Kathryn & Nicholas :: Wedding at St. Albans and Reception at the Seasons in Portland, Maine
By the time the wedding came, Kathryn & Nick felt like old friends to me and not just clients. These two high school sweethearts found their way to me two years in advance of their wedding day thanks to Kathryn's brother, who I had in a college photography class I taught. The venue hadn't been decided on. The details were far from finalized. But they knew that I was their photographer. A year after booking me, we got together for their
engagement session during an unseasonably warm fall day in 2011. We were all dressed for fall weather and mother nature had other plans. It was down right hot! The highlight of our time together that day, for me, was getting to meet their (furry) "baby", Auto, who is about the size of a house. He's a huge lovebug! Throwing a stick for him meant chucking a log. He was hilarious!
And so, when the big day arrived, I was struck by how it felt like such an end of an era to me. After all of the years of planning, the shot lists, the details... it all came down to this one day. And then it would flash by before we knew it. They always say that. I always say that to my couples.
The day started with the ladies primping in their room at the Howard Johnson in Portland, Maine. The weather was gorgeous with the sun shining brightly. The forecast had been for rain, so it was a welcomed change (not that we weren't crossing our fingers anyways). The bridesmaids' dresses reminded me of Greek goddesses with their gorgeous chocolate brown color with just a hint of sparkling gold. Kathryn's sister/matron of honor, looked especially fitted for the part with her long, curled dark hair. To say they were all stunning is such an understatement.
The ceremony itself was held at the always amazing St. Albans Episcopal Church in Cape Elizabeth. I had driven past it on several occasions, but had never had the opportunity to visit. It is such a gorgeous spot! Kathryn & Nick's family and friends filled the church as the couple started this new chapter of their life together. Nick, upon seeing his bride walking down the aisle, got teary eyed, which almost made me follow suit. This day that they had been waiting for for so long was finally here and happening. Love, love, love.
Following the ceremony, the bridal party as well as the newlywed's families scurried down to Fort Williams for portraits. From the look of the sky and the smell of the air, I knew our finger crossing wasn't going to last much longer. Mother nature had other plans. And she made them quite clear shortly after we managed to capture shots of the happy couple as well as them with their families. A made dash back to our vehicles was in order!
We concluded our portraits back in the lobby of the Howard Johnson as their guests enjoyed cocktail hour at the Seasons Event and Conference Center. Upon wrapping it up, it was time to get the party started! There were toasts by family and friends. My favorite of the night, and by far one of the most memorable ever, was given by Kathryn's sister, who gave her blessing to Nick marrying her sister knowing that he would take as good care of her as she would. There were also some choice insider jokes exchanged, which led to many, many laughs. The remainder of the night was spent celebrating and dancing to the music played by local band Higher Ground. I dare say that Kathryn & Nick could not have asked for a better way to start the next chapter of their life together. The only downside now that the day is over is just what will encompass all of their new found time now that wedding planning is done. With Kathryn's sister being married last year and now Kathryn, I'm not quite sure what their family will do. But we're all hoping that baby shower planning time isn't too far away....
Kathryn & Nick, thank you for letting me be a part of your day and of the past two years of your life together. I am so incredibly honored! I hope that you had as fabulous a time on your honeymoon as your pictures seem to show and that your "baby" wasn't too mad at you when you got home. Give him a snuggle for me! And definitely keep in touch.
Be on the lookout for all of the photos to be ready shortly. In the meantime, here is a sneak peek from their wedding day. To see more, be sure to head over to my Facebook page and hit the “Like” button!
And so, when the big day arrived, I was struck by how it felt like such an end of an era to me. After all of the years of planning, the shot lists, the details... it all came down to this one day. And then it would flash by before we knew it. They always say that. I always say that to my couples.
The day started with the ladies primping in their room at the Howard Johnson in Portland, Maine. The weather was gorgeous with the sun shining brightly. The forecast had been for rain, so it was a welcomed change (not that we weren't crossing our fingers anyways). The bridesmaids' dresses reminded me of Greek goddesses with their gorgeous chocolate brown color with just a hint of sparkling gold. Kathryn's sister/matron of honor, looked especially fitted for the part with her long, curled dark hair. To say they were all stunning is such an understatement.
The ceremony itself was held at the always amazing St. Albans Episcopal Church in Cape Elizabeth. I had driven past it on several occasions, but had never had the opportunity to visit. It is such a gorgeous spot! Kathryn & Nick's family and friends filled the church as the couple started this new chapter of their life together. Nick, upon seeing his bride walking down the aisle, got teary eyed, which almost made me follow suit. This day that they had been waiting for for so long was finally here and happening. Love, love, love.
Following the ceremony, the bridal party as well as the newlywed's families scurried down to Fort Williams for portraits. From the look of the sky and the smell of the air, I knew our finger crossing wasn't going to last much longer. Mother nature had other plans. And she made them quite clear shortly after we managed to capture shots of the happy couple as well as them with their families. A made dash back to our vehicles was in order!
We concluded our portraits back in the lobby of the Howard Johnson as their guests enjoyed cocktail hour at the Seasons Event and Conference Center. Upon wrapping it up, it was time to get the party started! There were toasts by family and friends. My favorite of the night, and by far one of the most memorable ever, was given by Kathryn's sister, who gave her blessing to Nick marrying her sister knowing that he would take as good care of her as she would. There were also some choice insider jokes exchanged, which led to many, many laughs. The remainder of the night was spent celebrating and dancing to the music played by local band Higher Ground. I dare say that Kathryn & Nick could not have asked for a better way to start the next chapter of their life together. The only downside now that the day is over is just what will encompass all of their new found time now that wedding planning is done. With Kathryn's sister being married last year and now Kathryn, I'm not quite sure what their family will do. But we're all hoping that baby shower planning time isn't too far away....
Kathryn & Nick, thank you for letting me be a part of your day and of the past two years of your life together. I am so incredibly honored! I hope that you had as fabulous a time on your honeymoon as your pictures seem to show and that your "baby" wasn't too mad at you when you got home. Give him a snuggle for me! And definitely keep in touch.
Be on the lookout for all of the photos to be ready shortly. In the meantime, here is a sneak peek from their wedding day. To see more, be sure to head over to my Facebook page and hit the “Like” button!
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Date: October 6, 2012 | Getting Ready Location: Howard Johnson in Portland, Maine | Ceremony: St. Albans in Cape Elizabeth, Maine | Reception & Caterer: Seasons Event and Conference Center in Portland, Maine | Cake Artist: Good Eats Boutique in Portland, Maine | Florist: The Ladyslipper in Gray, Maine | Band: Higher Ground | Transportation: Atlantic Limousine and Yacht Center in Westbrook, Maine | Bridal Boutique: David's Bridal