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!
We first met Mollie about 3 years ago at her best friend’s wedding (Carolyn & Drew) on the coast of Maine. When Mollie and Greg contacted us to photograph their seaside wedding in Gloucester, Massachusetts, we jumped at the chance!
Greg and Mollie both went to Bates College in Maine, so it was no surprise that their ceremony combined their love of the outdoors, with thoughtful, introspective vows that they had written themselves. On the very first page of their wedding program, were the words of Goethe: “Nothing is worth more than this day.”
Mollie and Greg’s rings.
Mollie’s gorgeous dress.
Mollie’s bridesmaids were amazing. Through the flurry of activity, Mollie catches a quick glimpse of herself in the mirror.
Mollie and her bridesmaid watch as guests arrive.
Greg and his brother wait for their cue just moments before the ceremony begins.
Mollie and her dad start down the aisle.
Greg’s emotion and love is obvious.
Cape Ann is a beautiful setting for a ceremony.
After the kiss… Mollie is psyched!
Then the world’s smartest ice cream truck man arrives just after the ceremony.
Who could blame them for partaking in the frozen delicious treats of the ice cream truck? Nice work!
Mollie and Greg took a few minutes alone together following the ceremony.
A Friendship Sloop… much like the one we used to own sailed by.
Greg is 6′ 8″ and Mollie had no problem diving into his arms throughout the day. They were both so happy!
Walking over to Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, an adorable little beachgoer inspects Mollie’s dress.
Meanwhile, back at The Ocean View Inn… the reception was just getting underway.
But thanks to Greg’s brother Dave… it didn’t take long before the reception kicked into high gear.
Sunset at The Ocean View Inn and Resort in Gloucester.
Now Greg is from my hometown, AND he went to Bates so I know he’s a smart, talented guy and all… but he almost gave a few of us a heart attack with his cake cutting skills.
In the middle of all the chaos of the reception, Mollie and Greg have one of many more dances together as husband and wife!
Sam and Stephen are wonderful people. It’s really as simple as that. They’re emotional folks, who cared deeply about putting together a weekend long celebration that reflected their unique sense of style… and most importantly, the deep connection they have with one another.
Overlooking Penobscot Bay in Rockland, the Samoset Resort is a unique location that gave Sam and Stephen the chance to create a dream weekend of golf, hiking, sailing, relaxing… and oh, yeah… a pretty special wedding just feet from the ocean’s edge. I connected with these guys right away, because I “got” how much they cared about their day. They thought of every detail. They wrote their own vows. They planned their weekend so carefully. And they honored me with the job of capturing all that emotion, all those thoughts… every detail.
In the image above, you’ll see the smeared, well worn words of Stephen’s vows. Just a beautiful detail.
The flower girl checks out Sam’s dress.
Minutes before “game time” Samantha sees herself in her dress. Gorgeous.
With the Sperry tent in the background, Sam and her dad arrive for the ceremony.
Stephen sees his bride as the mothers look on.
A spectacular, unique location for a ceremony… just feet from the Penobscot Bay.
The ceremony was held right next to the Rockland Breakwater.
The kiss!
All smiles! The “important” stuff is done!
Bridesmaids bouquet.
Forget the smiles, these guys couldn’t stop laughing all day. They were so happy!
We took a golf cart down to the Breakwater for a few photos.
I’d say it was well worth the effort!
A picture of contentment.
Yummy cake.
A Sperry Tent at the Samoset Resort is a great way to go.
Slippers were waiting for all the guests.
Their first dance.
Nothing like a nose smush to make your new wife laugh!
The reception was held outdoors overlooking the ocean. Great location!
Sam and Stephen’s first date was to see Ray Greene and the Innervisions. Over time, they’ve become friends with Ray, and Stephen couldn’t help but get up on stage and show the master some of his vocal skills.
Some dancing moves. (I’m thinking Thriller was being played)
Stephen rocks a few of his own dancing moves.
Sam’s uncle (and wedding officiant) tears up the dance floor.
In the middle of all of the laughter, singing, sweaty dancing and chaos of a great party… Sam and Stephen were never far from eachother. As the fun rages all around them, a beautiful, simple moment is captured forever.
Sam and Stephen: I had a blast with you. You two are meant for one another, and I respect and appreciate all the thought and hard work that you put into your day! I expect to see you again soon… maybe on our deck in Maine, maybe over a beer in Boston. THANK YOU for allowing me to document such an important moment in your lives!
When Erica & Brian came to our studio last year for a meeting, we could tell that they were great people who were planning one heck of a party. Brian & Erica are the kind of folks you want on your team: they’re fun, high energy… and they know what they want. Though their wedding was filled with thoughtful details, they were GREAT clients to work with, because they knew how to let go and enjoy themselves on their big day.
Erica’s great friend and bridesmaid reacts to seeing her in her wedding dress for the first time.
Beautiful bouquet by Minott’s Flowers.
Brian is a classy guy: he sent a dozen roses to Erica before the wedding with a sweet note.
St. Brendan’s Seaside Chapel is one of my favorites. Historic and gorgeous.
Brian and his mom, give one last smile to each other before walking down the aisle.
St. Brendan’s is a gorgeous old chapel.
The big kiss!
Through the power of Skype, Erica’s grandmother watched the ceremony. Get well soon Grandma!
Driving off after the ceremony.
A quick glance up as they make their way to the beach. Timeless and real.
Beautiful.
Just lost in the moment, Erica laughs with Brian.
I have no idea what Brian does to make her light up like this… but they’re great together.
Their rings.
Their cake.
Walking out into the fields at Laudholm Farms.
Absolutely stunning.
At the reception, the ring bearer started with desert.
Kelly at Kitchen Chicks is one of the VERY best in the business. Gorgeous food and presentation.
First dance while the family looks on.
Sperry Tent at sunset.
Just as the sun was setting, Erica and Brian walked out into the fields at Laudholm Farms, and danced alone together. It was wonderful to be at their wedding to document all the beauty and fun.
First off, our sincere apologies to all our blog readers for being offline. We been away on numerous, truly incredible photoshoots around the globe and are just now settling back in to our routine back in New England. We’ve got lots to report, and many amazing images to share, but we will save all that for tomorrow; today is all about sharing the wedding story of Lindsay and Josh, who were married on March 20th, at The Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH.
Josh and Lindsay were two of the nicest people we’ve ever been lucky enough to work with. They originally met while skiing together, so it was no surprise that they were drawn back to the mountains for their late winter celebration.
With plenty of snow still in the White Mountains they spent the day before their wedding skiing with family and friends, and then partied together until the wee hours of the morning at The Mount Washington Resort. With seemingly boundless energy, they were up early the next morning to prepare for the big day!
To say that Lindsay is beautiful, fun and low maintenance might be the understatement of the year. We met her in the hotel’s spa which is located about 3 stories under ground, and were impressed right away with her energy. After her hair and makeup were absolutely perfect, the last thing we ever expected was for her to forgo the numerous available elevators and just run up the 6 flights of stairs back to her room (while carrying bags, open champagne bottles and a plate of food). We’re in great shape and can run with the best of them… but Lindsay’s energy on her wedding day was electric. I think you can see some of it in the photo above as her bridesmaids look on: she’s radiant!
We later learned that Lindsay and Josh had met while freestyle skiing and quickly fell for each other. There were numerous thoughtful details that made their destination wedding so wonderful: from handmade “Welcome Gift Bags” for their guests, to Josh’s single rose that he sent to Lindsay’s room just before their ceremony… it was all beautiful to see.
Lindsay’s rings.
Descending the stairs to the ceremony!
Three adorable flower girls carried baskets of rose petals.
I know… what energy, right? (Don’t worry Lindsay, there are plenty of other more “refined” shots of you coming down the aisle… but I love this one, because this is truly YOU. So happy, so excited).
The Conservatory at The Mountain Washington Resort.
The big kiss.
So far we haven’t talked much about Josh, but it’s safe to say that if there was ever someone who might possibly keep up with Lindsay’s infectious enthusiasm… it would be Josh.
The bond is real. Their love is obvious. Two people made for one another. It really was beautiful to see.
Remember that infectious enthusiasm? Yeah, here it is (this is NOT me telling them to do this). Josh has either just won the Super Bowl or just married the girl of his dreams…
Surrounded by the snowcapped mountains that is their playground and inspiration… this shot is timeless.
Lindsay’s elegant rose bouquet… just exquisite.
Looking down “The Notch” from the Eastern porch of the Mount Washington Resort.
Lindsay, those binoculars are for checking out the White Mountains… not your man!
Josh couldn’t resist a smootch, and I don’t think Lindsay minded!
All laughs, all smiles.
At the reception, the table cards were actually made of birch branches with the guests names. The tables were all named for Lindsay and Josh’s favorite ski areas.
Their first dance.
A moment of joy between Lindsay and her dad.
Josh’s mom giving him a big hug during their dance together.
Guess who was the life of the party?
Captured only with available light just before the reception ended, this is a tender moment of Josh and Lindsay dancing slowly while the rest of their guests tear up the dance floor.
Lindsay and Josh: Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful wedding day with us! We loved capturing your story, documenting all the emotion and meeting your incredible families (and friends). We can’t wait to hear how your honeymoon in Costa Rica went, and if you hit any of our favorite surf spots! Congratulations on finding each other, it is so obvious to us that you were meant to be together!!
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!!
