First off, our sincere apologies to all our blog readers for being offline.  We been away on numerous, truly incredible photoshoots around the globe and are just now settling back in to our routine back in New England.  We’ve got lots to report, and many amazing images to share, but we will save all that for tomorrow; today is all about sharing the wedding story of Lindsay and Josh, who were married on March 20th, at The Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH.

Josh and Lindsay were two of the nicest people we’ve ever been lucky enough to work with.  They originally met while skiing together, so it was no surprise that they were drawn back to the mountains for their late winter celebration.

With plenty of snow still in the White Mountains they spent the day before their wedding skiing with family and friends, and then partied together until the wee hours of the morning at The Mount Washington Resort.  With seemingly boundless energy, they were up early the next morning to prepare for the big day!

To say that Lindsay is beautiful, fun and low maintenance might be the understatement of the year.  We met her in the hotel’s spa which is located about 3 stories under ground, and were impressed right away with her energy.  After her hair and makeup were absolutely perfect, the last thing we ever expected was for her to forgo the numerous available elevators and just run up the 6 flights of stairs back to her room (while carrying bags, open champagne bottles and a plate of food).  We’re in great shape and can run with the best of them… but Lindsay’s energy on her wedding day was electric.   I think you can see some of it in the photo above as her bridesmaids look on: she’s radiant!

We later learned that Lindsay and Josh had met while freestyle skiing and quickly fell for each other.  There were numerous thoughtful details that made their destination wedding so wonderful: from handmade “Welcome Gift Bags” for their guests, to Josh’s single rose that he sent to Lindsay’s room just before their ceremony… it was all beautiful to see.

Lindsay’s rings.

Descending the stairs to the ceremony!

Three adorable flower girls carried baskets of rose petals.

I know… what energy, right?  (Don’t worry Lindsay, there are plenty of other more “refined” shots of you coming down the aisle… but I love this one, because this is truly YOU.  So happy, so excited).

The Conservatory at The Mountain Washington Resort.

The big kiss.

So far we haven’t talked much about Josh, but it’s safe to say that if there was ever someone who might possibly keep up with Lindsay’s infectious enthusiasm… it would be Josh.

The bond is real.  Their love is obvious.  Two people made for one another.  It really was beautiful to see.

Remember that infectious enthusiasm?  Yeah, here it is (this is NOT me telling them to do this).  Josh has either just won the Super Bowl or just married the girl of his dreams…

Surrounded by the snowcapped mountains that is their playground and inspiration… this shot is timeless.

Lindsay’s elegant rose bouquet… just exquisite.

Looking down “The Notch” from the Eastern porch of the Mount Washington Resort.

Lindsay, those binoculars are for checking out the White Mountains… not your man!

Josh couldn’t resist a smootch, and I don’t think Lindsay minded!

All laughs, all smiles.

At the reception, the table cards were actually made of birch branches with the guests names.  The tables were all named for Lindsay and Josh’s favorite ski areas.

Their first dance.

A moment of joy between Lindsay and her dad.

Josh’s mom giving him a big hug during their dance together.

Guess who was the life of the party?

Captured only with available light just before the reception ended, this is a tender moment of Josh and Lindsay dancing slowly while the rest of their guests tear up the dance floor.

Lindsay and Josh:  Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful wedding day with us!  We loved capturing your story, documenting all the emotion and meeting your incredible families (and friends).  We can’t wait to hear how your honeymoon in Costa Rica went, and if you hit any of our favorite surf spots!  Congratulations on finding each other, it is so obvious to us that you were meant to be together!!

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Want to see the Lindsay and Josh’s complete wedding photos?  Just click here or go to www.brianwedge.com!

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Matt & Ashley are one of a kind clients… talented, welcoming, beautiful, creative… the list goes on and on.  We have been looking forward to their wedding for over a year since they first booked us, and though we knew nothing could prevent their celebration from being a complete success, the prospect of a hurricane landing in Maine precisely on the day of their wedding didn’t make things any easier.

Ashley and Matt were married at The Newagen Seaside Inn on Southport Island, in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.  Their wedding had everything one could hope for as photojournalists: a compelling narrative (Alabama boy marries Maine girl as hurricane rages outside their island ceremony) and a hundred or so of the most charming, funny and beautiful guests we’ve ever met.  Maybe it was the Alabama sweet tea, maybe it was collective spirit of the group facing dismal weather conditions… but whatever it was, August 28th 2009, was a special night at The Newagen Inn that we won’t soon forget!

