Brian Wedge Photography Blog » autumn

Stacey & Drew: Eisenhower House Wedding, Newport, RI

brianwedge — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:10:45 +0000

Stacey contacted us by phone last year FULL of excitement and enthusiasm about our photography, her wedding, her fiance and seemingly everything in between. We quickly setup a time to meet, and when she and Drew arrived at our studio I could see that their energy was boundless. They simply popped out of their car smiling and laughing even though they had driven just 2 hours from Boston.

I remember noticing a few things right away: the first was Drew’s towering six foot nine inch height and the second was watching how quickly these two reached for each other’s hands, how close they sat on our big couch and finally how effortlessly they finished each other’s sentences. It was if they had known one another their whole lives.

When we arrived at Stacey’s Newport, Rhode Island hotel room the weather was pretty awful, and I was worried that Stacey may be concerned about it. There was a full gail blowing, it was raining and there was a raw cold in the air that’s typically reserved for winter. I knew Stacey was a rough and tumble fellow Bowdoin alum (Go U Bears!), but even so, the weather was pretty nasty and she was allowed to freak out on her wedding day. But when I opened the door and saw Stacey’s same big smile, and heard her first joke about the weather, I knew we were going to have a great time regardless of the storms outside.

It also didn’t take us long to learn that our very first observations had been correct: Stacey and Drew’s relationship is FILLED with laughter, inside jokes and a connection that’s as obvious as it is strong. Drew calls Stacey “Ace” and had sent a dozen roses to her room that morning along with the above note written on an Ace of Hearts card. Creative!

Stacey and Drew also get an award for being the first of our clients to give out personalized beer coozies at their snazzy Newport wedding. Good to know that they have their priorities straight… hysterical!

Though the rain had stopped, the wind and cold was impressive. We had arranged to do a few formal shots in front of the (warm) lobby fireplace, but Stacey came down and spotted another bride who was getting ready at the hotel having photos outside. Not to be outdone she quickly marshaled her family/bridesmaids and charged outside. It was FREEZING and incredibly windy. But it was hilarious and she was unstoppable.

Stacey arrives at St. Lucy’s Church in Middletown, RI with her dad beside her.

Stacey’s grandmother spots her for the first time. I think the enthusiasm is hereditary!

Drew’s eyes fill with tears as he listens to a reading.

Drew leans down to put Stacey’s ring on her finger.

The kiss!

Immediately after their kiss they just looked at each other and began giggling. Classic Drew & Stacey!

Stacey and Drew had each written a letter to each other and saved them to be read aloud for the first time during the ceremony. Not a dry eye in the church.

Stacey’s bridesmaids react to Drew’s letter being read.

Finally married, Drew & Stacey pile into the back of their Bentley and are whisked off to the reception.

And what a reception it was! Despite the wind and cold, they had an amazing, warm, colorful tent setup on the lawn of The Eisenhower House in Fort Adams State Park.

Drew struts his stuff during the first dance.

The bridesmaids surround Stacey’s dad as Drew dips his bride.

One of the most tender moments of the night was Drew leaning down to hug his mom after their dance together. It’s such a genuine, gentle, loving image.

Ok, enough of the sentimental stuff… these guys know how to party!

Stacey getting low.

Getting lower.

Rocking the beer coozy. Nothing says “elegant, Newport fancy wedding” like a gold beer coozy.

Then the sunglasses came out.

Then the mustaches came out (of course!?) Apparently groomsmen ‘staches are a tradition amongst Drew’s friends and they hooked Stacey up with a mustache that would put Tom Selleck’s to shame.

Classic look on Drew’s face as he reacts to his first kiss from his beautiful bride and her new ‘stache.

Then the lifts, spins and hernias!

Amidst all the craziness, all the props, all the dancing, all the horrible weather and the 200+ people… in the center of it all, there were Stacey and Drew lost in each other’s arms. Never far from each other, they were still laughing and still hugging like they were on the very first day I met them.

What an honor it was to be there to support you both and to document your celebration amongst family and friends! Thanks for being so welcoming! We had a blast at your wedding and hope you’re having fun on your honeymoon in Australia!

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Click here to see Stacey & Drew’s complete wedding photos!

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Vendors:

Ceremony: St. Lucy’s Church

Reception: Eisenhower House, Fort Adams State Park

Caterer: Plantation Catering

Limo: Newport Limousine

Flowers: Ray’s Flower Shop

Paper: Unique Simchas

Tent: Tents for Rent

Band: Flipside

Cake: Mad Hatter

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

Tiffany & James: Colby College Wedding, Waterville, Maine

brianwedge — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:21:31 +0000

I’ve known James’ sister for years, and was lucky enough to photograph her beautiful wedding last summer in Bethel, Maine. It was at that time that I got to meet James and Tiffany… and got to know the entire LaLiberty family. When I got the call last year from Tiffany telling me that they were engaged, I was so happy for them… and I’ve been looking forward to photographing their wedding ever since.

James and Tiffany’s wedding was held in the Lorimer Chapel on the incredibly beautiful campus of Colby College in Waterville, Maine. Though I haven’t lost my Bowdoin alum loyalty, Colby is such a spectacular setting, and getting married there has become something of a LaLiberty family tradition over the years.

James sees Tiffany for the first time. I just love his understated posture and smile. Classic James.

As understated as James is… here’s the opposite in Tiffany’s mom & sister. Tiffany’s sister holds back tears while her mom giggles in delight as they watch James & Tiffany together for the first time.

Tiffany’s beautiful open back dress, as they walk together to visit James’ grandmother before the ceremony.

A crisp, beautiful day at Colby’s Lorimer Chapel.

Beautiful bouquets in fall colors.

Tiffany being walked down the aisle by her dad.

James waiting patiently for her arrival.

The wedding was presided over by James’ uncle.

The Lorimer Chapel is incredibly beautiful.

The kiss!

After the happy couple recesses down the aisle…

…a call comes out from the front of the church. ”Does anyone hear that sound?”

James’ aunt turns and yells “I do, that’s the sound of a LOVE TRAIN!”

From somewhere in the chapel the song “Love Train” by the O’Jay’s starts blaring, and one of the most creative recessionals begins.

The entire wedding party and family danced down the aisle leaving the church.

After the wedding party theatrics, James and Tiffany took a brief moment together before joining the party at the reception.

Table cards were hung on a string with clothespins… an opportunity to photograph Tiffany’s gorgeous vintage looking rings.

Tiffany listens to a toast by one of the groomsmen…

…and reacts to the toast of another. Great toast!

The fancy shoes were kicked off… and Tiffany and James began their first dance.

I love James’ expression in this photo, not to mention the fun shadows. Amazing dancers.

It didn’t take much to get everyone else out on the dance floor.

Holding court.

I’m sure that Colby College’s insurance company will be thrilled when they see this image of these guys doing flips in each other’s arms.

Bon Jovi… again. No one is immune to their power.

Tiffany dancing the night away.

So beautiful.

Tiffany and James: It was WONDERFUL to support you both on your wedding day. I just loved hanging out with you and your families… capturing all the fun and creativity that you brought to your wedding day. What amazing friends and families you both have: I was honored to be there! Thank you!

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Want to see Tiffany & James’ complete wedding photos? Just click here or go to www.brianwedge.com

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Vendors:

Ceremony & Reception Location: Colby College (Waterville, ME)

Flowers: Annalisa McAllister, Floral Elements

Stationer: Wedding Paper Divas

Ceremony Music: Brian Cullen

DJ: Mike Violette

Dessert: Red Velvet Cupcakes (Two Fat Cats Bakery); Pumpkin Whoopie Pies (Big G’s Deli)

Dress: Monique Lhuiller

Hair: Billy Dangler People’s Hair Salon & Knaughty Hair Salon

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

Kate & Steve: Outlook Farms Wedding, South Berwick, Maine

brianwedge — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:17:51 +0000

New England fall weddings are spectacular. The colors of the leaves, the chill in the air and the amazing sunsets are just some of the reasons we enjoy shooting in autumn. Kate & Steve’s wedding at The Red Barn at Outlook Farms in South Berwick, Maine was wonderful… but the best part of their wedding wasn’t the trees or the weather, it was the people that were there.

Kate & Steve win the award for being some of the funniest, most enthusiastic clients we’ve ever had. Their energy was infectious, and Kate’s absurdly low maintenance attitude was a joy to be around. Their wedding party was equally hilarious and welcoming.

