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Wedding Guest Entertainment: Photobooth / Crazybooth

Published by brianwedge on September 2, 2009 in Brian Wedge Photography, Destination Weddings, Maine, Uncategorized, Weddings, fun, inspiration and maine wedding. 7 Comments

You’ve been looking for a creative way to have a guest book at your wedding, but you want something that’s truly original … or you’ve realized that even the most die hard dancers can’t last for the entire 4 hours that you booked your band for. Whatever the reason, we’ve been swamped with requests by our clients this season to bring along our photobooth (nicknamed the crazybooth). The photobooths we’ve set up for our clients have been hilarious and entertaining to say the least.

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We provide the studio lighting, cameras, props and backdrop (in this case our client’s Matt & Ashley provided their own which is fine too)… as well as our super cool wireless remote control that allows guests to have fun and be creative without having to do anything other than press a button and smile. The wireless remote is great because people won’t trip over cords as they move around the camera… an important safety feature as the creativity gets flowing!

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Armed only with chalkboards and chalk… the creativity is amazing.

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What you can’t see off camera is the crowd of people laughing, giggling and planning their own signature photo. We always joke that the photobooth is like bringing the third ring to the three ring circus… your friends, the dancefloor and the photobooth make for an entertaining reception!!

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Classic.

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Some folks are sweet and appropriate.

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Some are… a little more creative.

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The chalkboards are great for sharing your deepest thoughts and wishes.

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Or so he says…

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Maine Moose. So much better than a signature on a blank guest book page.

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Yay!

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This guy wanted to know if we had Photoshop.

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Yes we do…

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Thanks guys. Not sure if they were talking to me or the bride and groom. I’ll take it!

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Receptions mean: off with the fancy shoes and on with the dancing shoes.

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In the words of Kool & The Gang: Cherish your love.

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These folks are from Wyoming… one of our favorite places on Earth to photograph (and ski/climb/ride). They’re all nuts there, which is why we fit in so well. We’re still trying to to decipher this one…

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It’s true… damn it!

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So positive!

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“Rain sucks… party didn’t!!!” Too true.

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Amen.

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We’ve had a great time setting these photobooths up at the weddings we shoot. It’s a whole new layer of creative entertainment for your guests… and the best part is that everyone gets to see all the photos within a few days after the wedding! Thanks for the laughs everyone! We love sorting through these images the next day and discovering what people came up with!

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Want to see the complete version of Matt & Ashley’s photobooth pictures? They’re all right here.

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Meredith & Matt: Portland Country Club Wedding

Published by brianwedge on July 24, 2009 in Brian Wedge Photography, Destination Weddings, Maine, Uncategorized, Weddings and maine wedding. 1 Comment

Meredith & Matt were high school sweethearts who later fell in love during their undergraduate years at Boston College. Their wedding was a long time coming, and the days leading up to Meredith and Matt’s wedding were filled with anticipation.

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Besides the usual excitement of getting married, the near constant bad weather weather that has plagued New England over the past few months continued with renewed vigor. Meredith & Matt had planned a beautiful outdoor ceremony overlooking Casco Bay on The Eastern Promenade of Portland, but the impending rain forced them inside.

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Luckily, Matt & Meredith’s reception site (The Portland Country Club) was willing and able to host their ceremony indoors because of the rain.

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The Portland Country Club’s rolling fairways leading to the ocean. Just before their wedding, the clouds parted leaving them a beautiful day.

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Matt sees Meredith for the first time as she’s escorted by her dad.

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Exchanging rings.

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The rooftop deck at the PCC… a fabulous inclement weather alternative.

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Real emotion and joy as Meredith looks over at her parents while walking back down the isle.

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Immediately after the ceremony Meredith literally just fell into his arms for a hug. So sweet.

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Their first embrace after the ceremony. You can feel it.

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Beautiful floral arrangements by Stephanie Pilk at Flora Home. Great people, great designs!

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The first dance.

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Meredith’s dad presented Matt (an incorrigible Yankee fan) with his very own Red Sox cap. Nice job dad!!

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Meredith & her dad having their dance. Such an obvious love for one another. Really beautiful to see.

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Busting a move on the dance floor.

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Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On a Prayer” gets them every time.

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The impromptu bouquet toss…

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I’d say she was more than a little surprised to have caught it!!

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Hand in hand, leaving Mackworth Island.

Meredith and Matt, thank you so much for having us at your beautiful wedding! Despite Matt being a Yankee fan… it was a wonderful experience getting to know you and your families!

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Want to see the complete photos? Just click on this link here!

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Vendors:

Ceremony/Reception Site: Portland Country Club

Wedding Planners: Mary Maxwell of Blueprint Events and Celia at The PCC

Florist: FloraHome

DJ: Patrick Hussey

Cake: Katie Made Bakery (yummy)

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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Nicole & PJ: Migis Lodge Wedding, Casco, Maine

Published by brianwedge on June 11, 2009 in Brian Wedge Photography, Destination Weddings, Maine, New England, Photojournalism, Uncategorized, Weddings, fun, lakeside wedding and maine wedding. 3 Comments

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Another Marcia Davis Flower arrangement. So talented!

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Nicole’s dad, waiting to board the boat.

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

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

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

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

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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.

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Holding on. Two hands.

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The kiss.

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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.

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No tears… just happiness!

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

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

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

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So beautiful!

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

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PJ, going big.

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

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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

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

Published by brianwedge on June 10, 2009 in Brian Wedge Photography, Maine, New England, Photojournalism, Uncategorized, Weddings, lakeside wedding and maine wedding. 3 Comments

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!

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The Artist’s Covered Bridge over the Sunday River.

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

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On The Sunday River…

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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!

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

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

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Exquisite Bouquets.

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The ceremony begins!

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

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

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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.

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

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The kiss and applause!

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

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

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Their first moments as husband and wife.

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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!

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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.

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Beautiful. Real. Natural.

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Great location for a wedding. Mountains in the background.

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

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

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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!!!

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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

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

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

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Andrea & Adam: Migis Lodge Wedding, Casco, Maine

Published by brianwedge on June 3, 2009 in Brian Wedge Photography, Destination Weddings, Maine, New England, Photojournalism, Uncategorized, Weddings, inspiration and lakeside wedding. 5 Comments

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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Her bouquet by Marcia Davis… beautiful as usual!

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Off to the ceremony!

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

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Bridesmaids marching to the wedding.

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

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One of the most beautiful entrances possible… stunning!

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Adam sees her for the first time!

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With parents behind each of them, the ceremony begins.

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In a BEAUTIFUL interfaith ceremony… the couple joins hands.

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

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Their first kiss!

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The Chuppah made from birch logs.

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

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Classic. Timeless. Beautiful.

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Such genuine joy. It was wonderful to see!

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

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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!

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Then the real party begins…

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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!

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