Archive for September, 2009

Sarah & Nick: York, Maine Wedding (Morning Glory Inn & Clay Hill Farm)

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I first met Sarah way back in the day (I think it was 1996).  I was taking a year off from college to work and ski the mountains of Utah.  Within days of arriving, I had been quickly “adopted” by Sarah and her incredibly outgoing and gregarious friends.  That winter we skied and climbed all over the Wasatch range, and even made time to leave our precious snow for a few journeys into the Utah desert.  It was the best winter of my life… 100+ days of skiing, laughing and exploring without a care in the world.  Though years had passed, all of our Utah friends had kept in some sort of communication… and when I got the email from Sarah saying she had found the man of her dreams, I was absolutely ecstatic to photograph her big day!

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It took Sarah about 4 minutes to get dressed.  No fuss with this girl ever, and she looks THIS great!

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Classic Sarah moment: she snuck out the back door so she could see who had arrived and what the ceremony site looked like.

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Something old… gifts from her family.

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Walking with her dad.  A proud moment.

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Nick is peering around a corner eagerly awaiting his first glimpse of Sarah.

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Finally, the moment arrives… well worth the wait.  Nick sees her for the first time.

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The energy between these two is incredible.  Happy would be an understatement.

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Nick’s uncle watches the wedding from a nearby window.

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The kiss!

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Sarah’s bouquet.

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One of a few beautiful toasts offered by her family.

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Listening to the toasts.

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This is Nick and Sarah as they really are: always snuggling, goofing around and laughing.

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Beautiful.

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The new wedding bands look great!

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Yummy cake!

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At the reception, the kids stole the show.  Here, Sarah’s little brother takes the mic and rocks out!

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Sarah’s nieces and nephews were everywhere on the dance floor.

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I don’t think I can remember a wedding where more folks danced.  There was barely enough room!

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She can’t help but respond when Flo Rida’s “Low” is played by the band (no joke).  Absolutely amazing!

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This is a serious dip… I didn’t think they were coming up from this one, but they did without a problem.

Sarah & Nick… thanks so much for having me.  Your wedding was beautiful, intimate and a wonderful reflection of you both.  It was fantastic to be able to be there to support you and your families!  I had a wonderful time… thank you!!

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Want to see the COMPLETE photos?  Just click here or go to:  www.brianwedge.com

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Vendors:

Ceremony Location:  Morning Glory Inn

Reception:  Clay Hill Farm

Band: Felix Brown Band

Florist: Lyndsey Loring Design

Paper: Momental Designs

Cake: Let Them Eat Cake

Dress: Judd Waddell

Photographer:  Brian Wedge Photography

Heidi & Ross: Sebasco Harbor Resort Wedding, Maine

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Sebasco Harbor Resort is one of our favorite New England wedding locations to photograph.  Just across The New Meadows River from The Boathouse Studio (the Maine home of Brian Wedge Photography), The Sebasco Harbor Resort is a idyllic spot that looks out over the islands of Casco Bay.  When Heidi and Ross booked us just over a year ago to photograph their wedding, we were absolutely thrilled to be returning to Sebasco for the big celebration!

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The Lobsterbake Rehearsal Dinner

The moment I met with Heidi and Ross I knew I enjoyed them instantly.  They are both intelligent, talented, organized and driven people who have the unique ability to execute complex tasks and then, in an instant, have the versatility to be giggling and laughing until it hurts.  They’re probably two of the most accomplished folks you’ll ever meet… but also two of the most fun as well!

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Sunset over Sebasco Harbor Resort.

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Heidi & Ross watch the sun go down before their wedding day.

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Oh, and what a wedding day!  I’ve never walked in for the very first time and had the entire wedding party dancing and laughing BEFORE the wedding even starts.

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A handmade something blue… with Heidi’s initials on it.

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Ross waits patiently at the back of the church before the wedding begins.

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We loved their enthusiasm coming down the isle.

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The Phippsburg Congregational Church is as beautiful as it is old.

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Their pastor and family friend came all the way from Virginia to preside over the ceremony.

