emilie inc. photography blog

WPPI and Pinhole Pro

2012-02-27T21:30:00.000-05:00

Say what?

I know, I know. Sometimes we go off on photo tangents that probably leave you wondering what on earth we're talking about. Truth is, many of our blog readers are professional photographers and other wedding vendors (holla!) so we find it helpful to toss in some of the industry things we are doing now and again into the blogging mix, too.

Last week we took a company field trip. Whitney, Denise, Megan, Steve and I (plus pro pal Audra) hit up WPPI, the "it" conference for wedding and portrait photographers at MGM's conference center in Las Vegas. Among 12,000 others, we took in the sights, the awesome opportunity to learn and share, time to connect with some of my most favorite friends and goodness, I ate well! I was only there for 48 hours, awake for 40 of them (thank you, Starbucks!), determined to make every minute count for my first time away sans bebe.

I have attended this conference 6 of the last 7 years and each time I go, I'm amazed at how quickly the industry is changing. With so many newcomers to the field and, sadly, a high turnover rate, some of the photographers I once admired have since gone on to other things and new trendsetters have stepped up in their place. It's always the pat-on-the-back/mid-winter boost of inspiration I need each year, and I loved having such an outstanding staff to roll with (as Steve likes to say).

We had a lot of fun with the crew at the Pinhole Pro booth, the professional photographer's portal of the Pinhole Press products you've spied in Martha Stewart and Real Simple lately. Even cooler, our images are featured on some of their handsome toothy paper goods! Photo notepads, journals, calendars, brag books, thank you notes and even magnets, Pinhole is the hot spot for photo gifts. There they also launched a new desktop design solution with many fantastic tools for customization. Sweet! (pros only. Sorry, mom). We're tickled to be associated with such a top quality company and loved seeing the buzz at their booth. Check 'em out!

The business of love

2012-02-14T12:15:00.002-05:00

We photograph weddings, yes. But man oh man, there is SO much more to this profession than white gowns and toasts and first dances. If that weren't the case, I definitely could not have sustained almost a decade photographing just lavish parties. The undercurrent- the rhythm that keeps us interested and always coming back wedding after wedding with a fresh perspective and curiosity- is love. Yours. For your partner, your family and friends, those little touches that you poured your heart into, the stories and gestures shared. The depth of weddings intrigue and astound us. We give up our weekends with our families to spend them with yours. We laugh with you, sometimes get emotional with you, and are so, so happy to celebrate you. We get it. We love it! We love love.

And along the way, a beautiful thing happens... a vendor to start, friends by the finish.

I met Sarah and Hawley in 2008 through another one of our couples, Kelsie and Reg. We all became fast friends and so when their wedding rolled around a year later, J and I couldn't wait for their wedding day. Not once did we feel like hired help, but rather friends with a very distinguished honor. Today our artwork adorns their walls and reminds us every time we visit how important wedding photography truly is in capturing family history.

I have a funny feeling some of those photographs will be swapped out soon, however, as Sarah and Hawley welcomed a very special little guy into their lives last week! How lucky we are to celebrate this new life, their love.

Happy Valentine's Day.

xo

published: Newagen Seaside Inn wedding in Seacoast Weddings magazine

2012-02-02T11:00:00.000-05:00

Rounding out our coverage in the latest local magazine scene is Carolena and Phillip's lovely seaside celebration at Newagen Inn in the newly renamed Seacoast Weddings (formerly Seacoast Bride) magazine. J and second photographer Denise thoughtfully captured this festive day and all of its lovely elements. I am sitting on the editorial advisory panel for the magazine this year and look forward to learning about their process, sharing my experience and collaborating on content with editor Mary Jo and the staff.

Want to see your wedding featured in a magazine? Editors typically approach us with weddings they have spotted on our blog that stand out to them, but we also invite them to view others they may have missed. Magazines mostly focus on the details of each wedding- the flowers, tables, food, fashion and location that make a wedding unique.

published: Maine Magazine lobster boat wedding

2012-02-01T12:20:00.000-05:00

This wedding was as darling as it sounds. Jamie and Scott, their two daughters, and five friends joined them on The Rugosa lobster boat for a sunset ceremony. Sweet and different, it was an experience that ranks among the most memorable weddings I have ever photographed and I'd love to do this again and again. I'm so happy Maine Magazine felt the same and included it in their new 2012 weddings issue. Be sure to revisit their original blog post to see more images here. Congrats again, Jamie and Scott. I know you guys were so excited about this feature, too!!

Published: Real Maine Weddings magazine and giveaway announcement

2012-01-31T13:42:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year when last year's wedding glossies are moved aside to make room for fresh inspiration and editors' hand-picked trend alerts that all newly engaged couples clamour for when starting their wedding planning (that was my first move when I got engaged. I'm not the only one who did that, right? The most important "wedding binder" was soon after!). We're pleased to be featured in the region's finest magazines and will be sharing those with you this week.

In addition to seeing Kate and Dave's Kennebunk River Club boat recessional, Erin and Peter's reception decor, Amanda and Dimitri's cake and Geri and Eric's birch tree cake in Real Maine Weddings magazine, there is also a call to action for a fantastic opportunity we're excited to share with you!!

We were delighted when RMW editor Melanie asked us to be the exclusive photography studio for their annual wedding giveaway, taking place in Portland on November 2, 2012! Yes, that's right, a f-r-e-e wedding for one lucky couple! To register, you just need to upload a 2 minute video to YouTube sharing why you wanted to be married in this city that we adore. Readers will help pick things like your invitations, flowers, rings and even your honeymoon over the upcoming months. We'll be there to photograph it all, including your rehearsal dinner at The Regency and your ceremony at Grace! Intrigued? Click here to learn more. The deadline for registering is coming up quickly: Friday, March 9th.

Winter engagement session at French's Point in Stockton Springs, Maine

2012-01-29T21:30:00.000-05:00

French's Point recently ran a Facebook sweepstakes offering four engaged couples the chance to win a weekend getaway at their cozy farm accommodations, cocktails on the patio (with heaters and blankets!), a lobster dinner, and the next day, an engagement session! Our whole team was supposed to go, but sidelined by a snowstorm decided it was best if just J made the trip. Each couple rotated through 30 minute time blocks and we love what he came up with. French's Point is offering the same contest again this weekend, so be sure to like their page on Facebook.

What J had to say:
Each of the ladies had a make-up session and then I started with each couple taking natural light portraits in front of the windows to get everyone a little used to being photographed. It was terrific light! Since it was 25 degrees and snowing outside, we went out couple by couple and posed under some covered overhangs for some cuddly, intimate images to start. What was great was that all four couples were very adventurous and not at all afraid of the cold, so we explored the property more than I would have thought given the weather! We used some of the signature French's Point landmarks including the gazebo, but because of the weather (a whiteout!) I searched for spots with more definition in the background as well. To engage the engagees, I offered some direction and silly prompts as needed early in each session. I find when I'm a little goofy couples tend to loosen up and relax with each other. It's not easy being photographed! When things are more light hearted, they tend to (almost) forget the camera is there. By starting with some close proximity poses and then moving further back, each of the couple's personalities really came out. Like most couples who may be hesitant to be photographed at first, everyone was a ham by the end! Congratulations, everyone!

Portland, Maine, winter engagement session

2012-01-26T19:22:00.001-05:00

We're working on a design update for this here 'lil blog. After 7 years, I think it's time. :) Once ready, it will feature the voices of all of our photographers who are excited to share their recent work, photography tips, and random little visual nuggets from their personal lives. For now, I'll be sure to alert you when it's someone other than me writing so as to not confuse you.

Image manager and second photographer for the last two years, Denise is now shooting as a principal photographer and has a very full calendar of weddings coming up. Below she recounts a recent engagement session. You can read more about the experience from the bride's perspective today on Love and Lobster here.

Take it away, Denise!

I had prodded this couple about doing an engagement shoot noless than four times when I finally nailed them down on a chilly Sundayafternoon earlier this month. It wasn’tthat they were against the idea. Theyjust had so many other things to do and there would always be time later,right? I even heard that thegroom-to-be, Nick, was hoping to get out of the shoot that day to have a videogame marathon with his friend!

How would I know this? Said friend happens to be my husband, Jon. And the bride-to-be is my twin sister,Jackie. I assured Jon that he needed tobe unavailable for the afternoon and finally got Nick and Jackie to get intheir most stylish cold weather clothing and head to the Old Port. At this point I felt a little like I was draggingthem there and was concerned that it would show in their images. But, as I looked for my framing and did sometest shots I noticed they were getting rather snuggly. Yes, I had asked them to sit together but Idon’t think I had said they needed to be THAT close.

As I guided them in their poses and moved them into prettydoorways along cobble stoned streets these two had no trouble looking adorablein front of my camera. They may havebeen joking about how their feet were freezing or how Jackie’s hair wouldn’tstay out of her face, but in the images I just saw so much love. At one point I told them I was going to scootacross the street and shoot them from farther away, and would they please dosome smooching for these ones? Well,when I turned around on the opposite sidewalk, they weren’t waiting for me tobe ready with my camera.

As the winter light was quickly fading we hurried over tothe Eastern Prom where these two had gotten engaged. I asked them to stand at the top of the hill,silhouetted against the last remaining light, as I ran to get in position for awider shot. Even though I felt like Iwas racing against time I had a feeling these images would be special. They turned out to be some of my favoritephotos of the day.

It may have taken some prodding to get them here, but I wasso glad I did. Their engagement sessiongave Nick and Jackie time to just enjoy being together and in love at such aspecial time in their lives. I feellucky to have been the one to capture it for them in images. As a photographer I ended the session feelingfulfilled, and as a sister I felt so utterly grateful that these two found eachother.

A little silly outside of where they ate the night of the proposal, Fore Street.

Little Will up on skis

2012-01-22T22:07:00.000-05:00

Have you met my husband J? If yes, this post won't surprise you. He can rattle off the number of days he's skied (I personally can't remember but it's definitely over a thousand- and on the west coast, he'll be sure to clarify), the details of the best runs like he's telling you what he just ate for breakfast, and one knee surgery to remind him of his passion for this fun winter sport. Me? I started skiing when I was five and much preferred to go straight down rather than waste my time with turns. But once I graduated from college and moved to DC, my skiing days dwindled. I'm sad to say I haven't been since becoming a business owner- something about getting older and adventure sports that seems too risky. Clearly that will be changing in the years ahead as our little guy took his first spin around the house on my family's well-worn children's skis this morning. He loved it! As did we. Skiing before walking? Now that's something to surely note in his baby book.

Sweet Caroline

2012-01-19T11:00:00.000-05:00

Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of.

2008 couple Joanna and Joel are parents to sweet Caroline, and are expecting a little sister to join the family in the spring. One morning while daddy was at work, mommy- the one often behind the camera- had me over to capture their little bond and Caroline's curiosity.

Brothers

2012-01-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

Sweet. Smart. Polite. Interesting. I'll be one lucky mama if my son grows up to be as lovely as these two boys. Kudos to you, dear Judy.

Imperfect perfect family portraits

2012-01-17T21:58:00.000-05:00

When I was little, we had a family portrait taken every year. I don't recall liking it until I was old enough to understand that outfit changes were actually fun, sometime by the tween years, I'm sure. Before that I had a scowl in every family portrait and it wasn't just from the super bowl cut I was sporting. I definitely didn't want to be told what to do, and honestly, is there any other time in a child's life when the pressure is on to be as adorable as possible on demand? Because in real life, wasn't I always?

Lifestyle portraits lend themselves to capturing real life, in all its unpredictable candid awesomeness. From the attempted formal poses that often illicit the most protest from even the cutest three year olds, to the more relaxed playful "playdate with a camera" posture, you never quite know how it's going to go. And for me, that's what keeps it interesting and always up for the challenge. Thanks Justin, Jess, Nate and John for the invitation. xo

When a formal pose turns into tickling baby brother's toes.And gathering the children together on the arm chair just isn't what one had in mind.Somehow the imperfect portraits always end up perfect anyway.

Little Will turns 1

2012-01-14T13:21:00.002-05:00

Something entirely crazy happened earlier this week. My itty bitty baby boy Will turned one. ONE!

"Long days, short months" someone once described a baby's first year and I completely agree. In so many ways I feel like we were literally just rushing to the hospital to meet our little luvbug and in others those painstakingly exhaustive nights seem all too clear (who am I kidding? Will still doesn't sleep!).

In 365 days our little bundle went from just a blob (new moms, have you read Jenny McCarthy's Baby Laughs? Entirely crass, but so much of it hysterically relatable) to a little nearly walking, babbling being who is wide-eyed and curious about his surroundings, delights in spending time with people, new noises, things that go on and off, his dog (especially when she licks his fingers), trying new foods, going for adventures, splashing in water, clapping those adorably chunky little hands and our favorite- snuggles! He's a total mush, and gosh, his kisses (which often result in knocking foreheads when he's extra eager) and the way he can curl his body into mine make all the hard stuff fade into the background. We are head over heels in love and so, so lucky to be blessed with such a special little guy.

When discussing the approaching big numero 1 milestone, there was no question there would be a little shindig. And yes, we know he won't remember his first birthday party. But first birthdays are as much for the parents to celebrate making it through the first year as it as about the child marking the official day, are they not? The night before, J and I shared a bottle of wine as we worked together to poof the tissue paper poms recounting our favorite stories from the pregnancy, the labor & delivery, and Will's first year. We're not entirely sure how we ever considered our life to be full before he was here, but there's no question he has made us both better people, a better couple and taught us more about love than we ever imagined.

Happy Birthday, little bean. We love you more than you know and can't wait to see what's in store for year #2 (perhaps a little more sleep, pretty please?!).

The party invitation by Dwell Studio for Tiny Prints.

Our little off-the-charts birthday king (felt crown by Lori Savage with ribbon back so that he can wear it year after year).Tissue paper pomsby Pom Decor.Paper hats from Pinwhirls. Mini pb&j's and other eats by Aurora Provisions.I think tulips might be my favorite flower. After hydrangeas. Or maybe tied. To me they symbolize happiness and fresh beginnings.Vintage paper striped straws from Polka Dot Market. Individual pints of milk (yes, that's blue milk- blueberry!) in glass bottles from Smiling Hill Farm.Growing up, we had a Mickey Mouse Happy Birthday banner we pulled out for every family member's birthday. I bought flag bunting (from Starlit Nest) to start our family's tradition and borrowed my sister's ritual of displaying greeting cards on the mantle, a happy focal point in our house.I hung a print from each month on the refrigerator (naturally where the most important artwork goes, right?). Will's music teacher Matt led Will's little guests in a singalong. Insanely adorable (ie: playlist).Then we went outside...... to the darling vintage Love Cupcakes trailer in our driveway to pick out a yummy sweet.Back inside Will was about to get a taste of sugar for the first time.Love his reaction!Happy Birthday, little Will!

Being a party guest

2012-01-11T23:47:00.003-05:00

With wedding-free weekends in the off-season, it's been fun to RSVP yes! to a few parties lately. I have yet to learn the fine line between attending and enjoying a non-work event vs. bringing along my usual +1 (not J, my camera. Er, maybe a different term would work better there!). I tried really hard and definitely took fewer images/resisted the urge to take more, but alas still struggle with leaving it behind at home. The blessing/curse of being a photographer!

My best friend is a new mommy to twins. She had a beautiful baby shower just days before at Upstairs On the Square in Cambridge's Harvard Square. A bright quirky sun porch was a perfect setting to brunch and marvel at those nearly-here little beings. These blooms from Lotus Designs were simply stunning.

