maine wedding photography blog: Chebeague Island Inn wedding of Paige and Pat

• by whitney

I can't believe three years have passed. Paige was first a bridesmaid in Kelsey and Josh's wedding that I photographed at Kelsey's family home in Duxbury, MA. Now Kelsey was a bridesmaid (and almost mom to her and Josh's second!) at Paige and Patrick's wedding on Chebeague Island, Maine. In those three years, Paige moved to Portland while Pat finished up law school at USM. Funny thing, I used to live in the same apartment building they now live in. Pat is originally from Maine, and the two met in Boston. But it makes me happy to know that after being together for seven years, they love Maine enough to call it home, make a life here together, and have their wedding on a beautiful island in Casco Bay. It makes me extra happy that I was able to document it for them.

Rain fell hard (and even hail in my neighborhood!) for the three days leading up to their wedding. But their celebration gave way to beautiful September weather. Although I worked as a deckhand on the ferry boats for a number of years, this view of Casco Bay from the stone pier at the Chebeague Island Inn was a first for me. One of the many reasons why I love photographing weddings, they take me to beautiful new places in my own backyard. I feel lucky to go to the places I go and see the things I see.

Paige and Patrick spent the last year planning for their big day. Thoughtful touches, simple elegance, and an approachable warmth to Paige and Pat themselves shined through in the celebration. Shortly before getting in her dress, Paige was even down at the tent in her magenta robe with planner and friend Charli of Maine Seasons Events putting the finishing touches on decorations and set up.

Their ceremony was sweet, vows certain, a kiss seven years in the making and sealed with a heartfelt hug. To kick off the reception dancing, the couple even surprised Paige's grandparents with a little toast to their 60th wedding anniversary a couple days prior, playing a favorite old song of theirs and sharing a dance. Papa's wise words after 60 years of marriage: "Love is all that matters."

Paige and Pat got to sneak away alone to watch their first sunset together as newlyweds. They came back to tear up the dance floor, even tambourine playing and singing a few notes on stage with the band, The Marsels, who captivated the crowd and gave them their full attention the entire night. A couple guests rocked the mic, too, singing their hearts out to the Rolling Stones and Journey. A couple other guests shook it like Tina Turner. The dance floor was so packed, I found myself straddling the band's feedback speakers shooting with my wide angle lens much of the night in order to capture this rowdy crowd! So fun. I can only imagine what their chartered booze cruise on the Bay Mist ferry boat was like post-reception! I have no doubt it was filled with even more fun moments with friends and family.

Congratulations, Paige and Pat!!! I am so happy for you two and look forward to what the future holds for your marriage! Thanks again for have me be a part of your day. I hope to see you soon and catch up at an Old Port watering hole together!