Brian Wedge Photography Blog » Bowdoin college

Bowdoin College Homecoming 2011

brianwedge — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:37:02 +0000

Go U Bears.

Every year, I’m lucky enough to return to Bowdoin College to photograph Homecoming and Reunion. Returning to my alma mater is a chance to reconnect with old friends, and share in the beauty of coastal Maine. I can’t possibly write captions for all these images… but I wanted to share a few for those alums that didn’t get a chance to return. It’s amazing how time flies, how children grow, how Bowdoin develops… yet everything feels the same. The good just gets better.

We took all these photos (plus a bunch more) and posted them on our Facebook page here. Tag and share to your hearts content: http://www.facebook.com/brianwedgephoto

Also, there are literally hundreds of other photos online from Homecoming Weekend, capturing every aspect of the festivities. You can view, download or request prints here: http://www.brianwedge.com/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=830

My friend John's kids... charging the climbing wall.

For many students... it's just another weekend.

Reflections of fall foliage.

Sorry Hamilton… Tough loss. But at least there are free hugs!

Thanks for the smiles!

Bowdoin College Pre-Orientation Trips

brianwedge — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:30:58 +0000

The night before last I was asked to spend a few hours with the incoming freshman students at Bowdoin College as arrived for their Pre-Orientation trip. For those who aren’t familiar with that term, the “Pre-O” trip is an opportunity to spend about 5 days with a small group of fellow students off campus before the on campus orientation begins. Bowdoin takes full advantage of being located in an incredible state like Maine and as a result, most of the Pre-O trips involve some sort of outdoor sport and service component.

Incoming students get to choose their preferred trip: for some that means sailing or kayaking through Casco Bay, for others it’s community service in downtown Brunswick and many more head north into “The County” to explore the wildlands and immerse themselves in the culture of that “other Maine” we often hear about, but so few get to truly experience.

Seeing the students arrive at Bowdoin brings it all back for me and my days as an incoming freshman. A night spent sleeping on a field house floor, the excitement and exhaustion of meeting 300 new friends and the anticipation for all that was to come.

Camping next to the indoor triple jump lane.

A Bowdoin Tradition: sleeping in The Farley Field House.

First conversations.

The bonding happens quickly in these small groups.

Impromptu games of kickball were started.

Frisbees were everywhere.

Even a few old school woodsman’s games.

No, I did not ask for this… though I was impressed by the spontaneity of the design & construction.

After dinner there were a few brief instructions about the logistics of getting 300+ people packed and out the door beginning early the next morning.

The singing of Bowdoin’s Alma Mater.

And then there was this…

Which turned into this…

Which created a reaction like this…

And this…

Whatever “that” was I still don’t know, but it resulted in hundreds of smiling faces… and the start to an incredible four year experience at one of the best schools in the country. On behalf of all the alums that are floating around out there, welcome to our community!

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Want to see the complete photos? Just click here or visit www.brianwedge.com

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Alli & Mike: Bowdoin College Chapel / Newagen Inn Wedding

brianwedge — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:06:22 +0000

The groundwork for Alli & Mike’s wedding celebration at the Bowdoin College Chapel and The Newagen Inn began a very long time ago. Their courtship started when they were in SEVENTH grade, and continued straight through high school, college and even grad school. It would be a safe bet to say that they found love early on… and it would be an even safer bet to say that their wedding plans were meticulous, thoughtful and filled with creativity.

It was in the middle of a snow storm almost two years ago that Alli and her mom Debbie arrived at our studio for some brainstorming and a weekend of crisscrossing the state of Maine to find the perfect celebration venue. Alli was a fellow Bowdoin grad (Go U Bears!) and wanted her wedding in the Bowdoin College Chapel. Though the ceremony location was easily decided, finding a location that could accommodate all 240 of their guests for the weekend-long festivities proved to be a challenge. We finally connected her with our amazing friend Jason Schlosser, who is The Inn Keeper at the Newagen Inn. Once Alli & her mom visited, they knew right away that they had found their spot!

This is Bodhi, AKA “The Greatest Dog in the World.” Truth be told, I think Alli and Mike would have been quite happy with their wedding photos if we showed up, got this one photo of Bodhi and then left. Bodhi really is a good boy, and his image was a constant theme at their wedding. In addition to roaming the reception tent in search of hugs and pats on the head, Bodhi’s portrait appeared on everything from the invitations to the table cards.

Alli getting ready.

Talented florists and friends of Alli’s came all the way from New Jersey to create some incredible bouquets and arrangements.

Pre-game fuel for the ring bearer. Adorable.

When Mike proposed to Alli, he placed the ring in this mitten and had Bodhi bring it over to her. It was fitting then that the ring bearer would carry their wedding bands down the isle in that same mitten.

Final preparations… so many people came together and worked hard to make their day perfect.

Alli’s dad walks her down the isle on their personalized runner.

The Bowdoin College Chapel Wedding. Amazing space. Incredible history.

Joy!

Back to The Newagen Inn to party!

Every detail had been thought of, from the cupcake tower to dog cookies, their wedding was totally original.

Alli’s sister dancing with Bodhi.

I love the light that comes through Sperry Tents.

The enthusiasm! Awesome!

Bridesmaids throwing down some moves.

The band plays Bon Jovi and the Jersey folks respond!

Dancing above the crowd on the shoulders of friends!

Alli & Mike’s wedding went off without a hitch. Careful planning, attention to detail and incredible energy created an amazing experience. Our thanks to both families for being so welcoming and so thoughtful. We had a wonderful time supporting everyone, and felt honored to be a part of it all!

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Want to see the complete set of photos? Just click here or go to www.brianwedge.com

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Vendors:

Wedding Ceremony: Bowdoin College Chapel, Brunswick, ME

Reception: Newagen Inn, Southport Island, Maine (Great job Jason!)

Floral: Bouquets To Remember (Manasquan, NJ)

Dress: Carolina Herrera, (NYC)

Cocktail Hour Band: Dani Tribesmen (ME)

Reception Band: Current Affair (NYC)

Dessert: Sweet Sensations (ME)

Videographer: Michael Simons (NJ)

Tent: Sperry Tents

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

Doing good: Fighting Cancer, Protecting the Environment

brianwedge — Tue, 27 May 2008 12:51:59 +0000

We just turned in our final tally for the money we raised in the past few months for the LIVESTRONG Foundation. About $7,000 was donated by individuals and by our own contributions in only 4 months towards the cause against cancer. How cool is that? That’s real money, from real people: real brides and grooms, real commercial clients, real editorial clients and wonderful friends who were inspired by the issue and wanted to help. Thank you!

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 thrilled that our business is growing by leaps and bounds every month… and that we’re staying committed to the causes that mean so much to us.

What goes around comes around. Thanks for YOUR support!