Kara's hubby and brothers were invited to join the ladies. In doing so, daddy-to-be Scott agreed to wear an empathy belly from hostess and childbirth instructor friend Izzy. Get a load of Kara's perfectly taut tummy! You rocked that bump, girl!Glowing grandma-to-beNext was the birthday party for the son of wedding designer and florist Kate Parker, Zachary, who turned three. I really wish Kate had chosen a theme, don't you? :) Everything Kate does is executed with every detail in mind, including this delicious dessert table and cake from Wild Orchid Baking Company.Hostess with the mostest.Birthday boyTheir pooch, Lola, is a little fearful of people but was brave and cozy keeping watch (over the food) on the counter. Hilarious.Friend Ned's little fella Nate scoring some candy. Too cute.Then it was my turn to host a party! Bride-turned-friend Sarah is expecting her first at the end of the month and we had a simple gathering of her friends at our place last month. Her mom surprised her by flying in from Arizona! I love surprises! Food was from Aurora Provisions, flowers (and those awesome linens) from Judy at Flora Fauna.Favor cookies from Cookie Creatives. Sarah loves preppy whales.Daddy-to-be Hawley came by at the end to say hello and help load the car. :)Will is excited to meet his new skiing buddy!And finally, we wrapped up the holidays with a formal staff dinner for emilie inc. 14 of us squeezed around banquet tables in our dining room adorned with seasonal florals and glowy low lighting. I surprised everyone with a four course meal and wine pairings by local chef Jill Hannaford of Market Squares. It was a fun, beautiful evening with my second family and very little picture taking on purpose. The point was to relax, reflect and rejoice. We did plenty. Flowers again by the lovely Judy at Flora Fauna and linens are Dwell.

Fullbelly Baby

2012-01-11T12:31:00.000-05:00

Architect by day, Abigail is the busy crafty type I envy off hours. She spoiled little Will with darling stenciled onesies for each month of his first year and a snuggly blanket to keep him warm while being carried in a Baby Bjorn. Fast forward just a few months, and that blanket is flourishing into a successful little side business with her brother called Fullbelly Baby. We often refer to Will as our little sack of potatoes and with the ability to cinch this cover around him while we're on the move, he is! I recently met Abi with our friends Aleta and Will's playgroup pal Sebastian to photograph samples of this thoughtfully constructed baby carrier/stroller/car seat cover called the Wallaroo Bundle.

More New England fall family portraits

2012-01-10T12:19:00.000-05:00

More cuties to share with you from the fall! This pair of portrait sessions took place at Great Island Common in New Castle, New Hampshire, and a beautiful home in Falmouth, Maine. Adored the chance to catch up with both families who I have known for several years- a repeat portrait client and hometown friend who recently relocated to Maine. We had beautiful fall weather to be outside comfortably and without chilly pink noses.

New Hampshire fall farm portraits

2012-01-06T22:01:00.002-05:00

I always love an excuse to visit my hometown in New Hampshire, especially in the fall and especially at Brookdale Fruit Farm. Their candy apples have been a must-have every fall for as long as I can remember. I'm not alone. Tour buses visit here from all points to pick apples, take in a hayride with some apple cider or zig zag through their new corn maze! I was delighted to catch up with childhood friends there who have invited me to photograph their families for the last six years, as well as a session with a longtime family friend in nearby Groton, Massachusetts, who I've known since she was in grade school. Both had a perfect rustic farm backdrop and even cloud-covered sky. After a quick visit for hugs and a catchup with my grandparents, I drove back to Maine listening to my favorite middle school radio station until it was just static, nibbling away on my peanut and caramel covered apple on a stick. Fun day!

Portland, Maine, beach portraits for Pink Initiative

2012-01-04T22:26:00.000-05:00

A mini session is exactly what it sounds like- a short portrait session. In the fall, a day of mini sessions one after the other in the same location is the perfect opportunity for couples and families to take turns in front of the lens for what is on everyone's mind that time of year: pictures for holiday cards! 30 minutes each and a steep discount off the standard portrait rate, it was a busy hustle to watch the clock, click the shutter and navigate both the shifting weather and the many backdrop possibilities. I chose to dedicate my day of mini sessions to a cause near and dear to my heart, a fundraiser for Pink Initiative and breast cancer awareness. Every penny raised both in session fees and print sales was donated, totaling nearly $1000. Nice work, everyone, and thank you!

Fall family portrait with Anna Kuperberg

2012-01-03T23:35:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!! With the holidays- and everyone's holiday cards and gifts safely delivered- I can now start posting the portrait sessions I was busy with during the fall without the fear of ruining any surprises. First up, lucky you, you get to see my own little family!

Aside from a photo taken of us with Will at the hospital, we don't have any portraits of us together. Crazy, right? It's a bit like the cobbler's children with no shoes. With me or J always behind the camera, we each have nice images with our son individually, but never anything all together. Growing a bit too envious of my portrait clients, it was high time to be a little selfish and turn the camera around.

We asked Anna Kuperberg to do the honors. An insanely gifted photographer based in San Francisco who I first met when we both taught at the Foundation Workshop in Texas five years ago, Anna was in Maine to photograph a wedding and spent a morning with us. Like you, I fussed over what we should wear and was the house clean enough. And wouldn't you know, Will just wearing a onesie was the most perfect and it rained (!) making our usual sun-drenched abode dark and not as warm or inviting as usual, but just right in some strange way anyway. I appreciated Anna's positive attitude and creativity as she sought out interesting light and backgrounds. We even spent a bit of time outside in the woods behind our house dodging raindrops and sogginess underfoot.

What I learned is that the details, the logistics, really don't matter. We could have been anywhere and the portraits still successfully capture our love as a family unit, and the littleness of little Will. Anna gave us a gift we'll always treasure- the laughs and silly expressions we know and love about Will, a keepsake of our family from this moment in time for always. The image of Will's chunky legs, for instance, which have already started to thin as he grows taller and more active, is an instant family classic. Surely it will definitely reappear one day in his wedding slideshow, no? And for me, it was a welcome break to just be a mom and enjoy being together without the constant urge to have my camera on my shoulder.

Below are a few of our favorites. Be sure to check out Anna's blog post to see a few more, too (and bookmark her dog blog, Slobberspace, too, if you're in the mood for some four-legged adorableness). Hugs and thanks, Anna, for these beautiful images and for helping to set-free a little of my mommy photographer guilt.

Happy ho-ho-holidays!

2011-12-22T12:17:00.000-05:00

For the first time ever, we're powering down our computers and closing the office for the holidays. We'll close today at 3p and reopen on Tuesday, January 3rd. From all of us to all of you, we sincerely hope you enjoy this emotionally rich time of year and take the time to toast how sweet life is. When we return we'll be busy meeting with many of you who perhaps will say YES! to a certain question over the next few days and can't wait to hear all about it. Enjoy! xox

Photo booth prints as gifts

2011-12-10T23:14:00.001-05:00

Heading into my 9th (how on earth did that happen?!) year photographing weddings, I've seen a handful of wedding trends come and go. Photo booths are all the rage right now and we've had a blast with ours for the last few years. We prefer not to fill it with props or signs, but rather let the partygoers choose what suits them best to express the evening. The end result is a fun yet timeless portrait of an event. Last week we were invited to the Horny Toad activewear holiday company party in Freeport. Perfect portraits without much effort, right? Bonus: these print-ready black & white flattering beauties make easy gifts and long-lasting keepsakes.

State of Maine Wedding Industry Survey results

2011-12-02T11:22:00.001-05:00

In October we posted about how our own Love & Lobster teamed up with Real Maine Weddings, the Maine Wedding Association and Tide Creative to conduct the State of Maine Wedding Industry Survey. The results are inand show rapid growth in the popularity of Maine as a destination wedding market with much to celebrate about as we look toward 2012. Enjoy the darling infographic below created by our designer Alina and join the Maine Wedding Professionals group on LinkedIn to follow the progress as we continue our work with the state to help draw more attention to our industry.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T20:42:00.001-05:00

Planning, shopping, cooking, cleaning and decorating are the necessities for hosting a successful holiday dinner. Picture taking dropped off the priority list as it was replaced by baby tending this year, but we still managed to fire off a few frames. Our little sous chef loved the festivities and the company. From our home to yours, a warm Thanksgiving hug from little Will's first. Much to be grateful for. xo

Thanks for the pretty blooms, Judy!

The season's blessings

2011-11-21T20:12:00.001-05:00

I'll be the first to admit I turn into a downright sap this time of year. Something about shorter days, pulling on bulky sweaters, fireside chats and sipping hot tea gets me feeling nostalgic, nesty (is that even a word?) and simply fortunate all at once. Thanksgiving is perfectly timed for this ritual, and this year feels especially sweet.

Snuggling baby Will, I recall where I was at this time last year... literally a week away from closing on our new house (and hence a recent rush to finally purchase some art and get some photographs framed on our walls, for goodness sake!) while feeling as big as a house, but happy and healthy. This Thanksgiving we are hosting our family, something we had visualized when we first saw the house. Tho I'm mostly just craving pumpkin pie, J and I have planned a great feast and look forward to clinking glasses with our loved ones as we enjoy every morsel. We have much to be grateful for.

In addition to all that is obvious, I will be toasting to my Nana's health on Thursday. Last Thursday she had a lumpectomy and doctors are hopeful she may not need to undergo anything more demanding after being diagnosed with breast cancer last month. Breast cancer at 86? Where is that cure? As our friend Mike, husband to breast cancer survivor (and Pink Initiative board member Megan), said: "F-ing cancer! Leave grandmas alone!" I concur!!

Last Thursday also brought some more good news! My bestie Kara (we met on our very first day of college) birthed twins, Jackson (Jack) Louis and Campbell Emily (she clearly was on too much pain medication and misspelled Campbell's middle name. Ha!). Seven weeks early, these little peanuts combined weigh what Will did at birth. I've never met such tiny little people before, but had the chance for a quick visit in the NICU in Boston yesterday. Small in stature but, oh, so beautiful and absolutely perfect, I am am in awe of Kara and hubby's Scott's determination and strength. Congratulations, friends, and welcome J and C. We're all praying for your continued growth and a happy homecoming real soon.

Kara at her shower in Harvard Square two weeks ago.

And now, a mom!

Jackson's hand reaching up toward mom. Oh, melts me.

Can you believe the size of that pacifier compared to Campbell's little head?

Back in her room, Kara and hubby Scott.

2011 emilie ink holiday cards available

2011-11-21T19:57:00.001-05:00

In between plotting your Thanksgiving Day menu and where your relatives are going to sleep, don't forget to be thinking about ordering your holiday cards! Our designer Alina has crafted some fresh designs for this season, a few of which you can preview below. For our full selection of custom cards (more than 60 designs to choose from) and ordering instructions, please visit emilieink.com (yes, that's emilie inK, with a k). Deadline for ordering cards in December 10th.

Maine Women Wedding Photographers untraditional fall luncheon

2011-11-19T21:38:00.000-05:00

Let's be honest. Wedding season is insanely taxing on the body of a wedding photographer. I carry a camera on each shoulder, plus a camera bag with additional lenses, flashes, spare batteries (oh those Canon batteries are brutally heavy), typically totaling 35lbs+. For 8 hours straight? Oy. I enjoy the physicality of the profession even if it means working with a personal trainer (which I unfortunately was not able to keep up with this season for the first time in years. I felt it! My little 25 lb bruiser kept me training at home instead!) and keeping an osteopath in business.

The last of our women photographers' networking luncheons, we decided to ditch the lunch part, and bring in the big guns to reward our hard work. I Do Spas is a traveling in-home spa service!! Word on the wedding street is that these gals are fabulous for bridal parties, bachelorette parties and gatherings for no specific occasion, and we wanted to see for ourselves. To better refer our couples, of course.

Well! What a treat it was to watch my home be transformed into an aromatic zen zone. We supplied some delectable yummies (homemade Ghiradelli scones? Thank you, Megan!), mimosas and music (Pandora's Spa Suite Radio is fantastic, if you haven't already discovered it for your own bubble baths), and they brought everything else. Literally, right down to the fluffy pink slippers, pjs and robes! My bedrooms became massage rooms and my living room a nail salon, with two pedicure bowls bubbling and a manicure station. We each rotated through three 30-minute services, and had a hard time saying good-bye to Jody and her delightful staff when we reluctantly shifted back into weekday mode and resumed a normal, albeit very relaxed, work day.

Family getaway to Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

2011-11-12T22:12:00.001-05:00

Work hard, play harder used to be one of my favorite expressions. Lately, tho, it seems to be work hard, then work harder. Balancing the business and being a mom is more challenging than I ever could have imagined. When I'm not working, I'm watching Will so J can work. And when Will's asleep, it's right back to work, work, work. It's all clearly very fulfilling, and exhausting. J and I talked of taking some time away as a family once wedding season came to a close, and tho we considered venturing a long distance in a car to a cabin in the woods, we decided on a quick hop over to Cape Elizabeth to enjoy a place we love photographing weddings at but never get to experience as a guest. We live in Maine for a reason, after all, so why not embrace being a tourist in our own backyard, right? We finally did it, we loved it and we vowed to do it again and again.

The Inn by the Sea, if you are not familiar, is a beautiful classic shingled inn overlooking the water just outside Portland. Completely renovated just a few years ago, the rooms are all thoughtfully decorated and feature many earth-friendly touches such as little bags to take home your half-used soap (so smart). Cookies were delivered each night, as well as a handwritten note about the forecast and tides for the next day. We opted for a cottage with a kitchen so brought in some of our food, but enjoyed the yummy restaurant for a breakfast (eggs and homemade biscuits!) and multi-course dinner (pumpkin gnocchi!). It was Dakota's birthday while we were there, part of the reason we chose Inn by the Sea and their uber dog-friendly operation. She was treated to an LL Bean Dog bed, special food and water dishes, nightly turn down Maine-made cookies, and meat "roaf" for her birthday meal.

The weather was outstanding and tho we had to bundle up a little (note Will's "east coast" hat, as J likes to say), we took full advantage of Crescent Beach for daily morning and afternoon hikes, having a picnic on the rocks in the sunshine. Mama even scooted to their ah-mazing underground spa for a will-definitely-be-going-back custom massage. Lounging in a robe and slippers, I zoned out while sipping tea and snacking on almonds and apricots in the waiting room and in the steam shower after. It was a little bit of heaven, if I do say so myself, and reminded me a tad of my all-time favorite spa at Ceasars Palace in Vegas.

Just a few days away, we promised to disconnect (no phones! no iPads!) and we returned feeling fresh and reconnected. Bliss.

Roots Workshop 2012 registration now open

2011-11-10T22:03:00.001-05:00

I'm in a bit of disbelief to say that for our fifth year (where does the time go?!), we'll be hosting the Roots Workshop on Cape Cod again for a week in July.

Started as a simple idea to gather together a group of like-minded professional photographers passionate about the craft of photojournalism, the workshop has grown to embody an experience, a mid-season refresher and often a perspective shift, so desperately needed in our industry where we don't speak a lick about weddings or trends or business, but only about the core of who we are as visual artists striving to tell other people's stories through our images. It doesn't matter if you have the fanciest new camera on the market if you don't have the chops to back it up, folks. We all have room for improvement. Roots is a safe environment to do just that. And man, the growth that takes place is WOW inspiring and makes all the nutty logistics and legwork worth every ounce of effort.

I invite you to take a peek at a slideshow below put together by the brilliant Eric Laurits from this past July to give you a glimpse at a bit of what goes on. And then I urge you to run a quick report on Quickbooks to see where you spent your money last year. If you didn't spend at least one wedding's income on education, ask yourself why not. You and your clients deserve it. I challenge you to resolve to do so in 2012. We all guarantee it will forever change the way you think and see, see and think. Join us, won't you?

