Happy New Year, with thanks!

Happy New Year!  We have been SO bad… and SO good at the very same time.  Bad because we have been slacking in our blog updates, but good because we’ve been literally traveling the world with incredible clients, capturing amazing stories that we will share in the coming days.

It wouldn’t be the New Year without a brief look back on where we were, and a BIG, BIG “Thank You” to all our fantastic clients, thoughtful supporters and wonderful friends and family.  We would be remiss if we didn’t mention a few key partnerships that kept us going in 2010: one with Apple Computers (you know, that little California company), another with Canon Professional Services and last, but not least our friends at Broncolor Imaging and Calumet Photo.  For those that aren’t familiar with Broncolor: simply put, they make the finest lighting equipment in the world and through their New England rep Dave McRitchie (and Calumet’s Wayne Cozzolino)… they also provided incredible 24-7 support to keep us “in the field” doing what we do best.  Thank You!

We’re starting 2011 with a short update on the tail end of 2010:  Thanks very much to our friends at The Wedding Photojournalist Association who again selected one of our images for an award in their international photo contest.  We always feel lucky to be selected… and congratulations to Lyndsay & Josh for having such an amazing winter wedding at The Mount Washington Hotel!

In other (belated news) our friend and fellow Bowdoin alum Coren Moore, featured many of our weddings on her website.  Coren is wildly successful dress designer in Manhattan, and we were honored that she would feature our images in her blog (here, here, here and HERE!).  Thanks Coren!

We have news and updates from California, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Maine… and everywhere between!  Rest assured, we’re back… and have lots to share!

Posted in Brian Wedge Photography, Destination Weddings, maine wedding, New England, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

“Cyclocross, Maine” or “Why is that dude running with his bike?”

We wandered over to a cyclocross race this past weekend on the way back from another assignment, and snapped a few pics just for the fun of it.  I’ve been hearing all about the Verge New England Championship Cyclo-Cross Series for a few years now, but never managed to get myself over to watch a race.  Cyclocross, is a short (40-60 minute) circuit bike race on dirt/mud/gravel that includes a variety of obstacles (hills/barriers/stone walls) that force a rider off their bike briefly, before they remount to ride again.

Following the circuit.

Honestly, I was hoping for mud… and LOTS of it.  But Mother Nature did not cooperate.

Lots of short, steep, winding hills.

Running past the log sections.

Racing through the leaves on skinny tires.

All the arrows pointed the wrong way.  Must be a ‘cross thing.

Women Elite race begins… with an amazing backdrop and slow shutter speeds.

Stone wall bike handling skills.

Running the barriers.

Farm implements everywhere.  I couldn’t resist a few snaps.

Focus.

A nice excuse to plug my boys at Cannondale… makers of some of the best ‘cross rigs in the world.

Cows and bikes.  You can’t go wrong.

Some more log barriers.

Action.

Sweet Victory (please do NOT mention the giant booger coming out of his nostril).  Dude was working hard.  We get it.

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We have a couple hundred more images in a gallery.  If you want to see them, just click the link below:

http://www.brianwedge.com/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=771

Posted in Brian Wedge Photography, Editorial, fun, inspiration, Maine, Photojournalism, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

350.org Aerial Shoot at Wolfe’s Neck Farm, Freeport, Maine

Individual pumpkins form the 350.org logo for the 10.10.10 celebration in Freeport, Maine.

The environmental group 350.org asked us to take an aerial photograph of their 10.10.10 celebration at Wolfe’s Neck Farm in Freeport, Maine.  Founded by Bill McKibben, 350.org gets it’s name from it’s mission: to lower the amount of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere to below 350 parts per million.  350.org is a great organization attempting to raise awareness and a sense of urgency about the earth’s climate crisis.  If you have a moment, check out their website here, and consider getting involved:  350.org website.

On the short flight to Wolfe’s Neck Farm, I couldn’t help but look out the window and capture some of Maine’s incredible beauty.

