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Petra & Lee: Fox Fields Farm Wedding, Bar Harbor, ME

Published by brianwedge on August 20, 2009 in Brian Wedge Photography, Destination Weddings, Maine, Weddings, inspiration and maine wedding. 2 Comments

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Petra & Lee created a very special wedding celebration this past weekend. It was more than beautiful, it was more than fun… it was based in community and enriched with tradition. In my opinion, it was everything a great wedding should be. It involved true communion amongst friends and family (they all stayed on the farm for the week leading up to the wedding) and it epitomized a cooperative spirit (those same friends and family members literally designed and built almost every detail of the ceremony and reception).

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To say it was beautiful would be an understatement. To say it was completely effortless… well, that would be a lie! What I mean is that Lee & Petra’s friends WORKED in near 100 degree heat to get everything built and ready for their ceremony. With good cheer and great spirit, everyone pitched in and made it happen.

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At the helm even when beauty calls: Petra on the two way radio as her friend does her hair.

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“Laborer”: AKA longtime friend / dishwasher / comedian

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There was A LOT of enthusiasm at this wedding!

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A beautiful touch, these small wooden bowls filled with blueberries were located at every place setting. (Rings not included)

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Something old… and something blue.

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A gorgeous Jewish ceremony: Petra & Lee circle eachother.

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Beautiful.

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The Chuppah, handmade by Petra’s mom and adorned with crystals.

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Just after breaking the glass… “Mazel Tov!”

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Just radiant.

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The signature drink… yummy!

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Another grueling location…

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I love this because it’s so real. We took some photos in the hammock and as soon as we finished, Lee did something to make Petra start giggling. Note Petra’s red shoes!

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Beautiful tent at Fox Fields Farm.

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Lee likes sunsets… so I had to indulge him.

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Tearing it up…

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The Hora and Mitzvah dances lasted a good 25 minutes. Grueling!!!

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Yeah, these guys had no fun!

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Petra’s view…

There were quite a few journalists with snazzy cameras at the wedding. There’s ALWAYS room for others to take photos when I’m there… and after a little while, I started using their flashes to my advantage, shooting directly opposite of them allowing more dramatic lighting of the room.

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Lee’s view…

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Petra & Lee at sunset.

I would like to say that all this community, hard work, creativity and general enthusiasm was a direct result of Lee’s good sense to graduate from Bowdoin College like my wife and I… but the truth is that Petra & Lee are so detailed oriented, yet inclusive, fun and welcoming that it encourages everyone around them to give their very best. It isn’t something learned… it’s just who they are. It was very inspiring to see so many people come together in the heat and yes, even a few bugs to create an incredible celebration that was worthy of these two.

To Lee & Petra: thank you for having me at your wedding! To their friends and family: thanks for pitching in and being so welcoming!!

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

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Vendors:

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

Ceremony/Reception Site: Fox Fields Farm

Day Laborers: Too many to mention

Caterers: Sassafras (we use these guys for weeks on end with the LL Bean shoots… yummy!)

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Sherry & Paul: Sebasco Harbor Resort Wedding

Published by brianwedge on August 7, 2009 in Brian Wedge Photography, Destination Weddings, Maine, New England, Weddings, inspiration and maine wedding. 3 Comments

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A Sebasco Harbor Resort wedding is always a welcomed treat for us. The beautiful Sebasco Harbor Resort is across the bay from our Boathouse Studio, and is just minutes away from our offices by boat. It’s in our backyard quite literally, and when Sherry and Paul contacted us last year to photograph their wedding we were thrilled to support them.

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Paul is a graphic designer who designed their wedding invitation. He did a beautiful job. The two little birds became a theme on all their paper.

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Gorgeous floral designs by Minott’s Flowers.

Sherry and Paul live in Brooklyn, NY, but returned to Paul’s home state of Maine to exchange their vows. Sebasco Harbor Resort was a wonderful location choice for these two, as some of Sherry’s family traveled all the way from Iran to be there for their wedding weekend. Sebasco is an ideal destination wedding weekend venue, where families can really connect and spend quality time together by the sea. There’s plenty of rooms, activities, shoreline and opportunities to get away from it all, while really appreciating the coast of Maine.

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This ringbearer was focused so intently on doing his job that he kept his head down staring at his precious cargo. For one instant he looked up and we got that moment. Adorable.

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Paul is one of the most fun and expressive grooms ever. He’s quick to smile, quicker to laugh and as Sherry walked down the isle with her dad, he was literally bouncing on his toes, grinning ear to ear to see her. She really did look beautiful.

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Sherry, with a flower in her hair that her mom brought all the way from Iran.

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Oceanfront Wedding at Sebasco Harbor Resort. Classic Maine.

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The backlit ceremony was beautiful.

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I always love that moment when the couple turns to walk down the isle. Some cry, others look to their families, but Paul & Sherry just turned to eachother and giggled. It was so genuine and clear that they enjoy one another so much.

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These two have a LOT of fun. Here they’re just cracking up laughing after their wedding.