Registration is now open for the Roots Workshop 2012 class, July 22-26. Special guest speakers, a scholarship contest and a 5th anniversary assignments twist to be announced. I can't wait! Call or email us asap to reserve your seat!

Creative Ways to Say I Love You contest

2011-11-09T21:48:00.000-05:00

My earliest memory of entering a contest was in second grade, a homonym contest. You know, words that sound the same but are spelled differently and have different meanings, like write and right. I recall loving the challenge, researching (the old fashioned way, at an actual library, even thumbing through a dictionary) and amassing hundreds of words- a list so long I had to piece together sheets of notebook paper with tape and hang it from the ceiling. I don't remember what the actual prize was, but I do remember that top-of-the-world feeling of satisfaction when I learned I had won.
In that go get 'em spirit that contests often draw out of us, we're hosting a little one of our own and invite anyone to participate in the fun. And the prize? We promise you won't forget it.

Starting today through November 15th, we want you to show us a creative way to say I Love You. Be it a love letter to your spouse, a message scribbled on a steamy shower door, a note tucked into a lunch bag or something less literal- a home-cooked meal just because, a stroll at your favorite place, an object that carries a lot of meaning or just a story. Or maybe you like to go over the top and perform a song, a skit, organize a flash mob or propose to your girlfriend on camera at the beach. Whatever it is, we want to see it! Remember, creative is what we're after.

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HOW TO ENTER:

Part 1:
1. Create a video that is 40 seconds to 4 minutes in length that shares a creative way to say I Love You. Use any video camera available to you- there are no extra credit points for using the fanciest camera or having snazzy editing skills. Your phone camera is just fine.

2. Upload your video to YouTube and title it "Maine wedding photography: emilie inc: your names here"
ie: Maine wedding photography: emile inc: Hillary and Scott

3. Let us know you have entered by liking the emilie inc. Facebook page and linking to your video's url with this status message: Check out this creative way to say I Love You.
ie:Check out this creative way to say I Love you.www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6EaSNVE50Q

4. All submissions must be posted by 12 noon on Tuesday, November 15th. No exceptions.

Part 2:
On Wednesday, November 16th, await further instructions to be posted on our Facebook wall at 12 noon.

Part 3:
Following part 2, the winner will be announced!

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THE PRIZES!
Things we love for showing us your love:

First place: 16GB iPad2 (WiFi only) with handmade DODOcase

Runner up: Angela Adams pink Dotty mini rug

All participants: Just for entering, you are eligible to receive $250 off your custom album order (for past, current or contracted clients of emilie inc. only)

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THE FINE PRINT:

Contest is open to anyone and everyone and is not limited to emilie inc clients (emilie inc. staff, however, cannot enter. Sorry gang!). So go ahead and tell your mother, your best friend, your neighbor or your mailman. Everyone seems to have access to a video camera these days, so please go hog wild. We'd love to see a ridiculous number of entries! With so much negativity headlining the news, let this be a bright spot in your day and circle back to our Facebook page to see the most recent entries. We're hoping the videos of love will bring a smile to your face just as it does in our lives photographing weddings and itty bitty babies and families. There is no cash value for the prizes, tho you may transfer your prize to someone else if you are crazy enough to not want it for yourself.

study up on our new staff page

2011-11-09T21:46:00.001-05:00

Ahhhhh. Hear that? It's the exhale of the wedding off-season. I couldn't be more proud of my staff or more grateful for such warm, wonderful and fun clients. It was an amazing summer that went by in a flash! I still cannot believe the leaves have fallen and it's already snowed!

2012 is looking to be busier than ever, with more than half of our studio's weekends already booked. Between now and then I'll be keeping the blog active with our recent portrait sessions and studio news.

First up, a freshening of our staff page on the emilie inc. website. Readers previously delighted in the sweet little snippets of info we had listed (fun facts, we liked to call them) which we have replaced with more substantial biographies. We felt it more helpful for you to learn a bit more about us than those darling nuggets had room for. We welcome you to take a few minutes to scroll through and catch up on us as you'll notice there are a few new faces I'm so happy to have on our superstar team.

* Migis Lodge wedding of Erin and Pat in South Casco, Maine

2011-10-31T21:58:00.000-04:00

photographers: Whitney and Megan, emilie inc. photography
venue: Migis Lodge, South Casco, Maine
officiant: bride's family member
caterer: Migis Lodge
florist: Marcia Davis Flowers
ceremony musician: Kate Webber
dj: Greg Powers Entertainment
cake: Charity Catruch, Migis Lodge
hair/make-up: Salon at 616, Casco, Maine
gown: Priscilla of Boston
invitations: Becky Colley, Dana Herd Designs
honeymoon: Kauai

A few weeks ago I finished my last wedding of the season at Migis Lodge. Whitney and Megan finished their season there as well the weekend after. We all agree we could go back there again and again and again (like I did three weekends in a row last spring!) and never tire of this place, the perfect venue to round out an amazing season of celebrations.

Campy chic, Migis provides a spectacular backdrop, staff and food (best buffet ever, no?!) to spoil your guests with the most amazingly memorable, relaxed retreat setting. And just a quick jaunt from Portland, you can't beat the location. It's the sort of place we talk about vacationing as a family.

Erin and Pat's wedding featured all sorts of fun... pumpkins, boat ceremony entrance, belly laughs aplenty and might you recognize that funny groomsman? Yup, the one and only Bob Marley is a longtime friend of the groom and treated the guests to a hilarious after-party.

How they chose Migis:
Pat and I own a cabin (or as he calls it, a "camp"... he's the Mainer in the relationship!) in Denmark. We spend many weekends up there and have developed amazing memories in the lakes region of Maine. When we got engaged, we knew immediately that we wanted to share the experience with our friends and family. When we visited Migis, we fell in love with its beautiful setting and natural beauty. Fall is our favorite season, so we are really looking forward to an outdoor ceremony with a brilliant seasonal, lakeside backdrop.

Happy Halloween from our little piggy

2011-10-31T19:53:00.000-04:00

A pig was Will's favorite first stuffed animal so it seemed the likely choice when I showed him three costumes on Etsy and let him pick which one he wanted to be for his first Halloween. His face lit up when I showed him the piggy and so naturally, it's the one we went with. Pink is a power color on males, no? Our carved pumpkin this year was a depiction of Will... four teeth on top, three on the bottom. Lady Gaga and Angry Birds were the most popular costumes for 2011. What did you dress up as?

State of Maine Wedding Industry Survey

2011-10-28T23:20:00.002-04:00

We already know that Maine’s wedding vendors are a talented and professional bunch. But what we don’t know is how 2011 is shaping up for them and what they expect for their businesses next year.

That’s why our own Love & Lobster has teamed up with Real Maine Weddings, the Maine Wedding Association and Tide Creative, a Maine-based wedding marketing and consulting firm, to conduct the State of Maine Wedding Industry Survey.

The survey is open to any Maine business that works in the wedding industry, and we invite each and every one of you to participate. Spend about a minute answering 11 quick questions, and you’ll be among the first to learn the results by the end of November. The survey ends on November 4th.

Plus, we’re offering three prizes to help kick your booking season into high gear. We’ll draw winners at random for advertising spots on yours truly, Love & Lobster, as well as on the websites of Real Maine Weddings and the Maine Wedding Association.

We want to hear from you! Please, take a moment to tell us about your business at www.stateofmaineweddingindustrysurvey.com.

* Abenaqui Country Club wedding of Emily and Tyler in Rye Beach, New Hampshire

2011-10-22T22:26:00.001-04:00

photographer: Whitney, emilie inc. photography
coordinator and event designer: Amy Piper, Signature Events
ceremony: St. Andrew's By the Sea, Rye Beach, New Hampshire
officiant: David Tomkinson, Pathways to Personal Growth
bagpiper: Gordon Webster
reception: Abenaqui Country Club, Rye Beach, New Hampshire
florist: F as in Flowers, Exeter, New Hampshire
band: First Class Band
tent: Sperry Tents
lighting: Port Lighting Systems
cake: Ooo La La Creative Cakes
cupcakes: Party Favors, Brookline, MA
photo booth: Images Event Studios
hair: Patrick Shumay, The Atrium
gown: Sassi Holford at Gabriella New York Bridal Salon
transportation: Paul Connolly and Seacoast Trolley
invitations: Celeste Simpson, Impress Me Designs
honeymoon: Belize

Emily and Tyler live just outside New York City, but married in Emily's hometown, the sweet seaside town of Rye Beach, New Hampshire. We love their fall wedding and bold reception decor. Hats off to you both for your unique vision and thanks so much for having Whitney photograph your big day! Beautiful!

* Migis Lodge wedding of Emily and Matt on Sebago Lake in Maine

2011-10-21T22:55:00.000-04:00

photography: Emilie and Denise, emilie inc. photography

venue: Migis Lodge, South Casco, Maine

officiant: Deborah Tate Breault, Falmouth Congregational Church

caterer: Migis Lodge

florist: Marcia Davis Flowers

band: Bob Charest Band

cake: Migis Lodge

photo booth: Maine Snapshot Studio

hair: Knaughty, Portland

gown: Priscilla of Boston

paper: Papier Gourmet, Portland

honeymoon: St John, USVI

Ok, ok, so I went a little overboard on images for this blog post. My last wedding of the season, a great couple and a venue I adore? I couldn't help myself. Settle in!

Aside from having the same name, Emily and I hit it off when we first spoke on the phone last year to discuss her wedding plans. She grew up in the town I was getting ready to move to "for the schools," her father said, which is precisely the reason we moved there, too. Minor but an important detail, mind you, as I am drawn to people whose values are similar to my own and I liked Emily without her having to say anything else.

How they met, in Emily's words:

Matt and I met at a Fourth of July party (that he claims he threw with the express purpose of meeting me) in Portland, where we were both living and working after college. We went on our first date at one of our favorite restaurants in Portland, The Front Room, soon after and had a wonderful time. After two years of dating, Matt proposed in our apartment - he cooked a delicious dinner and brought home flowers. We were playing Scrabble when he popped the question and I, of course, said "YES!" We were both so excited and immediately called our friends and family with the news. It was surreal and wonderful.

A few months ago we had an amazingly good time at their engagement session in Portland before they moved from Maine to Boston so that Em could head back to school for her masters. I loved that these two would be the ones to wrap up my season and I adore them even more for honeymooning in the place where I tied the knot myself. I had the pleasure of photographing their lobster bake rehearsal dinner, too, but opted for a super-sized wedding day blog post. Enjoy!

Thoughts on October

2011-10-19T22:11:00.000-04:00

For the last 25 years, October has been known as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month; the pink ribbon has been the symbol of breast cancer for 20. Today that ribbon is everywhere, as is the color pink. On bags of potato chips and kitchen mixers, illuminating buildings and worn on football players, Think Pink is on everyone's minds. I have friends- survivors- who hate October. They despise the hype, the over-use of pink, and the bandwagon supporters who pop up during this month and don't reappear for another 11. I get that. But, as some like to say, awareness is awareness. At least people are talking about it.

Earlier this week, Giuliana Rancic, host at E! entertainment, revealed she has breast cancer. I'm not sure why, but I was pretty stunned and saddened to hear this news. At 36 years old, she was undergoing fertility treatments but was unsuccessful in getting pregnant. She attributes the precautionary mammogram her doctor made her have before trying another round as saving her life. A recognizable personality in the Hollywood circuit, Giuliana is in a unique position to influence countless young adults with this public health journey. I'm so grateful for her openness and wish her well in her fight. If you haven't seen her interview from the Today show, it's definitely worth taking a few minutes to view above.

This disease affects 1 in 8 women. Look around the room, that's pretty staggering odds. If you find yourself wanting to help, thank you. Be sure to read the fine print on whatever charity/ event/ product you choose to support. Ask where and how much of your money will go toward the cause.

This weekend, I'll be spending my Saturday photographing families, tots and pups to raise money for Pink Initiative. 100% of the profit from the sessions will be donated, including any additional print sales. I'm happy to give of my time and feel honored by those who are so generously sharing their money to document their loved ones. It's the least I can do. Hope to see you there.

xo

* Stage Neck Inn wedding of Meg and Chris in York, Maine

2011-10-17T21:34:00.000-04:00

photographer: Whitney, emilie inc. photography
venue: Stage Neck Inn, York, Maine
officiant: Maureen Quirk, Sea Coast Weddings
caterer: Stage Neck Inn
florist: Flowers by the Sea
dj: Fred Pappalardo
cake: Confection Art
gown: Victoria Sdoukos at Boutique Victoria
invitations: e-invite
honeymoon: St. Lucia

About 40 of Meg and Chris' friends and family all traveled to witness their wedding on Columbus Day weekend in York, Maine, for a true destination event. Living in Chicago, they settled on Maine as the spot after a quick planning trip last year during this weekend. Pops of pink and casual elegance were the theme for this laid-back sunset wedding.

Mini portrait sessions announced for breast cancer awareness month

2011-10-11T22:30:00.000-04:00

October is a transitional month. Our wedding season comes to a close, the leaves change and begin to fall, and the days get shorter and cooler. As we pull out our sweaters, we also are forced to take some time to reflect on the seasons that have passed as winter seems to be staring us in the face just around the bend. Instead of reclaiming Saturdays as our own, we shift to spending them with families, focused on capturing beautiful portraiture to adorn holiday cards and to showcase in frames and in books as gifts.

Two dates you should note are Saturday, October 22nd, where I'll be camped out at our favorite local portrait spot, East End Beach in Portland, photographing ten 30-minute sessions to raise money for the breast cancer non-profit I founded, Pink Initiative, and Sunday, October 30th, when the emilie inc. team will take to French's Point in Stockton Springs to photograph the winners of a current contest for four engaged couples to spend the weekend and receive a free engagement session on the property. Check out Facebook for details on that contest, and the poster below for our charity fundraiser. Contact our studio manager Megan with any questions and we hope to see you soon!

New Maine PUG leader announcement

2011-10-11T20:42:00.000-04:00

Photographers: Last month I wrapped up my last meeting as leader of the Maine PUG. The search for a replacement was underway and I'm happy to announce that York photographer Geneve Hoffman is happy to host! It's a perfect opportunity to blend our core southern Maine crew with the talent of New Hampshire's seacoast.

Plans are in the works for a meeting later this month, and likely the last Tuesday of every month moving forward, but you'll need to hop on over to the Maine PUG Facebook page each month for details or follow the group on Twitter here. Geneve won't be sending out a group email unless you've requested to be on her VIP list, so be sure to shoot her an email to let her know you want regular updates.

Thanks for the opportunity, everyone, and have a great time with the group, Geneve!

* Camp Hammond wedding of Hillary and Scott in Yarmouth, Maine

2011-10-10T15:30:00.000-04:00

photographers: J and Denise, emilie inc. photography
venue: Camp Hammond, Yarmouth, Maine
caterer: Black Tie Co., Portland
florist: Stem Design (Hillary's business)
dj: M&M Entertainment
cake: Black Tie Co.
invitations: Jessica Watkins and Hillary
honeymoon: Cabo San Lucas

Scott was the tallest person I knew in high school. The student council president and stellar athlete, Scott had a knack for being successful at anything he tried and to boot, is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. When I moved to Portland seven (gulp) years ago, he was literally one of two friends I knew in town. He took me under his wing and made me feel right at home, helping me find a place to live and keeping my social calendar busy checking out the local eateries and happy hours. An architect and realtor, I later bought my first home with his guidance. We still remark how surreal it was to be sitting at such a formal financial transaction with someone I knew from when school pep rally preparations used to be the most pressing business at hand.