The leaves were bursting with color.

We passed farms with cows…

And boats still moored safely in harbors.

Seeing Maine from the air always reminds me of how precious our environment is, and how we all can do our part to protect our planet.

350.org  is a global movement.  Check out what people are doing worldwide, and how you can help!

Posted in Brian Wedge Photography, Editorial, inspiration, Maine, News, Photojournalism, Social Responsibility, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Fireflies Ride 2010: San Francisco to LA in 6 days by bike

It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to post anything non photography related on this blog.  Heck, for all I know, y’all might like it that way… but I recently signed up for a “little” 550 mile / 6 day bike ride down the coast of California.  There’s a pack of maniac cyclists from the film/advertising world called The Fireflies, and every year this small group of about 20 riders tackle the Alps and the coast of California to raise money and awareness for the fight against cancer, and specifically leukemia.

After all we’ve been through with my sister’s leukemia, I couldn’t help but get involved.  The motto of The Fireflies is “For Those Who Suffer, We Ride” and this small group of crazy bike riders have done a tremendous amount in only a short period of time.  Long story short, I leave next week for a 6 day, 550 mile bomb down the coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles on my bike.

So… like everything we do for cancer survivors, there’s an opportunity for YOU to get involved.  Here’s how:

1.)  Beginning next FRIDAY (9/24), we leave San Francisco headed for LA (via Santa Cruz, Big Sur, Cayucos, Solvang, and Ventura).  Come out and look for us as we bang out 6 days of 90 miles (I can send you our exact route).  We want to see you along the way, and though I always ride for my big sister Lea and her ongoing battle with this awful disease and the aftermath of her bone marrow transplant, this time I’ll be dedicating a part of each ride to a cancer survivor that YOU tell me about.  Just email directly HERE or leave a comment & send me their name etc. It may be a really steep climb, it may be the day when my legs are exhausted from the hundreds of miles I did days before… but it will motivate me to keep going, and hopefully do the same for them.

2.)  If you would like to donate some much needed cash to the good people at City of Hope and their amazing cancer center… you can do so through our Fireflies West website at www.fireflieswest.com

3.)  The third way you could help, is to go find a friend who hasn’t yet registered for the bone marrow registry and get them committed to signing up.  It breaks my heart to see people literally dying, because the public doesn’t realize how EASY and FREE registration and donation is.  You can go HERE for the link to all the information, and the FREE registration process.

4.)  If you live in LA, or near the smog of LA… PLEASE get your butt over to our arrival celebration on Wednesday, September 29th.  550 miles in 6 days, all in honor of those who suffer from cancer is a big deal, and we would like to see as many people as possible.  All the information is below, and I hope to see some folks there!!

Posted in Brian Wedge Photography, friends, fun, inspiration, livestrong | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Kerstyn & Dickie: York Harbor Reading Room Wedding, York Harbor, ME

Kerstyn & Dickie wanted a beautiful, simple wedding by the sea… surrounded by their friends, family and the constant crashing of ocean waves.  When they called, we jumped at the opportunity to support them.

This past Saturday, the wedding of their dreams came to fruition at The York Harbor Reading Room, in York Harbor, Maine.  What made their day so special, was the fact that Kerstyn and Dickie wanted something relaxed but beautiful… and they wanted photos that were creative but unobtrusive.  It was a true joy to document their story, and it was wonderful to be around a group of people who were so happy to celebrate.

Kerstyn’s gorgeous dress hangs from a door at 490 York Street… a beautiful home that sits directly across the street from The York Harbor Reading Room.

Dickie getting ready.

Kerstyn and her family watch anxiously as guests arrive.

Their rings.

Kerstyn’s bouquet.

Kerstyn’s dad begins to walk her down the aisle.

Looking great.

Dickie’s first look at Kerstyn.

An exquisite location for a Maine wedding ceremony.

