Suzanne Simmons Photography

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Emily & Dale's Colony Hotel Wedding in Kennebunkport, Maine

Susie Simmons

It's hard to believe that Emily & Dale's wedding was just a few weeks ago and I've already been working at designing their wedding album. Reliving their day while telling the story of their day made me realize that I had yet to hit "publish" on their official sneak peek blog post! Time flies when I'm focused on delivering their gallery to them!

Emily & Dale planned their destination wedding for the Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport, Maine, because of Emily's family ties to this quintisential Maine coastal town. Given that my own roots start on Pearl Street, just down the street from the Hotel, I was more than a little excited when they reached out to me in March of 2016 to see if I was available for their wedding. After sharing our mutual love of our furry children and importance of family, I knew we were a perfect match. Fortunately, Emily & Dale felt the same as they picked us to capture the story of their day.

Fast forward to June 25, 2017. Alan and I arrived at the Hotel with plenty of time so we could take in the stunning location overlooking the ocean with the crystal blue sky with very few white puffy clouds. The property itself is an oasis in an otherwise bustling seaside town in the summer. Guests were relaxing on the expansive porch, children were splashing in the pool, and a few were practicing on the putting green. It is a great spot to host a wedding that certainly makes for a relaxing weekend of celebrating.

There are so many favorite moments from Emily & Dale's day that writing them out fully would turn this post into a novel. Emily and her ladies got ready in her gorgeous room with a massive balcony looking out over the ocean. After walking into far too many dimly lit hotel rooms, it was a welcome sight to have all of the natural light filling the room and the balcony made for the perfect place to do their makeup. Meanwhile, Alan met with Dale and his guys at the cottage located on the property and witnessed he typical groomsmen shenanigans like opening packages with axes. Emily & Dale met for their first look on the balcony of her hotel room with Dale looking out over the calm, blue sea while his bride to be snuck up behind him. Lets just say that I was not the only one wiping tears from my eyes.

Their oceanside ceremony was performed by Emily's dad, who impressively managed to hold it together while throwing in a few tales of Emily's youth and her relationship to his soon to be son-in-law. We love weddings that have so many personal touches and I don't think it can get more personal than a parents officiating the most important part of the day. After their vows were exchanged and the newlyweds literally danced up the aisle, they enjoyed their seaside cocktail hour on the lawn with the guests.

Then the party really started: Huge smiles during their first once. One of the best father/daughter dances we've ever seen. Toasts that were borderline roasts and left everyone in absolute stitches. And the food... oh my goodness... the Hotel did an amazing job. Alan and I wisked the newlyweds outside to enjoy the sunset and cool evening air while we took a few more portraits of them in the gorgeous evening light. And then it was time to dance as The Music Man DJ Service kept the dance floor rocking until the very end.

Emily & Dale, thank you so much for including us in your wedding day and having us tell your story. We really enjoyed getting to know you both. What an amazing day! Give hugs to your "furbaby" for us!