To my disappointment, Scott took a job in Boston a few years ago. Boo for me, but hooray for the opportunity to meet Hillary!! It makes my heart so happy to know he's with someone who adores him every day. J and Denise were designated to do the wedding day honors and I loved seeing it all unfold as I edited with a huge grin across my face. The cheery color palette, the clever favor mercantile, and hello, the high kicks! Congrats, friend. xo

How they met, in their own words:
Hillary and Scott met while working on a hotel project on Nantucket in 2007. It was intrigue at first sight when their eyes met in conference room 4E. Hillary was the strong woman in charge of wrangling floor plans and timelines. Scott was the tall dark and handsome new recruit at New England Development ready to unravel a project all ready deep in the weeds. Several years of friendship followed as well as an economic meltdown that allowed Hillary to travel away from Boston and visit friends in Europe and her sister and brother-in-law who live part of the year in Panama. Scott kept tabs on Hillary's adventure through her blog, to which she is convinced he was the only reader.

Scott, meanwhile, was starting to wake up to the fact that any strong independent woman capable of surviving a winter visit to Rangeley, Maine, involving 3 guys and an outhouse as well as standing up for herself and happy to unwind the day with a glass of whiskey was someone he thought he should get to know a bit better.

A January 2010 visit by Hillary back to Boston provided the opportunity to test navigating the complicated path between friends and partners. Both were relieved at the ease with which this transition took place. We haven't looked back since--it has been forward, forward, forward. Together.

Why Maine?
Neither of us are originally from Maine, but we both love it there. Scott lived in Portland for almost 10 years and remains homesick for its laid back casual elegance. Camp Hammond seemed like a nice place to have a casual wedding that offered an the outdoor atmosphere while also having a building to run into in bad weather or for the groom's father to escape the loud music kids listen to these days. Our ceremony will be unique in that all of our siblings are participating: Hillary's sister Heather is the MoH and Hillary's brother Ethan and Scott's sister Heather will be leading the actual ceremony.

* Swallow Boathouse wedding ceremony of Liz and Nicolai in Moultonborough, New Hampshire

2011-10-10T11:00:00.000-04:00

photographer: Whitney, emilie inc. photography
coordinator: Andrea Ryan, AER Wedding Services
ceremony: Windward Harbor boathouse, Moultonborough, New Hampshire
officiant: Andrea Ryan
reception: Bald Peak Colony Club, Melvin Village, New Hampshire
caterer: Bald Peak Colony Club
florist: Linda Pare, Mountain Laurel, Ashland
band: Tony Boffa Band
cake: Bald Peak Colony Club
photo booth: Maine Snapshot Studio
hair/make-up: Erika Cormier, Picture Perfect Makeup Services
transportation: First Student Bus Service
gown: Selia Yang
invitation: Rifle Paper Company

Liz and Nicolai are MBA candidates and were planning their wedding while studying in Spain! Balancing class schedules, time zones, traveling and a fierce game of phone tag, we were happy to pair Whitney with Liz and Nico for their Lake Winniepsaukee nuptials. A place Liz has gone every summer with her family, they tied the knot in the boathouse in their lake community. Amazing, isn't it?

How they met, in Liz' words:
Nicolai and I first met in October of 2005. It was a few days before Halloween (I remember because Nicolai was on the hunt for a monocle to complete his Monopoly Man costume- still one of the best!). My coworker was a good friend of Nicolai's from college and invited Nicolai to join our office colleagues for cocktails after work one evening. We ended up walking to the same subway stop on the other side of the city that night and talked the entire way. I'll never forget that that was the night that New York City oddly smelled of maple syrup (later to be attributed to a factory in New Jersey). I saw Nicolai a few times socially over the next several months, but it was not until January of 2006 that our mutual friend officially set us up on a date. By April 2006, we were pretty inseparable and as they say, "the rest is history."

Somehow, Spain has played a significant part in our story. Our first date in January 2006 was at a Spanish tapas restaurant. On our second date, Nicolai took me to the Met to see an exhibit about the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. In May of 2006, we took our first ever vacation together to Spain. Last year we had the opportunity to embark on the journey of studying and living abroad in Spain, which was an amazing experience and a dream fulfilled for both of us. For the first time during our relationship, we were living in a new and foreign city, learning a language neither of us had studied before and meeting many new people from all over the world. I think the challenges and rewards of navigating that experience brought us even closer, strengthened our relationship and helped to define what we want our future together to look like.

About the boathouse:
The structure was built in the grand era between 1908 and 1910 to house the steam-powered yacht, the Swallow. This vessel was purchased by Herbert Dumaresq, who developed Kona Estate, which encompassed two hundred acres and five islands here on Lake Winnipesaukee. The Swallow was a present to his bride, and this boathouse is now the best-preserved structure from this former estate.
The enclosed area above the entrance was the captain’s quarters and the projection on the marina side served as the coal loading dock. Most of the windows are original, and are constructed with poured glass, which when looked through offer an antiqued view of the surroundings. The tall windows overlooking the lake allowed the Swallow to dock without removing the masts.
After the Hare family purchased the boathouse in 1942 the house was floored and used as a camp basketball court and a diving board was attached to the end. Today, Windward Harbor residents use the Swallow Boathouse as a quiet retreat to enjoy morning coffee or an evening cocktail, as well as for canoe storage in the winter.

* Bear Mountain Inn wedding of Kersten and Chuck in South Waterford, Maine

2011-10-09T22:00:00.000-04:00

photographers: Emilie and Steve, emilie inc. photography
venue: Bear Mountain Inn, South Waterford, Maine
florist: Judy Bourgeois, Flora Fauna
whoopie pies: Two Fat Cats, Portland
dj: Robert Guay, friend of the couple
hair: Running with Scissors, Brighton, Maine
tent: One Stop Party Shoppe, South Portland
gown: Marisa
invitations: Checkerboard at The Paper Store
honeymoon: Hawaii

Kersten and Chuck are the sort of couple that make you feel happy just being around them. They're real, down-to-earth kind and ridiculously talented folk. Tho they found me online, we realized I had photographed Kersten's cousin's wedding a few years ago (so good to see you, Jess and Dave! Congrats on the bun in the oven!!). We initially spoke on the phone last January, a phone call I don't think I'll ever forget... it was just days after Will was born and I'm not sure I made one coherent sentence during our speakerphone chat, propped up in bed jotting notes on the back of a nursing how-to handout (tmi? ha!). A few months later, they visited the studio and I learned Kersten and I are both members of the two-wedding dress club.

They live in Boston, but Kersten is from Maine and they wanted a barn wedding not too far for guests to travel to. They stumbled upon the Bear Mountain Inn, a renovated barn and a quick jaunt from Portland, that suited their needs for a single location soiree. Perfect! Everyone was disappointed, of course, when rains caused their outside ceremony to be moved under their tent, but goodness, the spirit of the day was certainly not dampened. The highlight was their performance of Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros "Home" (with the bridal party whistling) and the near-deafening dance party their friend Robert treated us to (his old school fog machine was even cool).

How they met, in their own words:
It was a chilly night in September of 2002. We were at a classy upscale bar downtown - I believe it's known as the "Cask and Flagon." The night was coming to a close and the dance floor was calling. In between twirls Kersten noticed a man - the first man to come into view, really - and knew that he must be hers. It was, after all, her birthday. The rest is, as we say, history.

* Portland, Maine, wedding of Trisha and Steve

2011-10-08T22:30:00.000-04:00

photographers: Whitney and Megan, emilie inc. photography
ceremony: St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Portland, Maine
officiant: Father Mike Seavey
reception: Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks, South Portland, Maine
florist: Judy Bourgeois, Flora Fauna
cocktail musician: Adam Waxman
band: Tony Boffa Band
cake: Jessica Parrott, Nothing Bakes Like a Parrott
hair/make-up: Head Games Salon, Portland
transportation: Maine Limousine Service
gown: Pronovias at L'elite, Boston
invitations: Sarah Parrot, Parrot Design Studio
honeymoon: surprise trip to Italy

Trisha and Steve live in Boston, but grew up in Portland and have known each other since high school (they met at Ben & Jerry's where Steve spotted Trisha when she went in for an application and said, "I'm going to marry this girl."). We've had so many couples this season who met when they were young, a sweet throwback trend to the days of our parents' generation when marrying your high school sweetheart was the norm.

They chose to have a Friday evening wedding at a church with great meaning- Trisha's parents and several other family members have said their I Do's there, too. After an evening portrait session around town, 250 guests (!) filled the dance floor at Sable Oaks under cool pink lights. Get a hold of that delish dessert bar!!

* Tented wedding of Catesby and Mathieu at a private home on Parsons Beach in Kennebunk, Maine

2011-10-07T23:53:00.001-04:00

photographers: J and Steve, emilie inc. photography
coordinator: Audrey Zahares, Azalea Events
ceremony: Village Baptist Church, Kennebunkport, Maine
reception: private residence, Parsons Beach, Kennebunk
caterer: Kelly Gendron, Kitchen Chicks Catering
florist: Blooms at Pineland Farm
band: Splash, Wilson Stevens
hair: Spa at River's Edge
tent: Sperry Tents
trolley: InTown Trolley
gown: Jenny Yoo at Priscilla of Boston
honeymoon: Los Roques, Venezuela

Catesby and Mathieu (love their names!) live in New York but married in Maine near her father's home in Kennebunk. She works at Glamour, he does computer programming and their worlds intersected one night at a French restaurant in the city. 75 of their closest family and friends gathered in a quaint New England church and marveled at the expansive view at a private home overlooking Parsons Beach under a sailcloth tent. Such a perfect Maine wedding!

* Lake Winnipesaukee wedding of Amanda and John at the Bald Peak Colony Club

2011-10-07T21:01:00.000-04:00

photographers: Emilie and Denise, emilie inc. photography
day-of coordinator and design: Kate Parker Weddings
ceremony: Melvin Village Community Church, Melvin Village, NH
officiant: Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, Armenian Church of the Holy Translators, Framingham, MA
reception: Bald Peak Colony Club, Melvin Village, NH
florist: Kate Parker Flowers
band: Kahootz
hair: Invidia Salon and Spa
transportation: Wolfeboro Trolley Company
gown: Pronovias at L'elite, Boston
paper: Jen Pepper, emilie ink
photo booth: Maine Snapshot Studio
honeymoon: Italy

Amanda wrote me TWO YEARS before she was engaged asking about wedding photography.

Alas, the proposal finally came and after another year of planning, it was time to finally capture Amanda and sweetie John as they were officially hitched! Throughout those many calendar flips leading up to the big day, there were countless emails exchanged about how plans were coming together (with lots of excited !!!!), text messages, a sweet engagement session, some baby snuggles with little Will and an official meeting of her family. By the time the wedding day arrived, it felt like I was looking at a dear friend through the lens of my camera. Love that.

After they saw their wedding images, John turned to Amanda and said, "Thank you for finding Emilie." I concur. Thank you so much for finding me, Amanda!!

How they met, in Amanda's words:
John and I have spent just about every summer of our lives on Lake Winnipesaukee. I spent my time at my family’s house swimming, boating and water skiing; while John spent his time hiking up, over and around New England’s peaks with the trip crew at Camp Tecumseh. Camp Tecumseh was conveniently located across the street from JoJo’s Country Store where I worked as a cashier. Nearly every summer we were less than 5 miles apart, but never crossed paths. That all changed the summer of 2007. I had just graduated from Bentley and took the summer off to relax at the lake before starting work. John had been away from the lake for 5 years but had returned to spend the summer working at camp. We finally met on the evening of July 16th at the locally famous Bad Moose Cafe. John was there with some friends working on their beer cards, and I went with a girlfriend who was interested in one of John’s friends. We hit it off instantly and were inseparable for the rest of the summer. Last July we celebrated our three year anniversary and spent the weekend in Portsmouth NH, where we had taken a day trip our first summer dating. John scheduled a private tour of the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, John proposed once we got to the top, and I said yes!

The family's darling pooch Roxy.Everyone's eyes were on the weather... rainy to start the day, but it finally cleared up!The beautiful surprise gift from John.John immediately put his gift from Amanda to use!Amanda worked with our designer to create her wedding invitation suite including programs and menus.This moment gives me chills. A spontaneous gesture in the church basement before walking down the aisle. Dad Ed is such a love.Making their way up the old, narrow aisle.Wedding party cocktails scattered about behind me while formal picture taking was going on.A clear view of the lake from the country club. Hooray!Creative place cards... post cards with each guest's name, table and entree selection on the back.Blues and greens really popped against the landscape.A new place setting favorite: green goblets!The mountain and lake themed wedding invitation by us, which you've spotted as table cards, too.Their beautiful rings on their custom birch tree envelope liner. Love when friends take the microphone.Darling s'mores favors.Grandpa sitting at the dance floor's edge, singing Bon Jovi. Anything better? I shed a little tear.Cookies and milk were served late night. Fun to see a glass milk bottle among the empty glasses as the night winds down.While photographing Amanda and John during their last song on the packed dance floor, I panned to my right and spotted this proud glance from dad. I melted. Something I have a good long while until I experience myself, but, wow, did I feel the emotion of the thoughts that must have been racing through his mind at that moment as a parent.

* Family portrait at Great Island Common in New Castle, New Hampshire

2011-10-04T21:45:00.000-04:00

Being a new mom (Will is already 9 months this week!) hasn't changed how I approach portrait sessions, but it has made the experience of documenting other people's little families all the more sweet. Wearing your favorite dress (even if it doesn't match the rest of the family) and keeping those band-aids on from your doctor's appointment earlier (badges of honor, of course) are minor but important memories of this moment in time in Alice and Val's daughters' lives. And the promise of time on the playground and your favorite green flip flops when it's all over? Even better! I fell in love with this family and our session at New Castle's Great Island Common, a perfect place for portraits with delicious light, expansive views, sand, rocks, grass and last but not least, swings! Enjoy their slice of life.

* First wedding anniversary portrait in Cape Elizabeth, Maine of Jamie and Leete

2011-10-04T19:59:00.000-04:00

Jamie and Leete (don't you just love that name?) live in Baltimore, but were recently in Maine to attend a wedding. Having just celebrated their own first anniversary, we marked the occasion with a portrait session at the place where these two tied the knot on Jamie's family's property in Cape Elizabeth. Gorgeous. The location and the couple. Their objective? Casual portraits that included the ocean, the field, three outfit changes, sunglasses and champagne. Happy one year, you two.

* Kennebunk beach family portrait of Kelly, Wyatt and Cameron

2011-10-04T18:47:00.000-04:00

Photographing Kelly and Wyatt's wedding two years ago, it was easy to see what a perfect pair they are (you might recall they are the cover couple for the 2011 Real Maine Weddings magazine)! And now, baby makes three!! Cameron was born not long after Will, and like all new mothers who are up nursing throughout the night, Kelly and I (and their families!) have had fun watching one another's babes' growth via Facebook.

Juggling work schedules and the weather, it turned out that I was not able to photograph their Kennebunk beach portrait due to a last minute change in their availability, but J was happy to meet up with them for a perfect sunset session. Beautiful images, J, and happy congratulations, Kelly and Wyatt! I can't wait to give Cam a squeeze sometime myself!

* Amanda and Dimitri celebrate their marriage on the Isle of Springs, Maine

2011-10-03T23:16:00.001-04:00

photographer: Denise, emilie inc. photography
venue: Community Hall; Isle of Springs, Maine
caterer: Belle Fete Catering, Brunswick, Maine
cake: The Cake Lady, Boston
tent: New England Tent & Awning Co., Brunswick

Denise has been photographing weddings with emilie inc. as a second photographer for the past two seasons on the weekends. She is also the one who so carefully color-corrects every image from each wedding our studio photographs during the week! So lucky for us, that means we get to see a lot of her! She's like part of the family and we're truly honored to have her on our team. Starting next summer Denise will be photographing weddings on her own! She's climbed the ranks and is ready to take the lead. I couldn't be more proud of how much she's grown since we first met!

The opportunity to photograph our newest photographer's (Steve) sister's wedding recently came along and it was a wonderful experience for Denise to slide into a principal photographer role. She soared! The setting could not have been more ideal... a sweet summer island community near Boothbay where guests ferried over to celebrate Amanda and Dimitri in a field by the water's edge for cocktails and then later in the most darling community hall. Married at city hall earlier in the week, this was simply a night to toast and honor the newlyweds.

How they met, in their own words:
Dimitri and Amanda met at the University of Chicago many many years ago--they both went to Paris for their junior years. They remained friends for some years, but fell out of touch after Amanda moved to the UK. They ran into each other about three years ago in Turkey and have been together since. They have commuted between Oxford, Berlin and Scotland, as well as between the Asian and European sides of Istanbul. They will finally settle in Edinburgh in spring 2012.

the post that took a year to write

2011-09-22T23:48:00.001-04:00

Even if you only know a little about me, you probably should know how much I love dogs. I've had labs in my life all my life, and they've always been considered a family member in my home. Dakota, our white lab mix rescue, currently holds the honor. At just about 8 years young, she is treated to home-cooked meals of fish and sweet potato both to keep her trim and for her sensitive tummy, she has no less than four plush dog beds scattered about the house- round, platform, donut and a burrowing-style (for when the Maine winter blows in, and when she's not under the covers with us). She has a collar for every season, her own designated seat in the car and pouts when she doesn't get to visit the park or beach or go for a walk every day. If you've come to our office Dakota has likely greeted you, and if you like her, we like you. For a long while I was actually concerned that I had no business being a mother to a baby because I was so taken by four-legged ones.

Rewind to a few years back when J moved from California to Maine, and along with him came Destin, his shepherd/lab mix. Aging and in poor health, we were both surprised to see him thrive in the Maine air and gain not only a spring in his step but extra years on his life. One would imagine, given my all-encompassing love of pups (have I shared that I had a peanut butter cake overnighted from a favorite dog bakery in Washington, DC, for Dakota's second birthday party?) that I would have been thrilled with my new canine roommate.

Truth be told, it was a big adjustment. Both for the cramping of space in my already-small house at the time but also because Destin was, how do you say, a dog's dog (ie: how you might describe a guy's guy). I had never had a male dog before and was in for quite the surprise. He was, for instance, happy to relieve himself on my shrubs- and anything else- whenever he wanted, hump every dog he met at the park, and, hello! Can you say flatulence? Big change from my dainty Dakota. For four years that lovable stout lab drove me bonkers- throwing up on new carpets, tearing apart autographed and sentimental periodicals, and following that nose for food no matter if it meant destroying bedding or luggage to find it. He was s-t-u-b-b-o-r-n and frankly quite smelly.

He passed away a year ago today.

And you know what happened? I've been mourning him ever since. I didn't tell you about his passing last year because I was an honest to goodness mess. I still am, as I type this 12 months later. I miss that dog like crazy. Crazy, I tell you. There isn't a day that passes that I don't wish I had another with him, to grab that face and look deep into those eyes and tell him over and over how much I love him. Don't get me wrong, I did love him when he was alive and he knew that, but I have a hard time- in human terms- separating the love from the guilt over how much he pushed my buttons.

This first anniversary nearly passed me by, tho the chill in the afternoon air has reminded me of the nights last year about this time so I knew it was soon. A neighbor stopped me on the road yesterday as I walked with Will and Dakota and shared that her aging lab is ill and she is absolutely dreading what happens from here. I expressed my "I've been there" sympathies as I am not convinced there is much else that's worse than pet death, and stopped in my tracks when I recalled the autumn equinox was the last day of Destin's life. The last day of summer, so as to not dampen the start of fall, we decided when we asked the vet to come to our house last year- a glorious Indian summer day in the 80s- as the fall already boasts a hint of sadness and longingness as it is.

Huddled around him on our living room floor, and with Dakota just in the next room, our tears fell on him as our hands felt his last breath and the peace of no more pain washed over his 15 year old bones. Dakota bowed her head as she watched us carry him out and place him in the vet's car, lowering a blanket over his face.

The sadness of that moment stays with me still and has not softened with time. J lost his best friend that day. The bully who growled at little kids and- tho J may deny it- used my friend's guinea pig as a squeaky toy, was gone. There was an instant void made worse by the hormones of pregnancy. He would never meet our son. He wouldn't know our new house, as we had prior plans to put our old one on the market the very day after his passing. I'm not necessarily very religious, but I do believe there's a host of family, friends and pets who have gone before all gallivanting up above together, watching over us. Would Destin know to find us in our new house? What about the memories we shared at the old house, was it right to move away? My heart aches that he didn't live in our new house. He would have loved this property set among the trees with so many scents and spaces to curl up for a nap in the sun. But we knew that the stress of the move would have been too much. He was so sick, having to be carried outside to go to the bathroom and hardly eating (except for the shrimp he devoured as his last meal). He wouldn't have been able to navigate the wood stairs at our new place, as J had been sleeping on the couch next to him in the living room during those final few months when he couldn't make it up the stairs at our old house anyway. Sometimes I catch myself thinking I hear that familiar limp or wish that I would turn a corner and he'd be there, smiling that strangely awesome human teethy grin he used to show- and fortunately taught to Dakota- when we would come home. I so wish.

But all we have is memories now, photos and his ashes. And the reminder that life is fleeting.

This was one of the last happy (iPhone) pictures we have of Destin on a beautiful night at Ferry Beach in Scarborough, a place he loved and where he always lagged behind to see just how much seaweed he could snack on before we whistled for him to come.

I love you, Destin. RIP, good boy.

* The Inn at Ocean's Edge wedding of Kira and Patrick in Lincolnville, Maine

2011-09-22T21:14:00.001-04:00

photographers: J and Denise, emilie inc. photography

venue: The Inn at Ocean's Edge, Lincolnville, Maine

officiant: family friend

caterer: The Inn at Ocean's Edge

florist: Compositions

band: Brandy, Entertainment Specialists

cake: Nothing Bakes Like a Parrott

hair: Just Friends, Rockland

tent: Marshall Tent and Event Rental

transportation: Northeast Charter and Tour Co.

gown: Lea Ann Belter, Exquisite Bride, Princeton, NJ

invitations: DIY and Lee's Art Shop, NYC; printed by Designers Fine Press

We have been itching to photograph at the Inn at Ocean's Edge, the third in a trio of great Maine venues by the same owner (Black Point Inn in Scarborough and Migis Lodge in South Casco are the others). J and Denise had the lucky fortune of photographing here, situated just outside Camden in Lincolnville on the water, which boasts various lodging options (inn and private cottages), a modern restaurant and beautiful grounds. Channeling a sophistication of a time gone by mixed with the coastal charm of all who marry in Maine are attracted to, their lawn ceremony and tented reception was a sweet, spirited celebration.

How they met, in their own words:

Kira and Patrick moved to New York City within a month of each other in the blistering summer of 2005. They worked across the street from each other in Rockefeller Center, getting mocha lattes everyday at the same Pret a Manger, but never met. (Patrick worked in finance so his hours were earlier than Kira’s in the art world.) When leaving the City for business school in Boston four years later, neither expected the first day of orientation to be anything more than class schedules and campus tours. Needless to say, they were surprised. Upon walking into the room, she was drawn to the way he “held court” in a crowd of people. As a lifelong New York Yankees fan he was attracted to her white pinstripe pants. Their first date was a run between class and an accounting review session several days later.

Seventeen months after meeting, Patrick proposed on the ski slopes in Maine. Now they're graduating, planning a wedding and moving back to NYC, together (with bigger brains and lots of gear).

And the story of our proposal...
Patrick skied terribly the day he proposed to Kira on the slopes of 3D at Sunday River. He was terrified that the diamond might pop out of his Patagonia jacket and disappear down the mountain. Kira thought he was acting strange and skiing a lot slower than normal, but had no idea that THIS was the day. The right moment didn't come until the last run of the afternoon and Patrick's excuse for stopping mid-trail was there was something REALLY wrong with his binding. When Kira hockey-stopped next to him to check it out, he clipped out of his bindings and pulled the ring out of his pocket. "You'll have to forgive me for lying to you the other day when I said that that package was papers from work. It wasn't. It was actually this. I know I've told you this before, but I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?" Kira, beaming, said YES, ABSOLUTELY!!! Patrick didn't get down on one knee and Kira didn't cry. But it was perfect. They stood there for a while, a little stunned and very happy, staring at the double banded diamond until Kira's hand went numb and had to be pulled back into her mitten. Then they skied down, called their parents, and drove back to the lake to celebrate with friends, who, thanks to Patrick's clever planning, were arriving just in time.

Adorable.

published: Pink Initiative in Freelance Switch

2011-09-21T22:21:00.000-04:00

I was enormously flattered when I was recently approached by magazine editor Melanie Brooks for an article on Freelance Switch about Pink Initiative, the non-profit I started in 2008. The piece ran online today and I am republishing here for you to learn a bit more about why I feel it's so important to give back. Thanks so much for the honor, Melanie!

Welcome to Part III of our series on civic mindedness. Previously we’ve heard from the head of the Northwest Freelancers Association in Washington State and a freelance public relations manager in Ohio. Today we talk with a top-notch professional wedding photographer with a big heart.

A former photographer and photo editor for USA Today and The Washington Post, Emilie Sommer moved to Portland, Maine in 2003 to open her own wedding photography business called emilie inc. Her business has grown to include two additional photographers, videographer, graphic design artist, and photo booth.

In the ultra competitive world of wedding photography, Emilie Sommer stands out from her peers, not only because of her talent and business acumen, but because of a side project—Pink Initiative. Sommer started this nonprofit to bring wedding industry professionals and private donors together to fund awareness, outreach, education, and research for breast cancer.

You lost someone to breast cancer when you were 12. You’re in your 30s now. How do you sustain your passion? Especially when you are so busy with emilie inc?

I was very young when my mom’s best friend lost her battle to breast cancer. It was one of those pivotal moments in life—a memory I can recall as clear as day—that truly affected me as I grew up.

As that particular type of cancer became more wide-spread and talked about from my childhood into adulthood, and fundraisers such as walks and donating healthy hair for wigs, donating to breast cancer research was a no-brainer. When I started my business in 2003, giving back to the community in some philanthropic way was always a part of my business plan. I was raised to always give to charity as much and as often as I could. I wouldn’t say sustaining my passion for helping to fund a cure for breast cancer is ever an issue, it’s just a part of who I am. I have great hope we’ll see a cure in our lifetime.

How do breast cancer awareness and wedding professionals go together?

It’s far too common a disease to not try and bring awareness to an industry whose core is love and family. The statistics are staggering—one in seven women will be diagnosed in her lifetime.

I have photographed more than 300 weddings—the odds among my brides alone are depressing. I’ve photographed far too many weddings where either the bride or groom’s mother passed away from breast cancer and a special candle is lit in her honor, a chair left empty, a poem read aloud. It tears at my heart every time and just doesn’t seem right. As a new mother myself, I get ill thinking what if I weren’t, God forbid, alive to attend such a milestone in my own son’s life.

How has Pink Initiative affected your photography business?

I have always donated part of my income to breast cancer research, so that part hasn’t changed. There was never any other motivation other than an urgent need to want to do more. I adore the sense of community our non-profit has created around this particular issue and am bowled over by the love, generosity, and dedication our membership shares. When I shop, I am inclined to do so if I know part of what I am purchasing will support the greater good. Emilie inc. tends to attract clients who feel the same and are proud of what we do for breast cancer fundraising.

How long have you been working on Pink Initiative? What is your overall goal?

We have been in existence since October 2008. We simply want to bring breast cancer awareness to the wedding world and empower our membership to host grassroots events within their own community to spread our message even further. Members have organized golf tournaments, portrait marathons, networking cocktail parties, and more.

Each year we choose a different recipient to receive the funds we have raised during that calendar year. Last year we hosted a mobile mammography van day through the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Free mammograms were given to 35 women who otherwise couldn’t have afforded the test. Five scans showed abnormal results. FIVE. We potentially saved five lives that day. To me, though simple in scope, that was an enormously successful day.

Why should other people (freelancers, creatives) find a mission or organization to volunteer for?

Creatives are typically very passionate people, so finding an outlet to volunteer is a natural extension of their work, it is not forced. Giving and sharing of yourself beyond your occupation title provides a nice balance in an otherwise work-work-work centric lifestyle.

* Wentworth Lodge wedding of Meryl and Tim in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

2011-09-19T23:43:00.000-04:00

photographers: Emilie and Megan, emilie inc. photography
venue: Wentworth Lodge; Cape Elizabeth, Maine
day-of coordinator: Heather Cuzzi, Cairn Events
officiant: family friend
caterer: Craig Williams, Churchill Caterers
florist: Lori Powell
cocktail musicians: Pan Fried Steel Drum band
band: Paul Hogu, The Pulse of Boston
cake: Gayle Forte, Let Them Eat Cake
video: MoeK Studios
hair/make-up: J Henry Salon, Portland

tent: One Stop Party Shoppe, South Portland
gown: Paloma Blanca, Spoil Me, Falmouth
bridesmaids: LulaKate
invitations: Gus and Ruby Letterpress, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
honeymoon: Maui

Meryl is the younger sister of Deirdre, who was a bridesmaid in Alisa and Coley's wedding that I photographed in 2007. She was also a bridesmaid in Daphne and Laurence's recent wedding. The daughter of the owner of a fabulous lighting store in Portland, I had a hunch this was going to be a perfect storm of a day (especially after their fantastic island engagement session earlier in the summer).

Light was most definitely the theme of this amazing September day. Bright and warm during the ceremony, soft and playful during portraits, then vibrant as the tent glowed in the night's black sky. Wentworth Lodge, if you don't know it, is part of the 32,000 acre Sprague Estate overlooking Higgins Beach. You have to know someone who knows someone to be approved to host an event here, or you can simply enjoy this awesome bit of earth by renting the rustic cabin for a week's vacation. I can say, without question, if I were to get married in Maine it would be here. Alas, I already did the wedding day thing so I was more than happy to photograph Meryl and Tim's special day and would love, love, love to go back there again and again. I imagine it's just as magical during the other seasons, too.

How they met, in their own words:
We met when Meryl was living and working in London after graduating college. Both of us were working for UBS and met when Tim was over in London for business. It was love at second sight! We did long distance between London and Chicago and then New York in Chicago. Finally after a year and a half of dating, Meryl moved to Chicago.

On to the images!

The gentlemen started the day at the lodge, the ladies were at Meryl's parent's beautiful home in Falmouth.

I especially adore the little orange cufflinks.

Spectacular setting!

Love dad's socks.

Waiting to enter the reception.

Was breathtaking to watch the tide move in and out, and sun set from the hill.

There's Alisa and Deirdre

There's Daphne.

* Captain Jefferds Inn wedding of Amy and Brian in Kennebunkport, Maine

2011-09-19T20:43:00.003-04:00

photographers: J and Sharon, emilie inc. photography
coordinator: Sandy Shapiro, Bea & Company
ceremony: Wildwood Baptist Chapel, Kennebunkport, Maine
reception: Captain Jefferds Inn, Kennebunkport
caterer: Kitchen Chicks Catering
musicians: Classical Music for all Occasions
cake: Let Them Eat Cake
make-up: Cottage Breeze Day Spa, Kennebunk
tent: Marshall Tent
gown: Kleinfeld's
invitations: Hello Lucky
honeymoon: St. Lucia

Amy and Brian hosted a casual wedding weekend for 55 of their closest family and friends in picture-perfect Kennebunkport. After a ceremony at a tiny stone chapel, folks passed the time wining and dining with a 6 (!) course meal and joyful toasts well into this perfect September evening.

* Manchester-by-the-Sea wedding of Jessica and Paul

2011-09-19T19:49:00.002-04:00

photographer: Whitney, emilie inc. photography
ceremony: First Parish Church, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts
reception: Eastern Point Yacht Club, Gloucester, Massachusetts
caterer: Eastern Point Yacht Club
tent: The Event Co.
transportation: Webb Transportation Services
florist: Winston Flowers
ceremony/cocktail musician: Peter Miles
dj: Ryan Parker
cake: Jenny's Wedding Cakes
gown: Enzoani
invitations: Courtney Eliseo, Seamless Paperie
honeymoon: Maui and Kauai

Jess and Paul are two lovebirds after my own heart... met at my alma mater, Syracuse University (in the same dorm where I lived the year prior!) and are currently living in Washington, DC, where I used to live before moving to Maine! Whitney was the one, however, who had the chance to capture their big day at darling Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts.

How they met, in their own words:
We met at Syracuse University during our freshman year when we both lived in Flint Hall, but we didn't start dating until our senior year. Our first date was at Faegans Pub on a "Senior Sunday" in October of 2001. We have been dating since then and after many years of a long distance relationship we are finally in the same city together! Paul proposed to Jess in the Outer Banks on Memorial Day weekend in 2010 on a sand dune overlooking the ocean at sunset.

* Newagen Seaside Inn wedding of Carolena and Philip

2011-09-16T23:08:00.003-04:00

photographers: J and Denise, emilie inc. photography
venue: Newagen Seaside Inn, Southport, Maine
coordinator: Kate Martin, Beautiful Days
officiant: their fathers
florist: Beautiful Days
ceremony musician: Brian Cullen, guitar
dj: Todd Richard, Todd the Rocket
drummers: Drumadics, NYC
photo booth: Maine Snapshot Studio
cake: Swallowtail Farm
make-up: About Face
tent: Marshall Tent
lighting: Beautiful Days
transportation: Country Coach Charters
honeymoon: Kenya and Turkey

Carolena and Philip inquired about our availability the day after they were engaged (love that!). Once they decided on a venue, they locked in J as their photographer for their coastal I Do's at one of our favorites, Newagen Seaside Inn near Boothbay Harbor (a quick hour and 20 minute drive from Portland, if you don't get stopped in the Wiscasset traffic at Red's Eats, that is!). We love Newagen's darling rooms and cottages, the squeaky screen doors and vintage bikes, breath taking views and of course, the Pine Room (old school bowling alley and pool table for swanky after parties). It's a great retreat for your guests to come and linger a while (think Dirty Dancing), and the wedding operation is top notch.

Kate Martin of Beautiful Days helped the vision come to life which included a first look, fabric surrounding the ceremony site to symbolize the home, an alternative Chuppah; drummers brought in for the reception that the couple had heard in the NYC subway, and yummy fall treats display of pies and cookies. Wishing Carolena and Philip great luck as they move across the country to San Diego this week!

First look.

Quite a backdrop for toasts!

* Strawberry Banke and the Red Barn at Outlook Farm wedding of Jackie and Will

2011-09-14T23:29:00.001-04:00

photographers: Whitney and Megan, emilie inc. photography
ceremony: Strawberry Banke, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
officiant: Mary Carey Foley
ceremony musician: guitar, Matt Lister
reception: The Red Barn at Outlook Farm, South Berwick, Maine
caterer: The Red Barn
band: One Step Ahead, Northstar Entertainment Agency
florist: Michelle Rose, Blooms at Pineland Farm
cake: European Bakery, Falmouth, Maine
hair: Patrick Shumway, Spectrum by Design, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
make-up: Kara Hodgdon
videography: Bryan Powers, Hindsight Video
photo booth: Maine Snapshot Studio
invitations: Smock, Gus & Ruby Letterpress, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
rentals: Exeter Rent-All
transportation: Grace Limo and Seacoast Trolley Company
gown: Priscilla of Boston
honeymoon: PCH, California

Jackie and Will found us nearly a year ago by our good friends at Gus & Ruby Letterpress in Portsmouth. They were a perfect match for Whitney and their garden ceremony, so long in the making and always the gamble with New England weddings, turned out beautifully (we gasped in the office when we spotted the audience participation while editing. You'll see what I mean when you scroll down. What a neat idea, isn't it?). The ease and adoration between Jackie and Will is so evident in their playful interactions and sense of style fused with classic details.

How they met, in their own words:
In 2001, a group of friends gathered at Applebee’s for dinner. Amy, Jackie's Maid of Honor, asked Jackie to come along, while one of Will’s friend’s brought Will with the intention of setting him up with a different girl in the group. But Amy introduced Jackie to Will, they got stuck sitting across the table from each other, and the rest is history. He asked her to prom, they both went to UNH, they moved in together, and in June of 2008 they bought their first house together. Jackie & Will are looking forward to their honeymoon road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway. They will start in wine country and make their way down to San Francisco, Santa Monica & Big Sur. Though they will have many destinations, the view will be half the trip. Renting a convertible, Jackie plans to buy a hat that she can recklessly toss on the open road…

We've had so many couples this summer who met in high school or have been together for more than a decade. Love that.

* Portland Country Club wedding of Brett and Garrett

2011-09-12T22:15:00.000-04:00

photographer: Emilie and Denise, emilie inc. photography
day-of coordinator: Heather Cuzzi, Cairn Events
ceremony: Cathedral Church of St. Luke Portland, Maine
officiant: Father Samuel Henderson
reception: Portland Country Club Falmouth, Maine
florist: Sara Scollay Design
band: Tony Boffa Band
hair/make-up: J Henry Salon
transportation: Ogunquit Trolley Company and VIP
gown: Marisa, Madeleine's Daughter Portsmouth, New Hampshire
invitations: Papier Gourmet, Portland
honeymoon: Peter Island Resort, British Virgin Islands

I met Brett and her mother Beppie (both short for Elisabeth... Brett is the seventh generation Elisabeth in her family!) on a blustery winter day not long after she was engaged to longtime boyfriend Garrett and just before heading off to start a new job in Chicago. I loved them both instantly and felt like I was chatting with old friends, sharing conversation that went much deeper than just wedding photography. It was a meeting that started and ended with hugs, and emails back-and-forth since (you may also recall Beppie's wonderful guest post on Love and Lobster about when Garrett asked for Brett's hand in marriage. Amazing). I had been looking forward to their wedding day and felt a little spoiled to only drive 5 miles from my house to theirs. The day and its warm Labor Day weekend glory did not disappoint. The only disappointing part is that it's o-v-e-r and I miss this family already. I hope Beppie and I will bump into each other at the grocery store sometime, or better yet, the nail place in our neighborhood she recommended. :)

How they met, in their own words:
Brett and Garrett first met when Brett's family moved from California to Falmouth, Maine when they were in 5th grade. Garrett developed a crush on "the new girl" at their invention factory show.

After 3 years of consistent flirting and building courage, Garrett finally asked Brett to be his girlfriend in 8th grade. It was a short-lived relationship when Brett broke his heart before entering high school. They got back together sophomore year of high school and enjoyed the rest of high school as a couple (they went to junior and senior prom together!). They ended up going to different colleges, Brett at the University of Colorado at Boulder and Garrett at the University of California at Santa Barbara. They made a mutual decision to enjoy college life with no commitments. They dated other people, but would spend time together as friends during Maine summers and various holidays.

Following college Brett moved to Boston and Garrett remained in CA. Two years later he decided to pack up his belongings and head East. After seven years of being apart they got back together; and on January 30, 2011 Garrett proposed at Town Landing Market in Falmouth, Maine.

Look closely.

Brett loves Garrett

Grandfather's toast.

Remembering her grandma.

Homemade cake, with photograph bunting

9/11, 10 years later

2011-09-11T21:59:00.001-04:00

I've lived in six towns in three states.
I've owned three different homes and three cars: a Volkswagon, a Jeep and a minivan.
I left my career as a newspaper photographer and started my wedding photography business.
I adopted Dakota.
I married J.
I became a mom.

10 years. So much has changed. But so much of who I am is rooted in that one day.

Rewind to one year prior. I was working at USA Today in Washington, DC, a fresh-faced and wide-eyed recent college graduate just 22 years young. I was rubbing elbows with industry big wigs, jet setting to national political and sporting events. Loving life.

That winter, my boss assigned me to cover a story about a flight attendant who broke her neck during violent turbulence and lived near my hometown in New Hampshire. The story was slated to run the next week so it was a little reprieve from the usual run-and-gun of turning images around quickly. While I was home, however, the story was moved up to run the next day and I was scrambling to have my film (we were just transitioning to digital in 2000) processed and transmitted from a local newspaper. That may not sound like a big deal now, but back then it was a major headache. A headache that could have been much easier had I brought my company laptop home with me. I had left it behind thinking it wasn't necessary given how cumbersome traveling with my photography gear is and how quick and non-urgent the trip was anyway.

When I returned, my boss sat me down and sternly told me that photojournalists always have all of their photography gear with them at all times. More precisely he said, "You never know when a plane is going to crash into the Potomac," referencing Flight 90 that crashed into the Potomac River in 1982.

On September 11th, I was driving on route 395 from Virginia into the city when I looked to my left following the panicked gaze of the driver in the car before me and saw what was then only a small plume of smoke from the Pentagon. I missed seeing Flight 77 crash by mere seconds. Ironically, I was on the 14th Street bridge, the very scene of that 1982 plane crash. Now a photo editor for the Washington Post Magazine, my photo gear was not in my trunk every day. If it had been, I easily could have been one of the first to the scene that day. Over and over again I heard the voice of my former boss in my head reprimanding me. But by the time I reached Constitution Avenue, I made the decision to continue forward through the city and then loop back around toward home on the Beltway. Deep within me, I was moved to protect myself. A drive that should have taken 45 minutes took 5 hours. But I was safe and later covered 9/11's aftermath.

Today, I still feel the impact of that day. It doesn't haunt me, but it does remind me of how precious life is, how important family is and how significant a role that beautiful September day played in my decision to document love and not news.

xo

September PUG agenda

2011-08-31T21:09:00.004-04:00

A year and a half ago I was approached to lead a monthly group of local wedding photographers who also use Pictage, the online image hosting and professional lab I have used since 2003! I gladly accepted and opened the group up to all photographers, not just wedding photographers and not just photographers who use the Pictage service. We've had round-table discussions with magazine editors, commercial and stock photographers, other top notch wedding industry vendors, lighting and gear demonstrations, and even legal advice. I am proud of the range of topics covered and depth of information shared with our close knit community. I am also insanely busy and therefore will be passing the torch after next Tuesday, my final meeting as host.

Photographers: Months in the making, we're so happy that Justin and Mary Marantz will be joining us from Connecticut on September 6th at 7p to discuss tips for attracting and booking clients like you. A perfect pep talk as we head into the fall booking season! Please RSVP asap as this meeting will be limited to 25 people.

Look forward to seeing you next week!

* Meaghan's Maine senior portrait session

2011-08-30T21:55:00.009-04:00

I have regularly sworn left, right and center that I will never photograph senior portraits. I abhor the "glamour shot" trend I have heard they have become with hair, make-up, multiple outfit changes and props. And, remembering myself in high school, would rather not deal with the awkwardness and drama. Nope. No way. No, thank you!

Ooooooh, but guess what happened?

I shot a senior portrait last week and I didn't hate it. Actually, I quite LOVED it! It was for the daughter of a family near and dear to my heart- they lived next door to me in my hometown. I saw each one of their three children through diapers and my sister or I spent many high school nights baby-sitting one or all of them. They are now beautiful grown adults- heading to, in or recently graduated from college. Tho I still feel like I am the same as those times we all piled on the treadmill together to see how fast we could go in tandem or stuffed ourselves silly with Smartfood and episodes of "Doug," we clearly have all aged and it was so special to have an evening at the beach house in Wells to catch up and capture a special time in Meaghan's life as she begins her final year of high school in Hollis, New Hampshire.

There were no props. No outfit changes. No attitude. Just f-u-n and up-for-anything smiles at the camera (which I had to pull away multiple times and marvel at the young woman in front of me, so easily recalling when, as a young tot, she wound chewing gum around and around her head and ice nor peanut butter would ease the new styling product save for a pair of scissors!).

So where is this going, you might ask?

I can't say I won't say no to another senior portrait request. If you're fun. And so long as you don't want to pose with your guitar.

Good luck to you, Meaghan! Can't wait to follow the exciting year ahead! xo

* Tented backyard wedding of Sara and Brett in Ashburnham, Massachusetts

2011-08-29T15:56:00.003-04:00

photographers: Emilie and Denise, emilie inc. photography
coordinator: Trish Desantis, Moxie Events
ceremony: Community Church, Ashburnham, Massachusetts
officiant: friend
reception: bride's family home
caterer: Smoke and Pickles, Westport, Massachusetts
florist: Les Fleurs, Andover, Massachusetts
band: Eye to Eye, Wilson Stevens Entertainment
cake: Something Sweet by Michelle
videographer: Whit Wales
photo booth: Maine Snapshot Studio
tent: Sperry Tent
lighting: Frost Lighting
gown: Amsale
invitations: Gus & Ruby Letterpress
honeymoon: Paris, Provence, the Riviera

I first met Brett more than a year ago when he came to a blogging and branding workshop I held at our studio. He attended on behalf of Emersonmade, the sweet fabric flower accessory company based in New Hampshire, where he was assisting in their marketing efforts. I was so touched when he later proposed to Sara and thought of me to do the documentary honors for their big day at Sara's family home. After a cozy introduction at the studio soon after (with their fab pooch Paddington), I was smitten with her, too.

Steeped in family history, Sara married in the same place her mother and her two sisters had before. And like the others, she and Brett stood beneath a beloved catalpa tree on the property for a formal portrait. At every turn, every inch of the grounds were lovingly cared for and adorned on this day with succulents, candles or a happy blossom. It was an absolute pleasure to photograph in the family church basking in natural light and celebrate long into the darkness surrounded by such love and warmth. We can't thank these families enough for making us feel so welcome, and for being so fun!

How they met, in their own words:
Before studying literature in grad school, Sara spent a few years acting in New York City. Part of the whole "trying to be an actor" gig is working a day job, and Sara did quite a bit of temping. One of her temp placements was at Fordham Law School, where Brett managed the office of student affairs. It was Sara's easiest/and best temp job, and after a month or so, the two started dating. Sara's now working towards another MA (this time in secondary English education), and will be teaching freshmen writing at Plymouth State University in the Fall. Brett works for Lindt (lots of free chocolate!) in Stratham, and also does volunteer work for the Portsmouth Film Festival. They have a nuggety little Norwich terrier named Paddington, and although he spent his formative years in NYC, adores being a country gentleman.

Re: the property:
I (Sara) grew up there and my mother also grew up there. When my grandfather bought the place, it was a ramshackle farmhouse that needed a LOT of TLC. It was originally built in the early 1800s and has been used as a dairy farm and a stagecoach inn throughout the years. I have an intense love for my home, and Brett (knowing this) proposed to me in a clearing out in one of the back fields where my siblings and I spent a lot of time playing in a fort that has since fallen down.

My mother and her two sisters, Linda and Carol, all held their wedding receptions there, too, so I'm definitely following in their footsteps. My parents were married at the same church, and I'm using the aisle runner my grandmother used for her wedding back in 1951! The flower girls are wearing dresses cut from the flower girl dresses me, my cousin Kate, and my sister Megan wore as flower girls in my aunt Carol's wedding. I'm also using the same cake-topper my grammy used on her wedding cake.

Enjoy!

* Coastal Maine Botanical Garden wedding ceremony of Amanda and Adrian in Boothbay Harbor

2011-08-29T14:39:00.000-04:00

photographers: J, Steve and Megan, emilie inc. photography
venue: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay Harbor, Maine
coordinator: Sally Bullard, A Maine Wedding
officiant: Sally Bullard
caterer: Laura Cabot Catering, Waldboro, Maine
florist: Denise Demeter, Boothbay Region Greenhouses
band: Moonglow
make-up: Lisa Wably, Capella Salon
hair: Bonnie Erskine, Cut Above
tent: Marshall Tents
transportation: Country Coach Charters
gown: Anne Barge at Spoil Me, Falmouth, Maine
invitations: Studio Olivine at Papier Gourmet, Portland

Maine Bates and Bowdoin grads, Amanda and Adrian settled on Boothbay as the place to tie the knot as the area holds a special place for both of them. Amanda's parents are on the board for the botanical gardens and so it seemed a perfect setting for their garden ceremony. Many thanks to previous couple (and now friends expecting a baby boy in January!) Sarah and Hawley for connecting us all.

How they met, in Adrian's words:
Amanda and I met in the summer of 2007, at the wedding of close mutual friends in Maine. Following that weekend we exchanged contact information. I remember returning to Utah with a tremendous amount of excitement over the girl I had just met, which was tempered by the fact that we lived thousands of miles apart. I told myself that I would reach out to her early in the week, privately wondering to myself where it could possibly lead. As it turned out, when I got back home there was an email waiting for me from Amanda. This started a month of nearly constant emailing and messaging to one another, where we soon learned how much we shared in common. Emailing turned to phone calls, and these nightly calls turned out to be absurdly long conversations- teenage long. Hours. We were quickly becoming very close to one another, however we still had a hurdle which was our distance apart. So two months after we had first met, we decided to get together in Utah for Labor Day weekend. It was no surprise at that point (to us) that we hit it off. We spent the weekend taking dog walks, going to a baseball game, playing golf, seeing a concert, and laughing constantly. Upon Amanda's departure from Utah, I knew that we had to try to make a relationship work. Only weeks later, I was on my way to New York City to surprise Amanda for her birthday. This idea was hatched by her best friend and Maid of Honor, Emily, and I eagerly hopped on a plane bound for the east coast. Once again we shared an amazing time together.

Shortly after my trip to New York, my job took me to London for nearly a year and a half, but Amanda and I were determined to stay together. I visited her as often as possible and she made several trips to Europe. We remained committed to one another to make our relationship work, despite the challenges of our physical separation.

Finally, after two years of a long distance relationship, I was able to move with my job to New York City, and we were able to at last live with one another. We spent the next year in a cramped studio apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan with our 80lb. Golden Retriever, Baxter, and were engaged in the Spring of 2010.

* Foxfields Farm in Bar Harbor, Maine, wedding of Sara and Kyle

2011-08-29T13:02:00.000-04:00

photographer: Whitney, emilie inc. photography
venue: Fox Fields Farm, Bar Harbor, Maine
coordinator: Lindy Stretch
officiant: bride's cousin
caterer: Derek Wilbur, Fiddler's Rendezvous Southwest Harbor, Maine
florist: Lindy Stretch, Foxfields Flowers
band: Jim Ciampi Band
cake: Morning Glory Bakery, Bar Harbor, Maine
make-up: friend
hair: New Image Salon, Bar Harbor, Maine
tent: Wallace Tents
lighting: Ambiance Lighting
gown: Vows, Watertown, Massachusetts
invitations: Crane
honeymoon: Martha's Vineyard

Sara and Kyle were married in Bar Harbor, their favorite spot to retreat to every summer for some R&R with their pups Skylar and Spike. They hosted a casual wedding on the water for 150 family and friends led by Sara's cousin and their pups as ring bearers. After cocktail hour on the lawn, guests dined and danced under a tent enjoying yummy local fare and a sweet cake with figurines of a bear and deer on top, the couple's nicknames for one another (awww!).

How they met, in their own words:
Five years ago while living in Denver, Sara was heading off on her first business trip after becoming a new dog owner. At the recommendation of her manager she brought her German Shorthaired Pointed, Skylar, into the B+B for D.O.G. Being fully prepared with printed instructions, all of Skylar's bedding and her favorite toys, a nervous Sara walked through the front door and found an handsome, calm, blue eyed man sitting on the other side of the desk. He immediately put Sara at ease and made her feel comfortable about leaving Skylar who would bunk with his dog Spike to comfort her.

The next day Sara's manager Laurie came in to drop her dogs off. Kyle referred to Sara as cute two times in their conversation, but Laurie acted as cool as a cucumber and never acknowledged Kyle's comments. However, the second she got into her car she called Sara to let her know that Kyle thinks she is cute. (Yes, think grown women behaving like 12 year olds).

Over the next several months there was lots of flirting and friendly phone conversations between Sara and Kyle, but given the setting of their meeting neither made a move.

Finally, Sara knew they had to interact outside of picking up and dropping off at doggie daycare. So, she threw a backyard BBQ just for the purpose of casually inviting Kyle to the party. Let's just say, he attended, there was a lunch date a few days later, that turned into a dog walk, that turned into meeting friends out (longest first date ever), that turned into many dinners, many dog walks, meeting the parents, moving in together, getting in graduate school and moving across the county together. And here we are in Boston our own little family Sara, Kyle, Spike and Skylar.

Congratulations!

* Portland, Maine, engagement session of Emily and Matt at East End Beach

2011-08-25T23:26:00.002-04:00

Engagement sessions are so different than the wedding day, I tell every couple, as you are very much aware of me and looking for direction versus the fly-on-the-wall approach I take on the big day. The challenge- and the magic!- is seeking the honest moments among and in between the posing. Letting your guard down is the best way to ensure a memorable, beautiful engagement session.

Emily and Matt are getting married this fall in Maine and squeezed in an engagement session in Portland before moving to Boston last weekend. Tho we had spoken and immediately connected on the phone last year, it was great fun to finally spend some time with these two at one of our most popular engagement session spots, the Eastern Promenade (and for good reason! Could that warm light be any more delicious?!). There's a comfortable honesty between Em and Matt, something that I picked up on quickly with them and while editing their images. They just make sense. And I absolutely cannot wait to see them again in a few months!

* Tented backyard wedding of Christa and Gabe in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts

2011-08-22T15:55:00.005-04:00

photographers: Whitney, Denise and Megan, emilie inc. photography
venue: groom's family home
coordinator: Elizabeth Lapan, Paper Posy Designs
officiant: family friend
caterer: Kim Morin 9 at Home, Boston
florist: Nicole Pirani, Blooms of Hope
ceremony musicians: Boston String Quartet
reception dj: Jeff Erwin, Music Man DJ Services
photo booth: Maine Snapshot Studio
cake: Flour Bakery, Boston
make-up: Katherine MacDonald
tent: Peterson Party Center
transportation: Austin Limo
gown: Madeleine's Daughter Portsmouth, NH
paper: Gus & Ruby Letterpress Portsmouth, NH
honeymoon: Bora Bora, then year long trip around the world

Whitney, along with Denise and Megan, triple-teamed Christa and Gabe's ah-mazing wedding at his parent's spectacular summer home. The ceremony at the water's edge, cocktails on the lawn and a casual reception under a tent with skylights! Oh my! Natural light for dinner dining? What a treat! This post has an excess of images to share, so get comfy and enjoy your inside peek at the sweet backyard wedding of these two who met in Wyoming while on an Outdoor Educators course with the National Outdoor Leadership School.

* Wedding ceremony on a lobster boat in Kennebunkport for Jamie and Scott

2011-08-16T23:18:00.005-04:00

photographer: Emilie, emilie inc. photography
preparation location: White Barn Inn waterfront cottage, Kennebunk, Maine
ceremony: Rugosa, The Nonantum Resort, Kennebunk
officiant: Daniel Forte
transportation: Rockin' Horse Stables, Kennebunkport
dinner: White Barn Inn
florist: Fleurant, Kennebunk
hair/make-up: Fringe Hair Art, Kennebunkport

Motherhood has turned me into such a sap (or even more than I was before, I should say). I was so very moved at this wedding- an intimate 9 person affair on a lobster boat- that Jamie and Scott designed beautifully to include each of their daughters. Not just about becoming husband and wife, but more about merging their lives together as a family, poems were read, toasts were made (with sparkling grape juice for those under 21) and the girls each read aloud a letter that they wrote to the other about what it means to officially become sisters (they couldn't be more excited). It was a gorgeous evening to moor in the harbor as the sun set, and later capture this close knit group as they traveled to the White Barn Inn by horse & carriage to indulge on a 9 (!) course meal.

* Gia and Brian's family portrait in Boothbay Harbor, Maine

2011-08-16T21:34:00.005-04:00

Four years ago I photographed Gia and Brian's wedding. Two years ago I photographed their baby boy, Rush. Recently I got to meet the newest member of their family, 8 month old Lachlan, while they were up from Florida on vacation at their family's summer home in Boothbay Harbor. This was a fast-moving session and a bit of a comedy routine as we worked swiftly to balance light, approaching nap time and waning interest in pausing just long enough for the camera before it was off to the next spot. I loved catching up with everyone and sharing mommy stories, a rare mid-week escape from the office during wedding season on one of the most perfect summer mornings in Maine.

* Rosecliff Mansion wedding of Kim and John in Newport, Rhode Island

2011-08-15T22:21:00.004-04:00

photographers: Emilie and Denise, emilie inc. photography
preparation locations: Hotel Viking and Hilltop Inn
wedding venue: Rosecliff Mansion
officiant: Great Aunt of the groom
caterer: Danielle Costa, Blackstone Caterers
florist: Joyce, Stoneblossom Floral
ceremony musician: harpist, Liz Ammerman
band: John Grasso, Colours Band
cake: Amanda Bryan, It's My Party Bake Shoppe
multimedia: Morgan, emilie inc. photography
hair/make-up: RaNew Salon
gown: Melissa Sweet at Priscilla of Boston
invitations: Crane
honeymoon: The Reefs Hotel, Bermuda

How they met, in John's words:
Kim and I met while working at Camp Kieve, a summer camp in Nobleboro, Maine, 6 summers ago. The first summer sparks flew but distance kept us apart. The next summer, we decided to follow through on those initial sparks and make the most of a long distance relationship after the summer ended. Fast forward one full year and we decide to both move to Portland, Maine.

In the spring of 2010, as we prepared to move half way across the country for Kim to attend graduate school, I popped the question on the Eastern Prom before a celebratory dinner at our favorite Portland restaurant, Caiola's. We currently reside in Ann Arbor, Michigan but our hearts have never really left Portland. We can't wait to come back for good and not just for a visit!

Kim and John, their families and friends all traveled to the sweet seaside town of Newport, Rhode Island, for a destination wedding at one of the town's historic mansions along the water. Lucky for us, they brought us along for the festivities! Kim is obsessed with the Rosecliff mansion, as she likes to say, and despite being a laid-back gal, it was a lot of fun to watch her get glammed-up for this elegant evening. Frustrating rain caused the lawn ceremony to be moved inside, but cleared in time for a receiving line and portraits outside on the beautiful grounds. Camp songs and rituals, emotional parent dances and toasts, delish desserts and terrific live music kept this crew going well into the night.

* Spruce Point Inn wedding of Abby and Scott in Boothbay Harbor, Maine

2011-08-15T20:48:00.004-04:00

photographer: Whitney, emilie inc. photography
venue: Spruce Point Inn, Boothbay Harbor, Maine
coordinator: Becky Bean, Spruce Point Inn
officiant: Andrea McCall
caterer: Spruce Point Inn
florist: Judy Bourgeois Flora Fauna
ceremony musicians: family
band: Future Tense
cake: Sweet Sensations
hair: Jessica Hunter, Ethan Hunter Salon
transportation: YMCA
gown: Paloma Blanca, Spoil Me
invitations: Papyrus
honeymoon: Hawaii

Friends and previous clients who married at Spruce Point Inn pointed Abby and Scott in our direction and we're certainly grateful for their sweet recommendation. Whitney was happy to return to one of our favorite spots to capture the festivities for these two, the place Abby has known she would marry since she was a little girl. Too cute! Tho they attended the same college, they didn't date until after they had graduated and moved to Boston through mutual friends.

* Northeast Harbor wedding and reception at the Pot & Kettle Club of Daphne and Laurence

2011-08-09T21:55:00.004-04:00

photographers: Emilie and Denise, emilie inc. photography
coordinator: Krista Carter, Island Distinctive Occasions
ceremony: St. Mary’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church Northeast Harbor, Maine
officiant: Rev. Robert Bruce Birdsey, groom's father
reception venue: The Pot & Kettle Club; Bar Harbor, Maine
caterer: Country Fare Catering Southwest Harbor, Maine
florist: Cottage Flowers, Bar Harbor
band: Beantown, Wilson Stevens
cake: Janice Strout, Celebration Cakes
hair/make-up: Bella Skin and Body Northeast Harbor, Maine
tent: Wallace Tent and Event Rentals
lighting: Ernie Wheeler
gown: Monique Lhuillier via Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, NYC
invitations: Sloane Madureira
honeymoon: Barbados

Daphne and Laurence's wedding day was a busy one with many locations and lots of pockets of photo opportunities at every bend: a beloved family summer home, a ceremony officiated by the groom's father, a sweet marina to take a breath for portraits, a beautifully illuminated tented reception, yummy food and my favorite Boston band putting on quite a show! The most emotionally stirring, however, was when Laurence took to the piano to serenade his bride with Randy Newman's "You've Got a Friend In Me." Pass the tissues, please!

How they met, in their own words:
We met at Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina. Daphne was a freshman and actually dating someone else at the time (!). Laurence was a junior and had just returned from studying abroad for a semester. Daphne's then-boyfriend introduced them, and she fell in love at first sight. Laurence did not seem to notice too much ;) Daphne and her then-boyfriend broke up a few months later for other reasons. At the beginning of her sophomore year and Laurence's senior year, they took classes that finished at the same time, so they would walk back to their dorms together. Daphne loved that Laurence was writing an honors history thesis and practicing the piano for a final recital in addition to being incredibly handsome! Laurence noticed Daphne's dance moves and her French je ne sais quoi (she is half-French). Laurence says he fell in love after about three months of dating. Daphne knew from the beginning she had met the love of her life. After Laurence graduated, he moved to New York, where Daphne grew up, and the couple dated long distance. After Daphne graduated from Davidson College, she moved to France for a year and the couple took a break due to the distance. Laurence left his finance job to teach English in Honduras for that year. They reunited the next year in San Francisco, but both decided to move back East. They have been settled in New York since August 2008. Laurence proposed Memorial Day weekend 2010 at a pond near Daphne's family home in upstate New York. Supported by their parents, both sets of whom have been married for 40 or nearly 40 years, they are thrilled to be making this commitment to each other.

The significance of Northeast Harbor, Maine, is that it is where Daphne grew up spending her summers and where the bride and groom's children will grow up spending their summers. It is an incredibly beautiful place with a wonderful community. The couple are getting married in an Episcopal Church even though the bride is Catholic because the groom's father is an Episcopal Priest and he will be marrying them. The reception is at a private men's club called the Pot & Kettle set on a lovely piece of land looking over the Atlantic Ocean.

Daphne and Laurence's announcement in the New York Times can be seen here.

