Katie & Andy's Rainy Wedding at Kingsley Pines in Raymond, Maine

When Katie & Andy first contacted me about their wedding back in February, I don't think any of us had a very rainy fall day in mind for their festivities at Kingsley Pines. Yet, eight months later, that's what we woke up to last Saturday with the forecast stating just that. As much as we certainly needed the rain, we were all hoping it would have been delayed just a day. Obviously mother nature had other plans and I was very, very happy that I keep a stash of golf umbrellas in my car all year just for days like theirs.

Jacinta & Jim's Union Bluff Meeting House Wedding in York, Maine

They say that good things come to those who wait. Sometimes the journey during the waiting is hard and uncertain. Sometimes it's sunshine and rainbows. For Jacinta & Jim, their wedding day was a testament to their relationship being built upon a foundation that will last them for a long time to come. It was not always an easy road based on my conversations with them as well as the toasts given by their friends & family at their wedding. Yet, as the saying goes, good things really do come to those who wait. And oh my goodness are Jacinta & Jim deserving of all the good that their union is bringing to them.

The "P" Family Annual Portraits at Limington Rapids in Limington, Maine

Oh be still my heart. Every fall for six years or so I've been getting together with Jess & Tim for their annual family photos. It started back when they were waiting for their daughter's arrival when we took their maternity portraits out of Peaks Island while waiting to attend a wedding. Since then we've met up at their home, the Old Port, a Christmas Tree farm, Kettle Cove... it's hard to believe how much the kids have grown over the years. (And I foresee a blog post in my future recapping my growth with photography over that time, too.)

Portraits, FamilySusie SimmonsOctober 25, 2016Limington RapidsLimington Rapids, Limington, fall portraitsComment

Amber & Bryant's Rustic Maine Wedding at Broadturn Farm in Scarborough

As often happens this time of year, this "sneak peek" isn't much of a sneak any more as Amber & Bryant received their complete gallery weeks ago when they were on their honeymoon! Yet here I am. Thinking back on their glorious wedding at Broadturn Farm in Scarborough, Maine. To be honest, I have been hoping to have the opportunity to capture a wedding there, so it is no understatement that I was looking forward to their day ever since Amber first contacted me.

Porsche's Puppy Portraits at Dundee Park in Windham, Maine

A few weeks ago, one of my friends, Jim, learned that his fur baby was battling cancer. The diagnosis came through a series of unfortunate events that brought her to the vet's office. Getting the news, there were lots of hugs and wondering what any of us could do to make it better. For me, I turned to my camera and offered to meet up with them last weekend so that Porsche could have her very own portrait session.

PortraitsSusie SimmonsOctober 21, 2016Dundee ParkDundee Park, Windham Maine, pet portraits, fall portraitsComment

Nicole & Derek's Apple Orchard Wedding & Spire 29 Reception in Gorham, Maine

Nicole & Derek's wedding this past weekend was honestly one that I have been looking forward to for a VERY long time. When Nicole first contacted me, she laid out her vision for their day with their ceremony in Randall's Orchard, an apple orchard nearby, and then their reception at the historic Spire 29 on the Square in Gorham. She had me at fall wedding in an orchard. Could you think of a better time of year?!? Apples still glistening on the branches, the sun reaching the dreamy point in the sky this time of year, and then partying at a renovated church turned event venue? *sigh* My fingers were crossed that I would be lucky enough to tell their story and was jumping for joy when they told me I was their pick.

Praise from Nicole & Derek

"I couldn't believe some of the shots she got. I'm not sure how she even moved around so fast yet I didn't even see her! She really gets in and focuses on her work. So happy! Thank you Suzanne!

Praise from Amber & Bryant

ReviewsSusie SimmonsSeptember 17, 2016Broadturn FarmBroadturn Farm, Scarborough MaineComment

Autumn & Zach's Rye Beach Estate Wedding

For some couples, wedding planning can be a lengthy process. For Autumn & Zach, that wasn't the case! When Autumn's dear mom called me a few months ago to excitedly share that Autumn & Zach were getting married. I first met Autumn and her family three years ago when her sister, Jacqueline, married Joshua. Even since then, I have been looking forward to the day that I would be able to work with all of them again. Needless to say, I just could not say no when I was asked to capture Autumn & Zach's wedding, too!

WeddingSusie SimmonsSeptember 12, 2016Rye Beach, New Hampshire, The Beach Club, BHLDN, Men's WearhouseComment

Angie & Jake's Rustic Maine Wedding at Coolidge Family Farm

Just over a year ago now, I sat down in a local hole in the wall donut shop with Angie as she and Jake were solidifying their wedding plans already a while in the making. Time flew by quickly and soon I was sitting in my car excitedly tapping on my steering wheel hoping that I would have the honor to capture their wedding day.

The year since then was gone in the blink of an eye and Alan and I soon arrived at the Coolidge Family Farm for their wedding day. With a bit of humidity lingering in the air, we were all happy that the heat of the summer seemingly had decided to tone it down for the day. As Angie & her ladies assembled the last of their details in the top floor of the main house, Jake and his guys arrived to finish their own preparations. The tears first started to flow as Angie had her first look with her Dad and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't misty eyed, too. This day had been coming for a long time and emotions were high.

Praise from Angie & Jake

"From capturing all of the little details of our day at Coolidge Family Farm, bustling my dress, their flexibility and helping capture every moment - PERFECTION!

Sarah & Sam's Summer Wedding at the Landing at Pine Point in Scarborough, Maine

Although my relationship with the lovely Sarah & Sam began in August of 2015, the small world type connections through Sarah's friendships actually connect them back to my very first couple back in 2008. To say it was kismet that Alan and I were there with them on their wedding day would be an understatement. After meeting them in a video chat, I was practically jumping up and down hoping they would select me (which they did obviously). Then came their engagement session at my beloved Two Lights State Park and I was making happy noises from just about the first shot.

Published! Erin's Lucerne Inn Bridal Portrait featured in Real Maine Weddings July 2016 Issue

My final featured wedding from the latest issue was the gorgeous shot of Erin looking down at the foliage and the Lucerne Inn during her wedding portraits last fall. Erin & Ben tied the knot at the gazebo at the Lucerne Inn before heading to Sunset Rock for some quite time together (with me along for the photographic evidence, of course). Erin's dress was even more incredible in person with immaculate beading and a gorgeous neckline. It is no surprise to me that she graces a full page opening the Bangor area destination section of the latest issue.

Featured WorkSusie SimmonsAugust 28, 2016The Lucerne InnLucerne Inn, Sunset Rock, Bridal portraits, Real Maine WeddingsComment

Published! Kristan & Greg's Wedding Cake featured in Real Maine Weddings July 2016 Issue

I am very thrilled to share that one of the cakes I photographed has yet again taken a full page in Real Maine Weddings just as Cairsten & Jimmy's did back in January. This time it was Kristan & Greg's adorable pink and white cake from Cakes by Debbie in Windham, Maine, that stole the show. Kristan & Greg were married on a snowy day back in January and celebrated their union at the always amazing Grace in Portland, Maine.

Featured WorkSusie SimmonsAugust 26, 2016GraceCakes by Debbie, Real Maine Weddings, Grace RestaurantComment

Rachel & David's Nautical Wedding on Peaks Island in Portland, Maine

Thinking back on Rachel & David's nautically inspired wedding just shy of three weeks ago, a smile instantly comes over my face. And how could it not with a wedding this awesome and a couple this cool. I knew that I wanted to be their photographer way back in September of 2015 when Rachel and I met for a cup of coffee and chatted about their day, how they met, and seemingly a wide range of topics beyond wedding preparations for well over an hour. Arriving for her bridal preparations on their wedding day was truly like meeting up with a long time friend. I love it when that happens!

Brittany & Dan's Old Port Maternity Session in Portland, Maine

Woah. That's about how I can sum this one up.

How has it already been five years since Brittany & Dan tied the knot? Or just about that long since their epic trash the dress session in Portsmouth, New Hampshire before the bridge was taken down?

Maternity, PortraitsSusie SimmonsAugust 12, 2016Old Port, Portland MaineComment

Katie & TJ's Ocean Gateway Wedding in Portland, Maine

This post has been waiting in the wings ever so patiently since Katie & TJ's perfect summer wedding last weekend. Truthfully, I have been looking forward to it for just about a year since I first met Katie & TJ over a brew at Some Brewing in York. A couple who travels to Maine on a week day to chat about their wedding over a beer... well, it's obvious why I've been so excited!

Ashley & Luke's Rainy Perkins Cove Engagement Portraits

Engagement, PortraitsSusie SimmonsJuly 29, 2016Ogunquit, Perkins Cove, rainy engagement, rainComment

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