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The Clipper Room is an old shore house that was brought up from the waters edge and beautifully restored.

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Stunning, simple, elegant decorations.

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Each guest received a gift bag of dragèe (sugar coated almonds) and Iranian coins. Want to know the significance of dragèe at a wedding? We had no idea either, so we looked it up… and the answer is: “because the almond is technically a seed, it has long been associated with fertility. And so dragees have come to symbolize fertility, prosperity and good luck – what we all wish for the bride and groom.” See the full article from which we snagged that explanation here.

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Their first dance.

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Wedding cake with a goldfish… huh? People always ask us how we find such interesting details at weddings. The answer is that we ask questions and then pay attention to the answers! This is Sherry and Paul’s pet goldfish that made the trip all the way from Brooklyn! They didn’t want to get married without him there!

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Rockin’ out.

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The Sherry’s dad tearing it up.

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Once again, Jon Bon Jovi gets the better of otherwise responsible adults.

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Want to see the complete photos? Just click HERE or head on over to www.brianwedge.com

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Wedding Venue & Reception: Sebasco Harbor Resort

Florist: Minott’s Flowers

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Ryan & Julie: Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Shoot

Published by brianwedge on July 30, 2009 in Brian Wedge Photography, Engagement Shoot, Maine, Weddings, fun, inspiration and maine wedding. 9 Comments

I got a call a few weeks ago from Ryan & Julie, who were looking to have some photos taken for a Save The Date card for their upcoming wedding in Austin, Texas. I was absolutely swamped with photo shoots and a backlog of editing, but Ryan seemed like a pretty energetic guy who was motivated to run around with his fiance near a lighthouse in Maine for an hour or so and get the best images possible.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!!!

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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!

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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?

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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!

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Julie’s boys: Cooper & Ryan.

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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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Jessie & Chris: Bar Harbor Club Wedding, Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina

Published by brianwedge on July 27, 2009 in Brian Wedge Photography, Destination Weddings, Maine, Weddings, inspiration and maine wedding. 1 Comment

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For the past six years, we’ve been lucky enough to be involved with the photo shoots for the iconic LL Bean catalog. Each September, we pack up and find ourselves living for a few weeks at the gorgeous Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina in Bar Harbor, Maine. It’s the perfect “basecamp” for a large scale commercial photography shoot: plenty of rooms, wonderful location and fantastic service. We’ve been so busy with those catalog shoots, that we had never even contemplated shooting a wedding there.

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When Jessie and Chris contacted us last summer to inquire about weddings at the Bar Harbor Club and the Harborside Hotel, we were thrilled. As Jessie described to us their vision of a laid back, seaside wedding that was beautiful, elegant but not boring or stuffy, we could relate immediately. The fact that they were both sailors, fun, and they previously lived in San Francisco right near our West Coast studio made making a real connection with them easy. It wasn’t going to be difficult for us to get them gorgeous images… without being overbearing or obtrusive. We “got it” right away.

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Their beautiful rings.

The Harborside staff have become like family to us over the years… and it was a joy to return to photograph a wedding there. The Bar Harbor Club is a gorgeous wedding venue, on the ocean, with beautiful views, easy access to the beach and plenty of rooms available at the Harborside Hotel next door. For Jessie & Chris, it was a special location as well, as Jessie’s parents owned a home only a few blocks away.

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I would describe Chris & Jessie as being smart, creative, fun people that are as easy and as low maintenance as they come. They wanted their day to be a celebration and a true party… which is exactly what they got.

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Chris’ daisy boutonniere.

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Daisies created a pathway to the ceremony location.

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Jessie and her dad walk down the isle to Chris.

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Beautiful Bar Harbor, from the ceremony site.

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The ceremony was presided over by their longtime friend, a newly ordained minister. Nice job Padre.

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Beautiful, simple ceremony.

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Jessie’s gorgeous bouquet. Loved it!

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Happy to start the party!

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On the beach for a few minutes together.

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They had a really beautiful wedding cake.

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So basic… but they got it all right. Great color.

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Lots of kids made the party fun.

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Like everything that day, Jessie & Chris put their own spin on things: a series of buffet bars for everyone. Gourmet fish tacos and Sliders were a few of the offerings.

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Yum!!

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Just a wonderful evening to be by the sea.

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The Bar Harbor Club at sunset. Gorgeous.

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The first dance dip.

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It was hard to limit myself to only two images of this guy in this blog post. Incredible.

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Arguably, the most enthusiastic dancer I’ve ever seen. Wish I had the video (and I know someone does)!!

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Jessie and Chris are independent, creative people… as they demonstrate their original technique for cutting a wedding cake.

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Right through the middle!

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Sunset on a Bar Harbor Club Wedding.

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Chris and Jessie stayed true to themselves and created a special evening: they found a great location, had fantastic food, kept things simple… and brought all their family and friends in to celebrate. It was a wonderful wedding, it was a reflection of who they are and it was really an honor to support them and their guests.

Though it may be while we’re sailing somewhere in the Caribbean, or while we’re on a photo shoot in Manhattan or at our West Coast studio in San Francisco… but wherever it is, we hope to see you all again soon! Thanks for being so welcoming and fun!