The evening prior to their wedding, as meteorologists issued storm warnings up and down The New England coast… Matt, Ashley and their friends/family gathered for a rehearsal dinner lobsterbake and bonfire.  It was a spectacular night, even as the storm clouds approached.  Not knowing what was to come, we stole away from the dinner for a few moments to photograph them by candlelight before the storm arrived.

Bonfire and S’mores at The Newagen Seaside Inn.

The next day was just as everyone predicted.  Pelting rain and wind… so the ceremony was moved inside.  As Ashley was getting ready, her dad appeared in the doorway and saw her for the first time in her wedding gown.  A special moment.

Ashley and her dad walking down the isle… I think everyone was trying very hard to keep it together.

Finally together, Ashley’s face says it all.

The impromptu ceremony site was in front of the Newagen Inn’s fireplace.

After the wedding, determined to get some photos outside, Ashley strapped on her lobster boots.

Can you tell it’s wet and windy?

How about now?

Ashley used to host an 80′s radio show back when she was a student at Colby College… she and Matt had no problems taking the mic and belting out a few classics.

Rocking out.

Tearing it up.

Their performance inspires others to go for it… complete with air guitar.

The crowd reacts…

Bon Jovi… gets ‘em going again.

After a final song of Sweet Home Alabama, Matt & Ashley shoot the tube as they make their final exit under the hands of their guests.

Can you guess what’s best part of having a wedding at The Newagen Seaside Inn?  The stunning island location?  No.  The amazing staff?  No.  The yummy food?  No… it’s the private bowling alley they give you for your after party!

Camouflage cap, sweat, and the girl of your dreams… over a bowling ball.  Now that says love.

She knows what she’s talking about!

This was a GREAT (not good) wedding despite the horrible weather.  This image was take at our photobooth which we setup for Ashley and Matt to add to the reception fun.  If you haven’t seen a photobooth at a reception yet… scroll down to the post just before this one (or here: Ashley & Matt’s Photobooth).  The photobooth is one part self portrait insanity and one part guest book… it’s a whole lot of entertainment!

Though the weather couldn’t stop the wedding… it did make creating images like the one above impossible.  We returned on Monday morning to photograph Ashley and Matt as the clouds parted and the sun began shining again.

Rough seas won’t stop these two!

Ashley and Matt: we had such a wonderful time getting to know you and all your friends/family.  We feel lucky to have been there to document your laughter and love in the face of some pretty amazing weather.  We look forward to connecting with you guys in Manhattan the next time we’re down… and above all, congratulations on your wedding!  We had a blast!

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

Want to see the featured Photobooth Photos?  Click here.

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Vendors:

Ceremony and Reception Location:  Newagen Seaside Inn, Southport Island, Maine

Band: Lisa Love Experience (these guys ROCK… we highly recommend them!)

Florist: Blooms of Hope (Belmont, MA)

Cake: Sweet Sensations

Hair: A Cut Above

Paper: Signed Sealed and Delivered (great people, great products)

Makeup: About Face

Wedding Coordination: Beautiful Days Events (nice job Kate!!)

Photography:  Brian Wedge Photography

    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

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)

   They’re still some of my favorite venues if for no other reason that they usually span several days, and as a professional “storyteller,” there’s ample opportunity to get to know everyone and cover every element of the weekend.  Here’s an example of one such wedding I shot at The One and Only Palmilla in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  It was named “Favorite Destination Wedding” by theknot.com:

   Luckily, many of the great clients I work with create wedding weekends in that same spirit regardless of location.  Their “destination” weddings may be a few states away from where they live, or in their adopted home city.  The same elements of celebration, thoughtful activities and beautiful locations apply.

   It’s a wonderful trend that I’ve delighted in noticing.  Families are increasingly spread all over the globe and the weekend wedding celebrates not only the wedding day, but the friends and relatives that make the couple who they are.  When I shoot in Maine, a schooner cruise, lobsterbake or sea kayaking trip is common.  In Napa, it’s wine tasting, horseback riding and hot air ballooning.  

   Wherever your wedding is and whatever your interests are, taking the time to share your special place with those you love goes a long way to solidifying your location as a destination… regardless of the distance.  Even if your wedding isn’t far from home, check out a recent book we collaborated on that features our work.  It’s filled with ideas that are sure to inspire!