Andree Kehn, Maine Wedding Photographer

Bride's Choice Award - 2012!

2012-01-23T10:56:00.000-05:00

Yippie! I'm a Bride's Choice winner again! Love love love it!

My Favorite Wedding Photos of 2011

2012-01-02T09:30:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!!

I had a fantastic 2011, how about you? I am so excited looking ahead to 2012, it's going to be tough to beat 2011, but the year is off to a great start already!

Here are some of my favorite images from 2011 weddings, I'd love to hear what you think of any of them, leave me a comment here on the blog or over on YouTube! I'd really appreciate it!!

Jay Peak Waterpark grand opening!

2011-12-12T13:58:00.000-05:00

Hooray for Jay!!

Jay Peak hosted a massive grand opening today and elementary kids from around the region flooded to the park to play!!

Jay Peak Waterpark!

2011-12-06T18:01:00.001-05:00

I am spending the winter at Jay Peak to take advantage of their yearly record snowfall (I absolutely live to ski), but because I am a hedonist at heart, I applied for a part-time job at their newest fabulous attraction, The Pump House, an indoor waterpark. Eighty-four degrees was too tempting to pass up!

Of course, I have ulterior motives. :) I have been interested in underwater portraits ever since I ran across the amazing Sacha Blue, who has a business centered around underwater portraits.

While I am still in the experimental stage, I am really excited about the possibilities. I purchased an underwater housing for my camera last week and took it for a swim to test out the gear and to see what I thought of it.

Turns out I LOVE it!! Here a few of my favorite shots from the short photo session I did.

More coming soon on my facebook page!

Edgewater Farms Boudoir Shoot

2011-12-05T12:47:00.000-05:00

I recently hosted a small boudoir shoot at Edgewater Farm Bed and Breakfast in Phippsburg, Maine. At the end of a good wedding season, it was fun to spend some time working with models and playing around with a different style of photography. I do shoot some boudoir on wedding days, for a few minutes before the bride gets dressed, on request from the bride, but to get really fun relaxed images, it's great to be able to set aside a couple of hours.

I wrote an article on how to put together a model shoot, using a few more images from this shoot on the ShootStyle blog. Be sure to check it out if you are a photographer interested in hosting a model shoot!

Fashion Shoot at The Charles Loring House

2011-11-21T09:00:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite things about being a photographer is the unusual opportunities that sometimes come my way. My good friend Rachel Worrall is a talented model and writer and she drafted me to photograph a fashion shoot at the ramshackle Charles Loring House on the North Shore of Boston.

She rounded up the designers, the amazing Nghi Tran and the fabulous Katie Anderson to provide the outfits and make-up and secured the location, wrote the article and got it published in Boston's City Living

Here is the two-page spread that the magazine ran on our shoot:

Lifestyle Family Portrature

2011-11-14T16:15:00.000-05:00

I love working with families and after we get a couple shots of the kids and family looking at the camera, I like to sit back and watch the interactions and the playing. What I love most about these shoots are the connections between the family.

Bethel, Maine Wedding - Bethel Inn

2011-11-07T09:59:00.000-05:00

Bethel, Maine Wedding - Bethel Inn

Sarah and Steven got married at The Bethel Inn, one of my favorite Maine wedding venues in the area. Taking advantage of the large airy condo's Sarah and her sister got ready together. Sarah's aunt did their hair and when her sister did Sarah's make-up.

Then it was off to the Honeymoon suite to get dressed and wait for her grand entrance.

The wedding ceremony was held in the Gibson Room, and Sarah and Steven braved the falling temperatures to get some photos outside.

They danced the night away during their reception in the South Dining room, and got down and funky.

More Bethel Inn Wedding Photos will be up on my facebook soon!

Spruce Point Inn Wedding, Boothbay Harbor Maine Photos

2011-10-26T15:02:00.000-04:00

Spruce Point Inn Wedding, Boothbay Harbor Maine Photos

Erin and James had their wedding in Boothbay Harbor at the beautiful Spruce Point Inn!
Erin's family rented a house nearby the Inn where she and her bridesmaids got ready.

I love flower girls in general and these sweeties were adorable, putting a touch of perfume on their wrists along with the bride.

The amazing Earl Christie was on hand to second shoot again, making the from-the-balcony shot possible as well as many others!

Brilliantly, the couple chose to take a boat from the church to the Inn with their family and bridal party. It was a great way for them to chill with their closest friends while everyone the rest of their guests started in on the cocktail hour.

Yay!! Wonderful wedding, great people, tons of fun!!

Captain Jefferds Inn ~ Kennebunkport, Maine wedding

2011-10-19T13:04:00.000-04:00

Captain Jefferds Inn ~ Kennebunkport, Maine wedding

Steph and Ben had a gorgeous Kennebunkport wedding! Their reception was at the Captain Jefferds Inn, a very elegant Bed and Breakfast on the coast of Maine. They both got ready at the Inn and had a quick "first look" then it was off to Goose Rocks on the trolly for formal photos of the family and bridal party as well as some walking on the beach photos of the happy couple.

We saw this group of fishermen walking by and they were happy to oblige by walking right around Steph and Ben giving them a great human backdrop.

Back at the Inn, there were gorgeous detail photos everyone. I love this idea for place settings. So personal and a riot for everyone to look through!

The toasts were really funny. Stephs dad got things off to a riotous start, and the best man and maid of honor followed suit.

Fantastic day, great energy, wonderful people! Mix until blended for a perfect wedding!

Coastal Maine Engagement Photos

2011-10-14T14:43:00.000-04:00

Coastal Maine Engagement Photography

Sofie and Nic spent the summer working on an organic farm on the Maine Coast at a bed and breakfast, Edgewater Farm Bed and Breakfast. We shot their engagement photos right on the farm they were working on and the surrounding woods and beach with their amazing wonderful three-legged dog, Achilles! Such a good boy!!

Rustic Wedding Chic

2011-10-11T17:25:00.000-04:00

Andree Kehn Wedding Photography and Stacey Doyle Photography got some more love today from Rustic Wedding Chic! Go check it out!

Charles River Museum of Industry Wedding ~ Waltham Massachusetts Wedding

2011-10-03T18:26:00.000-04:00

Charles River Museum of Industry Wedding ~ Waltham Massachusetts Wedding

Kris and Brandon had a ridiculous fun museum wedding at the Charles River Museum of Industry in Waltham, Massachusetts.

The weren't interested in much of the traditional traditions. :) Brandon and Kris spent the day getting together, with their best team, enjoying the preparations as they got ready for their ceremony and reception.

And what a reception it was! Kris and Brandon met each other on an online gaming forum and had some very non-traditional ideas on what to do at their wedding. Instead of dancing, they decided to host a massive game night. All of the tables turned into non-stop gaming, free-form.

I was so pleased to have the very talented and fun Stacey Doyle along as a second photographer, she caught some great moment and details during the event, including the following three photographs.

After a great cocktail hour, with amazing food by Harvest Catering, the couple led the way to dinner, toasts and games!

Stacey Doyle also shot this photo of me, being "unobtrusive". :) Weirdly, I am succeeding, since everyone was completely engrossed in a rousing game of Wedding Bananagrams.

Fantastic wedding, you crazy kids! More Charles River Museum photos soon on my Facebook Page.

Phippsburg Maine Wedding ~ Hermit Island Campground Wedding

2011-09-28T09:00:00.001-04:00

Phippsburg Maine Wedding ~ Hermit Island Campground Wedding

Nellie and Corey got married at Hermit Island Campround in Phippsburg, Maine. The couple spent the week at the campground, camping, surfing and enjoying summer before their wedding ceremony. On the morning of the wedding, they lived it up a little and got ready in their parent's cottages, instead of trying to wiggle into tux and wedding gown from their sleeping bag. Their honeymoon suite was their cozy tent!!

A beach wedding, every surfer's dream . . .

Of course they had typical Maine fare, a Lobster and clam-bake, complete with steaming pile of seaweed.

A fabulous rustic reception, at The Kelp Shack with amazing music by The Time Pilots.

Rocking good time, Nellie and Corey!! Check out my facebook page for more Hermit Island Campground Wedding Photos!

Newry, Maine wedding - Glen House wedding

2011-09-26T09:00:00.003-04:00

Newry, Maine wedding - Glen House wedding

Dogs at weddings, need I say more? This little cute is getting his rings tied on, as the perfect little ring-bearer.

Hanna and Eric got married and head their reception at The Glen House in Newry, Maine. It's a fantastic place to do the all-in-one wedding.

They had intended to do an outdoor wedding, but an approaching thunderstorm necessitated a quick change to an indoor wedding. Everything happened very fast and was super organized thanks to a quick working wedding party.

During the ceremony, in tme for the Reverend Don Coverdale to make use of it in the service, the sun broke free from the clouds. Plenty of time for the reception to go off as planned outside and for Hanna to do her much heralded cannon-ball into the pool!!

Hanna, her father and friends relive the moment.

Hanna and Eric, who live in Chicago, chose Maine for their wedding because they had seen Anthony Bourdain's show on Maine and decided they must get married in Maine. Obviously, the food was of utmost importance while plannning their day.

Fabulous day! Please check out my facebook page for more Newry, Maine wedding photos!

Greenville, Maine wedding ~ Blair Hill Inn wedding ~ Katahdin Cruises wedding

2011-09-21T11:14:00.000-04:00

Greenville, Maine wedding ~ Blair Hill Inn wedding ~ Katahdin Cruises wedding

Erin and Henry got married up in Greenville, Maine on a glorious weekend. They had their rehearsal dinner on The Katahdin Cruise ship with family, college buddies and assorted friends. Since the trip was a serious haul for almost everyone, the rehearsal dinner cruise was very well attended.

The next day opened with Erin getting ready at The Blair Hill Inn, a gorgeous inn in Greenville. I was pleased that everyone quickly forgot about me, and I was able to slip around and get my camera into positions where I could capture moments like this one, when Erin threw up her fists in joy over her impending nuptials.

It's all done with mirrors . . .

Erin descends the staircase for her "first look" with Henry. Erin is a real adventurer, and despite the fact that the swing was barely holding itself together in the ropes, she scrambled up and balanced on the swing. It was never in question.

The nice thing about the first look, is that the portraits are taken care of early, and there's a chance to sneak back in the house for a quick make-up and hair check before the ceremony.

The end of the night brought a peaceful moment between the tow of them on the dancefloor.

Please check out my facebook album for more Greenville, Maine wedding photos.

Andover Maine Backyard Wedding - Merrill House

2011-09-15T11:44:00.001-04:00

Andover Maine Backyard Wedding - Merrill House

Megan and Adam had their amazing backyard wedding at The Merrill House, a gorgeous old mansion in Andover, Maine. They invited me along to photograph the rehearsal dinner, which was all-hands-on-deck. Lunchboxes being assembled and lawn games being played. More of those photos will show upon my Facebook page, very soon.

Adam, who built his own house with the help of his dad and various friends, also built this "chapel" as an entry way for the ceremony. It was destined to become a picnic table after the wedding, making for a delightful circle

The next day started like many weddings, the gals getting ready. I adore the pillbox hat and birdcage veil. Very chic!

The two met for a private moment before the ceremony.

With their dog. You all keep bringing your bogs to the weddings and I will keep taking this photo. Dogs and wedding shoes. Love them!

Megan's Dad patiently waiting to walk her down the aisle. Being that this was a country-fair wedding, the dress code of the day was plaid, gingham ans checkered shirts. And everyone was sporting their best blue jeans.

On a day filled with fantastic details, the one that stood out was this very cool LOVE lightbox that Adam built some months ago. It was a totally cool backdrop for the dancefloor!

Make sure you check back for the full treatment on my facebook page! You're going to want to see how this day unfolded!

Portland, Maine Wedding ~ Portland Club ~Irish Heritage Center

2011-09-12T10:50:00.000-04:00

Portland, Maine Wedding ~ Portland Club ~Irish Heritage Center

Catherine and Dan hosted a glorious wedding at the Irish Heritage Center and the Portland Club. But before all of that Catherine got ready at The Percy Inn on Pine Street, now a lovely little inn, but formally the site of the salt Center for Documentary Studies. It was very fun for me, I spent one of my last semesters in college doing Documentary work in this very building!

The wedding was at The Irish Heritage Center in Portland, Maine. The building is the home of the former St Dominic's Church and is quite grand!

My second photographer of the day, Earl Christie, a talented Massachusetts wedding photographer, got up into the balcony for this overall scene.

And just a short block away was the reception in The Portland Club. The event was coordinated by Black Tie Company, and everything went like clockwork. :)

A really wonderful wedding! Thank you so much!

Maine Wedding Photojournalism Promo video

2011-09-10T00:34:00.000-04:00

I worked with Meg Simone on this promo video for my business. I love Meg's video work.

I'm not a professional actor and this is my first time in front of the lens like this, so I stumble a little over my words. For those of you who have tried to talk to me while I am actually shooting, you can see that I'm really not doing too bad. :)

Thanks a million, and I can't wait to hear what you think!

York, Maine Wedding - Nubble Lighthouse

2011-09-02T09:00:00.007-04:00

York, Maine Wedding - Nubble Lighthouse

Diana and Patrick took advantage of my intimate three hour wedding coverage and had themselves a lovely wedding at Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine!

They both got ready in separate cabins at Diana's grandparents' home, and then the entire wedding drove to York in two cars (three if you count the photographer).

The wedding was held flash-mob style, the space on the rocks cleared by the photographer and officiant, the lovely Brenda Bracy. It's a gorgeous place for a small wedding. Afterward, two onlookers came up to congratulate the couple, telling them that they were so pleased to have seen the wedding, since it was their own 30th wedding anniversary!

After the ceremony, Diana and Patrick and I did some portraits at the lighthouse and then crashed a small private beach and a late afternoon picnic.A super laid-back wedding for a really relaxed fun couple!

Photobooth Madness, Portland, Maine

2011-08-31T09:56:00.000-04:00

Catherine and Daniel, yes, that's them, all respectable in the first shot, threw a grand party at The Portland Club in Portland Maine. Their wedding photos will be a while yet to process, but I wanted to get some shots up right off the bat of their crazed festivities!

If you were a guest at the wedding and found yourself in the photobooth, head on over to my facebook page and like it, so you can be all set up to tag yourself (or untag as the case may be) when I post the rest of the images.

And throw a comment or two down right here on my blog!! We'd all love to know what you think!

Engagement Session ~ Littleton, Massachusetts

2011-08-25T17:52:00.000-04:00

Kris and Brandon are two very connected fun kids. We met a while back in Littleton, Massachusetts for their engagement session. I can't wait for their wedding at the Charles River Museum of Industry later this fall! They've told me some of the things they have planned for the days, and it will make for some great images!

Damariscotta, Maine Wedding - Bradley Inn

2011-08-22T19:18:00.002-04:00

Damariscotta, Maine Wedding - Bradley Inn

Chris and Bruce got got married in Newcastle Maine, right outside of Damariscotta. Their reception and getting ready happened at the beautiful Bradley Inn right around the corner from Pemaquid Point. A wonderful place to get married!

