Anne & Derek's Wedding at Portland's Ocean Gateway

When Anne & Derek reached out to me in early December, the snow covering the ground and April seemed like a distant thought. Before we knew it though, the snow was melting, the grass was starting to look a little less grim, and the days were getting a bit longer. The chill of winter was hanging on by a thread as I arrived at the Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront to meet Anne & Derek on their wedding day. Yet they were troopers as we made our way to Portland's Fort Allen Park for their first look next to the Fore River. The chill in the air made for good cuddling weather as they spent some moments together taking it all in.

 We gathered with their family & close friends at Portland's Ocean Gateway (one of my favorite venues!) to capture the rest of their formals before they walked down the aisle to seal the deal. Standing in the point of the Ocean Gateway with Casco Bay behind them and all of their loved ones looking on, they listened to readings from their loved ones (which were so very perfect, if I do say so myself) before exchanging rings and vows. At last, Anne & Derek were declared married and the two crossword puzzle fanatics began a long evening of celebrating.

From the always delicious meal and cake provided by 111 Maine to a rocking dance floor thanks to East Coast Soul, the decor from Maine Event Design & Decor and florals from Harmon's, their entire day was absolutely picture perfect. With one of their favorite activities being the Sunday crossword, guests were scurrying around the cocktail hour comparing notes as they filled in a custom puzzle about Anne & Derek. And then Anne & Derek surprised all of their guests with a choreographed first dance to Dirty Dancing's Time of my Life from Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes (complete with friends dancing as Derek's backup dancers). There were so many cheers, laughs, and smiles as the newlyweds spun their way around the dance floor. I dare say everyone really did have the time of their life celebrating until long into the night. It was an amazing evening!

Although I sent along the finished gallery of images to Anne & Derek a long time ago at this point, I still wanted to make sure that I shared a peek of their images here.

Anne & Derek, thank you so much for having me capture your day. I am looking forward to working with the two of you to create a timeless wedding album so that you can relive the amazing day for many, many years to come.

WeddingSusie SimmonsOcean GatewayOcean Gateway, Residence Inn Portland Downtown, Residence Inn Downtown Portland, 111 Maine, East Coast Soul, Harmon's, Bei Capelli, Maine Event Design & Decor, Portland MaineComment