Katie and her bridesmaids hold back tears as they see each other for the first time.

A suspicious look from the flower girl during the group photos. She was not impressed by me! Adorable.

A cross from Katie’s grandmother’s wedding, carried again years later in Katie’s bouquet.

Her beautiful bouquet.

Waiting (patiently?) for everyone to arrive at the ceremony site.

Katie and her dad coming down the isle… a quick ear to ear grin from Katie.

Steve sees Katie for the first time.

Beneath a multicolored maple tree, beside a red barn… the setting was spectacular.

A knowing look as they exchange rings.

The sun setting on their ceremony.

Finally! The kiss!

They couldn’t have been happier.

Sunset and a newly married couple. Life is pretty good.

Their beautiful rings.

They looked great.

Yummy cake… again, for journalistic reasons only, I had to try a piece.

The timberframe construction of the Outlook Farms barn is incredible.

Their first dance.

Wedding bands amongst bottle caps from the reception.

Cutting the cake.

Bon Jovi gets ‘em again.

Defying gravity.

Katie breaks it down on the dance floor.

The newest “Mr. and Mrs.”

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Want to see Katie & Steve’s complete wedding photos? Just click here or go to www.brianwedge.com

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Congratulations Katie & Steve! We had such a great time with you, your family and friends! What a party! Thanks again for having us!

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Vendors:

Ceremony / Reception Location: Outlook Farms (Berwick, ME)

Florist: Blooms Flower Shoppe (Wells, ME)

Stationer: PaperSource (Boston, MA)

DJ: Michael O’Neill (Boston, MA)

Cake: Jacques Pastries (Suncook, NH)

Dress: Paloma Blanca

Hair: Freedom Salon & Day Spa (York, ME)

Makeup: Andrea Paulo (Boston, MA)

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

Sarah & Nick: York, Maine Wedding (Morning Glory Inn & Clay Hill Farm)

brianwedge — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:25:19 +0000

I first met Sarah way back in the day (I think it was 1996). I was taking a year off from college to work and ski the mountains of Utah. Within days of arriving, I had been quickly “adopted” by Sarah and her incredibly outgoing and gregarious friends. That winter we skied and climbed all over the Wasatch range, and even made time to leave our precious snow for a few journeys into the Utah desert. It was the best winter of my life… 100+ days of skiing, laughing and exploring without a care in the world. Though years had passed, all of our Utah friends had kept in some sort of communication… and when I got the email from Sarah saying she had found the man of her dreams, I was absolutely ecstatic to photograph her big day!

It took Sarah about 4 minutes to get dressed. No fuss with this girl ever, and she looks THIS great!

Classic Sarah moment: she snuck out the back door so she could see who had arrived and what the ceremony site looked like.

Something old… gifts from her family.

Walking with her dad. A proud moment.

Nick is peering around a corner eagerly awaiting his first glimpse of Sarah.

Finally, the moment arrives… well worth the wait. Nick sees her for the first time.

The energy between these two is incredible. Happy would be an understatement.

Nick’s uncle watches the wedding from a nearby window.

The kiss!

Sarah’s bouquet.

One of a few beautiful toasts offered by her family.

Listening to the toasts.

This is Nick and Sarah as they really are: always snuggling, goofing around and laughing.

Beautiful.

The new wedding bands look great!

Yummy cake!

At the reception, the kids stole the show. Here, Sarah’s little brother takes the mic and rocks out!

Sarah’s nieces and nephews were everywhere on the dance floor.

I don’t think I can remember a wedding where more folks danced. There was barely enough room!

She can’t help but respond when Flo Rida’s “Low” is played by the band (no joke). Absolutely amazing!

This is a serious dip… I didn’t think they were coming up from this one, but they did without a problem.

Sarah & Nick… thanks so much for having me. Your wedding was beautiful, intimate and a wonderful reflection of you both. It was fantastic to be able to be there to support you and your families! I had a wonderful time… thank you!!

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Want to see the COMPLETE photos? Just click here or go to: www.brianwedge.com

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Vendors:

Ceremony Location: Morning Glory Inn

Reception: Clay Hill Farm

Band: Felix Brown Band

Florist: Lyndsey Loring Design

Paper: Momental Designs

Cake: Let Them Eat Cake

Dress: Judd Waddell

Photographer: Brian Wedge Photography