Willard Beach and Old Port engagement session of Maggie and Brian

"Less good-byes makes it easier," is what Brian said about his merchant marine schedule of one month on and one month off at home, compared to two weeks on and two weeks off.  A valid point, spoken like a true romantic.  Brian met Maggie in college when both of these native Mainers attended Maine Maritime Academy in Castine.  Brian is currently working out of New Orleans, so their engagement session was scheduled during his break.  They were hopeful for a snowy shoot, but instead got some wintry wind with some beautiful sun.  We all agreed, this was still enjoyable despite the lack of snow.  The decorative lights around downtown Portland were on their list of places for us to hit during our shoot and provided plenty of holiday season charm.  These two are marrying next September in Brooklin, Maine, where Maggie's family has some cottages; their reception will be in nearby Blue Hill.  In anticipation of their big day, they added a lock with their wedding date to the Love Locks Fence on Commercial Street.  We even got to visit the little grassy knoll that overlooks Willard Beach for some photos, which is where Brian proposed to Maggie in October with a surprise picnic.  They bought their house near the beach this summer, so it was extra meaningful to photograph these two lovebirds in so many different places during our session that are so meaningful to them. 

Maggie and Brian, congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding!  Thanks for letting me spend some time with you -- I had a blast!

 

winter wedding at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Portland Club

Much of Lindsey and John's relationship has been made stronger by means of a bi-coastal engagement.  Lindsey is at University of Southern California obtaining her PhD and John works at Portside Real Estate Group whose office is in Falmouth.  The two owe their initial meeting thanks to Whole Foods Market in Portland, where they both worked at separate times.  When they actually crossed paths, Lindsey worked in the cafe and served John's coffee everyday for a month before he decided to ask her out on their first date.  Whole Foods is also a big part of her family, so naturally they wanted to make a stop after their ceremony for a couple portraits in the place where it all began.

Given Lindsey's school breaks and family being so important, a December wedding during the holiday season was exactly what Lindsey and John hoped for after almost a two-year engagement.  While John and his groomsmen prepped at the Marriott Residence Inn, Lindsey and her bridesmaids got ready at The Regency.  I was glad to see Father Ed again; he officiated their ceremony at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.  After an epic list of family portraits at the church (maybe my biggest, and day-of coordinator Mary-Theresa Tringale was a big help during this!), I headed to Whole Foods for a few sweet solo moments of Lindsey and John together at the cafe where they first met.  We continued to The Portland Club for the reception, which was decked out in holiday fashion by Judy of Flora Fauna.  Lindsey admits she loves sparkle, so the glittery gold table runners were no surprise and looked fabulously festive.  Shannon of the Portland Club and Black Tie Catering kept everyone nourished, and Bam Bam Bakery satisfied everyone's sweet tooth.  The night was filled with lots of love and laughter -- and surprises!  First, Lindsey and her dad Linc surprised guests with choreographed father-daughter dances to a medley of songs.  Lindsey's sister Ali surprised the newlyweds by singing an Adele song.  Then later, Linc joined the band, Wavelength, on guitar to rock out to Guns n' Roses' "Sweet Child of Mine."  What a show!  Denise and I had a blast documenting this fun wedding day.  I can now officially say, I finished up my 2014 wedding season with a bang!

Congratulations, Lindsey and John!  I love your love story -- so happy for you two.  Happy Holidays and enjoy your honeymoon at the Mount Washington Hotel!

 

photographers: Whitney and Denise, emilie inc. photography • ceremony: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland • reception: The Portland Club, Portland • caterer: Black Tie Company • flowers: Flora Fauna • band: Wavelength • videographer: McCormick Media • cake: Bam Bam Bakery • make-up: Michael Wormwood • hair: J Henry Salon • transportation: VIP Charters • invitations: Paperless Post • honeymoon: Mount Washington Hotel, Bretton Woods, NH