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The final blessing.  A special moment.

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The kiss… with the pastor doing a double fist pump in the background!

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All smiles on the way out!

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Ringing the church bells.

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Elegant floral arrangements by Fleur de Lis.

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I don’t think they stopped smiling the entire day!

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Back at Sebasco, the wind just kept blowing Heidi’s vail every which way… so we decided to just go with it and captured this beautiful moment.

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Off to the reception!

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Yummy coconut cake (for journalistic reasons only, I had to try a slice).

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Their rings on a sundial just outside the reception building.

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Then The Bob Charest Band got things going…

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And what started off as dancing…

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…turned into singing into a spoon as if it were a microphone.

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The spoon was quickly replaced by a giant ladle…

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…which was then replaced by a porcelain chicken (of course).

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Not to be outdone, the wedding party got involved and tore it up.

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Then the props came out…

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Here, Ross receives instruction on the proper dinosaur dance technique by a master.

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Their departure was lit by sparklers… a beautiful send off for two wonderful people!

Ross and Heidi: it was so great to get to know your family and friends!  We were inspired by the love and joy you showed, and truly appreciate how welcoming everyone was!  What a celebration!!  Thank you for having us!

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Want to see the complete photos?  Just click here or visit www.brianwedge.com

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Vendors:

Ceremony Location:  Phippsburg Congregational Church

Reception:  Sebasco Harbor Resort

Band: The Bob Charest Band

Floral: Fleur de Lis Floral Design

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

Videography: (trying to find that… will update soon!)

Quinn & Chris: The Colony Hotel Wedding, Kennebunkport, Maine

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I wouldn’t wish for it to rain on anyone’s wedding day… but when it does, something truly special happens.  Quinn and Chris had a rainy wedding day, and that something “special” came in the form of family and friends who circled the proverbial wagons and hunkered down for an intimate ceremony in the tiny St. Ann’s Church by the sea, and an energized reception at The Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport, Maine.  As an observer of numerous wedding celebrations, I was amazed once again by how the entire party were galvanized by the adverse weather.  Strangers bonded under umbrellas, friends dodged raindrops together as they ran through puddle filled parking lots and families were linked forever through a day spent laughing and supporting the people they loved the most.

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Quinn & Chris couldn’t have been more relaxed about the weather.  They had the right perspective: their wedding day was about more than about the clouds or sun… it was all about their union, in that special church Quinn had always loved beside the sea as witnessed by their family and friends.

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Their rings in the mail slot of the room where they would spend their wedding night.

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Beautiful details found throughout the day.

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Quinn’s grandmother reacts to seeing her for the first time.

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On the way to the church, Quinn and her dad hold hands in the back of the car.

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It was REALLY raining.  Quinn’s ever present smile never faltered.

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Quinn & her dad walking down the aisle.

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St. Ann’s is an intimate and beautiful stone church right on the edge of the ocean.

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The timber frame construction at St. Ann’s is truly beautiful.

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The exchange of rings.

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Husband and Wife!!!

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At the end of the long isle, Quinn & Chris.

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Made entirely of large beams and stone, St. Ann’s was the perfect sanctuary on such a cold and rainy day.

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Beautiful design by “Let Them Eat Cake”

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A card left open on a table from Quinn to Chris reads “forever and ever.”  A natural background for a photo of their rings.

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Back at the Colony Hotel, the floral designs by Blooms & Heirlooms were exquisite.

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My favorite moment:  Quinn’s grandfather Moe, shares a hilarious and touching poem he wrote.

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The band “The Marsels” got the crowd going quickly.

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An impromptu twist contest broke out.

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The rain kept pouring… but Quinn & Chris wanted some shots outside.

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We went to the beach and Quinn just ditched her shoes, and walked around in the rain barefoot.

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Beautiful and timeless.

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A little rain wasn’t going to stop these two!

Quinn & Chris: What a wonderful celebration!  Thank you for having us there!  Your wedding was everything we love to photograph: real moments regardless of the wind and rain outside.  Thanks for being so much fun… we loved documenting your big day!

