Brian Wedge Photography Blog » Newagen Seaside Inn

Kate & Paul: Newagen Seaside Inn, Boothbay Harbor, Maine

brianwedge — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:58:53 +0000

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

Matt & Ashley: Newagen Seaside Inn, Southport Island, ME

brianwedge — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:46:37 +0000

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

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