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
