Worried that the start of wedding season was fast approaching and that I might be stuck in a creative rut, I signed up for a workshop with the uber-talented David Beckstead.  He’s well-known throughout the industry as a dynamic and unique photographer.  His Shoot with Beckstead workshops are usually three day events, but his one day stop in Maine was sponsored by the Maine Professional Photographers Association (MPPA).  Not only did I get a seat at the workshop, but I also received membership to the MPPA.  Sweet deal.

It was cold and rainy the day of the shoot.  Definitely not ideal conditions for a model shoot.  We gathered early Friday morning at Russel Caron‘s place in Falmouth, unsure of what to expect from David and from each other.  The room was filled to capacity — thirty photographers and I only knew two — but thankfully the coffee was caffeinated and hot.  David launched a slideshow with a driving techno sound track.  We all watched, toes tapping and eyes wide, amazed by the striking compositions and posing.  The lesson of the day was about going beyond our “safe zone.”  That’s the place where we know how to get the shot that everyone will like, that the bride and groom will frame.  The goal was to create powerful images by paying attention to composition and not just emotion.  To say the anticipation for the hands-on part was growing would be an understatement.

Because of the wet weather, we found ourselves shooting at Fort Andross in Brunswick, ME.  We lunched at Frontier Cafe and then got to work.  David would set up a shot, explain his reason for it, click off a few frames and we would all crowd around his camera to see what he saw.  To see the world through David Beckstead’s eyes…  wow.  Because of the weather and large group, it was a bit of a grueling shoot that went on until almost  7 PM when we all started dropping like flies.  Credit to the models for never losing steam and for holding their poses for what must have seemed like an eternity while the thirty of us tried to get the shot.  I believe David would have continued to find ways to shoot in that space for hours had we all been up for it.  The guy never stops.

Thanks go out to David for coming up to Maine and sharing his talent, skill, and endless enthusiasm with us.  Big shout out to Russ Caron for hosting us all at his awesome studio.  I had a lot of fun meeting everyone and stretching my limits with you all!

Below are some of my images from the day.  Check out this slideshow to see more.

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