* Ogunquit, Maine, wedding and reception at On the Marsh for Meaghan and Kevin

2011-08-04T23:04:00.005-04:00

photographer: Whitney, emilie inc. photography
bridesmaids preparation: bride's family home
groomsmen preparation: Meadowmere Resort, Ogunquit
ceremony: All Saints Church Ogunquit, Maine
reception: On the Marsh, Kennebunk, Maine
caterer: On the Marsh
florist: Heather Battagliese Calluna Fine Flowers, Ogunquit
band: Honey Train Hank Agency, Boston
cake: Gayle Forte Let Them Eat Cake
hair/make-up: Tiffany Brousseau, T & Co.
transportation: Ogunquit Trolley Company
gown: Liv Harris Vow's Watertown, MA
invitation: Social Graces Hingham, MA
honeymoon: Nantucket

Bride-to-be Meaghan, her mother, father and sister trekked through the snow to visit us last December in our very new home office. Huddled together looking through albums and talking of wedding plans, there was a sweet warmth to our meeting as if a hearth would have been a more appropriate focal point than the coffee table. Friends with one of Whitney's favorite 2010 couples, Meaghan knew exactly what she was after and we were so happy everything came together so seamlessly for her I Do's with longtime beau Kevin. Whitney, yet again, knocked it out of the park.

How they met, in Meaghan's words:
Kevin and I have been together since we were 17 years old! We're having a summer wedding in Maine in the church where my parents were married almost 30 years ago. My family has had a house in Ogunquit just as long, and it has always been my favorite place on earth. Over the years Kevin has grown just as fond of it, so there was really no other choice when we started planning our big day!

* Ogunquit, Maine, wedding of Lindsey and Tim

2011-08-03T21:55:00.002-04:00

photographer: Whitney, emilie inc. photography
ceremony: The Terrace by the Sea Ogunquit, Maine
officiant: Rev. Linda Hirst, First Congregational Church York, Maine
reception: friend's home, Birdsong Farm; North Berwick, Maine
caterer: Belle Fete Catering
florist: Broadturn Farm, Scarborough
dj: Dave Dionne, Dionne Entertainment
cupcakes: Heather Reed, Baby Cakes; Wells, Maine
tent: Marshall Tent Rental
transportation: York Trolley Company
gown: Maggie Sottero, Reni's Bridal in Wicita, Kansas
honeymoon: Puerto Rico

As Whitney was driving to meet up with Lindsey for her wedding day preparations she received a phone call from Tim explaining that they were both leaving the hospital. Wha??! Unclear if it was food poisoning or something else, poor Lindsey had been getting sick for hours leading up to her wedding and spent most of the day in between required formalities resting and away from the action. I never would have known, mind you, as she looks beautiful, doesn't she? The poor dear. A true champ for enduring "in sickness and in health" right out of the gate.

How they met, in Lindsey's words:
Tim and I met when he moved to Maine to practice as a veterinarian after graduating from vet school. I was a technician at the vet clinic where he found a job and we became friends. We started dating shortly before he moved back to Kansas due to a family illness. I moved to Kansas several months later to pursue my undergrad degree and we remained friends. After both going on a bad date with a realtor we decided we liked each other a lot better and have been together ever since!

Roots 2011- recap

2011-08-02T08:35:00.001-04:00

We are back to reality (or at least trying to... I unpacked my suitcase only yesterday!), and I'm elated to share with you the final slideshows of the week. The spirit of the students and the body of work each produced surpassed anything I could have imagined for this summer's Roots Workshop. Everyone worked so hard, spending long hours each day at their assignment and keeping an open mind each night during their group critiques. Huge thanks to Triple Scoop Music for providing the music for each of these slideshows.

Enjoy!

Kelly Benvenuto photographed Days Cottages in North Truro, a 23 identical cottage community that brings back repeat vacationers the same week year after year. This particular week some of the longest-running renters were there, having visited at the same cottage for the same week since the 30's! Kelly was accepted lovingly as another member of the beach family.

Whitney Fox was assigned to photograph mega-Cape artists couple Robert Henry & Selina Trieff in their home in Wellfleet. The tenderness between these two as well as their quick wit and zest for life is an honor to witness in Whit's intimate photographs of their daily life.

Maria Fernandez traveled to us all the way from South America. She enthusiastically accepted her assignment to photograph at Cape Cod Skydive, tho she was admittedly terrified! Tethered to an instructor while up in the jump plane, Maria faced her fears and captured some emotionally gripping imagery.

Samantha Bohall photographed Shawn Vecchione, a native Cape Codder who has made a name for himself shaping custom surf boards in his Orleans shop. When he's not shaping, he's in the water or spending time with his sweet daughter.

Lucy Parker was the winner of the Facebook contest sponsored by Pinhole Pro for a free seat to the workshop! She was a welcome addition to the week and fit right in! She photographed at the Hyannis Youth and Community Center, an enormous new attraction for young and old alike, offering a range of activities to appeal to the hundreds who visit each day during the summer.

Tracey Buyce brought her hunger to learn to the Hole in One donut shop but learned so much more than the practice of the only remaining hand-cut donut operation on the Cape. She carefully captured the relationships among the regular patrons, both young and old.

Christina Wnek returned for a second time to Roots, looking to further her learning and fine-tune her technical skills. Matched with E&T Aquaponics Farm, she photographed the simple process of growing plants and fish with a quiet respect, teaching us all how fragile and powerful farming truly is.

Ruben Parra also traveled to the Cape from South America, enchanting everyone with his accent and determination to master better English and the chaos at 4H Camp Farley. Exploring around camp, Ruben was a mini celebrity with children calling to him by name and wanting to play with him at every turn.

Jeff Mosier came to us from New York City and was smitten with the Cape Cod Railroad's slower pace and kind clientele. He worked so hard to "get the shot," running on the tracks from an oncoming train and even submerging himself into chest-high water as it passed.

Denise Farwell closes this year's show, quite literally, with a brilliant peek at a long-standing children's theater, the Harwich Junior Theatre. A busy scene, Denise worked hard to slow it down and capture the essence of this historic place and its talented little people.

Congratulations everyone! I am oh-so proud of you all!

* Samoset Resort wedding of Blair and Andrew in Rockport, Maine

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photographers: Emilie and J, emilie inc. photography
venue: Samoset Resort, Rockport, Maine
planner: Kate Parker, Kate Parker Weddings
florist: Kate Parker, Kate Parker Flowers
officiant: family friend
ceremony musicians: Krysia Tripp
reception band: Flipside, Murray Hill Talent
dessert: Market Basket Rockport, Maine
videographer: Morgan, emilie inc. photography
photo booth: Maine Snapshot Studio
hair: Kim Doll, Exquisite Hair Design, Rockland
make-up: Beauty Mark Spa, Camden
gown: Rivini, Nitsa's Apparel, Charlotte
honeymoon: Kenya and Tanzania

The first thing I noticed when I met Blair and Andrew and started listening to their families and guests was everyone's warm southern drawl. Out of place, but so welcome in Maine, the sweet accents shared stories of how nearly all of their 200 guests traveled to Rockport and their adventures along the way, as well as toasts (and roasts!) about the couple at the rehearsal dinner the night before. It was the perfect introduction to a most fun wedding day.

After the ceremony they scrapped some of the formalities (no dinner toasts or cake cutting) and got right to the fun stuff, including a custom curtained-off section of the ballroom to house our photo booth (this group is known for getting a bit rowdy in photo booths we hear!) with props that many donned throughout the night on the dance floor, right through the "lobster claw" send-off at the end of the evening.

A healthy handful of the day's highlights below!

Andrew and his father, the best man.

L-o-v-e seersucker suits!

Married!

Time for cocktails after portraits.

This tugs on my heartstrings!

Stunning modern decor by Kate Parker.

Powering up for the reception. Ha!

Andrew takes his love of Maine very seriously.

* Samoset Resort rehearsal dinner of Blair and Andrew

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Although Blair and Andrew both hail from the south, they chose to marry in Maine as it has meaning for both families. Blair summered and spent Christmas in Maine with her family and Andrew's parents met and fell in love working one summer at the Jordan Pond House in Acadia National Park. During the lobster bake on the lawn of the Samoset Resort the night before, Blair's sister shared with me that they had settled on me photographing the wedding before there was even a fiance. My, my! No pressure, right?

More about these two tomorrow, but a few pics from their gloriously perfect wedding eve for now.

Roots 2011- Day 5

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From Toast to Trophies! The final official day of Roots 2011 certainly did not disappoint. The Thursday of Roots is always such a bittersweet day with the amazing culmination of the week's learning and shooting coming to a head at the evening's slideshows. Our sponsors this year were incredibly gracious and we adore them and thank them for their impeccable support. Mad props.

toast. made by....

Audra! Our stalwart chef extraordinaire for the week finally got to kick up her feet and relax for a little bit while preparations were being made for the evening's feast.

Rachel, Tracey, and Kelly put some finishing touches on their presentations for the evening. See that fan rocking in the background? Yeah. It was that kind of a week. AC is for wimps.

Across the way in the bunkhouse Whitney is leafing through some last minute details of her presentation piece... I mean, seriously, how could you not smile with an assignment like hers :]

Guests, past participants, assignment subjects, and family joined in together for our presentations out on the porch in the amazing summer evening

and what would Thursday night be without the annual Chubby Bunny championship. Names get engraved on the trophy... added to the list of champions, Jeff. Way to go, man. You can stuff more marshmallows in your mouth then all the rest of us. A skill that will no doubt prove useful in your photographic explorations.

Stay tuned for a full reflective recap, links to student slideshows, and the workshop slideshow!

Thanks, Eric, for blogging the experience for us!

Roots 2011- Day 4

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More incredibly awesome assignments to share with you today. I went around to visit 6 students today... all documenting some amazing Cape Cod stories. You really should come visit. We have so much fun... and holy crap you should see everyone growing. More on that tomorrow but yikes. Watch out industry, you're about to have your assumptions challenged...

First stop of the day was out to see Ruben and watch him telling the story of an adorable 4-H camp. I have a hysterical story about his relationship with the pigs... but that's for another post.

Straight from the animals to the farm... this is no ordinary farm, however, it's a hydro... uh.. aqua..ponics? Yeah, that sounds right. Aquaponics. Fish generating the nutrients and that water used for growing the food and plants without soil... just water! At least that's what I could gather from my brief time there. It was really cool. Christina has been there for two days telling the story and I showed up right as Mark poked his head in to offer some feedback.

From Christina I went to visit our very own southern belle, Lucy who was tasked with finding a story at the local community center. It is a massive place with the potential for thousands of little stories... she was working out on the ice rink when I stopped by...

From water to water... though a little less solid. Jeff is working on his story about an extremely old, yet still operating railroad. There's a nice shot with a beautiful reflection to be made, but, well, it takes some hanging out in a leech field for an hour or so. We do what we have to do for the shot. Truth.

Maria was tasked with a pretty sweet assignment... skydiving. Basically shooting people either freaking out or in permagrin. Good times. She even was up in the teeny teeny plane shooting some really unique angles. I wasn't around for that part but from what I hear it's a very er... open experience

So after seeing all those awesome faces, I went to visit Kelly again and the cottages - the quintessential Cape Cod - and Tyler was there hanging out lending some feedback and guidance. The light was lovely, and incredible breeze off the water - a wonderful end to an intensely hectic day. All in good fun.

Everyone's in the critiques now, so that's where I'm going to to hang out for a bit. Before I fade into the ether... until tomorrow, don't make crappy pictures!

Roots 2011- Day 3

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Day two is our first day of assignments. This year there are some many fun adventures everyone is out on! The day started bright and early, with everyone out meeting and exploring their new subjects. After a while of solo expeditions, the mentors started poking their heads in to check in, chat, and offer advice and guidance. I first popped in on Rachel mentoring Kelly. Kelly was charged with the task of telling a story at Day's Cottages. They are a collection of small sea shanties that have been hosting some of the same extended families for over 70 years! Crazysauce...

Next stop was Whit. Mark also showed up to lend a hand. Whitney is staying with a husband/wife who are extremely accomplished [and elderly] Cape Cod artists. They were quite possibly the most endearing pair I've met... how charming!

Denise was shooting the dress rehearsal for a local children's theatre production of The Jungle Book

Then to Sam and her hardbody of a subject at a world famous surfboard shaper studio.

Then I finished off the day at the Hole in One donut shop. Yuuuuuuumm. They sent us home with some snacks :]

Upon our glorious return to the Roots Home, we ate and jumped right into the critiques. Sure, they contain intense moments, but often they are full of mirth as well.

ciao!

Roots 2011- Day 2

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Day One. All sorts of chocolaty goodness. As is tradition the first day begins with all sorts of lectures and presentations - history of photojournalism, working a scene, ingredients of a picture story, taking care of business, ethics... all the good stuff. There's no shortage of information dispensed. It's all about planting little seedlings of ideas so that we can grow our Roots this week.

After the morning's lectures [and a delicious lunch... thanks again, Audra] we all headed out to the Barnstable County Fair for shooting exercises. We tackled the things discussed during the lectures, worked on building our own stories... so much fun, incredible character studies. No shortage of awesome. It's true.

After the fair we wined and dined and settled into critiques. As I'm writing this, the instructors are all huddled around together dishing out this year's assignments. This year we have some really amazing assignments... can't wait to share them with you :]

Roots 2011- Day 1

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Hello my beautiful friends!

We're back. The time of year has once again come for our annual retreat and learning extravaganza up [or down, depending on where you are] on the Cape. Stellar group of folks this time around. Stalwart instructors, fresh faces, returning friends... and I'll be here for the entire week giving you a little glimpse at what life on the Root is like up here.

Right after everyone rolled in we hung out for a bit, got our bearings, and jumped right in to some chatting and a wonderful BBQ provided by Chef Audra. Good times by all. We have folks from all over the country and globe here with us and I'm super stoked for the week ahead... so stay tuned and don't touch that dial... we're about ready for lift off...

see you tomorrow!

eric

Roots Workshop 2011 starts Sunday

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Close your eyes and take a deep breath. You know, the kind that you can feel right down to the tips of your toes. What do you see? What does it sound like there? Is there a smile on your face? Ah, yes, there certainly is. Hold it right there, you're at your happy place. Now open your eyes. This is mine:

It's the house I have rented for a week during the summer for the last few years and watched a little idea I had for a workshop come to life and grow legs. It's where I'm lucky to gather with some of my most favorite people in the world to teach and share and learn, to make killer imagery and long-lasting memories, and allow myself to pause and be inspired by those around me, our stunning surroundings and the deep history of the house we fill with lessons and laughter. This place is the lifeblood of Roots Workshop and it wouldn't be the same anywhere else.

I'm headed there on Sunday after a two-day wedding event starting later today. And tho I'll be exhausted from working, this weekend is historically one of my best as it feels like Christmas Eve as I count down the time until I'm cruising over the Sagamore Bridge soaking in the Cape's awesome air (Maine rocks, too, of course, don't get me wrong).

I invite you all to follow along on the blog next week as our stellar workshop photographer and dear friend Eric Laurits documents the goings-on behind the scenes. And look back shortly after the workshop to check out the body of work the students produce. It's going to be our best year yet, I can just feel it.

xox

Maine Snapshot Studio at Portland's July Greendrinks

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Some of Maine's beautiful faces stopped in our Maine Snapshot Studio at Portland's monthly networking evening with Greendrinks. Tuesday night's event featured Maine Businesses for Sustainability and was hosted by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Each month you'll find us there with our photo booth, enormously popular at weddings and available for private and corporate functions and parties as well. Please inquire!

Look, it's J and our newest photographer, Steve (you'll learn much more about him in the months to come!).