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Want to see the complete set of photos?  Just go to www.brianwedge.com or click here.

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Vendors:

Ceremony:  St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, Kennebunkport, Maine

Reception:  The Colony Hotel, Kennebunkport, Maine

Florist:  Blooms and Heirlooms, Kennebunkport, Maine

Band: The Marsels, Boston, Massachusetts

Cake:  Let Them Eat Cake, Kennebunkport, Maine

Dress:  Monique Lhuillier / Bride’s Mother’s modified creation

Photography:  Brian Wedge Photography

Kate & Paul: Newagen Seaside Inn, Boothbay Harbor, Maine

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Kate and Paul’s wedding had everything we could dream of: incredible people, thoughtful details, beautiful weather and an amazing story of love that we were so honored to document.  When Kate contacted me last year about shooting their Newagen Inn wedding, we could tell that she possessed an energy & enthusiasm that was rare.  As the months passed and we continued to exchange ideas, I learned that Kate was a local girl from Boothbay whose family had been there for generations.  Though she now lived in Boston, she wanted her wedding to be a celebration to show her love for Paul, their love for Maine & their deep respect for family.

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Paul engulfed by a Kate Hodgdon Bear Hug… just after the ceremony.

As the months went by, I learned that Kate had recently lost her dad, and above all else Paul & Kate wanted their wedding to honor her dad through laughter, joy and a party that no one would soon forget.  Kate’s honesty about her dad’s passing was incredible.  When we finally met in person Kate looked me straight in the eye and with a fierce, unflinching intensity explained to me that her dad was her best friend… and that the color yellow I saw throughout their wedding was in honor of him. I could see the hurt, I could understand the loss… but as importantly I could feel the determination and excitement to celebrate all that is wonderful about life with her dad looking down upon her.

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A pocket sewed into Kate’s wedding dress just over her heart held a photo of her & her dad.

There is a passion and enthusiasm for living that some people have when they survive great adversity.  I’ve seen it in over the years as we battled leukemia, but it’s not limited to cancer nor the passing of a loved one.  There’s just some people who manage to get through tough times with their spirit intact and a perspective for life that is inspiring.  Kate and Paul have that twinkle in their eye and a presence about them that just radiates enthusiasm.  Their wedding day was all about being in the moment, being in love and savoring every opportunity to enjoy their friends and family to the fullest.

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Paul & Kate created Maine inspired wedding gift bags.  Nothing says “Maine Wedding” like an engagement ring on a can of Moxie!

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Paul’s wedding day gift to Kate was a dog crate filled with puppy toys and a card that contained a photo of a litter of Golden-doodles.  The photo reads: “Your choice!  I love you!”

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The groomsmen all wore cufflinks with their photos in them.

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The ringbearer did SO well!  He walked and smiled… until he stopped.

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He spent about 3 minutes figuring out if he should walk towards the crowd or run away.  With the collective prodding of 140 guests, he made it!!

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The ceremony held on the front lawn of The Newagen Inn.

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Surrounded by yellow flowers in honor of her father, a single tear falls from Kate’s eye.

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After the wedding, Kate & Paul took a few moments to look at their rings and stand back and check each other out.  In this shot Paul shows off his fine physique.

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“Foolish Choices” just happened to fishing nearby… we HAD to get that shot!

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Even the lobsters held hands.

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Kate wanted a photo with them standing in the water… which is easier said than done, as Paul slipped just seconds after this shot getting a bit wet.

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Bridesmaids bouquet rests on a chair.

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Their guestbook was a collaborative painting made by all the guests.  Very creative!

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During the first dance… there was evidence of Paul’s impromptu splash in the Atlantic.

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Mmmmm…. whoopie pies.  Yum!

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Then the dancing started.

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All kinds of dancing.

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An all candlelight cutting of the cake per the request of Paul & Kate.  Tough shot, but very creative!

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Then the party REALLY got started.  This is NOT the band… these are wedding guests on stage.

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Kate in the arms of her husband… rocking out!  Pure joy.

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Going big (Another victim of Bon Jovi).

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Paul sings Livin’ on a Prayer.

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Late night bowling at The Newagen Seaside Inn.

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Paul’s bowling technique was impeccable.  Look at that follow through!

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The stars come out at The Newagen Inn.  That’s not photoshop folks… that’s the Big Dipper!

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Kate and Paul: It was an honor to document your day and to be there to celebrate with your family and friends!  Thanks so much for having us.  Your love for each other and for life is inspiring to us!  Have fun in Greece!!

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Want to see the complete photos?  Just go to www.brianwedge.com or click here.

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Vendors:

Location:  The Newagen Seaside Inn, Southport Island, Maine  (the amazing Innkeeper Jason took care of everything there… just a wonderful person and host).

Band:  Sly Chi (Kate emailed me months before the wedding and wrote that she was having “Sly Chi, a sick band from Portland that plays funk.”  Indeed, there is no better description than that.  They rocked!)

Cake:  Sweet Sensations

Florist:  The Greenhouses

Kim & Ben: Samoset Resort Wedding, Maine

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When Kim & Ben stopped by our studio well over a year ago, we listened to their wedding plans and liked them instantly.  Ben had Maine roots and was marrying a Boston girl.  They wanted tradition but not too traditional, beauty without pretentiousness and above all… they wanted FUN!  They were quick to smile, quicker to laugh and had an energy that was infectious.  It took us about ten minutes to figure out that we had a half dozen mutual friends, and we were absolutely thrilled to be supporting them both!

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Ben’s family has had a large farm on Vinalhaven Island in Penobscot Bay for generations.  The day before the wedding, they gathered on the island with their family and friends for a day long lobsterbake feast.  It was an incredible opportunity for everyone to relax, celebrate and enjoy good food and great people.

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“Old School” wood fired lobsterbake steamed in seaweed.  Best lobster I’ve ever had.

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The bride “relaxing” on the day before her wedding…  this was full contact Boston style volleyball.  I’m just amazed no one lost an eye.  What a great family they have.

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The ceremony and reception were held the next day at The Samoset Resort.  As Kim is walked down the isle by her dad, Ben sees her for the very first time.

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Their rings on one of the flower girl’s petals.

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Beautiful weather and stunning location overlooking Rockland and Penobscot Bay.

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They say it’s good luck if you a bird poops on you… Kim’s family took a double dose from a passing seagull for them.

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I love Kim’s enthusiasm!

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The big kiss.

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These two know how to have a great time.  They practically danced down the isle together.

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Their first moments as husband and wife.

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Returning to the cocktail hour.

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Their candlelit reception was beautiful.

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Exquisite floral arrangements by Kate Parker Weddings.

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Their entrance to the reception… I believe that Ben is doing a jig.  I might have to confirm that though.

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Bouquets at every table.

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Attention to detail every step of the way.

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Kim’s ever present smile.

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Their first dance ends.

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The “real” dancing begins…

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At any one point there had to be 40 people on the dancefloor…  great to see everyone having so much fun.

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Kim raises the roof.

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Ben dancing with his mom…

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Kim dancing with her dad…

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Though everyone put in a great effort dancing, the flower girl crushed the competition.  Here she’s calling out her next challenger.

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Kim & Ben, thank you so much for wandering into our studio and sharing your day with us!  We’re thrilled to have been able to support you, meet your families and your friends.  We had a wonderful time and look forward to seeing you when you return from your honeymoon!

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Want to see the complete photos?  Just go to www.brianwedge.com or click here.

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Vendors:

Ceremony & Reception location:  The Samoset Resort (coordinator: Will Clayton)

Lobsterbake: The Narrows (Jeff: 207.832.2210)

Floral, DJ and Reception Design: Kate Parker Weddings (nice job Kate and Ryan!!)

Matt & Ashley: Newagen Seaside Inn, Southport Island, ME

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Matt & Ashley are one of a kind clients… talented, welcoming, beautiful, creative… the list goes on and on.  We have been looking forward to their wedding for over a year since they first booked us, and though we knew nothing could prevent their celebration from being a complete success, the prospect of a hurricane landing in Maine precisely on the day of their wedding didn’t make things any easier.

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Ashley and Matt were married at The Newagen Seaside Inn on Southport Island, in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.  Their wedding had everything one could hope for as photojournalists: a compelling narrative (Alabama boy marries Maine girl as hurricane rages outside their island ceremony) and a hundred or so of the most charming, funny and beautiful guests we’ve ever met.  Maybe it was the Alabama sweet tea, maybe it was collective spirit of the group facing dismal weather conditions… but whatever it was, August 28th 2009, was a special night at The Newagen Inn that we won’t soon forget!

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The evening prior to their wedding, as meteorologists issued storm warnings up and down The New England coast… Matt, Ashley and their friends/family gathered for a rehearsal dinner lobsterbake and bonfire.  It was a spectacular night, even as the storm clouds approached.  Not knowing what was to come, we stole away from the dinner for a few moments to photograph them by candlelight before the storm arrived.

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Bonfire and S’mores at The Newagen Seaside Inn.

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The next day was just as everyone predicted.  Pelting rain and wind… so the ceremony was moved inside.  As Ashley was getting ready, her dad appeared in the doorway and saw her for the first time in her wedding gown.  A special moment.

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Ashley and her dad walking down the isle… I think everyone was trying very hard to keep it together.

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Finally together, Ashley’s face says it all.

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The impromptu ceremony site was in front of the Newagen Inn’s fireplace.

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After the wedding, determined to get some photos outside, Ashley strapped on her lobster boots.

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Can you tell it’s wet and windy?

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How about now?

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Ashley used to host an 80′s radio show back when she was a student at Colby College… she and Matt had no problems taking the mic and belting out a few classics.

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Rocking out.

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Tearing it up.

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Their performance inspires others to go for it… complete with air guitar.

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The crowd reacts…

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Bon Jovi… gets ‘em going again.

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After a final song of Sweet Home Alabama, Matt & Ashley shoot the tube as they make their final exit under the hands of their guests.

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Can you guess what’s best part of having a wedding at The Newagen Seaside Inn?  The stunning island location?  No.  The amazing staff?  No.  The yummy food?  No… it’s the private bowling alley they give you for your after party!

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Camouflage cap, sweat, and the girl of your dreams… over a bowling ball.  Now that says love.

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She knows what she’s talking about!

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This was a GREAT (not good) wedding despite the horrible weather.  This image was take at our photobooth which we setup for Ashley and Matt to add to the reception fun.  If you haven’t seen a photobooth at a reception yet… scroll down to the post just before this one (or here: Ashley & Matt’s Photobooth).  The photobooth is one part self portrait insanity and one part guest book… it’s a whole lot of entertainment!

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Though the weather couldn’t stop the wedding… it did make creating images like the one above impossible.  We returned on Monday morning to photograph Ashley and Matt as the clouds parted and the sun began shining again.

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Rough seas won’t stop these two!

Ashley and Matt: we had such a wonderful time getting to know you and all your friends/family.  We feel lucky to have been there to document your laughter and love in the face of some pretty amazing weather.  We look forward to connecting with you guys in Manhattan the next time we’re down… and above all, congratulations on your wedding!  We had a blast!

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Want to see Ashley & Matt’s complete wedding photos?  Just click here or go to www.brianwedge.com

Want to see the featured Photobooth Photos?  Click here.

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Vendors:

Ceremony and Reception Location:  Newagen Seaside Inn, Southport Island, Maine

Band: Lisa Love Experience (these guys ROCK… we highly recommend them!)

Florist: Blooms of Hope (Belmont, MA)

Cake: Sweet Sensations

Hair: A Cut Above

Paper: Signed Sealed and Delivered (great people, great products)

Makeup: About Face

Wedding Coordination: Beautiful Days Events (nice job Kate!!)

Photography:  Brian Wedge Photography