“Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.” – Rumi

It could have snowed November 5, 2011.  It was cold enough to, but it didn’t.  However, the weekend before we had a typical nor’easter at a very non-typical time of year.  Didn’t matter because November 5 was bright and cloudless, albeit cold and feeling like it should in November.  With that being said, I marveled at how Catherine never once said she was freezing as we grabbed the remaining rays of sunlight to document her and Bob’s most special day.  Not only was their day special, as all weddings are, but their chosen location set them apart from any wedding I have ever photographed.

Catherine is a soccer coach, which means her summer and early fall schedule are spent on a soccer field, leaving no time to squeeze in a wedding.  Bob works in construction, and in Maine you have to make hay while the sun shines.  November made sense to them.  So where do two people who are madly in love with each other who are madly in love with books get married?

The library, of course!  What! you say?  Yes, The Skidompha Public Library in Damariscotta, Maine to be exact.  It was beautiful.  It was perfect.  It was amazing!  Here’s the lineup: wedding at the local library, reception at the elegant 1812 Farm in Bristol, and a 1967 black and white Camaro . . . need I say more!  Yes, one more thing – Bob & Catherine, you are awesome and I wish you a lifetime of love, fun and fond memories!!  Enjoy your preview!

Catherine, your dress was exquisite and the only thing it needed was you, which made it even more exquisite!

As the ladies spent hours getting ready, the guys did their thing so they could bring the “chariot” to the waterfront for photographs.  Very cool, I think!

They wrote their own vows.  I love that Catherine is “fine tuning” hers in the library.

A few candid shots before the ceremony.  This is the ring bearer and his dad.

The first look for both Catherine and Bob.  Such a precious moment.

Some of the girls from the soccer team.

Catherine, you totally rocked this Camaro!!

I think you two just gave new meaning to a library.  A very romantic location to be wed, indeed!

I love how all the tables at the 1812 Farm were set up with flowers and books as the centerpiece.

Note the Camaro cake behind the big cake.  And guess what the cake top is made from?  Take a closer look below.

For those of you who live in Maine, you should be able to guess right off.

First dance.

Marriage is the golden ring in a chain whose
beginning is a glance and whose ending is Eternity.
~ Kahlil Gibran ~

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

There are not enough wonderful words to describe Pascale and Kirk’s wedding day.  The weather is an important factor and it was beyond perfect.  Pascale got ready at her parents house and can I just say that the view was breath taking.  The Wilson Memorial Chapel at Ocean Point in East Boothbay created a serene mood for their ceremony.  The stone chapel is a beautiful, old landmark and the ocean was just a few feet away.  After some photos were taken we all headed into Boothbay Harbor to the Chowder House where Pascale worked for several years.  And just a couple of hours before sunset we went to the fabulous Botanical Gardens where a lobster bake was held, a live band, dancing and simply enjoying the company of their guests, some from as far away as Switzerland, which is where Pascale is from.

There is so much that goes into planning a wedding, up to a year or two for most couples.  But when the big day arrives I can tell that both the bride and groom, as well as their parents and bridal party, are all in a bit of a daze.  There is so much going on, schedules to meet, last minute this and that, I am sure by the end of the evening they look at each other and wonder how it all slipped by.  Insert photographer.  I know one of my biggest jobs is to document all the little moments so they can look back and remember how beautiful their day was and how every hour planning was worth it, times ten.

Pascale and Kirk, thank you so much for entrusting me with your day.  I had such a great time!  You both have a lovely family and I feel blessed to have been a part of one of the most important days of your lives.  I hope you enjoy your preview.  I cannot wait for you to see the rest!!

When Pascale showed me her wedding dress she also pointed to the dress next to it, which was her mother’s wedding dress.  I nearly lost my breath and I just knew I had to photograph them together.

On the day of any brides wedding, there is an aura of magic floating around.  I feel like every princess fairytale that was ever told comes to life, and it is most vivid on the face of the bride.  Pascale, you are absolutely stunning!

