kevin live just a few miles from where I used to live before I moved to Maine. Thankfully their wedding brought them to Maine or we would never have met! Meghan and Kevin chose a the beautiful seaside Colony Hotel for their wedding reception. The morning of the wedding I met Meghan there and was awed by her calm and composure. Oh, and her dress. Stunning! I maybe also coveted those glittery Kate Spade shoes. All of her ladies were on hand to help get her ready, and she was in good hands.

The day was thick with humidity, but the light was so perfectly diffused that we found ourselves able to take portraits at the beach without concern for squinty eyes. Sometimes you look at those grey skies and wish for a clear blue day. But not that day. Because later during the cocktail on the lawn the sun did come out and we all melted from the heat! There are times when the sun just isn’t welcome.

Meghan and Kevin’s party in the ballroom was so much fun. I love shooting in that sun-filled room, and they certainly gave me some great images as they greeted their guests and danced. It was such a wonderful day. As the sun was setting we headed outside for a quick couple of images before I said my good-byes.

Many thanks to everyone who helped make the day so wonderful. And best wishes to Meghan and Kevin for a life together that is filled with much love and joy. When I finally make it back down to DC, I hope we can meet and catch up!

You can see some of the wedding highlights below and in this slideshow.

 

 

The bride wore a gown by Maggie Sottero and shoes by Kate Spade. Bridesmaids wore dresses by Bill Levkoff. Hair and makeup by Fringe Salon in Kennebunkport. Wedding ceremony was at the Holy Spirit Parish (Saint Martha’s Church) in Kennebunk. Reception was at The Colony Hotel.

There’s the real story of how Emily and Shawn met, and then there’s the TV version I’ve made up in my head. You see, Emily is a ADA in NY and Shawn is an NYPD detective. Go right ahead and imagine a courtroom scene where they meet and sparks fly. That is how I prefer to think they met. Either way I’m glad they met because otherwise I would not have had such a wonderful wedding to photograph!

The wedding was held at Shawn’s cousin’s property in Appleton, Maine. It has been in the family for generations, and his cousin has transformed it into the gorgeous country home it is now. Emily and I spent a fair amount of time before the wedding discussing the wedding details and batting around ideas about certain ways to document the day. It was good fun coming up with (and borrowing some) ideas together, and I am thankful that Emily gave me the time and space to make it all happen.

Did I mention that it was a hot and humid summer? It was one of those days where you just have to give into it and accept that you are going to be a sweaty, hot mess all day. It is safe to say that this was the second hottest wedding of the summer and perhaps the buggiest. But it hardly spoiled the day for anyone. All of Emily’s hard work in planning the wedding paid off and the guests enjoyed themselves well into the night. As I drove home down Route 17 (again), it was with a smile at having just spent a wonderful night.

Best wishes to Emily and Shawn — and doggie Diesel (the real star of the wedding) — for a life filled with love and gratitude. It has been a real honor and joy to get to know them both.

Some of the highlights from the day are below. To see more you can take a look at the slideshow.

Kind words from Emily: “Amy, we are thrilled beyond words with the photos. We’re so very glad that you were the one who captured our day. I’m so surprised at some of the photos you shot, given that you seemed to blend right into the crowd and I didn’t know you were there for many of them. Our priest also commented that it’s very common for photographers/videographers to steal the show during the ceremony, but that you and Josh were perfect. Thank you!!”

 

 

I had the most wonderful initial phone conversation with Michelle. She was lovely, animated, and enthusiastic. As first calls go, this one was pretty much perfect. I found out later that not only is the bride an avid photographer, but the groom, Josh, is a photographer in the US Army. Oh it’s safe to say that I felt more than a little pressure to get things right — if Josh could manage to get the exposure and focus right in Afghanistan, I certainly had no excuse!

The wedding was a small family affair on Josh’s father’s property.  Michelle and Josh, with the help of their family, did all of the decorating and set up. They did an amazing job — the tent looked amazing. I had checked the forecast earlier that morning, and it didn’t look good for our after ceremony photos. So I arrived extra early and took advantage of the sun while it was shining. It was a stunning day…until the monsoon came. The ceremony was hastily started as the first drops fell. It was a deluge, but Michelle and Josh didn’t let that ruin their moment. The downpour didn’t stop until hours later, and I can’t remember ever being so wet as I packed up at the end of a wedding. But that didn’t bother me. It had been an awesome day.

My gratitude to Michelle and Josh and their family for welcoming me to their home. I enjoyed every moment (well, maybe not those ginormous mosquitoes!). And many thanks to Michelle for these kind words:

“Amy, I don’t know how you did it, but you managed to make us look fantastic even on a rainy day! You are an amazing photographer! We are so glad to have had you document our special day!” and “We are so glad we chose you to photograph our special day. As two photographers ourselves, we know how important it is to have someone, who is not only professional, but has a true talent for photography.”

Check out some highlights below, and if you want to see me, take a look at their slideshow.

 

 

 

The bride wore a gown by David Tutera from Mayfair Bridal in SATX.