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

Kate and Paul’s wedding had everything we could dream of: incredible people, thoughtful details, beautiful weather and an amazing story of love that we were so honored to document.  When Kate contacted me last year about shooting their Newagen Inn wedding, we could tell that she possessed an energy & enthusiasm that was rare.  As the months passed and we continued to exchange ideas, I learned that Kate was a local girl from Boothbay whose family had been there for generations.  Though she now lived in Boston, she wanted her wedding to be a celebration to show her love for Paul, their love for Maine & their deep respect for family.

Paul engulfed by a Kate Hodgdon Bear Hug… just after the ceremony.

As the months went by, I learned that Kate had recently lost her dad, and above all else Paul & Kate wanted their wedding to honor her dad through laughter, joy and a party that no one would soon forget.  Kate’s honesty about her dad’s passing was incredible.  When we finally met in person Kate looked me straight in the eye and with a fierce, unflinching intensity explained to me that her dad was her best friend… and that the color yellow I saw throughout their wedding was in honor of him. I could see the hurt, I could understand the loss… but as importantly I could feel the determination and excitement to celebrate all that is wonderful about life with her dad looking down upon her.

A pocket sewed into Kate’s wedding dress just over her heart held a photo of her & her dad.

There is a passion and enthusiasm for living that some people have when they survive great adversity.  I’ve seen it in over the years as we battled leukemia, but it’s not limited to cancer nor the passing of a loved one.  There’s just some people who manage to get through tough times with their spirit intact and a perspective for life that is inspiring.  Kate and Paul have that twinkle in their eye and a presence about them that just radiates enthusiasm.  Their wedding day was all about being in the moment, being in love and savoring every opportunity to enjoy their friends and family to the fullest.

Paul & Kate created Maine inspired wedding gift bags.  Nothing says “Maine Wedding” like an engagement ring on a can of Moxie!

Paul’s wedding day gift to Kate was a dog crate filled with puppy toys and a card that contained a photo of a litter of Golden-doodles.  The photo reads: “Your choice!  I love you!”

The groomsmen all wore cufflinks with their photos in them.

The ringbearer did SO well!  He walked and smiled… until he stopped.

He spent about 3 minutes figuring out if he should walk towards the crowd or run away.  With the collective prodding of 140 guests, he made it!!

The ceremony held on the front lawn of The Newagen Inn.

Surrounded by yellow flowers in honor of her father, a single tear falls from Kate’s eye.

After the wedding, Kate & Paul took a few moments to look at their rings and stand back and check each other out.  In this shot Paul shows off his fine physique.

“Foolish Choices” just happened to fishing nearby… we HAD to get that shot!

Even the lobsters held hands.

Kate wanted a photo with them standing in the water… which is easier said than done, as Paul slipped just seconds after this shot getting a bit wet.

Bridesmaids bouquet rests on a chair.

Their guestbook was a collaborative painting made by all the guests.  Very creative!

During the first dance… there was evidence of Paul’s impromptu splash in the Atlantic.

Mmmmm…. whoopie pies.  Yum!

Then the dancing started.

All kinds of dancing.

An all candlelight cutting of the cake per the request of Paul & Kate.  Tough shot, but very creative!

Then the party REALLY got started.  This is NOT the band… these are wedding guests on stage.

Kate in the arms of her husband… rocking out!  Pure joy.

Going big (Another victim of Bon Jovi).

Paul sings Livin’ on a Prayer.

Late night bowling at The Newagen Seaside Inn.

Paul’s bowling technique was impeccable.  Look at that follow through!

The stars come out at The Newagen Inn.  That’s not photoshop folks… that’s the Big Dipper!

Kate and Paul: It was an honor to document your day and to be there to celebrate with your family and friends!  Thanks so much for having us.  Your love for each other and for life is inspiring to us!  Have fun in Greece!!

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

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Vendors:

Location:  The Newagen Seaside Inn, Southport Island, Maine  (the amazing Innkeeper Jason took care of everything there… just a wonderful person and host).

Band:  Sly Chi (Kate emailed me months before the wedding and wrote that she was having “Sly Chi, a sick band from Portland that plays funk.”  Indeed, there is no better description than that.  They rocked!)

Cake:  Sweet Sensations

Florist:  The Greenhouses

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