Brian Wedge Photography Blog » lakeside wedding

Katie & Tim: Migis Lodge Wedding, Sebago Lake, Maine

brianwedge — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:19:14 +0000

Now this was a fun wedding! I can’t remember the last time we laughed so much before, during and after a wedding… but Katie & Tim’s celebration was a blast. This Southern California couple did things their own way, and lucky for all of us, we were there to photograph all the fun.

Sebago Lake in Casco, Maine is an incredible location. Migis Lodge is one of the few venues that will allow you and your family/friends to take over the property for your weekend long celebration… and that’s exactly what Katie and Tim did.

Migis Lodge is as classic as it is stunning. Built in 1916, the 125 acre property is nestled in a pristine pine forest on the shores of Sebago Lake, and the perfect spot for a weekend long party.

Katie reacts to seeing herself in the mirror for the first time.

At the church, it's Tim's turn for a first look.

Beautiful.

Think Katie's Dad loves his daughter? Yeah... that's a real hug.

This poor girl will never live this down. She was so adorable, constantly looking around, swinging her feet... I just had to take a photo (or 4).

The kiss!

Love the "Just Married" sign on the boat.

Champagne in hand, newly married, on a beautiful boat... life doesn't get much better than that.

A quiet moment after the boat ride.

Tim is an Air Force Academy grad... and having the flag in one of his photos was something he hoped for. I think we got it Tim!

Beneath the ancient pine trees at sunset.

Off to the reception!

First Dance.

Katie's dad giving a toast.

Lots of emotion all day... but here's something special: Katie looking beautiful with tears in her eyes as she dances with her dad.

Tim is such a nice guy.

Then there was some dancing.

Katie & her mom tearing it up.

The bridesman and bridesmaids...

Not exactly sure what was happening here.

Oh! And we brought our photobooth for guests to use as a visual guestbook, and they LOVED it! So much fun. Be sure to check out all the photos at the link below.

Inside the drawn hearts, it reads "K&T".

Tim's mom and dad.

I just love this woman's expression!

I don't understand it either... except for the We Love You Guys part.

The last shot of the night: Surrounded by partying friends & family, Katie & Tim sneak a quick kiss.

Enjoy your well deserved honeymoon and thanks for having us! We had so much fun with you both, and appreciate how welcoming everyone was! Congratulations!

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The COMPLETE collection of photos are available to view here:

http://www.brianwedge.com/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=786

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These photos and MORE are already posted to Facebook! Tag your friends here:

http://www.facebook.com/brianwedgephoto

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Ceremony/Reception: Migis Lodge (coordinated by Robyn… thank you!)

Flowers: Marica Davis

Dress: Amy Kuschel, San Francisco

Cake: Migis Lodge

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

Nikki & Steve: Teugega Country Club Wedding, Rome, NY

brianwedge — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:46:02 +0000

It is always an honor for us to photograph a wedding… but it was extra special to be there to support our cousin Nikki, as she married the man of her dreams in upstate New York. And what a wedding it was! With a church ceremony followed by a spectacular reception on the shores of Lake Delta, we felt lucky to be there!

Getting ready to be married!

Coming down the aisle of the church with her dad… beautiful.

Steve waiting for their arrival.

A beautiful old church. What a wonderful location for a ceremony.

Nikki’s sister sang beautifully at the ceremony. What a gift!

The big kiss!

Coming back down to the aisle. Husband and wife.

Real joy… captured immediately after the ceremony concluded.

A simple, but beautiful detail: Nikki’s veil. Gorgeous.

We took to the golf cart for about 10 minutes of photos, just as the sun was setting.

Timeless and beautiful.

Fading light… just as the sun sets, and moments before their introductions to the reception.

Hand in hand: their first dance as husband and wife.

There was no trouble getting people out on the dancefloor.

Freshly made donuts during the reception. They were incredible (we had to try them), and had to wonder why everyone doesn’t do this at their wedding reception! Great idea!

We also brought our photo booth along so guests could leave photo messages for Steve and Nikki.

Let’s just say folks got creative with their photos.

A+ to the guy in the tux doing John Travolta. A++ to the guy with the chicken who needed to quench his thirst at the very moment that the flash bulbs went off!

More creativity.

We never cease to be amazed by wedding guests and a photobooth.

The mustaches were a big hit.

Nikki and Steve: THANK YOU for having us at your wedding. THANK YOU for coordinating your dates with our insane schedule… we were so honored to be there, to celebrate with you, and to support both amazing families. Have fun on your Croatian honeymoon!! You deserve it!

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The complete photos are all available online: just click here to see them!

Also, we’ve posted lots of photos on our Facebook Fan Page: just click here to join us and share them!

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Details/Vendor Links:

Ceremony: First Presbyterian Church, Rome, NY

Reception: Teugega Country Club, Rome, NY

Caterer: Teugega Country Club, Rome, NY

Florist: Coriale Flowers

Band: The Billionaires

Cake: Desserts Beyond The Ordinary

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

WPJA Award Winning Images Again!

brianwedge — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:08:36 +0000

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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

Sharon & Siva: Traditional Western & Indian Wedding Ceremony

brianwedge — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:54:20 +0000

This weekend we traveled to Lenox Massachusetts to support Sharon and Siva for their weekend long celebration at The Stonover Farm Bed and Breakfast. The Berkshires are one of our favorite locations, and Stonover Farm is literally just down the road from Tanglewood Music Center (the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra).. an incredible spot to be married.

Sharon had heard that I used to be a photojournalist and guide in India, Nepal and Tibet… and wanted someone with the range to comfortably photograph their quintessential New England wedding on Saturday, and all the details and nuances of their traditional Indian wedding on Sunday. The key was that they needed creativity and quality… but they really wanted all of that achieved as unobtrusively as possible. I absolutely love traditional Indian weddings, and have been lucky enough to photograph dozens of them over the years, so I was thrilled to be there!

Stonover Farm duck pond… before the rain.

Saturday’s Jewish wedding took place in front of Stonover Farm’s 110 year old barn. A gorgeous, classic setting in the shadow of the Berkshires. As luck would have it, the rain held off just long enough for the ceremony to end, and the cocktail hour was held inside the beautiful barn. The reception was held in a tent in a field across from the B&B, and the party went on for hours as it rained outside.

Flower girl’s basket of fresh flowers.

Check out the reflection of the bride’s sister jumping for joy after seeing her sister. Sisters are the best!

The ducks of Stonover Farm

The Hora… reluctantly.

Yeah, I just wish she were a little cuter too…

This facial distortion was actually part of a solo dance routine that lasted 20 minutes.

This is classic: Sharon is rocking out and towing Siva around by the neck.

The next morning began early with the dressing of the bride… and the traditional Indian wedding ceremony held facing East. I think the families were a little astounded that a 6’4″ blond haired, blue eyed kid like me understood the intricacies of the Indian ceremony. I don’t blame them at all for being surprised… but after spending so much time in India and having photographed lots of Indian weddings, I really enjoy learning all the subtleties of the ceremony that mean so much to the couple and their families.

Day Two: Traditional Indian Ceremony preparations.

The Mangalasutra… gorgeous. Want to know more about the mangalasutra? Wikipedia explains it here.

One of Sharon’s seven helpers… Siva’s mom adding necessary details.

Delicious fruity beverages know no cultural boundaries.

The layers and layers of details were amazing.

I think that there are 20 bangles on this arm alone.

Siva’s mom during the Ganesha Puja

Sharon’s Mangalasutra is tied around her neck as rice is thrown on them by the families.

Sira puts the methi on Sharon’s feet. The granite symbolizes the strength of their relationship.

Details, details, details….

Lajja Homan: Sharon offers puffed rice to the fire signifying her acceptance of her inlaws.

The mangalasutra finally on Sharon’s neck.

What a wonderful weekend! I felt lucky to get to know Sharon, Siva and their families/friends. I enjoyed both ceremonies so much, and the Indian ceremony and foods took me back to my days in India. I miss it so much, and loved documenting all the thoughtful details that made both days so fantastic.

Want to see the complete set of photos?? Just click here: Brian Wedge Photography: Siva & Sharon Wedding

Vendors who did such a great job:

Location: Stonover Farm (Tom and Suki Werner… two of the nicest people… go visit them, they’ll take good care of you!)

Caterer (Saturday): Mezze Catering (Linda Stripp and Nancy Thomas)

Caterer (Sunday): Dosa Temple

Mandap & Priest: Still working on getting their info… email me directly if you need it.

Florist: Mount Williams Greenhouses (North Adams, MA)

DJ: JTD Productions

Tent: Classical Tents and Party Goods

Nicole & PJ: Migis Lodge Wedding, Casco, Maine

brianwedge — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:48:24 +0000

I know what you’re thinking: Brian and Malia have a horrible life. Another grueling assignment in Nepal covering riots? No. Saving Sea Turtles in Baja, Mexico? No. Running out of food while climbing in Tibet? Nope, not this week.

We’re back (again) in Maine at Migis Lodge. It seems that the now famous “Julie and Jim” of last year (link to their blog posting) had prompted more requests for wedding coverage at Migis than we could accommodate in our schedule. Lucky for us, Nicole and PJ contacted us early enough last year when we still had room in our calendar, and we were so happy to return to Migis!

Immediately upon arriving I found this incredibly contemplative scene: the hair stylist pondering the back of Nicole’s head. I loved the limited light and how serious everyone looked.

The seriousness of the moment was interrupted by Nicole grabbing a mirror, and running to the bathroom to look at the back of her hair. What followed were an explosion of fist pumps, smiles, jumping and dancing (yes Nicole, it was dancing). I’ve never seen someone so PSYCHED with their hair. I knew that if she was going to be so happy with that moment… that there would be plenty more to come.

Next up: Dad sees Nicole in her wedding dress. Bring on the tears, the tissues and an expert ability to remain beautiful even when crying. I still don’t know how they managed to do it all so well, but they did.

Another Marcia Davis Flower arrangement. So talented!

Nicole’s dad, waiting to board the boat.

Nicole was the first bride aboard the completely restored antique Migis boat. Beautiful, beautiful work.

Nicole and her dad making their grand entrance: the mountains in the background.

Nicole and her Dad walking down the isle. That’s joy!

With a reader reading in the foreground, Nicole listens attentively with tears in her eyes.

You may notice that everyone is turned in a direction opposite of the groom as they listen to a song being sung by a friend. I thought it was so sweet that PJ’s focus stayed with Nicole, as she wiped away a few tears.

Holding on. Two hands.

The kiss.

I love capturing small details like these. Just moments after being declared husband and wife, a blessing is offered for them in the background. Nicole and PJ each turn to their respective families, and their eyes fill once more with tears.

No tears… just happiness!

Sunset with your new husband/wife aboard an antique boat. Life doesn’t get much better than this moment.

Classic in every sense of the word. This image is timeless.

Stuck holding a bridesmaid’s bouquet. Nice work PJ.

So beautiful!

During the mother-son dance, PJ and his mom embrace.

PJ, going big.

Groomsman, going bigger. Migis Lodge will never be the same after this split on the dance floor.

What a wonderful celebration, and an honor to document the story of their special day for them! Great people, great stories and wonderful details. Thanks for having us!

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

Ceremony / Reception Location: Migis Lodge

Flowers: Marcia Davis

Band: Jim Ciampi Band

Amy & Chad: Artist’s Covered Bridge, Newry, Maine

brianwedge — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:30:02 +0000

We were lucky enough to shoot a beautiful, intimate wedding this past weekend at The Artist’s Covered Bridge in Newry, Maine… near the Sunday River Ski Resort. Amy & Chad’s wedding wedding was so meaningful and filled with emotion. After nine years together, the timing was finally right and we were so honored to be there to support them!

The Artist’s Covered Bridge over the Sunday River.

Lots of laughter, lots of tears… our kind of people!

On The Sunday River…

The emotions started early, and everyone did an amazing job of keeping it together! Amy and Chad really wanted beautiful photos, captured in an unobtrusive manner. They wanted the day to be about their celebration and their stories… nothing contrived or manufactured. We were happy to oblige!

Their beautiful rings, hers inscribed with “Always” and his inscribed with “Forever.”

Lots of small, thoughtful details… the wedding party all received embroidered handkerchiefs.

Exquisite Bouquets.

The ceremony begins!

Dad walking Amy down the isle. I don’t think there was a dry eye there.

Chad wipes a tear as he sees Amy for the first time in her wedding dress.

We always shoot unobtrusively, but photographing in the covered bridge without a flash presented many very real challenges. We arrived a few hours before the ceremony to obsessively meter the light, and make a great plan for how we would capture the emotion and detail… without being noticed. In this shot, we’re shooting with a very large (400mm) lens from a nearby roadway through the side of the bridge and into the scene. Working with the natural light (instead of against it) revealed beautiful highlights & details. In this image, a tear falls on Chad’s cheek.

Amy putting Chad’s ring on his finger, again from a distance with a long lens.

The kiss and applause!

The emotion after the kiss. Love that filtered, natural light!

They’ve been together NINE years!!! They’re so happy!

Their first moments as husband and wife.

Even the most organized brides can have something go wrong! Here, Amy’s “after-wedding” slippers were taken back to the reception site ahead of schedule… leaving her with only her stiletto heels to hike down to the river bed in. Conveniently, my amazing second shooter (and wife, Malia) was there and offered up her black shoes for the walk, and then proceeded to keep photographing in bare feet. Nice work sweetie!

How do you have a relaxing wedding at The Covered Bridge with a reception at Sunday River? Hire shuttle buses! Here, Amy and Chad return to the reception alone in an empty bus.

Beautiful. Real. Natural.

Great location for a wedding. Mountains in the background.

Amy’s dad has his dance with his daughter. So emotional.

The father and mother of the groom… wonderful people on their Harley!

Amy and Chad hired us explicitly because they wanted their very real story of love and family to come through with emotion, quality and creativity while having fun. Their families and friends mean the world to them, & they rented a house at Sunday River for the week prior to the wedding for everyone to relax and bond. I think it worked!!!

It was a beautiful wedding. Simple, genuine and so thoughtful. Congratulations Amy and Chad!!! We loved getting to know you and your families! Thank you for the opportunity to support you all!

The complete set of wedding photos can be viewed by clicking on this link: http://www.brianwedge.com/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=537

Location: Artist’s Covered Bridge, Newry Maine (Sunday River Ski Resort)

Catering: The Good Food Store (amazing, wholesome food. Thanks Heather & Dave!)

Andrea & Adam: Migis Lodge Wedding, Casco, Maine

brianwedge — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:55:06 +0000

Over the years, we have been lucky enough to shoot all over the world in some pretty incredible locations. Every summer, our New England wedding season usually kicks off with a wedding at Migis Lodge on the shores of Sebago Lake in Casco, Maine. We look forward to it every year… and when Andrea and Adam contacted us last season… we were absolutely thrilled to return.

Andrea and Adam are friends with a large number of our past clients/friends who are all connected through Middlebury College, Dartmouth Medical School and Tuck Business School. They, like our past clients are all these incredibly talented, down to earth, over achievers who value family, natural beauty and a wonderful combination of elegance and simplicity in their wedding weekends.

Andrea grew up going to Sebago Lake, and they both had a deep appreciation for the rugged beauty of the area. When trying to find a location that could host a weekend long celebration complete with lobster bake and bonfire… Migis Lodge was the right fit.

After a week straight of cold rain, the skies parted and we had wonderful weather for the wedding! We were so happy for them, and from the rehearsal dinner through Sunday the weather was perfect.

The bridesmaids react to seeing Andrea dressed for the first time in her Vera Wang dress.

Her bouquet by Marcia Davis… beautiful as usual!

Off to the ceremony!

Andrea’s amazing sister and niece carrying the back of her dress.

Bridesmaids marching to the wedding.

As is traditional at Migis, the bride arrives by boat. Here she sits with her dad. The anticipation building…

One of the most beautiful entrances possible… stunning!

Adam sees her for the first time!

With parents behind each of them, the ceremony begins.

In a BEAUTIFUL interfaith ceremony… the couple joins hands.

This was my favorite part of the ceremony. Wrapped together, the Rabbi offers a blessing. Just beautiful!

Their first kiss!

The Chuppah made from birch logs.

After recessing back down the isle, Andrea turns to face her husband for the very first time. Special moment.

Classic. Timeless. Beautiful.

Such genuine joy. It was wonderful to see!

Then I just turned around and this is what I saw… still don’t know what was happening here!

Does it look like she’s a little apprehensive? Despite the ever present potential of a head injury from a collision with the ceiling… they escaped unharmed!

Then the real party begins…

It was a great weekend! Thank you Adam and Andrea for having us! It was an honor to support you, your friends and your families! We plan on seeing you at our annual Boathouse Studio BBQ this fall if not sooner!

Want to see the complete set of photos?? Just go to www.brianwedge.com and click on View Proofs.

Vendor Information:

Location, Catering & Cake: Migis Lodge

Florist: Marcia Davis

DJ: Brian Sparhawk

Dress: Vera Wang

Migis Lodge Wedding: Julie and Jim

brianwedge — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:41:09 +0000

It was wonderful to be back in Maine shooting an incredible wedding at Migis Lodge this past weekend. Julie grew up spending summers at beautiful Wohelo camp on Sebago Lake. Julie’s return to the lake was a homecoming of sorts… and one that we were honored to capture.

Unfortunately, it rained like cats and dogs all day on Saturday… but we all kept our fingers crossed that the ceremony could be held outside between downpours. The gods shined on Julie and Jim, and spared them about an hour just in time for their ceremony.

We were so impressed with the staff at Migis Lodge and couldn’t give a more glowing recommendation. The General Managers (Phil and Amy) were incredibly caring, and were absolutely committed to this wedding 100%. It was a joy to work with them!

Julie and Jim’s families were incredible. Everything we love: genuine, emotional, real and FUN!!! I can’t tell you the last time I saw 150 people of all ages dance nonstop for five hours… but this crowd was the real deal. Their friends were equally wonderful and it was a fantastic experience to document.

We returned to Migis the following day for a laid back “Day After” or “Trash the Dress” Session… in which we did not trash the dress… but had fun rowing boats, playing on rocks and enjoying the peace and quiet of beautiful Sebago Lake.

The hundreds of incredible photos will be posted online by the end of the week! Stay tuned!

THANK YOU for having us at your wedding!!! It was wonderful to meet your incredible friends and family!

PS: A Shout out of thanks as well to the amazing Jen and Dave (Murray) Talmadge for their enthusiastic recommendation (again). We appreciate it, and can’t wait to see you both in a few weeks!!

Vendors:

Florist: Marcia Davis

Caterer: Dennis at Migis Lodge

Stationary: Paper Pedlar (Short Hills, NJ)

Cake Maker: Dennis at Migis Lodge

Band: Manhattan Rhythm Machine (New York, New York)