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Charlotte & Carl: New Hampshire Farm Wedding

Published by brianwedge on July 23, 2010 in Brian Wedge Photography, Destination Weddings, New England, Weddings and inspiration. 1 Comment

Charlotte and Carl had a gorgeous farm wedding this past weekend in western New Hampshire, overlooking the Green Mountains of Vermont. The farm has been in their family for over a century. It was their love & respect for the history of the property that brought them from Oregon just to celebrate their wedding vows.

Their rings.

The dress.

Who knew they had an instruction manual like this? Not me. Pretty funny.

Carl and his dog… waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Charlotte and her dad walking down the aisle.

The expectant groom… and the excited crowd!

Even the dog and kids couldn’t help but stand in the aisle and watch.

The big kiss!

Married at last!

The bouquet.

The dog supervises the first dance. (If you don’t know German Shepherds… they’re pretty loyal, and they ALWAYS like to know that everything is going well for their owners).

Classic, timeless image… kids playing barefoot at a country home.

Overlooking the back of the property.

Sunset.

The cake was SOLID (in a richly sweet, wonderful way) and required some serious effort to cut.

Charlotte’s dad gives her a big hug after they finish their dance. Real emotion.

This is real emotion of another kind.

I think we had a professional dancer in our midst.

Sparklers!

Kids LOVE sparklers!

Beautiful light.

Of course Charlotte and Carl couldn’t resist making a heart. They’ve got skills!

Charlotte and Carl: THANK YOU for having us at your incredible celebration! We loved spending time with you and your guests!

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The complete photos are all online right here!! (Click on link)

Also, we’ve posted these photos to our Facebook Page here (tag your friends).

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Vendors:

Ceremony/Reception Location: Family Farm, Claremont, NH

Caterer: Allechante

Florist: Crystal and Bark

Ceremony Musicians: Indigo Ruth-Davis

DJ: Aaron Denny

Coordinator: Janet Dunnington

Photographer: Brian Wedge Photography

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Maggie & Mike: Portland Country Club Wedding, Maine

Published by brianwedge on July 5, 2010 in Brian Wedge Photography, Destination Weddings, Maine, New England, Weddings and maine wedding. 1 Comment

In the middle of a January snowstorm last year, a firecracker of a woman pulled into our Maine studio’s parking lot and greeted me with one of the biggest smiles and warmest hugs a complete stranger has ever given me. The woman was Maggie’s mom Susie; a beautiful little blond woman with enough great energy to motivate and connect with anyone on the planet.

Susie’s first words to me were about the importance of family and friends… and specifically the deep love and respect that not only Maggie and Mike shared; but the bond that already existed between both of their families. It was a beautiful sentiment, and last weekend I was lucky enough to document what that true connection between friends and families really looked like in person.

Maggie and Mike had a simple, beautiful celebration planned with a ceremony at Holy Martyrs Church and a reception at The Portland Country Club.

When I arrived at Maggie’s family home, I could quickly see that the boundless energy and fierce love was hereditary, as big bear hugs were the norm for everyone. It was really wonderful to see.

Maggie’s mom sees her for the first time.

Everyone in Maggie’s family was ready hours before they needed to be. In this “pre-game” shot, Maggie’s dad stares out the window… ready for the ceremony to begin.

The wedding ceremony was held at Holy Martyrs Church.

Mike’s brother Matt held their rings before the ceremony.

Maggie’s bouquet.

Coming down the aisle with her dad… could you tell Maggie was excited?

Mike and Maggie listen intently during the ceremony.

Maggie’s sister sang so beautifully that it moved many to tears. Beautiful job!

Ceremony over: time for the big kiss.

Their first moments as husband and wife!

Just an adorable shot of Mike’s grandfather telling a great story.

Their beautiful rings.

Sisters.

Mike’s brother gave a beautiful toast to the newly married couple.

Their cake. (I had to try it… yes, it tasted as good as it looked).

Maggie’s mom Susie could not have been more accurate in describing these two families. The wedding was not only a celebration of Maggie and Mike’s incredible relationship, but also a reunion of sorts between old friends and two amazing families.

And then the dancing started.

Susie tears up the dance floor.

Maggie’s dad singing with the band.

EVERYONE was on that dance floor… I mean even the little kids were out there.

Maggie, showing the crowd how it’s done.

I’ve never seen a group of people dance so hard.

This kid got the MVP award for hitting the dance floor the hardest.

Sorry buddy… but I had to include this. What’s amazing about this shot is that he stopped dancing just long enough to notice that he might have been sweating (just a little). The reaction of the woman in the green dress behind him is priceless.

What a wonderful celebration! Thanks so much for having me there to capture it all for you! Your family and friends could not have been more welcoming and inclusive: I really appreciate it. Congratulations Maggie and Mike!

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Want to see the complete photos? They’re all online here!!!

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Additionally… we’ve got a bunch of photos already up on our Facebook Page here: tag your friends!

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Vendors:

Ceremony Location: Holy Martyrs Church, Falmouth, Maine

Reception Location: Portland Country Club, Falmouth Foreside, Maine

Florist: Flora Home Studio

Band: Nightshift (one of my VERY favorite bands… I highly recommend them!!)

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

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Carolyn & Ryan: Belle Mer Wedding, Newport, RI

Published by brianwedge on July 1, 2010 in Brian Wedge Photography, Destination Weddings, New England, Weddings and inspiration. 1 Comment

Newport Rhode Island is a pretty spectacular place any time of the year, but on a recent summer Saturday in June, the stars aligned and Carolyn and Ryan were married on one of the most beautiful days in recent memory. Newport Harbor was buzzing with boats of all kinds, and we were lucky enough to be in the middle of it all… on Goat Island at the Belle Mer to document their wedding.

The Belle Mer is an amazing location: private, beautiful and easy!

Carolyn looked incredible in her wedding dress as she got ready in the Belle Mer’s oceanfront Island House.

Ryan gets his boutonniere.

Every detail was gorgeous… from their flowers, to their colors to their invitations.

Not to mention their beautiful rings.

Carolyn and her sister watch as the guests arrive.

From below, Carolyn and her AMAZING bridesmaids sneak a peek at the guests and Ryan as they prepare for the ceremony. ”Go Team Carolyn!”

Carolyn is escorted down the aisle by her parents.

Ryan sees Carolyn in her wedding dress for the very first time.

A dream location, overlooking Newport Harbor.

The ceremonial breaking of the glass!

The big kiss.

So happy to be together! Husband and wife for the first time!

A quiet moment immediately following the ceremony.

With the sun setting, Carolyn looks back at Ryan. Beautiful.

The schooner America sails past Newport Harbor.

A spectacular sunset.

One last photo before the sun went down.

The Belle Mer’s seaside Island House is truly gorgeous overlooking the sea.

The ceremony location just after sunset… as the reception rages on next door in the Island House.

Carolyn and Ryan went with cupcakes instead of wedding cake… which went along perfectly with their beautiful, carefree wedding.

And when I wrote “carefree” I meant “high energy fun” because these guys danced for at least 5 hours straight. They were so much fun to be around, it was hard to stop laughing and smiling. What a great night!

You can email Carolyn & Ryan directly about renting out their wedding party as entertainment… they were THAT good. The guy doing the limbo (while double fisting) had recently delivered one of the most sincere, emotional toasts I’ve ever heard. One hour later, he’s doing the limbo with the bridesmaids.

What a spectacular wedding! What incredible, wonderful people! I felt lucky to be there, and so happy to get to know all your incredible guests! Thank you!

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The COMPLETE photos are all online for you to view and order! To see them, just click to go to:

www.brianwedge.com

Click to visit our Facebook site HERE

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Vendors:

Ceremony and Reception Location: Belle Mer Island House, Goat Island, Newport, RI

Florist: Sayles Livingston

Cup Cakes: Sin Desserts

Stationer: Minted.com

Dress: Paloma Blanca

Groomsmen Ties: Vineyard Vines

Band: The Shine Band

Photographer: Brian Wedge Photography

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Jane & Justin: Nonantum Resort Wedding, Kennebunkport, Maine

Published by brianwedge on June 16, 2010 in Brian Wedge Photography, Life on the coast, Maine, New England, Weddings and maine wedding. 1 Comment

When I woke to the crashing sounds of thunder, and flashes of lightning, I couldn’t help but worry for my wonderful clients Jane and Justin. Though WE are more than happy to photograph weddings in the middle of blizzards and even torrential rain, it’s a bit different when it is YOUR wedding and YOUR big day. As the rain fell all morning, we kept our fingers crossed that the weather would clear.

We arrived at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport Maine just in time to see the sun tentatively peeking out from behind massive storm clouds, and with bated breath… we hoped that the good weather would hold just long enough for Jane and Justin to be married.

In classic form, our friend Tim “Superstar Coordinator” Ames and his amazing team at the Nonantum had everything perfectly prepared for an outdoor wedding… or if need be, an equally beautiful option inside.

With a little bit of luck, the rain held off, and the ceremony began…

The wedding party carried the chuppah to the oceanfront ceremony site.

Jane walked down the aisle with her dad.

Justin saw Jane for the very first time. She looked incredible, and his expression shows it!

Jane’s uncles watch intently, as Jane’s father “gives her away” to Justin.

The rainy weather was gone, just in time for an outside wedding at the Nonantum!

A seagull overseeing the ceremony from it’s perch atop the Nonantum Lighthouse (good eye J-bird!!)

Looking through the shoulders of the groomsmen and her groom, Jane looks so happy!

A common occurrence at a Nonantum wedding, President Bush made a brief appearance aboard his boat.

Trailed by the U.S. Secret Service.

The Big Kiss!!

After walking back down the aisle, they couldn’t help themselves for one more.

If you ever wanted to know the secret to keeping kids entertained during the group photos… just do this with them!

The first dance.

You’ll have to see the complete photos… but lets just say that the cake cutting was not as predictable as you would expect.

Tearing up the dance floor.

Ahhh… the chair dance. Justin wasn’t liking this one so much.

Jane gets a special dance from a friend.

An adorable moment on the dance floor, as Jane’s brother gets a smootch from his wife as their daughter looks on.

Another “adorable” moment…

All in all, we all had incredible luck as the severe weather passed through a few times throughout the day. The guests stayed dry, the party raged on into the wee hours of the night and we were very lucky to be there and document the beauty of their day. Thanks to everyone for being so welcoming and having us. We had a wonderful time!

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View the complete photos online here: www.brianwedge.com

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VENDORS:

Ceremony / Reception Site: The Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport, ME (Tim Ames coordinating… one of the very best in the business!!)

Flowers: Minott’s Flowers

DJ: DJ Scott Elias (Mixxed Entertainment)

Cake: Anna Gershenson

Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

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Jeff & Teal: River Oaks Country Club Wedding, Houston, Texas

Published by brianwedge on May 27, 2010 in Brian Wedge Photography, Destination Weddings, Weddings and friends. 3 Comments

We flew down to Texas this past weekend to support Jeff and Teal on their wedding day. We were lucky enough to photograph Jeff’s sister’s wedding about 3 years ago (Carolyn & Drew), and when we heard the news that Jeff was marrying a fun, talented and beautiful girl deep in the heart of Texas, we couldn’t resist packing our bags and documenting the festivities!

Though we’ve photographed all around the world, we know that Texas is a beautiful, distinctly unique place unto itself… so when they told us about their 300 person, black tie wedding at the prestigious River Oaks Country Club, I had to ask if they really wanted a true photojournalist to document their day (as opposed to an old school, super formal, super traditional wedding photographer). I just wanted to be sure that our style of documenting natural moments while being unobtrusive would “fit” with a big ‘ol formal Texas wedding. The essence of our work and our success has come from our ability to creatively capture the unscripted, real story of a wedding day, and when they confirmed that that’s exactly what they wanted, we were absolutely thrilled to book our tickets!

The rehearsal dinner was held at Rice University’s Faculty Club. Teal wore a dress made from her mom’s wedding gown… and looked exquisite!

Two families become one.

Teal serenades Jeff at the rehearsal dinner with a truly original (and hilarious) song.

By the time we woke up (at 7am) Teal was already at yoga class and had posted this as her Facebook status.

Game Day!

While Jeff spent the morning fishing with his dad and groomsmen, Teal and her bridesmaids got ready.

At the church, Teal’s dad sees her for the first time.

Coming down the aisle. Beautiful!

Jeff sees Teal for the first time. At least 2 dozen people (including Jeff himself) had warned me about this moment. They said repeatedly “you know even though Jeff is a West Point grad and you think he’s this tough Army guy… he’s going to cry… he’s a crier!” He kept it together though!

Working from the balcony, Malia captured this fabulous wide angle shot while I was below.

St. John the Divine in Houston is a beautiful church.

The big kiss!

The first dance.

Though they had a beautiful multi-tiered wedding cake, it paled in comparison to the groom’s cake.

A grooms cake befitting a pair of duck hunters. Note the camouflage tablecloth and the teal duck decoy.

Father of the bride letting loose on the dance floor.

A quiet, real moment captured in the middle of all the celebrating.

Jeff and Teal could not possibly have had more fun! This is our kind of “formal” wedding celebration!

The rose petal departure!

As the car speeds away into the night, with rose petals being blown from the roof… Teal leans in and gives Jeff a kiss. So genuine, so timeless. One of my favorite shots.

