When we got the call last year from Elizabeth and Mike in The Netherlands, we secretly hoped that we would be on the next plane to Europe to tell the story of their incredible lives there in The Hague.  But we quickly learned that Mike grew up in York Harbor, Maine and that they would be traveling back to the United States for only a few days and really wanted to connect with us on Mike’s hometown beach for a photo shoot… and then a year later, have a wedding at that same spot.

Lots of gorgeous, thoughtful details.

Beautiful bouquets.  Love the fiddleheads mixed in with the flowers.

Elizabeth walking in, escorted by her father.

The York Harbor Reading Room is perched literally feet from the water’s edge.

The ring bearer was adorable.  So sweet and compliant…but maybe a wedding wasn’t exactly his idea of fun?

Their exquisite wedding bands.

Beautiful.

Immediately following the wedding, the family celebrates!

Their love grew over specially brewed coffee, so it was fitting that their table cards be presented with a recounting of their story & a bag of coffee beans.

And then…the bridesmaids celebrate!

I’m always amazed when little kids can clear a dance floor.  This girl had moves!

The fiddlehead motif of the bouquet continues in the cake decoration.

Everyone danced until the wee hours of the morning.  They just never stopped!

We love these images… there’s an honesty about them that’s impossible to manufacture.  It’s probably right around midnight, the veil and the fancy, uncomfortable shoes are long gone.  The hours of dancing and celebrating have worn away all but the tired joy of marrying the person you truly love.  These images were captured using only available light, and there’s a truth about them that we really loved.

A summer night, a sparkler, and a smile that is so genuine… True joy.

Congratulations on your beautiful wedding, and thanks for having me!  Hope to see you guys in The Netherlands next time!

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Want to see the rest of the photos?  Just go to www.brianwedge.com

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Vendors:

Photography: Brian Wedge Photography

Planning and Coordinating:  Diane York Weddings

Location/Catering: York Harbor Reading Room

Florist: Calluna Fine Flowers

Band:  Big Chief

Cake: Owen Dyer Confection Art

The foggy, windy roads of Cape Neddick… and the sign that points the way.

Kate’s unique linen dress.

Kate & her dad on the way to the church.  You can see the anticipation on her face.

Preparing for the walk down the isle…

I think her expression says it all!

Despite the fog (yes, it was foggy… again), the reception at the Greystone Manor was gorgeous, and the Sperry Tent a haven of warmth, laughter and fun.  The Sperry Tents (in my opinion) are the most elegant tents made… their hand cut wooden posts and beautiful lights have a dramatic impact on the reception.

Staying warm on a cold day with Tom’s help.

Beach Pea Bakery’s amazing cake creation, adorned with Kate Martin’s flowers.

Their first dance.

Kate’s mom, holding back tears while watching Kate & her dad have their first dance (foreground).

Tearing it up…

Tom, Kate and their adoring fans…

As an added bonus, both Christine and I were dragged (literally) into a group photo with fellow Bowdoin alums for the alumni magazine.  Polar Bears stick together, but we’ve never had this happen to us before.  It’s just an example of the many different ways in which Tom, Kate and their families/friends went out of their way to be inclusive and welcoming!

Thanks to everyone for such a wonderful time!  Kate and Tom are off to a well deserved honeymoon in Thailand.  So jealous!!!

Want to see the complete set of photos?  They’re all right here: www.brianwedge.com

Vendors/locations:

Pre Wedding:  Cliff House

Church:  St. Peter’s By The Sea, Cape Neddick

Reception:  Greystone Manor, Cape Neddick

Catering:  Kitchen Chicks

DJ:  DJ Jerry & The Power Posse (no, I’m not making that up)

Cake:  Beach Pea Bakery

Flowers:  Kate Martin

Paper:  Black Pearl Press

Tent:  Sperry Tents