Brian Wedge Photography Blog » portland

Peaks Island Wedding, (Portland, Maine): Kate & Sam

brianwedge — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:11:36 +0000

Kate’s family has been on Peaks Island for generations, and when the time came for Kate & Sam to plan their wedding, they couldn’t imagine a more beautiful location. The oceanfront family home played host to the wedding ceremony, and the iconic TEIA Clubhouse was the scene for their beautiful reception.

Kate and Sam’s wedding was beautiful, fun, and filled with details.

Sam had no problem tying his tie to get ready.

His groomsman however... came up a little short in that department.

Kate's amazing wedding dress.

Their wedding burgee flying just below the American flag.

Briarbank: the family's Peaks Island home and wedding ceremony location.

Zipping up: Kate was all smiles the entire day.

Kate's first time seeing herself in the dress on her wedding day while her mom looks on.

Watching guests arrive with one of her bridesmaids.

An incredible moment with her dad, as they walk downstairs to the ceremony.

One last look at each other. Their bond is obvious.

Sunset wedding ceremony on Peaks Island.

Kate's dad walks her down the aisle to Sam.

Holding back tears.

A tender moment during one of the readings... Sam instinctively reaches out and takes Kate's hand.

The kiss!

Love Kate's reaction here.

In private, Sam hugs his new wife for the first time.

Through blurry apple tree leaves, kate's eyes are sharp and beautiful. No photoshop here...

As a guest book, Kate & Sam had everyone sign their burgee.

The family's old car was resurrected for the drive to the club.

Kate shows off her ring.

Sunset from the TEIA wedding reception on Peaks Island.

Happy couple.

Even happier couple.

I loved the linear pattern of this planking... had to use this element in one photo.

The T.E.I.A. Peaks Island Burgee.

Relaxing in a hammock just before the reception.

First dance: of course they had something prepared!

Fading light and a beautiful glow from the clubhouse.

Sam's mom gives a beautiful toast.

Who needs wedding cake? They chose lots of bunt cakes instead.

Sam gets dipped.

Kate & her bridesmaid get down.

A fun contrast of light and motion from the band's perspective.

Love this! Grandma wasn't going to let anything stop her from dancing at this wedding!

Kate's mom... not to be outdone, had some moves of her own.

The chair dance went as planned for Kate.

Sam, on the other hand was having fun...

Until the chair broke and these fine lads were stuck holding him up.

All is good.

All is very good with this happy guest.

Kate's dad getting low.

I forget how she wound up on stage... but she owned it once she was there.

Last song of the evening...

Party's over.

Kate & Sam, thank you so much for including us on your wedding day. We had such a fantastic time meeting all your friends and family! Your wedding embodies everything we enjoy about photojournalism: the real emotion, the wonderful people, and the thoughtful details and the true story of your celebration. We appreciate you being so open and willing to let us capture your day. We hope to see you both on a future trip to Maine. Thank you!

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The COMPLETE collection of photos are available to view here:

http://www.brianwedge.com/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=824

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Photos are already posted to Facebook! Tag your friends here:

http://www.facebook.com/brianwedgephoto

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Wedding Ceremony: Private Residence, Peaks Island, Maine

Wedding Reception: TEIA Clubhouse (Trefethen-Evergreen Improvement Association, Peaks Island, ME)

Caterer: Aurora Provisions, Portland, ME

Band: Sultans of Swing, Martha’s Vineyard, MA

Flowers: Snell Family Farm

Lighting: Moonlighting Productions

Transportation: Custom Coach and Limosine

Hair & Makeup: J. Henry’s Salon

Wedding Planning & Coordination: Cairn Events / Heather Cuzzi (great job Heather!)

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

Maggie & Mike: Portland Country Club Wedding, Maine

brianwedge — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 18:13:55 +0000

In the middle of a January snowstorm last year, a firecracker of a woman pulled into our Maine studio’s parking lot and greeted me with one of the biggest smiles and warmest hugs a complete stranger has ever given me. The woman was Maggie’s mom Susie; a beautiful little blond woman with enough great energy to motivate and connect with anyone on the planet.

Susie’s first words to me were about the importance of family and friends… and specifically the deep love and respect that not only Maggie and Mike shared; but the bond that already existed between both of their families. It was a beautiful sentiment, and last weekend I was lucky enough to document what that true connection between friends and families really looked like in person.

Maggie and Mike had a simple, beautiful celebration planned with a ceremony at Holy Martyrs Church and a reception at The Portland Country Club.

When I arrived at Maggie’s family home, I could quickly see that the boundless energy and fierce love was hereditary, as big bear hugs were the norm for everyone. It was really wonderful to see.