Pascale and Kirk see each other for the first time on their wedding day.

Their sweet son, Jackson, brought them their rings.  I might add that Jackson was a charming young man the whole day through!

Pascale said that one of the things she absolutely wanted to do after the ceremony was ring the church bell.  And ring the bell they did, several times in fact!

Is this not the most adorable family!!

I just loved the ocean theme they had for the reception.  All the little details were perfect!

Dear Pascale and Kirk,

may all the many years ahead of you be filled with passion, love, abundance in every way,

but most of all, may your days be filled with humor, even when difficulties arise.

Laughter will see you through.

Much love, Darlene

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Getting married on the coast of Maine is a very popular idea, and why not!  It’s gorgeous, romantic and magical and can be found in a wide range of locations.  Pemaquid Lighthouse in one such location, where Nestor and Sabrina decided to celebrate their love for one another.  It was a sweet, simple ceremony – just the two of them, the officiant and two of their friends.  Of course, at Pemaquid Lighthouse, where it is open to the public, there were numerous bystanders witnessing as well.

The weather was divine, considering we had a rain and wind storm just a couple of days before.  In fact, I’d say their timing was perfect because less than a week later Tropical Storm Irene paid us all a visit.   After the ceremony we went to a few local spots to take photos, capturing the taste of Maine and having a good time along the way.  Thank you Nestor and Sabrina for sharing with me your most special day.  I really had a lot of fun with you!!  Enjoy your preview and stay tuned for more to come!

Fort William Henry, just around the corner from Pemaquid, in the little town of New Harbor, Maine really lends itself well as an ideal location for creating timeless, romantic photos.

Nestor and Sabrina wanted to have some photos taken where there were lobster boats, so I took them to a little gem of a place, well hidden from the main roads.  We were still in New Harbor, just the opposite direction from Fort William Henry.  Back Cove is one of those places in Maine tucked away in a quiet little nook of it’s own, but even though it is small and peaceful, it is still a working harbor full of rustic charm and I’m certain there are centuries of stories floating among the waters.

Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

~ Kahlil Gibran

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

“Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.”  ~ Kahlil Gibran

Sean’s ring and Lea’s necklace were made by Antje Roitzsch, and I must say they were absolutely stunning!

Lea’s dress was extraordinary.  Lea was extraordinary!  There was nothing ordinary about this wedding.  Ah, but that was the beauty of this day – June 25, 2011!  The thunder rumbled, the rain poured, yet people gathered and with their presence they witnessed and blessed Lea and Sean – today and always.

“Where shall you seek beauty, and how shall you find her unless she herself be your way and your guide?
And how shall you speak of her except she be the weaver of your speech?”  ~ Kahlil Gibran

Lea chose to wear a beautiful saree.  You are radiant, Lea!

Photographers side note: it was pouring rain during the ceremony so a flash was necessary.  Flashes are not my strongest point, but the show must go on!

As the rain poured and the thunder beings sang, Satjeet Kaur sounded the gong.  Amazing!

The bagpipes, played by Jeffrey Herbster, were a fantastic addition to the wedding.

Mr and Mrs McGregor!!  Congratulations, Lea and Sean!

The rain.  Cleansing, refreshing . . . washing away the old, making the path new for what lies ahead.

The rain eventually stopped so I was able to take photos out from under the tent.  I haven’t even sorted through the many group pictures yet, but I do want to share some beautiful moments of Lea and Sean.

This shot was inspired by a friend of Lea’s, Cookie.  Great idea!  If there is no Goddess named Lea, there is now!

Horses are an integral part of their lives.  Here’s Jack thinking Lea’s rose crown might be a tasty treat.  Love the look of sheer bliss on Lea’s face!

Spartacus, and all he wants to do is eat!

First dance as husband and wife.

The cake, created by Kirstie Ransdell.  In between horse shows, real estate and home life, Kirstie’s creative juices flow and the results are delicious works of art!

Such sweet romance . . .

Lea and Sean are both musicians and met each other via Kerry, Sean’s best man and guitar player pictured here on the left.

