Apologies to all our blog followers for the delays in updating the blog! (Yes, we got your emails, tweets and F-book messages!!)
No sleep for the weary here at Brian Wedge Photography, but rest assured, WE ARE BACK! We’re back from some wonderful commercial and editorial shoots that have led us across the country capturing all sorts of interesting and talented people. We’re back with reinvigorated creativity and some wonderful experiences under our belt. Stay tuned as we share more in the coming weeks… but for now, we thought we’d share the fact that a bunch of our wedding images won a few MORE awards while we were away!
We love capturing natural, authentic moments in creative and unobtrusive ways, and once again we were honored by the Pulitzer Prize winning judges for Brides Magazine and the prestigious Wedding Photojournalist Association. Yahoo!! It’s always wonderful to have our work recognized by such respected people and organizations!
The photo above was captured at Stacia & Lloyd’s beautiful Bar Harbor Wedding in Maine. The image encapsulates so much of the emotion and tension that almost every bride feels on her wedding day. One part excitement, another nerves: so much effort and time planning for the big day and then all of a sudden it’s here! The final pieces come together seemingly all at once.
Speaking of timeless, there’s a universal appeal to the image above… every body part in motion, from arms and feet to nose and eyes… this guys is GROOVING! As interesting are the reactions of the people watching him in the background. One part astonishment, another admiration. There’s always one at every wedding!
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We’re truly honored to have won awards again from the WPJA and Brides Magazine. We’re always striving to create unique and meaningful images for our clients… and it’s a bonus when our work is recognized elsewhere, especially alongside such a talented group of international photographers. Thanks again!
Today is a day about truth. Today is also a day about taking action. Today is the day that, once again… the pain, hurt, fury and frustration has boiled to the surface… and I am fired up enough to write another passage about what it’s like to be a survivor of cancer.
These messages were painted on the roads of the Tour de France before the peleton pedaled through.
Just as Lance Armstrong was pedaling through France this past summer, I was spending two wonderful weeks with my big sister Lea. Diagnosed with leukemia on January 10, 2005, Lea has survived a barrage of assaults on her body, mind and spirit. Not surprisingly, for those that know and love her… she is a unyielding fighter… who can reach deep into her soul and produce courage and focus that is truly incredible. Many would say that Lea has beaten cancer, and by all medically relevant standards she has… but there’s so much more to her story, more that is easily ignored, forgotten or avoided: It’s the aftermath.
There’s a lot of hardship in this world… and my guess is that folks who have endured severe tests of the spirit, know a thing or two about surviving. But like the person who climbs out the wreckage after a tornado destroys their home, or the soldier who spends months in physical therapy learning to walk again… there are certain challenges that take years and even decades to rebuild from. Leukemia has been that for our family. Lea beat hell out of her cancer, but it’s impacts are still felt everyday.
You did it Lea… you really did!!
We first became involved with Doug Ulman and the LIVESTRONG movement in the moments after Lea’s diagnosis. Through the tears and the nausea of the news, LIVESTRONG was the first organization that really tapped into our fighting spirit. There was an unapologetic belief that there was strength in unity, and that hope was as powerful as any cancer drug would ever be. We’re forever grateful and as a result we want to make sure that everyone out there understands how important it is that we unite together against the epidemic of cancer.
So today happens to be LIVESTRONG Day and there are ways YOU can help. We are donating 10% of our annual profits to Livestrong and like minded charities… so our request isn’t for moola… it’s for involvement.
Here’s how:
1.) Register your bone marrow: Swab your cheek with a Q-tip at home for FREE as part of becoming a bone marrow donor. If you’ve been meaning to do this, do it today. It’s easy and you’re saving someone’s life!!! PLEASE do this. If you already have done it… THANK YOU! Please write in and tell us what made you do it!
VIDEO: How to register / get tested
Here’s how to sign up for a free test kit (donations accepted but not required):
You might never be a match, but if you are… wow, you’re in the position to save someone’s life!! You’re not donating a kidney or a lung now… so get that whole gory, life altering surgery concept out of your head right off the bat. The act of bone marrow donation can take on one of two different forms, but 70% of all donations are taken in a procedure very similar to the simple act of donating blood. The cold hard truth though is that every year 35,000 people need a donor and only 3800 will find one. Bottom line: we need more people involved and you could be that one!
