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

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

The Fog, The Smiles… The beautiful Newagen Inn

They met salsa dancing… and WOW… they were amazing!

A final moment with her dad before walking down the isle.

After a week of non stop fog, the coast of Maine needed a little change.  What Mother Nature failed to provide, Laina & Galileo delivered in spades.  Gorgeous flowers, fantastic colors, one of the most amazing bands… and did I mention the salsa dancing… yes, the salsa dancing was so inspiring that it even made me (the 6’4″ clumsy Norwegian) turn to my wife and say “maybe we should go take some lessons!”

Laina’s sister holding back tears…

Only a pair of dancers could pull this off so gracefully!

Look to the left of the photo… how many family members are in tears?  Very sweet!

Galileo gets the girl!

Laina’s family is from Maine, and Galileo’s family from El Salvador.  Their celebration was a true union of souls, of families and of cultures… with bilingual ceremony, program cards and toasts.  It was one of the most thoughtful and inclusive celebrations ever.

It’s official!

The reflection off the dock pump house.

Thanks for having us!  We loved getting to know your families and your friends… and thanks for the dancing tips!  We need them!

Venue: Newagen Inn (Jason was wonderful, GREAT attitude, magically making things happen all day!)

Wedding Coordinator: Jan Wilk (A.K.A. “Mom”)

Band: Hector Cuevas & The Boston Latin Band (Amazing.. amazing.. amazing)

Paper: Signed, Sealed & Delivered

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