Maggie’s mom sees her for the first time.

Everyone in Maggie’s family was ready hours before they needed to be. In this “pre-game” shot, Maggie’s dad stares out the window… ready for the ceremony to begin.

The wedding ceremony was held at Holy Martyrs Church.

Mike’s brother Matt held their rings before the ceremony.

Maggie’s bouquet.

Coming down the aisle with her dad… could you tell Maggie was excited?

Mike and Maggie listen intently during the ceremony.

Maggie’s sister sang so beautifully that it moved many to tears. Beautiful job!

Ceremony over: time for the big kiss.

Their first moments as husband and wife!

Just an adorable shot of Mike’s grandfather telling a great story.

Their beautiful rings.

Sisters.

Mike’s brother gave a beautiful toast to the newly married couple.

Their cake. (I had to try it… yes, it tasted as good as it looked).

Maggie’s mom Susie could not have been more accurate in describing these two families. The wedding was not only a celebration of Maggie and Mike’s incredible relationship, but also a reunion of sorts between old friends and two amazing families.

And then the dancing started.

Susie tears up the dance floor.

Maggie’s dad singing with the band.

EVERYONE was on that dance floor… I mean even the little kids were out there.

Maggie, showing the crowd how it’s done.

I’ve never seen a group of people dance so hard.

This kid got the MVP award for hitting the dance floor the hardest.

Sorry buddy… but I had to include this. What’s amazing about this shot is that he stopped dancing just long enough to notice that he might have been sweating (just a little). The reaction of the woman in the green dress behind him is priceless.

What a wonderful celebration! Thanks so much for having me there to capture it all for you! Your family and friends could not have been more welcoming and inclusive: I really appreciate it. Congratulations Maggie and Mike!

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Want to see the complete photos? They’re all online here!!!

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Additionally… we’ve got a bunch of photos already up on our Facebook Page here: tag your friends!

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Vendors:

Ceremony Location: Holy Martyrs Church, Falmouth, Maine

Reception Location: Portland Country Club, Falmouth Foreside, Maine

Florist: Flora Home Studio

Band: Nightshift (one of my VERY favorite bands… I highly recommend them!!)

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

Meredith & Matt: Portland Country Club Wedding

brianwedge — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:59:15 +0000

Meredith & Matt were high school sweethearts who later fell in love during their undergraduate years at Boston College. Their wedding was a long time coming, and the days leading up to Meredith and Matt’s wedding were filled with anticipation.

Besides the usual excitement of getting married, the near constant bad weather weather that has plagued New England over the past few months continued with renewed vigor. Meredith & Matt had planned a beautiful outdoor ceremony overlooking Casco Bay on The Eastern Promenade of Portland, but the impending rain forced them inside.

Luckily, Matt & Meredith’s reception site (The Portland Country Club) was willing and able to host their ceremony indoors because of the rain.

The Portland Country Club’s rolling fairways leading to the ocean. Just before their wedding, the clouds parted leaving them a beautiful day.

Matt sees Meredith for the first time as she’s escorted by her dad.

Exchanging rings.

The rooftop deck at the PCC… a fabulous inclement weather alternative.

Real emotion and joy as Meredith looks over at her parents while walking back down the isle.

Immediately after the ceremony Meredith literally just fell into his arms for a hug. So sweet.

Their first embrace after the ceremony. You can feel it.

Beautiful floral arrangements by Stephanie Pilk at Flora Home. Great people, great designs!

The first dance.

Meredith’s dad presented Matt (an incorrigible Yankee fan) with his very own Red Sox cap. Nice job dad!!

Meredith & her dad having their dance. Such an obvious love for one another. Really beautiful to see.

Busting a move on the dance floor.

Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On a Prayer” gets them every time.

The impromptu bouquet toss…

I’d say she was more than a little surprised to have caught it!!

Hand in hand, leaving Mackworth Island.

Meredith and Matt, thank you so much for having us at your beautiful wedding! Despite Matt being a Yankee fan… it was a wonderful experience getting to know you and your families!

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Want to see the complete photos? Just click on this link here!

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Vendors:

Ceremony/Reception Site: Portland Country Club

Wedding Planners: Mary Maxwell of Blueprint Events and Celia at The PCC

Florist: FloraHome

DJ: Patrick Hussey

Cake: Katie Made Bakery (yummy)

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

Frontier Cafe / Gallery

brianwedge — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:24:33 +0000

New exhibit is up at The Frontier cafe /gallery (Brunswick, ME)! Thanks for all the support!

See the online exhibition: http://www.brianwedge.com/stranded

Visit the Frontier Cafe & Gallery here