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To see the complete photos, just click here, or go to www.brianwedge.com

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Vendors:

Ceremony & Reception: Bar Harbor Club

Host Hotel: Harborside Hotel, Spa & Resort

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

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Elizabeth & Mike: York Harbor Reading Room Wedding, Maine

Published by brianwedge on July 8, 2009 in Brian Wedge Photography, Destination Weddings, Engagement Shoot, New England, Uncategorized, Weddings, inspiration and maine wedding. 1 Comment

It’s always great to have a fun, casual shoot with a couple in advance of their wedding day, and it’s one of the reasons we travel the country coordinating with couples to photograph them in their home cities on such a regular basis. The engagement session not only captures wonderful shots for their announcements and save-the-date cards… but it also lets us get to know one another and helps folks become used to the process of being photographed. By the time the big day rolls around, it’s just that much easier to get the relaxed, real images we love so much.

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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.

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Lots of gorgeous, thoughtful details.

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

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Elizabeth walking in, escorted by her father.

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

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

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Their exquisite wedding bands.

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Beautiful.

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Immediately following the wedding, the family celebrates!

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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.

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And then…the bridesmaids celebrate!

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

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

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

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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.

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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

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Elizabeth & Jack: Clark’s Cove Farm Wedding, Walpole, Maine

Published by brianwedge on June 24, 2009 in Brian Wedge Photography, Destination Weddings, Life on the coast, Maine, New England, Weddings, inspiration and maine wedding. 6 Comments

Last year, when Liz called to tell me she was engaged to this smart, athletic, wonderful guy named Jack and she wanted us to photograph her wedding, I was overjoyed! Liz and I have been friends since we went to Bowdoin College together, and I knew that she appreciated the rugged coast of Maine as much as I did. I knew that Liz had skied, climbed, sailed and hiked most of Maine… so she and Jack would undoubtedly have found some hidden gem of a location that I had never photographed before.

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The Apple Orchards of Clark’s Cove Farm.

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Elizabeth’s wedding and engagement rings.

Jack and Elizabeth did not disappoint! Near her family’s home on The Pemaquid Penninsula, she had found Clark’s Cove Farm and Inn… a truly incredible spot that was both large enough to accommodate all their guests, and intimate enough for a tented celebration that was elegant and beautiful. Though I’ve photographed around the world and all over New England, Clark’s Cove Farm was a welcomed discovery.

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A trail of lanterns led guests from the cocktail reception to the tent.

Back in March, Liz and Jack met me for dinner down in Washington, DC to discuss their plans. Their objectives were simple: they wanted a great celebration with all their friends and family… but they didn’t want something that was overly formal or uncomfortable. Jack was a fellow Bowdoin grad as well, and between the two of them they were bringing over 200 guests to their celebration!

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As inspiration, they showed me their save the date card (above) which was a photo of the two of them on top of Maine’s highest peak with the sign Photoshopped to read their wedding date. Very creative! They told me that night that they wanted their wedding to be natural, beautiful and fun.

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What a great reaction by her bridesmaids!

Liz is a no fuss kind of girl. Beautiful, smart and organized? YES. High maintenance, no… not at all. As such, I wasn’t surprised at all when she went from “hanging out with friends in jeans” to “gorgeous bride” in about 15 minutes. I don’t think I’ve seen someone get ready that quickly in my life.

When we arrived at Liz’s family home, we found taped to the door a note to the deliverer of some lost luggage who “saved a wedding” by delivering the ties for the groom and groomsman. Rest assured, the ties arrived in time…

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“You saved a wedding.”

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Elizabeth’s engagement ring.

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Liz’s sister Heather doing the heavy lifting.

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At St. Patrick’s Church, Jack sees Elizabeth for the very first time.

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The fir planked ceiling of St. Patrick’s church. Beautiful detail.

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The embrace.

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Elizabeth and Jack exited the church to the sound of a bagpiper… a family tradition.

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They drove away in their parent’s antique MG. Beautiful car… but the emergency brake was stuck!!

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Off to the farm!

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Liz runs right out of her shoes…

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Beautiful. Timeless.

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Arm in arm, they jump a soggy spot to return to the reception.

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Our old friend and guest Thomas… teaching his new son what it’s like to catch air. Must be in the genes.

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Bouquet on the seat of the MG.

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The sisters rocking out.

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The Worm: You knew someone would have to drop it into their routine. Nice work.

It was just wonderful to be able to witness such happiness and obvious love between Jack and Liz. It was an honor to be there to document the story of their day, and to share in the celebration. Thanks for having us!!!

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

Details:

Ceremony Site: St. Patrick’s Church, Newcastle, ME

Reception: Clark’s Cove Farm, Walpole, ME

Caterer: Red Plate Catering

Band: Soho (This is the second group we have LOVED who is being represented by Nightshift… keep it up!)

Florist: Alda Stich

Stationer: William Arthur

Dress: Paloma Blanca

Pies: Chase Farms

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