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CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE PHOTOS ONLINE AT BRIANWEDGE.COM

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What an incredible celebration! We already knew that Jeff’s family were sweet, thoughtful and fun… but to meet Teal’s family, it made it all more wonderful than we ever could have imagined. THANK YOU so much for having us! We were truly honored to be there at your wedding, and to capture all those amazing, real moments for you. Thank you for your hospitality and genuine friendship. There are fly rods and beers waiting for you in Maine whenever you return from your honeymoon in Fiji and can get a chance to visit. We look forward to seeing y’all again soon!!

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VENDORS:

Rehearsal Dinner: Cohen House, Rice University

Church: Saint John the Divine, Houston, TX

Reception: River Oaks Country Club, Houston, TX

Band: The Tip Tops

Make-Up: Leah Comstock Nygren (Your Beautiful Face)

Florist: Bergner & Johnson Design

Cakes: Susie’s Cakes

Dress: Edgardo Bonilla

Coordinator: Natalie and Marissa of Belle of The Ball (Great folks to work with!)

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

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Growing…

Published by brianwedge on April 22, 2010 in Brian Wedge Photography, Destination Weddings, Life With Cancer, Maine, Massachusetts, New England, Photojournalism, Weddings, friends, fun, inspiration and livestrong. 4 Comments

THANK YOU for the emails and the calls making sure everything is going well. YES, things are going quite well; we’ve never been busier or happier, but I admit… the blog has taken a backseat as a result of all our adventures. We have been so swamped with work and creative projects for so long, that we decided to take the time recently to build some new creative alliances and “practice” our craft a bit. During the past few months we have pursued every opportunity to improve, learn and grow. Our time was not used in vain, as we’ve got lots of new photos to share… and stories to tell.

That being said, while we were traveling and shooting far away from the blogosphere, much occurred, and we will try to recap some of it here:

First up… my sister Lea and her husband Billy adopted an adorable baby boy! Henry is absolutely beautiful, and has a remarkably calm energy about him that is just amazing. Though we did miss the cranky-baby 2am diaper changes and feedings, we are quite certain that Henry is either high on baby formula… or just happy to be alive and have parents who adore and appreciate him so much.

Though we only stopped in for a few days during our return from Hawaii, one thing led to another… and of course an impromptu photo shoot occurred that resulted in baby Henry winding up in a salad bowl. Sorry Henry, but you just don’t know where creativity will lead you! Anyway, we wanted the whole world to know how proud we are to have him in our family!

And speaking of growing, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that we won a few more awards for our photography and we wanted to thank the sponsors for their encouragement and recognition. First up, we managed to sneak out a few awards from the prestigious Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA.com) once again. There are some truly incredible photographers that compete in their contests… so we are honored that we had NINE winning images in the past year.

Here are the two latest winners:

This image is from Matt & Ashley’s Hurricane Wedding at The Newagen Inn in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. The photo is a fun grab shot of the bridesmaid being “blown away” in the wind. The great news is that the bridesmaid holding the umbrella (Christine) is engaged to be married & in June we will be in Massachusetts to document their wedding for them! There is no greater honor than to get the opportunity to support the friends of great clients like Matt & Ashley. Don’t worry… we PROMISE… the weather will be better!

Next, from Heidi & Ross’ wedding at The Sebasco Harbor Resort, we won 4th place for dancing… but the true story is that the dancing started about 8 hours earlier, and the award should really be for the consistency and longevity of the dancing. If I remember correctly, this is Heidi’s brother… who started dancing before the ceremony and in my mind is probably dancing wherever he is right now. Congrats!

Last up, our favorite social media guru / Innkeeper Jason Schlosser (from The Newagen Inn in Boothbay Harbor) held a photography contest and self selected our entry because we were out of the country at the time (thanks Jason!!). By popular vote, we were lucky enough to win the contest in 2008, and we never expected that we would again in 2009, but as luck would have it, we did! The prize for winning the contest was a 2 night stay at The Newagen Inn, along with dinner.

In honor of all our good fortune, our great clients, and most of all… our precious new nephew Henry, we’ve decided that we are going to donate our two night stay at The Newagen Inn to raise money for LIVESTRONG and their continued fight on behalf of survivors like my sister in their battle against cancer. More details about the raffle will be coming tomorrow: we’ve got a donation page all setup with LIVESTRONG, and Jason at The Newagen Inn is psyched to host the prizewinner.

So for now, thanks for all the support, love and emails. We love hearing from everyone… and rest assured, we are back!! Spread the word about the contest… more details right here tomorrow!