Lea’s sister, Cara, also a musician.  The two of them – fantastic voices!

Two sisters and their mother, Katherine.  Little Tabatha will most likely come out dancing and singing!

This is Finnegan, Lea’s nephew, who helped me set up the ring and necklace shots.  Way to go, Finnegan!

A little ceremony towards the end of the day, when the planetary energies were positively aligned.

“Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.”  ~ Kahlil Gibran

I love you, Sean and Lea!  May your life together always bless your hearts each and every day.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Custom photography is like stew or a good bottle of wine – it can’t be rushed and no short cuts should be taken if you want the end result to permeate your senses.  Sometimes the best thing to do is leave it alone for awhile and come back when you are fully charged with new energy, otherwise you could spoil the whole creative process in your hurried attempt to be done.  Yes, as photographers we have to give ourselves and our clients a time line, but it must be understood from both parties that time is essential if one is wanting something more than a simple snapshot.

If this isn’t a moment of bliss I don’t know what is!

Such magic in this image.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Elegance and simplicity define this wedding I was so fortunate to be the chosen photographer for.  As per the request of the bride and groom, there will be no names and faces disclosed.  You won’t be disappointed.  The details alone tell their story.

No flower girl – everyone threw rose petals as the bride and groomed walked down the aisle at the end of the ceremony.

For any bride contemplating whether to wear a veil or not, photographically speaking, a veil takes your images to a whole new level.

Who would have thought white on white could be so extraordinary!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Hurricane Earl was supposed to bring lots of rain and high winds the day of Mike and Kira’s wedding.  The days preceding the wedding I had my eyes glued to the weather forecast.  One day all sounded good.  The next it sounded like the day would be a washout.  Needless to say, when it rained hard during the eve of September 4th, we were all a little on edge.

But the skies parted, the sun shone and the winds were peaceful, setting a beautiful stage for an outdoor wedding.  Kira could not have been a more beautiful bride!  She radiated in every way.  And her dress – lets just say that I bet there were hundreds of tiny ribbons attached from the waist down, each with a silver sequin in the middle!

The location was amazing!  Sandwiched between her grandmother’s home, where the wedding took place,  and the foothills of Camden, was a harbor filled with sailboats.  It was stunning, to say the least.  I could go on and on, but I think the pictures can say it better than I can.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

In Maine, you just never know what the weather will do!  And so it rained and rained the morning Kasey and Mike were to be married on a beach in Owls Head.  A little rain is manageable but downpours are another story!  So we relocated to a sweet place in downtown Rockland.  Mike put up a pop up tent so we could still be outdoors where the light was much better than inside.

You know, it really doesn’t matter where two people in love get married.  There is certain glow that emanates from their core, you would swear the sun was shining down!  Their sweet nature and obvious love created a magical ambiance, rain or shine, beach or patio!

Kasey is such a beautiful bride

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

I had the honor and pleasure of photographing Mike and Beth’s wedding in one of the most gorgeous places in Maine – the Pemaquid Lighthouse.  There couldn’t have been a more beautiful day.  Clear blue sky, soft breezes and a gathering of such lovely people.  I loved the simple yet elegant details that were carefully chosen to mark this special day.  Beth is an artist and all the pottery vases were made by her.  The rehearsal dinner tables were dressed in Vintage table clothes Beth collected over the years, and all the flowers were hand picked from her parents gardens.  I had such a great time documenting their day, and so without further ado, please enjoy the following sneak peak of their amazing story.

The location, as I said, was divine.

Waiting for his bride.

The Procession.

Such emotion goes hand in hand as two people join lives.  So beautiful . . .

Mike’s first look at his beautiful bride as she walks towards him.

I just love this moment between Beth and her parents.

Tender Moments . . .

“Isn’t she lovely, isn’t she beautiful . . .”

I promised Beth if she layed on her belly on this huge rock that the result would be a wonderful picture.  Of course, it helped to have such a beautiful subject!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits