Add a raging blizzard that shuts down most of the Eastern Seaboard to that quaint image, along with the boundless energy of Caroline and Mark… and you get a truly unique, once in a lifetime, storybook wedding that retains all the grace of traditional Newport… and all the fun of an incredible party with a hundred of your favorite snowbound friends and family.

Engagement ring on her right hand, Caroline & Mark instinctually reach out to hold hands during the mass.

Caroline and Mark were featured on our blog last April (link here) when I flew down to Washington DC for a photo shoot amongst the cherry blossoms.  I instantly liked spending time with them, and as I reported upon return, their infectious enthusiasm turned a two hour long engagement photo shoot into a 6+ hour walking tour of DC.  Most of the time was spent laughing, having fun and getting them some amazing photographs almost effortlessly.

Just gorgeous…

Caroline’s Dad sees her for the first time as she wipes away a tear upon seeing him.

Her dad practices lifting her veil… you can sense the emotion in the room as they are just moments from leaving for the ceremony.

Caroline and Mark’s winter wedding was everything they dreamed of.  They were EXCITED about the blizzard, and they weren’t daunted for a moment by the cold, the wet or the logistical difficulties of the day.  One of my favorite moments was watching Caroline tip toe through 6 inches of slushy frozen snow in clean white shoes, strapless wedding gown, bouquet in hand and leaning into a 30 knot sub zero arctic breeze… with a GIANT smile on her face.  She saw me photographing her and just looked up and started laughing.

Husband and Wife.

Look at these two… they’re SO HAPPY!

Off to the New York Yacht Club!

The NYYC was wonderful.  Beautiful details, an incredibly welcoming environment and a wonderful staff… eager to support everyone.

“Living on a Prayer” never looked so good!  Bon Jovi has nothing on this group.

The ring bearer was adorable… and an incredible dancer.

Mark, sharing his vocal talents with the band!

The sparkler departure.

The absolute key to a winter wedding (and any wedding) in my opinion, is to have fun with whatever the weather or circumstances bring to you.  If it’s a blizzard, a power outage or a rain storm… the most important element is how you embrace it.  Mark & Caroline’s wedding was freezing cold, had at times blinding snow, required constant use of 4 wheel drive and it honestly didn’t hamper the party one bit.

Caroline and Mark never lost sight of the fact that they were there to celebrate, to have fun and to enjoy their friends and family.  We were so impressed by how gracious and welcoming everyone was… and felt lucky to help document the beauty of their wedding!  THANK YOU FOR HAVING US!!!

Want to see the COMPLETE wedding photos?  They’re all right here.

Vendors:

Band: “Night Shift” (Amazing, fun and super talented)… they’re out of Boston and they were truly incredible.

Reception: New York Yacht Club (the events coordinator Julie could not have been a nicer, more professional, easy going host.  Thank you Julie, we can’t wait to come back!)

Ceremony Site: St. Mary’s Church, Newport, RI

After Party: Cooke House, Bannister’s Wharf, Newport, RI

Hair:  Jane Sincere

Makeup: Christina Squier

Florist: Sayles Livingston Flowers

Cake: Confectionery Designs (Mark Soliday)

Rainbows over Pipeline.  North Shore, Oahu.

My beautiful wife Malia, back in the homeland…

As many folks know, we were lucky enough to have some photo assignments in Hawaii recently.  My wife (Christine Malia) was born and raised on the windward side of Oahu, and we were married in her hometown.  Returning to the islands is very important to us, to see the family and reconnect with the land and the sea.  For me, it’s a reminder that I’m a pale, bald, Irish/Norwegian/Polish Boston raised mutt… but most certainly a Hawaiian at heart, in love with the ocean and the culture.  For Malia, it’s a homecoming of course… where speaking Pidgin or Japanese to a neighbor is commonplace, seaweed and spam a delicacy, and climbing trees for fresh fruit is what every local kid does after a surf session.  The weather, the traditions, the surf… it’s as basic and engrained in her as anything I know.  It’s really beautiful to see her in her element.

Charging out to the lineup…

Malia, post surf… warming up in her Hawaiian winter gear.

Dawn Patrol on Sunset Beach, North Shore, Oahu. 

“Our” beach… Malia’s local, hometown beach… and the one we were married on five wonderful years ago.

The Entry.  Pipeline, Oahu.

We had GREAT conditions… double to triple overhead… but super crowded.  Look in the background at the number of people taking off on one of these waves.

This little kid was AWESOME.  He wandered onto the beach at Pipeline… clearly local, still yawning and sleepy.  He’s probably 12 years old, and must have just rolled out of bed.  He looks out at the triple overhead surf for a few seconds, then promptly walks down to Pipeline and proceeds to TEAR it up.  It was amazing to see.

Malia showing her goofball husband the ropes.

Our final morning run up to Makapu Lighthouse.

Happy Holidays to everyone!!!  Thanks for your patience while I was away… for all those editors, clients, friends and family waiting for something while we were away THANK YOU.  We had a wonderful time, and will have some uplifting winter scenes soon!  Aloha and Mele Kalikimaka!

    Today was a day for images.  A day of images.  Think about it…

    The Kenyan women celebrating, the jubilant mob in Times Square, Jessie Jackson crying, the incredible lines of voters, the American Flags… these enduring images carried the day.  No matter how you heard the news, no matter where you were; what followed was a steady stream of incredible images that said more than words could.

    As someone who knows the work, skill and effort involved in capturing enduring, meaningful images, I thought I’d take a moment today to recognize my fellow photojournalists out “in the field” bringing these incredible moments directly into our lives and our living rooms.

Newspapers turned their front pages sideways, to allow for more room for images.

    The work truly is grueling.  It’s physical, it’s tedious, it can be frustrating and it’s always challenging.  Too often their work goes unrecognized.  Their names hidden by the shroud of media sources like the AP, Reuters, or Getty Images.

Around The World…

    Today I wanted to bring one of those anonymous photojournalists into your lives.  Her name is Scout Tufankjian, and she’s a friend of a friend, as well as a fellow member of the National Press Photographers Association with me.  Scout embodies the true work involved in photojournalism.  Scout has been with Barack Obama for TWENTY THREE months.  Not a photo op here, or a press briefing there… but 23 months.

    Her work, much like some of my documentary work, isn’t the type of thing that you get to come home at night from.  It requires true endurance, tenaciousness and dedication.  Behind each of those images you saw over the past few days, there was some talented person working hard to capture it for us.

Click Scout Tufankjian’s image above to go directly to her site documenting Obama’s campaign.

    If you get a chance, go check out Scout’s site (the secret service gallery is my favorite).  She’s amazing… and is one of the many photojournalist’s whose names and faces are often hidden from view, but whose talents make historic nights everlasting.

    To those in the field…. Thank you!

    Nicole and Garrett’s amazing wedding at The Oheka Castle, just outside New York City this past week was a study in beautiful contrasts.  Exquisite details, thoughtful preparation and incredibly high quality were contrasted with a bride and groom who were laid back, and simply delighting in the excitement of their celebration.  Their wedding was a true union of souls, of families and of friends.

The details were everywhere.  Her ring is inscribed with “forever”… his reads “and ever”

The anticipation builds…

    A creative and unique perspective on Nicole being walked down the aisle by her dad.  Christine and I planned this shot (and a series of others) so that we could silently, seamlessly capture photos while staying out of each other’s way.  Easier said than done… but it worked!

Nicole & her dad, silhouetted with the castle in the background sets the scene.

Another scene setter showing the elaborate gardens, the exquisite day.  Notice how at the exact moment that I’m photographing the image above, Christine is shooting this one… yet I’m not in her photo.

    I’ve always loved watching the groom’s reactions, and though we always get the shots of the bride walking down the aisle, we also try for the groom.  Because I’m so tall, I have an opportunity to shoot over the shoulder/heads of Nicole and her dad and capture this important moment of the day.  

The chuppah was gorgeous, the rose petals on the aisle, the pumpkins… the flowers… it was beautiful.

A great series of natural moments.  So genuine, so real.

Rose petals tossed as they walk down the aisle.

Garrett turned and looked at his wife for the first time after the ceremony concluded just as they finished walking down the aisle.  His glance to her is timeless, sincere and loving.

Their walk through the Oheka Castle’s gardens.

First dance…

    Another really touching moment: Nicole’s dad turns to address the couple directly during his toast.  There wasn’t a dry eye left in the house.

The chair dance… Garrett was all over it.  Nicole (intelligently) held on for dear life.

    One of my favorite images of the day:  here Garrett is tearing it up solo on the dance floor.  But find Nicole (in the white dress) shielding her eyes.  Classic!

    It was a joy to support Nicole and Garrett.  Amidst the exquisite details, the grandeur of Oheka Castle, and the hundreds of people present… they managed to create a wedding that was intimate, fun, and most of all genuine.

    There are hundreds (if not thousands) of talented photographers in the New York City area, and when I asked Garrett and Nicole why they chose to bring Christine and I in from Maine after conducting an exhaustive search… Garrett said “because your photos just seem so genuine, so natural, that people are having fun and the images magically become beautiful.”  What a wonderful compliment… but that “magic” resides in the fantastic people we are lucky enough to support on one of the biggest days of their lives.

    It was a true honor to share in your celebration!!  Thank you!

Want to see the complete wedding photos?  They’re all right HERE.

Vendors information coming soon:

Wedding location: Oheka Castle

    Our photos of Britta & Russell’s beautiful wedding were selected as a featured Real Wedding by theknot.com today.  It’s always wonderful to be featured by The Knot, and these selections are becoming a frequent and fun (optional) experience enjoyed by our clients, that we feel lucky to be able to offer them.  

    The recognition we receive for our work motivates us to exceed expectations even more.  We’re obsessed with quality, creativity and the support of our clients!

    Britta & Russell’s images reflect who they truly are: real, natural, beautiful and most of all in love with eachother, their families and of course one special spot in the great State of Maine.  Congratulations Britta and Russell!  Your wedding, your marriage, your family and friends are a source of inspiration for all of us!

    You can see theknot.com’s feature by clicking here or on the images below:

    Want to see the complete wedding?  They’re all right here

See the online exhibition:  http://www.brianwedge.com/stranded

Visit the Frontier Cafe & Gallery here

    I photographed him in what is literally called a “Black Box” experimental theater.  To say that the lighting was difficult or absent (aside from two spot lights) might be the understatement of the year.  Even in those conditions, I still refused to use a flash because of how disruptive it is to the genuine connections he was making with the students.  The value of being unobtrusive and preserving the integrity of the moment cannot be understated…

    To see the complete article (with lots of photos), go to Bowdoin College’s website here.

    To see the complete article (with lots of photos), go to Bowdoin College’s website here.

  Penobscot Bay is my old stomping grounds, and is an incredibly special place.  Back when I was a full time Captain with Outward Bound, I did laps around Vinalhaven island on every conceivable kind of boat possible, in all varieties of weather, and with a wide range of friends and students aboard.  Penobscot Bay is where we completed numerous adventures and started even more.

The happiness…

  It’s not surprising then that I was completely thrilled to be back in The Fox Island Thoroughfare heading to Vinalhaven to shoot a wedding weekend.  The weather was perfect, the families were amazing, and more welcoming than we could have ever expected.

Getting ready for a bear hug… the best greeting ever!

  Rose and Cam are incredible people and hosts.  Never before have I had a client RUN across a field (and I mean run) to bear hug me at our first meeting.  I soon discovered that Rose’s amazing energy and constant smile were gifts that she shared with everyone in her life.  Cam was equally sweet and happily took folks across the bay repeatedly throughout the weekend (thanks Cam for not running full speed to bear hug me… it’s ok, really).

Squeezing in for the 30+ buttons.

Holding back tears…

Rose came down the isle (foreground) and Cam teared up.  Very sweet.

  It was wonderful to spend time with two people who so openly adore one another, their families and their friends.  Their home on Vinalhaven is a truly spectacular location, but this weekend, it’s beauty was certainly elevated by the love and respect displayed during this wedding celebration.  It truly was an honor to spend so much time with all of you!

Ceremony complete… they took some time on the dock to themselves.  Nice Flemish Coils whoever did that.  We appreciated it!

And some time on the porch…

Their hilarious and wonderful first dance.

Cam defies gravity…

Rose crowd surfing.

Unstoppable.

The merriment of the reception.

Notice that none of these feet are on the ground.  These guys danced so hard the floor shook.  We had to cut the cake early because of concerns that it would fall over (not joking).

The incredible fireworks display.  No injuries reported.

The whirling, spinning mass of family and friends beneath the tent.

  Thank you so much for having us!  We loved meeting all of you and spending the weekend at your wonderful house.  There’s a mooring and a cold beer waiting for all of you the next time you sail through Harpswell!

Want to see more?  The complete photos are available here.

Vendors:

Catering:  Belle Fete (great job Lori).

Band:  Jenny Woodman Band

The gasp of a loggerhead sea turtle fighting for the surface…

But thanks to my amazing wife Christine, I have also learned that I am a perfectionist… and sometimes the timing is never ideal.  With that said… everyone keeps asking to see some of the images from Mexico.  I wanted to hold off because there’s an important story here that even I didn’t fully comprehend until I was there… seeing the effort, the waste, smelling the smells and witnessing the hope of some incredibly dedicated researchers.

After wrestling the turtle aboard, it is weighed.

Turtle skull on shell… and sadly there’s hundreds more in every direction.

With the important disclaimer that there IS an amazing story and many more interesting images “in the vault” that will be released as soon as I come up for air, I offer up a little taste of what’s to come.  Stay tuned.  And to Hoyt and the team down in Baja… thank you for the opportunity… more is on the way.

Hauling the remains off the beach.

Another stranded turtle is discovered.

Note: wild sea turtles are not happy when caught, and despite the tranquility of this scene… that turtle was mad, and has it’s mouth open to defend itself against foolish photographers who dare come too close.

Once caught, scientists weigh, tag, measure and take blood samples.

About to be released…

The turtle cemetery.  The Mexican government didn’t quite believe researchers when shown evidence that turtles were being killed at such an incredibly high rate.  Mass graves are used to document the numbers of turtles killed.  All these turtles died during my one week visit.

Who says biologists can’t tear it up?

Shark fins drying at a subsistence fishing village.

Those wonderful Mexican smiles…

After 12 hours out on the boat… the fishermen clean their catch for 4 more hours.  Everyday.  (everyday).

Local girl.

“Rodeo” is the act of cruising in a boat at 10 knots until a turtle is spotted, and then jumped on before being wrestled onto the boat for study.  Here’s Hoyt showing All Star Rodeo form.

The release.

The Mexican Press Pool… covering the Governor’s crowning of the Turtle Beauty Queen.  Had to take it!

A Sea Turtle Assignment in Costa Rica a few years back…

    The Loggerhead sea turtles (or caguamas in Spanish) stop in Baja during their migration from Japan and Hawaii to a specific series of “hotspots” in the Mexico. During their time in Baja California Sur, thousands are killed every year accidentally by shark and halibut gill-netting fishermen. The local fishermen are not intentionally killing the turtles but their nets consistently produce a “bykill” of caguamas every year.

I’ll be bobbing around in a small boat about 35km off of Baja California Sur…

    My old college friend, Hoyt Peckham is a PhD candidate studying these populations, and has spearheaded an incredible campaign to educate, inspire and engage local communities to protect these turtles.  Watch Hoyt’s FANTASTIC (and entertaining) short video to get a sense of the problems facing the caguamas and the communities that are rallying to protect them.  Much more to come!

    In addition to making consistent financial contributions to the environmental organizations and community groups we believe in, we also commit one week a year to photographing for the causes that are making a positive difference in this world. If you’re part of an organization, you believe in a cause or you know of a worthy story that could use our help, let us know!

    We love emotion.  We love bear hugs, tears of joy, stomach churning excitement and laughter that brings you to your knees.  Capturing emotion is one of our greatest strengths, and one of the most frequent compliments we receive from our clients.  We feed off of it, we celebrate it and we get to witness it often through our work.

    But Stacia & Lloyd… they bring more emotion than any of us could have ever expected.  These two were jubilant to be getting married.  They had fun, they laughed, they cried, Stacia sang (I’m not kidding), Lloyd danced (at times alone) while the band jammed for a half hour straight… and their families responded in turn with an outpouring of love and joy.  They’re our kind of people: they know who they are, and are so comfortable with themselves that they wore their emotions on their sleeves.

Stacia had a little Roaring 40’s “thing” happening in her outfit, and this image is timeless…

The ribbons that adorned the cast iron rails.

Lloyd seeing his bride for the first time!

Always a connection, always a glance, always a smile…

    Stacia and Lloyd are a New York couple who chose the Bar Harbor Regency to host their wedding and reception because Maine was the location of their very first vacation together.  We’ve stayed at the Regency many times before during the LL Bean catalog photo shoots, but I was completely unfamiliar with their wonderful ”Stone House,” which is a private building nearby with commanding ocean views and a certain sense of elegance and intimacy that’s hard to find.

Minotts Floral Creation.  Beautiful.

The Stone House View at The Bar Harbor Regency

Lloyd, reading his vows.

Another burst of laughter!

    Stacia & Lloyd’s day was a handcrafted wedding that was filled with thoughtful, personal details… but at the same time was about as unpretentious as a wedding could be.  Their ability to laugh, cry and be “real” was truly beautiful to observe and capture.  Thanks for including Christine and I in your big day.  You’re an inspiration to all of us!

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

Vendors:

Venue:  The Bar Harbor Regency

Flowers:  Minotts Flowers

Band:  The Coronados

Pie Buffet (no cake): Morning Glory Bakery

    As many folks already know, my Boathouse Studio is literally an old boathouse, on the edge of the sea… and I teach classes on the water often.  When I teach private trips, we go out and “cover” the coast… usually by boat, capturing photos of wildlife, lobstermen, seaweed harvesters and our wonderful tideline communities in general.  We’re photojournalists… and capturing the story is what we do best.

    Jeremy called me about a month ago with a plan to take a “fake” photography trip with his girlfriend Robyn.  It was “fake” because they were not there to learn professional photography tricks, nor gain photo access to the “real” Maine.  Jeremy hired me to take them out by boat to an uninhabited island, and to photograph them while he surprised Robyn with his proposal.

    How creative is that?  It made my day.  I’ve never had the honor of capturing an engagement as it happened, and I very much appreciate the trust that Jeremy placed in my hands to capture this special moment!  It was a true privilege to be able to unobtrusively photograph (with a VERY long lens) such a meaningful juncture in their lives.  CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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

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

The foggy, windy roads of Cape Neddick… and the sign that points the way.

Kate’s unique linen dress.

Kate & her dad on the way to the church.  You can see the anticipation on her face.

Preparing for the walk down the isle…

I think her expression says it all!

    Despite the fog (yes, it was foggy… again), the reception at the Greystone Manor was gorgeous, and the Sperry Tent a haven of warmth, laughter and fun.  The Sperry Tents (in my opinion) are the most elegant tents made… their hand cut wooden posts and beautiful lights have a dramatic impact on the reception.

Staying warm on a cold day with Tom’s help.

Beach Pea Bakery’s amazing cake creation, adorned with Kate Martin’s flowers.

Their first dance.

Kate’s mom, holding back tears while watching Kate & her dad have their first dance (foreground).

Tearing it up…

Tom, Kate and their adoring fans…

    As an added bonus, both Christine and I were dragged (literally) into a group photo with fellow Bowdoin alums for the alumni magazine.  Polar Bears stick together, but we’ve never had this happen to us before.  It’s just an example of the many different ways in which Tom, Kate and their families/friends went out of their way to be inclusive and welcoming!

   Thanks to everyone for such a wonderful time!  Kate and Tom are off to a well deserved honeymoon in Thailand.  So jealous!!!

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

Vendors/locations:

Pre Wedding:  Cliff House

Church:  St. Peter’s By The Sea, Cape Neddick

Reception:  Greystone Manor, Cape Neddick

Catering:  Kitchen Chicks

DJ:  DJ Jerry & The Power Posse (no, I’m not making that up)

Cake:  Beach Pea Bakery

Flowers:  Kate Martin

Paper:  Black Pearl Press

Tent:  Sperry Tents

    I’m dedicating this post to my sister Lea, who is still recovering from her leukemia / bone marrow transplant and is dealing with a host of annoying, frustrating and necessary restrictions.  Today was a tough one for her.  She’s doing well, but she wants normalcy.  She wants to play in the sun, swim in the ocean… and be a little less thoughtful about her lack of an immune system and health in general.  Who could blame her?  She’s been patient long enough.

    Lea: we will travel the world again, and when we do… let’s dance badly.   Your time is coming.  Hang in there!  I love you!

    Click on the play button to start the video (I recommend going FULL SCREEN).  After you get the video going, click on that weird star shape just to the LEFT of the word VIMEO to make it full screen.

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The Tour de California Coverage

  So how is it that a Yankee hater like me loves editorial assignments involving cycling?  Or in the case of the Tour de France, how is it possible that I can gleefully watch 3 weeks of chartreuse spandex clad cyclists, hurtling through the countryside with rapt anticipation and genuine interest?  It might be because the Tour de France has always read like a soap opera, complete with bad acting, deceitful affairs and agonizing defeats.  The tour is about the backstory, the strategy, the intrigue, the human suffering.

Prelude Criterium at Tour de California

 Last year’s Tour was marred by drug doping, blood doping, cheating, lying and more lying.  A whole new era starts on Saturday… and this video is great.  It’s all about “taking back” the past behavior, the false victories and the fake competition.  Heroes step off podiums, remove their yellow jersey… and everything starts anew.

Click to See The Video

  The Tour is certainly more than a bike race… it’s a punishing journey filled with tradition and intrigue.  I’ve personally witnessed and photographed the spectacle that is The Tour de California, and found the same strange fascination.  I don’t completely understand it myself, but beginning this Saturday, I’ll be on the edge of my seat watching another saga unfold.

The Fog, The Smiles… The beautiful Newagen Inn

They met salsa dancing… and WOW… they were amazing!

A final moment with her dad before walking down the isle.

  After a week of non stop fog, the coast of Maine needed a little change.  What Mother Nature failed to provide, Laina & Galileo delivered in spades.  Gorgeous flowers, fantastic colors, one of the most amazing bands… and did I mention the salsa dancing… yes, the salsa dancing was so inspiring that it even made me (the 6′4″ clumsy Norwegian) turn to my wife and say “maybe we should go take some lessons!”

Laina’s sister holding back tears…

Only a pair of dancers could pull this off so gracefully!

Look to the left of the photo… how many family members are in tears?  Very sweet!

Galileo gets the girl!

  Laina’s family is from Maine, and Galileo’s family from El Salvador.  Their celebration was a true union of souls, of families and of cultures… with bilingual ceremony, program cards and toasts.  It was one of the most thoughtful and inclusive celebrations ever. 

It’s official!

The reflection off the dock pump house.

  Thanks for having us!  We loved getting to know your families and your friends… and thanks for the dancing tips!  We need them!

Venue: Newagen Inn (Jason was wonderful, GREAT attitude, magically making things happen all day!)

Wedding Coordinator: Jan Wilk (A.K.A. “Mom”)

Band: Hector Cuevas & The Boston Latin Band (Amazing.. amazing.. amazing)

Paper: Signed, Sealed & Delivered

    Most recently, they featured our work with Carolyn and Drew… two WONDERFUL folks (with incredible families) who were married last September at Cindy Lang’s Field in Martinsville, ME.  We had been to the oceanfront farmhouse many times before with the LL Bean catalog photo shoots, but it’s always special to return for a wedding.

     From a photography perspective, Carolyn & Drew’s wedding had everything we dream of: thoughtful details, gorgeous locations, and a stress free celebration complete with horse drawn wagons, oceanside lighthouses and simple elegance.

 CONGRATULATIONS DREW & CAROLYN!!!!  Your beautiful wedding was a joy to celebrate with you!  Christine and I look forward to seeing you both again this summer!

To view the complete wedding photos from Carolyn & Drew’s Featured Martinsville Wedding click here.

Location: Cindy Lang’s Field, Martinsville, ME

Catering: Swan’s Way, Camden, ME

Looking For Rain

It’s a great experience, and one that I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy for 7 years… but I’ve NEVER done it with my crazy friends Ben, Leslie, Amanda, and of course the amazing and talented Christine.  To say it was “different” trip this year than in past seasons was an understatement.

Feeling good (because we haven’t yet started day 2)

I was a bicycling medic again which is why I get to wear the snazzy oversized red shirt.  My jersey paled in comparison to Ben’s undersized circa 1992 bike shirt complete with multi colored cactus and geometric spines.  Ben was the darling of the Trek… and his years of smoking (irony?), overeating and utter refusal to train actually paid off in spades.  He was incredible on the bike, and even more so in the rest stops, doing deals on his cell phone until the market closed on Friday.  Frightening… and amazing.

Helmet Stripes

Speaking of frightening… guess who forgot to put sunscreen on their bald head?  The brilliant medic.

Hypothermia sets in: Is it over?

The trip was fantastic, and I highly recommend it: http://www.mainelung.org/Events/Trek/

Leslie, Ben and Amanda have been our friends for years, and it was wonderful to spend time with them becoming hypothermic in the rain, laughing, and gorging on more food than we will ever “burn off” while riding.  We survived, and so did all my patients!!!!

Back to normal.. or as close as we get to normal.

  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)

  Very soon, you’ll be seeing another logo displayed near ours… one that indicates our recent membership in a fantastic organization called 1% For The Planet.  We’re one of the very first companies in Maine, and the very first photographer in this state to make this commitment.  By joining, we’re dedicating 1% of our entire sales before ANY deductions are taken (not just 1% of our profit), to be donated to organizations who are helping protect and improve our natural environment.

  I was so happy to hear that my Alma Mater, Bowdoin College, is awarding an honorary degree today to Yvon Chouinard… an icon of responsible businesses, the founder of Patagonia Clothing Company and one of the creators of 1% for the planet.  I’m very proud of Bowdoin and their commitment to The Common Good.

  Here’s a great short video on Chouinard and 1% for the planet: 

  We’re proud to be looking beyond the photos we create to support the people and causes we believe in.  And we’re just getting started.  We hope other companies will follow our lead, and learn as we have that making commitments to the common good are a necessary and responsible business decision!

  Contributing to our community is one of our most important core values… and though our clients love the beautiful images we create, we also know that it “matters” HOW we do business.  I’m just