A great video that explains what the actual donation process is here:
2.) Get healthy and get involved. Go for a walk today, ride your bike, play with your kids, smoke one less cigarette, eat a salad… whatever. Do something healthy for you and your family.
3.) Livestrong: it’s not all about Lance… it’s about uniting against cancer. Get involved through this link here. While you’re at LIVESTRONG, go buy some of their sweet gear, and wear it with pride knowing that you’re helping a great organization with your cash while raising awareness about cancer. If you want to understand what LIVESTRONG is to survivors like us, here’s their manifesto:
THE MANIFESTO OF THE LANCE ARMSTRONG FOUNDATION
We believe in life. Your life. We believe in living every minute of it with every ounce of your being. And that you must not let cancer take control of it. We believe in energy: channeled and fierce. We believe in focus: getting smart and living strong. Unity is strength. Knowledge is power. Attitude is everything. This is the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
We kick in the moment you’re diagnosed. We help you accept the tears. Acknowledge the rage. We believe in your right to live without pain. We believe in information. Not pity. And in straight, open talk about cancer. With husbands, wives and partners. With kids, friends and neighbors. And the people you live with, work with, cry and laugh with. This is no time to pull punches. You’re in the fight of your life.
We’re about the hard stuff. Like finding the nerve to ask for a second opinion. And a third, or a fourth, if that’s what it takes. We’re about getting smart about clinical trials. And if it comes to it, being in control of how your life ends. It’s your life. You will have it your way.
We’re about the practical stuff. Planning for surviving. Banking your sperm. Preserving your fertility. Organizing your finances. Dealing with hospitals, specialists, insurance companies and employers. It’s knowing your rights. It’s your life. Take no prisoners.
We’re about the fight. We’re your champion on Capitol Hill. Your advocate with the healthcare system. Your sponsor in the research labs. And we know the fight never ends. Cancer may leave your body, but it never leaves your life. This is the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Founded and inspired by one of the toughest cancer survivors on the planet.
Ok… that’s it! Thanks for hearing us, thanks for being involved, thanks to Tammy for donating her bone marrow to my sister… and most of all, thanks to Lea Morrison who inspires me everyday with her attitude, action and love.
To Lea: I couldn’t be more proud to be your little brother, and I want you to know that I understand how hard you work EVERY day to stay healthy and positive. You have earned your title of Survivor the hard way. I hope you will take a moment today, on LIVESTRONG Day to celebrate how far you have come!!
We were PSYCHED this week to learn that THREE of our images had won awards from the prestigious Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA). Yay! We’re always proud to be part of the WPJA as they represent some of the best and most creative photojournalists on the planet. In their most recent contest we entered these images knowing that they would be going up against stiff international competition… never expecting that they would do so well.
One of our awards came in the category “Emotion.” We’re thrilled to see that, because the hallmark of our work comes from an ability to capture the natural moments & real emotion in an unobtrusive, creative manner. There’s an elemental truth in this scene: one of joy, relief and love. What a wonderful opportunity to capture something like that for a great couple!
JUDGES COMMENTS: There’s pure joy in this photograph. It’s a clean, easy to read shot that has immediate impact, revealed through their body language. It’s a simple, yet, effective image that evokes a higher emotional state than the others for me.
JUDGES COMMENTS: A dreamy, long lens image that makes one think they are in a dream. These two obviously are, and the outstretched arms are like one big smile ready to embrace the groom.
We also received another award for our image of an engagement ring left beside a note from a groom to his bride. At our core, we’re storytellers… and it’s important that we always attempt to capture details in a way that contribute to that underlying story. We usually arrive early at weddings to creatively document these details… often overlooked by folks at first glance, but cherished years later as an important element to their very special day. Something as simple as a ring and five words from a brief letter says so much.
The final award winner came in the category “Reception.” This image is from Liz & Jack’s Farm reception near Pemaquid, Maine. They impulsively started running into the orchards, and Liz ran herself right out of her shoes! We love this image because it really reflects who Liz and Jack are: fun, athletic and super excited to be married. Once again, the natural moments captured creatively are the best!
Thanks so much to all our incredible clients, friends, fans and family for your support. Our most important judges are always you… but it’s nice to be recognized by an international organization like the Wedding Photojournalist Association!
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.
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.
Their rings in the mail slot of the room where they would spend their wedding night.
Beautiful details found throughout the day.
Quinn’s grandmother reacts to seeing her for the first time.
On the way to the church, Quinn and her dad hold hands in the back of the car.
It was REALLY raining. Quinn’s ever present smile never faltered.
Quinn & her dad walking down the aisle.
St. Ann’s is an intimate and beautiful stone church right on the edge of the ocean.
The timber frame construction at St. Ann’s is truly beautiful.
The exchange of rings.
Husband and Wife!!!
At the end of the long isle, Quinn & Chris.
Made entirely of large beams and stone, St. Ann’s was the perfect sanctuary on such a cold and rainy day.
Beautiful design by “Let Them Eat Cake”
A card left open on a table from Quinn to Chris reads “forever and ever.” A natural background for a photo of their rings.
Back at the Colony Hotel, the floral designs by Blooms & Heirlooms were exquisite.
My favorite moment: Quinn’s grandfather Moe, shares a hilarious and touching poem he wrote.
The band “The Marsels” got the crowd going quickly.
An impromptu twist contest broke out.
The rain kept pouring… but Quinn & Chris wanted some shots outside.
We went to the beach and Quinn just ditched her shoes, and walked around in the rain barefoot.
Beautiful and timeless.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Paul & Kate created Maine inspired wedding gift bags. Nothing says “Maine Wedding” like an engagement ring on a can of Moxie!
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!”
The groomsmen all wore cufflinks with their photos in them.
The ringbearer did SO well! He walked and smiled… until he stopped.
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!!
The ceremony held on the front lawn of The Newagen Inn.
Surrounded by yellow flowers in honor of her father, a single tear falls from Kate’s eye.
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.
“Foolish Choices” just happened to fishing nearby… we HAD to get that shot!
Even the lobsters held hands.
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.
Bridesmaids bouquet rests on a chair.
Their guestbook was a collaborative painting made by all the guests. Very creative!
During the first dance… there was evidence of Paul’s impromptu splash in the Atlantic.
Mmmmm…. whoopie pies. Yum!
Then the dancing started.
All kinds of dancing.
An all candlelight cutting of the cake per the request of Paul & Kate. Tough shot, but very creative!
Then the party REALLY got started. This is NOT the band… these are wedding guests on stage.
Kate in the arms of her husband… rocking out! Pure joy.
Going big (Another victim of Bon Jovi).
Paul sings Livin’ on a Prayer.
Late night bowling at The Newagen Seaside Inn.
Paul’s bowling technique was impeccable. Look at that follow through!
The stars come out at The Newagen Inn. That’s not photoshop folks… that’s the Big Dipper!
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!!
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!)
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!
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.
“Old School” wood fired lobsterbake steamed in seaweed. Best lobster I’ve ever had.
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.
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.
Their rings on one of the flower girl’s petals.
Beautiful weather and stunning location overlooking Rockland and Penobscot Bay.
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.
I love Kim’s enthusiasm!
The big kiss.
These two know how to have a great time. They practically danced down the isle together.
Their first moments as husband and wife.
Returning to the cocktail hour.
Their candlelit reception was beautiful.
Exquisite floral arrangements by Kate Parker Weddings.
Their entrance to the reception… I believe that Ben is doing a jig. I might have to confirm that though.
Bouquets at every table.
Attention to detail every step of the way.
Kim’s ever present smile.
Their first dance ends.
The “real” dancing begins…
At any one point there had to be 40 people on the dancefloor… great to see everyone having so much fun.
Kim raises the roof.
Ben dancing with his mom…
Kim dancing with her dad…
Though everyone put in a great effort dancing, the flower girl crushed the competition. Here she’s calling out her next challenger.
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!