The sound of the constant surf was wonderful.

Kerstyn going for the big kiss!

Just a few moments alone immediately after the ceremony.

The York Harbor Reading Room.

Love birds cake topper.

First dance.

Then the kids get it into it.

Paper lanterns light the way to the reception.

A detail I’ve NEVER seen before: cat & dog treats as party favors!

The band sounded great.

Sparklers always make the night better!

Kerstyn and Dickie, it was so great to document your big day.  Thank you for letting us join in the fun!  Safe travels during your big move, and we hope to see you in California soon!

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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 Page: just click here to join us and share/tag them!

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Details/Vendor Links:

Ceremony/Reception Location: York Harbor Reading Room

Florist: Flower Kiosk (Portsmouth, NH)

Gown: Lea-Ann Belter

Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo

Groom/Groomsmen: J. Crew

Paper: Mr. Boddington Studio

Band: Alessi Band

Cake: Popovers (Portsmouth, NH)

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

Posted in Brian Wedge Photography, Destination Weddings, inspiration, Maine, maine wedding, Uncategorized, Weddings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Sheri & Nate: Spruce Point Inn Wedding, Boothbay Harbor, ME

Boothbay Harbor, Maine is an incredibly beautiful location, and we were happy to return to photograph Sheri & Nate’s wedding this past weekend.  Sheri’s family owns a house in Boothbay Harbor, and Maine has become a home away from home for the two of them to relax and explore.

Their wedding was filled with thoughtful details.  A personalized lobster buoy adds a distinctly Maine touch.

Sheri’s emotion is so obvious as she sees herself in the mirror for the first time.

Looking out in the direction of the church, Sheri got ready at her parent’s house, which is perched on the edge of the sea in Boothbay Harbor.

Nate and the boys took a limousine to the wedding after the trolley they hired “became engulfed in flames.”  We weren’t there for the pyrotechnics, but no one was hurt… and a replacement vehicle was provided.  It’s always an adventure!

Sheri, on the other hand hopped aboard the gorgeous lobster yacht LION along with the rest of the bridal party for the short trip from her parent’s house to the church.

Classic Boothbay Harbor in September… lots of sailboats, and beautiful light.

Sheri peeks around the cabin of the lobster yacht.

The bridal party was met at the dock by a bagpiper, who escorted them to the church.

Just before walking down the aisle, her dad gives her one last kiss.  A special moment captured.

Our Lady Queen of Peace.  A beautiful, historic church.

From the balcony, the original 1916 timber frame construction can really be seen.

The big kiss!

A unique overhead view of Sheri & Nate recessing back down the aisle.

Vista from the Spruce Point Inn.

A bridesmaid’s bouquet rests on a rock.

Another unique detail: a sea glass cake!

As the sun sets, Sheri and Nate prepare to enter the reception.

With all their guests standing and clapping, the wedding couple arrives.

First dance.

Yup, this guy has the worm mastered.  Nice work!

Though The Tony Boffa band isn’t necessarily known for their rapping… trust us, they can throw it down when they need to.  We especially enjoyed the cash money gold chain!

Sunset at The Spruce Point Inn.

Sheri & Nate, thank you so much for having us at your wedding!  We loved meeting all your friends and family!  We genuinely appreciate all the hard work and thought that you all put into your big day… and we hope you enjoy your beautiful photos as well!  Enjoy Italy!!

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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 Page: just click here to join us and share/tag them!

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Details/Vendor Links:

Ceremony:  Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church (Boothbay Harbor, ME)

Reception:  Spruce Point Inn (Boothbay Harbor, ME)

Florist:  Sawyer & Company (Portland, ME)

Gown: Priscilla of Boston

Band: Tony Boffa Band

Cake: Sweet Sensations

Photography:  Brian Wedge Photography

Posted in Brian Wedge Photography, Destination Weddings, inspiration, Maine, maine wedding, New England, Uncategorized, Weddings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments