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.

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!

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.

Bonfire and S’mores at The Newagen Seaside Inn.

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.

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

Finally together, Ashley’s face says it all.

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

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

Can you tell it’s wet and windy?

How about now?

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.

Rocking out.

Tearing it up.

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

The crowd reacts…

Bon Jovi… gets ‘em going again.

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.

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!

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

She knows what she’s talking about!

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!

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.

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

When they arrived in Maine from Manhattan for vacation last week, the weather simply refused to cooperate.  Weather forecasts predicted rain throughout most of the week, and so with only a few hours of notice, we rallied to catch the last moments of sunshine, before the storms rolled in.

I’d say the extra hustle was well worth the effort!  Ryan and Julie were absolutely wonderful to work with, and we literally ran all over Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, making the most of our time there.  I think we were all huffing and puffing at one point or another during the shoot, but laughing and having a blast doing it.

In this shot, the sun had already dropped very low in the sky.  I was setting up a silhouette shot, but then saw how the light reflected in Julie’s eye with the lens flare.  You might just be able to see it in these smaller images… but it’s a beautiful moment… or I thought so anyway!

So this was the original inspiration for having an engagement photo shoot.  Can you imagine receiving an awesome “Save The Date” like this? Hilarious.  That’s their puppy in the center!  Nice job Cooper!!!

I’m a pretty high energy guy, and as a result I’m cautious not to push my clients into doing anything that’s too uncomfortable for them.  Great images are great in large part because people are natural, having fun and showing real emotion.  Great shoots on the other hand, occur when the collective energy is so positive, creative and enjoyable that spontaneous ideas are followed without hesitation.  These shots of them IN the breakers was NOT my idea… but it worked, and is a reflection of a great connection between photographer and client.  Photographers have to be able to “roll with it” as much as the clients/models do!

Julie & Ryan were wonderful, energetic and willing to try new things.  This shoot reveals the simple truth of who they are: vibrant, athletic, fun, beautiful, adventurous and in love.  Who knew that so much could be achieved in about an hour?

If you’ve ever been to a lighthouse, you know that there are dozens of people milling around at all times.  A man with a bright yellow jacket was in the background of this image, so I moved to hide him behind Ryan & Julie.  Looked like it worked!

Julie’s boys: Cooper & Ryan.

That was a great time!  I hope you both enjoy your images! (Don’t worry… there’s LOTS more).

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To view the complete images, just click here or go to: www.brianwedge.com

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When we got the call last year from Elizabeth and Mike in The Netherlands, we secretly hoped that we would be on the next plane to Europe to tell the story of their incredible lives there in The Hague.  But we quickly learned that Mike grew up in York Harbor, Maine and that they would be traveling back to the United States for only a few days and really wanted to connect with us on Mike’s hometown beach for a photo shoot… and then a year later, have a wedding at that same spot.

Lots of gorgeous, thoughtful details.

Beautiful bouquets.  Love the fiddleheads mixed in with the flowers.

Elizabeth walking in, escorted by her father.

The York Harbor Reading Room is perched literally feet from the water’s edge.

The ring bearer was adorable.  So sweet and compliant…but maybe a wedding wasn’t exactly his idea of fun?

Their exquisite wedding bands.

Beautiful.

Immediately following the wedding, the family celebrates!

Their love grew over specially brewed coffee, so it was fitting that their table cards be presented with a recounting of their story & a bag of coffee beans.

And then…the bridesmaids celebrate!

I’m always amazed when little kids can clear a dance floor.  This girl had moves!

The fiddlehead motif of the bouquet continues in the cake decoration.

Everyone danced until the wee hours of the morning.  They just never stopped!

We love these images… there’s an honesty about them that’s impossible to manufacture.  It’s probably right around midnight, the veil and the fancy, uncomfortable shoes are long gone.  The hours of dancing and celebrating have worn away all but the tired joy of marrying the person you truly love.  These images were captured using only available light, and there’s a truth about them that we really loved.

A summer night, a sparkler, and a smile that is so genuine… True joy.

Congratulations on your beautiful wedding, and thanks for having me!  Hope to see you guys in The Netherlands next time!

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Want to see the rest of the photos?  Just go to www.brianwedge.com

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Vendors:

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

Planning and Coordinating:  Diane York Weddings

Location/Catering: York Harbor Reading Room

Florist: Calluna Fine Flowers

Band:  Big Chief

Cake: Owen Dyer Confection Art

    As many folks already know, my Boathouse Studio is literally an old boathouse, on the edge of the sea… and I teach classes on the water often.  When I teach private trips, we go out and “cover” the coast… usually by boat, capturing photos of wildlife, lobstermen, seaweed harvesters and our wonderful tideline communities in general.  We’re photojournalists… and capturing the story is what we do best.

    Jeremy called me about a month ago with a plan to take a “fake” photography trip with his girlfriend Robyn.  It was “fake” because they were not there to learn professional photography tricks, nor gain photo access to the “real” Maine.  Jeremy hired me to take them out by boat to an uninhabited island, and to photograph them while he surprised Robyn with his proposal.

    How creative is that?  It made my day.  I’ve never had the honor of capturing an engagement as it happened, and I very much appreciate the trust that Jeremy placed in my hands to capture this special moment!  It was a true privilege to be able to unobtrusively photograph (with a VERY long lens) such a meaningful juncture in their lives.  CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Want to see the complete set of photos?  They’re all right here: www.brianwedge.com

Want to see the complete photos?  They’re all here:  www.brianwedge.com

I’ve always been a fan of two major concepts when it comes to professional photography:

1.)  Deliver creative results that exceed expectations.

2.)  Make your clients look great while having fun.

I think we succeeded in Washington!  What started as a “night before arrival” turned into an impromptu hilarious adventure throughout the city with Caroline and Mark.  As a photojournalist it was wonderful to work with limited light, heckling spectators and not knowing what opportunities were around the corner.

The unknown and the unexpected are a constant source of opportunity.  As a photojournalist, I arrive (obsessively) prepared with equipment and skills… but a willingness to play, explore and have fun just can’t be understated.

Yes… I flew all the way down to DC just to get shots of them in front of those gorgeous cherry blossoms, but the trip was a reminder to all of us out there shooting to be open to those constant little opportunities to capture the unexpected!  Thanks Caroline and Mark for that unexpected evening photo shoot.  I can’t wait for your wedding!