Chris's sisters wore adorable Thing One and Thing Two shirts. So fun and an unusual way to designate themselves as bridesmaids.

After Chris got into her wedding gown, the emotions started flowing, Something about seeing yourself in the white gown really brings home that the day is finally here. Everyone rushes in to fan any tears back before make-up is ruined.

At the church, St Patricks in New Castle, Maine, Chris and Bruce shared laughed a couple of times. Sometimes a giggle in church is a very good thing, especially on one's wedding day!

Back at The Bradley Inn, I saw the greatest idea for favors. The couple had designated three different charities and each guest placed their named rock in the charity of their choice. Chris and Brice then donated money for each rock.

I love the life-long friend speeches, something about hearing someone talk about the people they've know since college always makes me giddy.

Wicked good time in Maine!

More Damariscotta, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

Harpswell, Maine Wedding - Backyard Wedding

2011-08-16T09:43:00.002-04:00

Harpswell, Maine Wedding - Backyard Wedding

Tara and Jeff got married in an awesome backyard wedding in Harpswell Maine. Jeff's parents have a gorgeous house filled to the rim with laughter and activity.

Unbelievably (and deliciously) Jeff did the catering for his own wedding. He is an amazing chef, and while he brought in some hired guns for the day, the entire food scene was his brainchild. Here he is testing the sauce (and washing his hands, always washing his hands)

Tara was stunning in a beutiful cocktail length wedding gown and her Christian Louboutin
were to die for. Even her dog gave them a good looking at.

The reception food included a lobster and clam bake. As place settings they gave everyone their very own personalized Mason Jar for their drinks.

Ring bearers were perfect. Two ring bearers, as the position of flower girl was not looked upon with much interest. I love a wedding that can easily readjust the "rules" to fit the individuals.

The amazing Stacey Doyle came along as a second photographer and was fabulous as providing a second angle or unique perspective on the day.

One of my favorite moments in the wedding came near the end when the officiant, a recently ordained minister from the Universal Life Church , actually did a freestyle rap made especially for the couple. He was very talented and a super funny guy.

Thank you so much, Tara and Jeff, I had a Fabulous time!!

More Harpswell, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

Bar Mills, Maine Wedding - Backyard Wedding

2011-08-13T09:43:00.002-04:00

Bar Mills, Maine Wedding - Backyard Wedding

Sarah and Masa had a wonderful wedding in the backyard of Sarah's grandmother's house in Bar Mills, outside of Portland, Maine.

Masa got ready in the farmhouse, and had a bit of a to-do figuring out his bow-tie, resorting to YouTube, printed directions and Sarah's grandmother before succumbing to the allure of the clip-on tie.

Sarah got ready in one of the many out-buildings. She put her dress on in amongst the costumes for some of the theater productions the family has been involved in.

Sarah had been living in Germany, while Masa had been in Japan. They logged many many miles in airplanes, which her bridal party told in the story of their engagement, with lots of audience support. The two of them climbed my Fiji together and that was where Masa proposed. Mt Fiji was commemorated on their wedding cake, which held the attention of the kids all evening.

And instead of the traditional dj and dancing, they hired a conra-dance caller and band. Amazing participation by everyone involved!

More Bar Mills, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

Scarborough, Maine Wedding - The Landing at Pine Point

2011-08-10T22:38:00.003-04:00

Scarborough, Maine Wedding - The Landing at Pine Point

Kristy and Ryan had their shin-dig hosted at The Landing at Pine Point in Scarborough Maine. There is a gorgeous little garden behind the venue and that's where they decided to do their "first look" where they got to see each other for the first time. I love these moments; there is a genuine connection you can see and feel in the images.

And then we all took off for the beach to do some portraits. They are so comfortable with themselves and each other, they are totally relaxed on the wedding day.

And then just a few quick steps bring us back inside for first dances, toasts, dinner and general crazy dancing.

Fantastic great time and a wonderful day at The Landing!

More Scarborough, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

Freeport Maine E-session

2011-08-09T14:15:00.000-04:00

Danielle and Dan!! These guys met me in Freeport this summer and we trundled around Wolfe's Neck Park for an engagement session. Super fun kids! :)

Bar Harbor, Maine Wedding - Backyard Wedding

2011-08-04T09:43:00.003-04:00

Bar Harbor, Maine Wedding - Backyard Wedding

Where to begin? Kristina and Andrew are just perfect! Kristina and Andrew got married in an old farmhouse DownEast Maine. She's Australian and he's English, the accents in the air the evening were great to listen to you (Hi to everyone!) I loved it!

I managed to slip in and get a few shots of the groom and his mom practicing their dance. They did a great job later in the night!

Jenga was the name of the game, played with gigantic 2x4 blocks; cute little birds functioned as place settings.

Kristina made her own floor length gown, absolutely gorgeous, and half way through the night, she changed into a second dress that she'd made, consisting largely of feathers. It was so amazing. The guests went wild!

Then everyone circled around for some good old fashioned contra-dancing. They'd hired a caller and a band and got jiggy!

A sweaty bridal portrait. My favorite kind!

More Bar Harbor, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

Rustic Chic Wedding Blog

2011-08-03T09:10:00.000-04:00

Remember the Reggae Wedding at the Glen House in Newry? It's being featured on Rustic Wedding Chic this week! As an added bennie, you can see a photo of me shooting. :) Go check it out!

Engagement Session on Higgins Beach ~ Scarborough Maine

2011-08-02T16:27:00.000-04:00

I've got a bit of a backlog of engagement sessions lined up, I'm going to try and squeeze them in here and there! I'm bumping Kristy and Ryan to the front of the line, they are getting married very soon and wanted to get their e-session online before their wedding!

Ryan popped the question at Higgins Beach in the heart of Scarborough, Maine so they wanted to do their photos here!

I love the playful interactions between these two. They are so authentic!

Boothbay Harbor, Maine Wedding - The Admirals Quarters Inn

2011-07-25T09:22:00.003-04:00

Boothbay Harbor, Maine Wedding - The Admirals Quarters Inn

Tara and Andy got married at a cute little Bed in Breakfast in Boothbay Harbor, The Admiral's Quarters Inn.

To start the day, Tara got ready at her parent's home.

Her mother is a beautiful illustrator and drew the table settings placeholders on the tables at the reception. She used some other beloved artist's drawings as well, including this little lobster one! Says Maine, handcrafted and wedding all at once!

Andy's family seems to have a familial disposition for balancing spoons on their noses. I was laughing so hard. This young lady finally got her spoon affixed much to the joy of her cohort!

Tara's mother made a slideshow of the couple "Made for Each Other", which she projected on the roof of the tent. Very adorable!

And then everyone packed up for a sunset cruise! Fabulous wedding, great people, fun times! :)

More Boothbay Harbor, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

On Bravery

2011-07-22T08:04:00.001-04:00

This is an article I wrote for the ShootStyle blog on one of the moments I like to capture on a wedding day . . .

Some of my favorite photos are from the moments before the ceremony between the father and the bride. The hustle and bustle has come and gone - the father peeks over at his daughter, about to walk down the aisle to her new life.

In order to get those last moments, when nobody remains but the father and daughter, I have to let go of the shot of the bridal party walking, one by one, down the aisle. I have to sacrifice the photo from the front of the father and bride walking down the aisle.

It's hard to break away from our internal expectations of getting every shot on the magical shot-list we’ve seen printed out and copied over and over again for our careers. We tell ourselves that there are these must-have shots. But just as there is no typical woman, there is no typical bride and no universal expectations placed upon us.

When I began shooting weddings, it seemed natural to me to stay with the bride until the very end. Now I often second-guess myself and plant myself in the aisle for “that shot”. What if she asks me for it later?

It’s never happened. No bride has ever come to me and asked “How come you didn’t shoot my day another way?” or “Why did you shoot that like that?” I have trust from my brides and they hire me for my vision. Besides, this is a painless photo to miss in many respects. There will be a million photos of her from the front, from her friends, of her walking down the aisle. But nobody but me can get those last tender seconds between dad and bride.

When I have a second shooter working with me, I plant them in the aisle for the bride-from-the-front shot. It’s a happy gift to me that when I second shoot for other photographers, they leave me in the back with the bride and father. I love it when Dad looks at his daughter as “his little girl” for the very last time.

I can still get this shot of the bride approaching the ceremony from behind.

And this shot of the groom looking at his new bride, layered behind her. I feel invisible from this vantage point, and that’s the way I like it.

I vow to take this chance more often this summer and get more of these precious moments between the dad and his daughter. What risks would you like to take on a wedding day?

Cape Cod, Massachusetts Wedding - Dan'l Webster Inn

2011-07-06T10:31:00.002-04:00

Cape Cod, Massachusetts Wedding - Dan'l Webster Inn

Janey and Ian got married in beautiful Sandwich Massachusetts at The Dan'l Webster Inn. Cape Cod is a fantastic place to get married and take a honeymoon all-in-one.

Janey took advantage of the spa at the Dan'l Webster and as a result, never had to get in a vehicle all day. I love it, because it gives me more time to photograph!

We went over the the Grist Mill for some photos (you'll have to check in with Facebook later this week to see those) and then did some shots right in the inn. I love this bench for photos; I shot some great images on this same bench at the Dan'l Webster last fall, this time a different angle.

After the portraits of Janey and Ian, came the ceremony. They did formal family photos after the ceremony, which shortened up the time between ceremony and reception.

Thank you so much! I had a fantastic time!!

More Cape Cod, Massachusetts Wedding Photos on Facebook

Wedding-photojournalism: Ski Esta, Newry maine

2011-06-28T21:01:00.001-04:00

Kate and Cory came to Maine for their wedding and Kate had an awesome request for me. No formals!! I get a lot of couples who want very few formals, as I have been an actual photojournalist and love shooting as a fly-on-the-wall style.

I got to Kate's dad's house before Kate and Cory was still there. I met her as she drove up and told her that Cory was still hanging out in the house, she made a quick phone call to roust him out of the house and then hid behind er car so her wouldn't see her. "It's his rule!!" She exclaimed,"And he's the one breaking it!"

She got ready in the house and while she didn't want to pose for me, she kindly stood with her brothers for her family. I snuck in and grabbed a few shots like this one. :)

Once at Ski Esta, Cory and Kate saw each other in a room with their families. I grabbed a few shots of them seeing each other for the first time. There is so much emotion between them, so much more than if I has tried to choreograph it.

Kate, Cory and their peeps looked down at the gathering guests.

The ceremony was pretty non-traditional as well. Kate's family and friends crowded in around them. Kate's mom got ordained as a minister on the internet and officiated the ceremony. Afterwards, Kate and Cory took a moment to have a yichud ish together-time.

Once the reception started, everyone's true colors came out. The brothers all did a "troast" of the bride and groom. Part roast part toast. Everyone voted on their favorite. It was outrageous . . .

And following their own drummer, they opted to skip even the first dance. That's cool, there were plenty of dancing and being surrounded by their friends and family was the most important part of their day. Great fun!!!

More photos coming soon to Facebook!

Camden, Maine Wedding

2011-06-23T13:36:00.002-04:00

Camden, Maine Wedding

Sabrina and Justin chose Maine to get married in. Many of my clients come from "away", and they have family or friend from the area. Something that ties them to the place. Not Sabrina and Justin. Justin, actually read about Camden Maine in a magazine while he was in the waiting room of the dentists office and it stuck with him as a place he'd always wanted to visit.

So when the two of them were planning their wedding day, they'd decided to pick a location that would make for a great vacation and he remembered the magazine. Ta-da! And here they came!

It takes a village to get a bride dressed. . . .

They got married at the Vespers Children's Chapel in Rockport, Maine. The chapel overlooks the ocean and gives the best of ocean-side, trees, gardens and more!

And they ate yummy Maine Lobster for the reception!

Justin told me that the two of them were not great dancers, so they secretly took dance lessons and rocked a modified Foxtrot at their reception, very fun!

More Camden, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

Bar Harbor, Maine Wedding - Bar Harbor Inn

2011-06-13T13:04:00.003-04:00

Bar Harbor, Maine Wedding - Bar Harbor Inn

Patti and Spencer had an amazing wedding at the Bar Harbor Inn. They chose to see each other before the ceremony at a private balcony above their ceremony site. They are so adorable together!

Patti was pretty pumped about tying the knot!

The dining room has a fantastic mirror, I used it as a detail shot, but also as a way to show the bride and groom dancing.

After the ceremony, they chartered the schooner The Margaret Todd, and had a wonderful, if not a little chilly cruise.

I love the hats they brought for the cruise, adorable, right??

More Bar Harbor, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

Peabody Museum Wedding

2011-06-06T20:53:00.001-04:00

Carly and Jason are old friends of a couple whose Vinalhaven wedding I shot some years ago, and I knew it a minute that I would love them.

Carly got ready in the historic Hawthorne Hotel with her mom and her friends, while Jason stayed at home and readied himself.

Carly and Jason decided to do a first look and do their family photos and many of their environmental portraits. We took full advantage of the architecture of the area.

The actual ceremony was held in the Phillips Library, Jason's father officiated as got everyone laughing.

After the ceremony, we all hoofed it over to the Peabody museum, where we had to make good use of the spiral staircase and the Peabody Museum's famous Fu-dogs.

I really had such a wonderful time with this crew! The dancing photos were out of this world, but you'll have to tune into Facebook later this week for that!!

Second Shooting in Massachusetts

2011-06-05T11:23:00.000-04:00

I had the absolute pleasure of second shooting a wedding recently with Jamie Wexler, one of my partners in crime in ShootStyle, a photographers' education group. We second shoot for each other whenever we get the chance. He asked me to shoot with him down in Massachusetts and dispatched me to hang out with the guys in Cambridge. As is often the case, the guys got themselves a little primed up for the festivities.

Once at the ceremony location, Jamie went to get into position and I switched off to get the last minute behind the scenes with the bride. It's great to have two professional photographers covering the wedding, because these last minutes get the attention they deserve.

Another nice thing is the opportunity to get coverage of the cocktail hour. This is a part of the day the bride and groom rarely see, as they are off getting portraits of themselves done, and it's nice to be able to provide some photo documentation of the hour.

These two had a gorgeous reception, I loved being able to pull back and hide behind foliage to get a different texture of the wedding day during the key moments like the first dance.

Bethel, Maine Wedding - Bethel Inn

2011-05-28T06:32:00.004-04:00

Bethel, Maine Wedding - Bethel Inn

This was a fun one.

I had met Leslie and Rick a few weeks before the wedding and right away I could tell it was going to be a fantastic wedding. They both had so much love and spirit and energy. It was teh second time they had been married . . . to each other.

Their first wedding had been in the early 80's and they had spent a lifetime together with a family and now, after a brief hiatus, they were doing it again.

The wonderful thing about this wedding, was that the friends and family were already "their" friends and family.

There was s significant departure from the norm during the getting ready stage of the day. It was the guys who had all of the excitement and drama.

As for the women, they got ready in about three minutes flat.

The ceremony was filled with people chatting, sharing communion, blessing rings, and a granddaughter flower girl who did lots of wandering.

Dinner was filled with great conversation.

More Bethel, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

Engagement Session

2011-05-17T16:21:00.000-04:00

My dear friend Zofia got married last weekend and while I brought along only my point and shoot camera to the wedding, I did manage to get out to the island a couple of weeks ago with Stacey Doyle to do an engagement session and new family photos.

Zofia's daughter Ava joined in on the fun too. :)

Congratulations to you both! I am so excited to see your official wedding photos!! xxoo!!!

Bridal Prep

2011-05-06T13:45:00.000-04:00

I helped my good friend Michelle Turner over the weekend at a destination wedding in Miami. Tough life, eh?

As a photojournalist, I adore shooting bridal prep. Before the ceremony, the ladies (and guys) have their guard down. They are getting their hair "did", and spend some time soaking up the excitement of the day.

The bride had dressed all of her bridesmaids in pink warm-up suits for the morning. It was really cute. The bridesmaids had known each other forever. The interactions were natural, relaxed and fun.

This bride, like almost every bride, took some time in the morning to just calm down, sending out a few texts, oblivious to the whirlwind around her.

The guys were getting ready in the same hotel, and they did their thing too. Same thing, different room.

In this last shot, the bride is completely unaware of what is around her, and stares at herself in the mirror one last moment before walking down the aisle. The gals scurry around in the next room, double checking make-up and building the excitement.

ShootStyle Boudoir Shoot

2011-04-27T09:43:00.008-04:00

ShootStyle got together again this year to shoot another boudoir marathon. We hired a bunch of models, got together some photographer-friends and did some shooting in a cabin in Maine.

It's great fun for me. I do operate a small boudoir business in Maine and sometimes will work a small boudoir shoot into the wedding day, if the bride has some nice lingerie she'd like to show off.

My interest in these shoots is to create an ambiance in the images and create a story in which there appears to be a touch of a back-story.

We've also got a post up on the ShootStyle blog that shows some of the amazing photographic talent present at the shoot. Plus, see one of my models in the shower . . .

Broke-ass Bride needs your help

2011-04-25T21:53:00.000-04:00

I read a few different wedding blogs, it's one of the hazards of being in this industry. Some stuffy, some silly, a few really targeted blogs that speak to the clients I work with, and I also read The Broke-Ass Bride.

The Broke-Ass Bride is exactly what you might imagine. A blog for people planning their weddings on a shoestring, and still trying to make it their own day.

The author of the blog is a young woman named Dana, and she has a chronic autoimmune disease which requires her to have recurring surgeries on her eyes. This is shocking to me, not just that it is happening to this young woman, but that she can continue to be as prolific with writing her blog.

She has turned to the community for help and has created a series of gifts for people who choose to donate. She's collecting recipes of "comfort food" which is such a great concept. For different levels of donations, she is making the recipes available in different formats, from access to the information on the web all the way through a hard copy book.

Even if you can't donate money, visit the site, there are some web pages donating money for every "like" on their Facebook page, they can use tweets, they need recipes!!

Click here to learn more about the fundraiser.

Mark and Zofia's Vintage-ey Engagment Session

2011-04-23T11:38:00.005-04:00

Zofia is one of my favorite people, and an amazing Nantucket wedding photographer. She is getting married to cutie British Mark Crosby. Adorable

Recently, before a ShootStyle field trip to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, a few of us barged into a Boston vintage shop to make photos for Zofia and Mark. Their wedding theme is vintage, and we looked around for some ideas.

Towards the end of the shoot, we even started outfitting Zofia and Mark in the shop's clothing and posed them up willy-nilly. :)

Great fun! Earl Christie and Stacey Doyle were on hand shooting too!

Happy Earth Day from my cat . . .

2011-04-22T09:18:00.003-04:00

Now go outside and play!!

So you're EnGayged!!

2011-04-08T21:07:00.002-04:00

I am a member of a number of juried websites, that refer people to vendors that have passed muster of some sort or the other.

Just this week I was accepted into So You're EnGAYged!, a website for Gay, Lesbian and straight couples that wish to have gay-friendly vendors for whatever reason.

It's a privileged and a joy to be a part of such good company. I only hope that gay marriage will be legal in the state of Maine soon.

Seriously fun Jewish Wedding

2011-03-29T10:55:00.005-04:00

I love shooting weddings, and especially love all of the variety and ingenuity that a couple brings to their day. I second shot this wedding with Earl Christie and was in tears of joy all day.

This was my first clue that this wedding was going to get very unusual, in a hurry. A unicorn! I've seen a moose at a wedding before, but this unicorn was a first.

And then a fire-eater.

And clowns:

And a game show:

By the end of the evening, I was happily joining in on the fun and grabbed this shot of Earl.

I absolutely adore the non-traditional touches that couples bring to their wedding days. And this wedding was more than touched!

Maine Handicapped Skiing Fundraiser!

2011-03-28T08:59:00.003-04:00

A beautiful thing about living in Maine is that every now and then I get to cover a story for the newspaper as a free-lancer that is pure joy!

And one of those opportunities happened for me yesterday afternoon.

Every year for the last 21 years, firefighters converge on Sunday River for a fundraiser event that really tickles ones fancy.

The objective is for five firefighters to ski as fast as they can though an alpine ski course all wearing their full turnout gear all while holding onto a fifty foot fire hose.

The proceeds of the competition benefit Maine Handicapped Skiing, and organization dedicated to supporting handicapped individuals ski and snow board.

There was a lost of determination:

Not everyone makes it down the course combobulated. Skiing while holding a firehose is harder than it looks. And it looks pretty hard already!

A great day was had by everyone!

And a big shout out to the fire departments who made the trip!

WOLFEBORO, LIVERMORE FALLS, BETHEL, AUBURN, LEWISTON, JAY, FALMOUTH, FARMINGTON, HOPKINTON, AUBURN, FALMOUTH, PORTLAND, GORHAM, PORTSMOUTH, RUMFORD, NEWRY

Profile of a world famous wedding photographer

2011-03-23T09:53:00.002-04:00

tee-hee. Maybe some day!!

I was just profiled in Portland Maine's Examiner. Check it out!

My little secret: The go-to bouquet shot

2011-03-16T10:28:00.002-04:00

This is another article I wrote for the ShootStyle blog!

I pride myself as a photojournalist and on approaching every wedding uniquely. For the most part, I do. But every now and then, I find myself pulling an old favorite out of my quiver of ideas and employing the "Go-To" shot.

One of these go-to shots happens to be my favorite bouquet shot. I take the bouquet from the bride, direct the bride and groom to practice their first dance, lie the bouquet on the ground in some nice light, lie on the ground myself and presto, ten seconds and I have a very interesting photo of the bouquet. I do have some non-traditional couples, but almost of them do some type of first dance. Spending a few minutes "practicing" takes their mind off of me and gives them a chance to just connect with each other.

It makes for a nice environmental photo of their bouquet that that lends itself to a wall hanging and also makes a fantastic scene setter for opening the wedding album.

v

If I missed this shot at your wedding, feel honored. It probably means that we were doing even more fantastic photos!

I'll be mixing it up this season and looking for new and exciting ways to feature bouquets!

Interview with a (Vampire) photographer.

2011-02-11T12:41:00.000-05:00

I am thrilled to have been interviewed recently by Real Maine Weddings. They are running it today on their blog.

It was fun talking about my philosophy and my influences in photography. I figured it to be of interest to my readers, so I'm posting the interview here as well!!

Real Maine Weddings: How did you get started in photography?

Andree Kehn: I had an SLR camera in high school and learned some darkroom work, just a dabble here and there.

In college I was a fine arts student and briefly explored Ceramics before concentrating in Photography. I loved how direct photography is as a communication form. My work in college was much more conceptual and avant garde and used a lot of text on image. Very funky.

Right before I graduated, I did an internship at salt magazine studying documentary photography, I shot one photo story on sea-urchin divers and one on female rock and rollers. One semester was all it took, I was hooked on documentary.

After graduation I took a detour to the ski slopes and took a job as a mountain portrait and race photographer. I eventually landed a position at The Citizen newspaper in Laconia, New Hampshire as a staff photographer. By then I was drinking developer and fixer by the gallon. Ha-ha, just kidding, but I was and still am completely hooked on photography.

Real Maine Weddings: What do you love about wedding photography?

Andree Kehn:I never thought I would love it! I fell backwards into wedding photography, thinking it was going to be vapid and soul-sucking. I took a few jobs for friends, and I realized that a wedding is just a big event, like any other event. It's an opportunity for me to shoot people engaged in an activity.

Since focusing on shooting weddings, I started attracting couples that share the same values that I do. Having a great time on their wedding day is paramount. I tend to shoot weddings where the location has particular meaning to the couple or is funky and unusual.

I love watching the story of the day unfold in front of me, learning the nuances of the relationships between people. I meet people in a much different way then if I were to be there without the camera. I love exploring what makes their day different from every other wedding day.

Real Maine Weddings: What is the biggest challenge you face when shooting a wedding?

Andree Kehn: Getting enough water to drink! LOL. I'd say the most important challenge is to get my clients comfortable in front of the camera so that they can accept that is just is a thing, and to not worry about it.

Real Maine Weddings: What should clients know about your style of photography?

Andree Kehn: I am a photojournalist at heart, so I'm not going to orchestrate the day, I will be there documenting things as they happen, but I won't create images and moments that aren't there already. If a bride wants lots of photos of her having a good time with her mother, then she needs to spend time with her mom on her wedding day.

Sometimes, with older couples especially, the reception is a grand reunion, which is great fun, but can end up with the bride and groom being in totally different ends of the reception from each other for most of the evening. At the end of the night, if I haven't gotten much of a bride and the groom together, I might go grab the groom's elbow and suggest he take his bride for a spin on the dance floor. That's about as much as I will "interfere" in day. Outside of portrait time, of course, there are always plenty of bride and groom images from portrait-time!!)

Real Maine Weddings: When you're not behind the camera, what do you like to do?

Andree Kehn: I love skiing and a little gardening. I moved out to the coast with my boyfriend for the summer last year, and really loved being able to run down to the beach and jump into the ocean. I'll spend some more time there this summer. It was way too much fun. I tried to teach myself how to surf, but mostly just embarrassed myself. I might have to get a longer board next summer. In the winter it's ski ski ski. I can't imagine not living fifteen minutes from a ski area.

Real Maine Weddings: How can the couple help YOU on their wedding day?

Andree Kehn: It's tough being in front of the camera. If it feels awkward, you don't have to pretend it doesn't. If you acknowledge the weirdness, you'll get over it sooner. You can offer me a glass of water (see above) but then just forget about me. Don't think of me as a guest, think of me as the butler that you are supposed to ignore.

Doing all of the formals at once is much more efficient and likely to happen than "We'll get that shot at the reception". If the photo is important to you, get it early on before people start drinking. We can bang out a bunch of photos fast if we do it all at one time. The only exception is your alma mater photo. For some reason, gathering up all your college buddies on the dance floor works every time. It might be uproarious, but it gets done. A photo of your mom and all her sisters? Let's do that one with the rest of the formals. Better participation, definitely gets done.

Real Maine Weddings: How has your photography style changed over the years? (or has it?)

Andree Kehn: I came into shooting weddings straight from being a newspaper photographer. The first year, It was so ingrained in me not to create a make-believe world, that during the one time in the wedding day when it was expected, the romantic/playful portraits of the bride and groom together, I froze.

I've gotten so much better at that! I spend a half hour or so with the you both doing portraits that are staged and lightly posed. If you don't know where you want these images done, leave it up to me. I'll give you some suggestions on walking and talking and cuddling. It's very loose direction and it allows for your own personalities to be showcased. As a dyed-in-the-wool photojournalist, I never thought I would get comfortable with this, but it turns out to be a really fun part of the day!

Real Maine Weddings: What sorts of things inspire you when you pick up your camera?

Andree Kehn: I am always trying to make better photos than I did the week before. If something amuses me, I'll work on the idea in-camera for a while. I surround myself, socially, with other fantastic photographers; seeing their work brings out my competitive edge and I strive to get better and better. I hire second photographers and hire myself out as a second photographer whenever I have the opportunity. Creativity feeds on itself.

Real Maine Weddings: Where will your business be in the next 5 years?

Andree Kehn: I'm still going to be in Maine, at least in the summer. I love it here. :)

Business-wise, I have just launched my boudoir photography business and would love to have that build to be just as successful as my wedding work. I've been a feminist most of my life. Creating strong intimate images of women in control of their image has really been an exciting journey.

Eascape from Maine ~ A warm winter wedding!

2011-01-30T13:09:00.004-05:00

I am a snow-bunny from way back, love the snow, l.o.v.e. it! But when the opportunity to jet down to Mexico this month for a few days to second shoot for my most excellent friend Michelle Turner came up, well, let's just say there weren't too many tearful goodbyes.

We shot at the gorgeous Playa Fiesta in Puerto Vallarta. It's a small hotel which can easily get taken over by a wedding party.

We started with bridal prep.

The bride's mom was a shutter bug herself,

But quickly gave up the controls to Michelle :

That's just a goof, of course, here's Michelle really working the scene:

I scoped out the reception area before the ceremony and grabbed a quick overview of the location, it's a wonderful place to get married.

I love shooting people shooting. Even during the ceremony. :)

I'm not sure what exactly was in these orange "smoothies" but they were a big hit with the bridal party after the ceremony.

A quiet moment with the bride and groom,

before they were introduced into their reception.

Just as the sun was setting, Michelle took the couple out by the water to get some sunset shot, as the ever faithful second on this assignment, I got down and got low to get another angle of her shot.

In case anyone forgot they were in Mexico, a pinata was brought out. The groom smashed it to pieces. Great fun!

These guys knew how to have fun, I think every single person ended up in the pool by the end of the night, in their wedding clothes!

The day after the wedding we did a "Day After" shoot with the bride and groom and timed it perfectly to end up at the beach for sunset!

What a great little escape from winter. (Now bring on the skiing!)

Framing things up!

2011-01-19T12:30:00.000-05:00

This is an article about my photography style I wrote for ShootStyle, and which is being published this week.

Framing the subject is one of my favorite photographic devices. Not only does it provide visual layers in the image and make for a more interesting composition, it also is an opportunity to add more information to the image. As a photojournalist, I often stack information in a photo to tell as much of the story as possible in one frame.

When I worked for the newspaper, I was responsible for writing the cutlines under my photo. I found it incredibly helpful to stand in the scene I was photographing and compose the story in my head. Who, what where when why. If I can compose a story of the moment in words, sometimes I can figure out a good vantage point. "Bride gets ready in hotel room moments before her ceremony." Great! Let's grab this shot.

It's got the bride, getting ready activity, the hotel room number, and a crack in the door. The photo shows the bride engrossed in her activities and hints at her imminent departure. It conveys place, time, subject and purpose.

A detail of the bride's dress includes the bride almost ready, in the mirror, talking with her mom.

This next bride, at a wedding I shot with Jamie Wexler, had asked for a photo in a particular bed of ferns. I heard "These ferns are important to me", so the photo of the bride also became a photo of the ferns. I laid down on the ground and positioned a fern in the foreground over her head.

While this next shot isn't technically "framed", using more of a split screen effect, it does feature layered information. A completely dedicated ski-dad practices the father-daughter-dance right behind his wall of ski gear. If this family had just happened to be renting a ski house, but weren't skiers themselves, I may have grabbed some detail shots of the ski gear, to honor the environment, but I wouldn't have worked nearly as hard to create a meaningful shot. To the bride and her father, it probably didn't look like the camera was aimed at them; I was shooting directly into the corner of the wall.

Sometimes framing includes the texture of the environment. This is a wedding I shot with Joe Ciarcia. I see a beautiful couple in a beautiful field and look around for something to get behind or a hole to shot through. It also helped me get rid of Joe. He's three feet away from the couple. I'm shooting through a hole in the fence.

A wedding in a tent means that the tent is the venue. If the tent is a beautiful tent, then I'm going to work it. Towards the end of the evening I took some time to set this shot up, positioning my external lighting in the perfect spot. I asked the couple to come dance over in a spot on the floor. I waited a little too late in the evening to make my request and so most of the time they were in my spot, they were hugging guests good-bye. That's okay, I had faith in my second shooter, who was covering the action inside of the tent, and I waited, loving the potential of the shot. Sure enough, the groom whipped out his signature "guns", perfectly capturing their personalities.

Sometimes I'll frame people with the frame behind them like this shot I took while working with Earl Christie. It's not loaded with meaning, but it's a great portrait that highlights their venue as well as evoking a mood.

This texture of a white picket fence will remind the couple of the place they were in on their wedding day, and makes for a more visually interesting, layered image.

I'm too vain to show you my failures, but for sure, not everything works. That's okay, I am completely fine with that. I make sure I get the "safe shot" and then I work it to make it better. Sometimes the composition just looks heinous and I've make a terrible image. I have to forgive myself and keep on keeping on, or I would never try anything new. It keeps things interesting and keeps me improving.

This is a shot that could have easily failed. Instead it ended up being a fantastic ethereal image. There was tons of activity and I was sitting on the floor shooting up at a sharp angle, pretty much right under the brides elbow. I was focused on the mirror and the bride touching up her lipstick. Already at this point, the bride is unaware of me and not worrying about "wrecking" my shot. This is good news to me. The framing, which is the bride herself, opens and closes around my target, her reflection. The scene turns perfect for a fraction of a second, I grab my shot and move on.

Being a good photographer often means putting the camera in an interesting place, it often means having patience and waiting for a great moment to happen in my carefully chosen composition. Most of the time it involves bending my knees, climbing up on something, moving to the balcony or crouching behind a fern.

My favorite photos of 2010

2011-01-04T16:07:00.001-05:00

Hang on tight, here are my favorite photos from 2010!!

The Perfect Wedding Venue

2010-12-13T09:19:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to the newly engaged!! You are looking for the perfect venue, stalking blogs, getting ideas. Consider this:

My favorite kind of wedding day is when all of the preparations and festivities happen in one location. There is a cohesive feel to the day, with very little stress or rush.

The guys and the gals actually get ready in different rooms of the same house, hotel, lodge, camp or restaurant. The hair stylist and makeup artists come to the house, or else you do your own.

I float back and forth between the gals getting ready and the guys getting ready, The groom still in the shower? No problem, I scoot back to the gals and on the way grab a few detail photos of the place settings, the caterers in action, the kids playing on the floor, the ping pong game, and the moms conferencing.

Circle back to check on the groom taking care of things at his end.

As your guests arrive, you can look out from your sanctuary to peek on the pre-ceremony milling around. You are there for the entire event. You get to experience as much or as little of the day as you wish. Moment by moment.

The guys clean up nice and they are now ready to so, they go down to the ceremony to greet the guests. Mom and Dad pop in to check on the bride, then pop back to their room to grab another spritz of perfume and a last check in the mirror.

Walk downstairs, down the aisle, or jump on the ski lift,

and bang, you're married. Yippie!

Before your family disperses, we herd everyone over to the spot I've already picked out for the formals, nice open shade, a beautiful backdrop and we bang them out. A couple group photos of the whole gang and then as many combinations as you want.

Just like that, your family wanders over to your cocktail hour and the three of us go off to do some relaxed portraits of the two of you, freshly married.

As much time or as little as you want. Change your mind right on the day and want more/less photos than you's thought? No problem. Your guests are right over there (waiting for you. They're) happy, they are munching on h'ordoerves and listening to music, catching up with old friends.

You enter your reception, happy as can be, you haven't been rushing around, in and out of cars, fighting traffic.

Relax! You are staggering distance from your bed for the night. Getting overwhelmed? Duck out for ten minutes with your new husband and take a stroll,

go back to your room and grab your back-up shoes,

and totally party till you drop. You can stay up as long as you want, and be with your friends, family and (gasp) your new husband. :)

Photos from my favorite all-in one locations from: Point Lookout, A Highlanders Garden, Rock Gardens Inn, The Bethel Inn, The Glen House, Ski Esta, The Bar Harbor Inn, The Stage Neck Inn. The Brass Heart Inn, Migis, NEOC,, The Harbor View on Jones Landing, Great Diamond Island, Dan'l Webster Inn, Camden Windward House and Purity Springs!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T11:59:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! I posted this over on the ShootStyle blog, but I wanted to post this here too.

Thank you all for the best year ever at Andree Kehn Wedding Photography! I have the deepest gratitude for my past clients, my future clients and my fans who keep up with me.

I hope you enjoy your day tomorrow and eat until you can not move!

I would LOVE to hear in the comments section what you are grateful for this year. :)

Black Friday Print Sale

2010-11-23T09:13:00.000-05:00

I’m happy to announce Andree Kehn Wedding Photography’s Black Friday sale! This Friday thru Cyber Monday, all orders over $50 are 30% off when using the Promo code:

BLACKFRIDAY

Stock up on 4×6's! Order a 20×24 mounted print of your favorite portrait and frame it for your parents! Christmas is coming, get your folks a gift they will cherish and scratch that big gift off your list!

The Promo code must be entered at the time of the sale, it can not be applied retroactively!

BLACKFRIDAY

Bethel, Maine Wedding - Sunday River Golf Club

2010-11-08T12:49:00.003-05:00

Bethel, Maine Wedding - Sunday River Golf Club

Michelle and Rhodes put together their wedding in just under a couple of months. I first heard from Michelle at the beginning of September, and I had just this one open date at the end of October. I had been considering returning to the Mountain Workshops in Kentucky when I got her call.

A workshop is fun times, but it doesn't hold a candle to a wedding. I was thrilled to accept!:) And what a wedding it was!

Rhodes' family has a house right on the Sunday River Golf Course, and Michelle managed to secure the Golf Club for her reception. The Golf Club doesn't host a lot of reception, with the right sized (small) wedding, it is a perfect one stop situation. The guests stayed up at the grand Jordan and was a short shuttle ride away from the reception.

First the getting ready. Rhodes was banished form the girl's getting ready room, but that didn't stop him from checking in.

Michelle and Rhodes, wanting to maximize their time with their guests, chose to see each other before the ceremony and to do portraits while the light was still good. In September, the sun starts setting quite a bit earlier, and it you are getting married in Western Maine, the one thing you want to take advantage of is the scenery.

The ceremony was held inside the club, looking out over the course.

The reception was right in the same space and since Michelle was DJ-ing the herself (via iPod) all of the space was used for drinking eating toasting and dancing. (and eating pie, natch!)

It was an absolutely wonderful wedding, Thank you so much!

More Bethel, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

Cape Cod, Massachusetts Wedding - Borsari Gallery

2010-11-01T12:10:00.005-04:00

Cape Cod, Massachusetts Wedding - Borsari Gallery

As a wedding photojournalist, I tend to populate my blog with moments and natural interactions, but that isn't all I photograph. Most couples choose to do a portrait session, either right before their ceremony or right after to get the timeless romantic images of the two of them.

Karen and Ken got married down in Denis Massachusetts, on Cape Cod and had their reception at Borsari Gallery, Cape Cod.

What follows are a number of their portraits from their day. I aim to make most of the portraits feel natural and they are "lightly posed" I also make use of the surrounding environments, to give a feel for the day in the portraits.

They had a fairly intimate wedding and when there is a small group, it's nice to grab one photo of everyone. I love the guy on the right who is grabbing a street level photo of the excitement!

I loved this couple, married the longest of everyone there. They requested and danced to "Please Release me" which was both funny and sweet.

And I can't end on a highlight of a couple dancing without putting a photo of Karen and Ken dancing in the most beautiful reception site. Gorgeous!

Thank you both so much! I had such a great time at your wedding!!

Cape Cod, Massachusetts Wedding - Dan'l Webster Inn

2010-10-21T11:58:00.005-04:00

Cape Cod, Massachusetts Wedding - Dan'l Webster Inn

I met Kathleen a couple of years ago, when she was entertaining the idea of having her wedding in Maine. She ended up deciding on a Cape Cod wedding, and invited me to join her!

I adore the Cape, so we packed up and headed out! The location was the gorgeous Dan'l Webster Inn.

First thing in the morning of her wedding day, Kathleen and George waited together for the festivities to start. They separated to get dressed and then met up again for a grand reveal.

These grand reveals give the couple a chance to really connect with each other before the ceremony. I took great advantage and shot portraits of them all over the property.

I had suggested this idea to them before it had gained popularity. This is part of the email I had received from Kathleen after the wedding:

"I think it is ironic that the very thing that we were most skeptical about - "the grand reveal" - actually turned out to be our very favorite part of the the wedding day! In fact, my brother, who was videotaping the event, was so moved as he witnessed "the reveal" that he desperately wishes he and his wife had someone to suggest it to them back in their day."

Then it was on to the wedding and the reception!

This crowd totally knew how to celebrate! Thank you so much, Kathleen and George! I had such a wonderful time with you!

Chesterfield, New Jersey Wedding - The Inn at Fernbrook Farms

2010-10-11T13:20:00.002-04:00

Chesterfield, New Jersey Wedding - The Inn at Fernbrook Farms

Leah and Robbie held their wedding in Chesterfield New Jersey at a bed and breakfast which is adjacent to a sustainable farm. The Inn at Fernbrook Farms is a wedding photographer dream.

I met up with Leah while she was getting her make-up done.

She and Robbie were staying right at the Inn and Leah made use of the rooms to get ready in. I absolutely adore Leah's mom. She and Lean have so many of the same gestures and body language. I love seeing that!

They chose to have a private reveal of each other and the dress before their ceremony, so as to get all of their photos done before the ceremony and so they wouldn't miss one minute of their cocktail hour.

The ceremony and cocktail hour were out in the fields next to an old silo. It was a glorious day!

More Chesterfield, New Jersey Wedding Photos on Facebook

Details details details

2010-10-08T19:57:00.003-04:00

I haven't done an all details blog post in a while, so it looks like we're due!

Leah and Robbie got married in Chesterfield New Jersey and had a really fun rehearsal dinner the night before up in Summit NJ.

Just by looking at the details, I can get the whole feel of a wedding.

I'll be doing a people-post of this wedding next, so stay tuned!

This is the cake!!

Many thanks to my gifted and talented second photographer, Stacey Doyle, who road tripped from Rhode Island with me!

Newry, Maine Wedding - Glen House

2010-09-30T13:54:00.007-04:00

Newry, Maine Wedding - Glen House

Koren and Marc got married in beautiful Bethel Maine at the Glen House They chose a three hour package for their photography which still gave them a nice feel for the day. We got getting ready shots, the ceremony, all of their formal photos and a great portrait session of the two of them.

They were so fun to work with up for anything, tromping all around the property.

I had a really spectacular time with you!!

More Newry, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

A Practical Wedding

2010-09-27T09:51:00.003-04:00

My amazing couple Kristen and Cory were recently featured on A Practical Wedding as Wedding Graduates. I have to admit, I had never seen this blog before, but it's really wonderful. It seems to be full of posts by clients exactly like the ones I get, so if you are looking for a normal wedding blog to stalk, you can't go wrong with this one. :) Plus it was really interesting to hear a perspective of the wedding day form a bride. It's a great read. Check it out!

Bar Harbor, Maine Wedding - Bar Harbor Inn

2010-09-22T12:33:00.004-04:00

Bar Harbor, Maine Wedding - Bar Harbor Inn

Cindy and Colin got married at the gorgeous Bar Harbor Inn. I met up with Cindy as she was finishing up with her make-up and about to get dressed.

I love a bride in sneakers. To me that says a lot about her priorities and personality. Love it!

Here she is heading into the Inn moments before her ceremony.

The reception was held in one of the ballrooms and dancing was most definitely on the menu. Being a daytime wedding, I wasn't sure if the dancefloor was goign to heat up,, but it heated up all right, ripping hot!

Cindy's parents came to Maine from China for the wedding, while they didn't speak much English, they did manage to videotape and photograph all day. Images that need no translation.

Congratulations Cindy and Colin!! You two are wonderful!!

More Bar Harbor, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

Newry, Maine Wedding - Glen House

2010-09-14T13:06:00.007-04:00

Newry, Maine Wedding - Glen House

Another rockin' wedding at the Glen House in Newry Maine.

Everyone got ready at the Glen House, the guys and the gals carefully avoiding one another.

Then the entire bridal party hustled down to the Artist's Covered Bridge for a grand reveal so Dale could see Rachel before the ceremony and spend some time with her before the day's festivities.

Having a second photographer in the package got the guys covered during the getting ready, but it also got these little extra moments, which are absolutely priceless. Many thanks to Davin Curry for joining me!

Then back to the ceremony, where Brandon the ring-bearer-dog was facing the wrong direction for a spell.

Rachel And Dale going over the first dance, to be played over the iPod by the band, with Nyah, the band leader for Stream Reggae, my favorite Reggae band in Maine.

By the time the crab hat came into heavy rotation, all heck had pretty much broken out.

The crowd pleads for more. :)

What a great party! Thank you, Rachel and Dale!

More Newry, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

Bethel, Maine Wedding - Bethel Inn

2010-09-14T12:13:00.005-04:00

Bethel, Maine Wedding - Bethel Inn

Another Fabulous Bethel Inn wedding. Even though I am based in Bethel, I shoot all over Maine and often in New England and beyond. It is a treat to be able to shoot right here in my town and also to photograph a wedding of a local West Paris (Maine) couple.

Melissa and Andrew did the deed at the Bethel Inn and it was really something else.

Melissa got ready in one of the condos, while Andrew got ready up in the actual Inn.

Andrew helped his son, the ring bearer, get ready as well.

Many brides hop in a limo, but not Melissa, she and her father took a golf cart to the ceremony. I have to tell you, I absolutely adore Melissa!

After the ceremony in the gazebo, we scurried all over the grounds getting amazing photos. These two are so happy together it made it really fun.

You are both so wonderful! Thank you so much for including me in your day!

More Bethel, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

North Conway, New Hampshire Wedding - Purity Spring

2010-09-08T10:23:00.007-04:00

North Conway, New Hampshire Wedding - Purity Spring

I had a fabulous wedding last week at a little ski resort outside of North Conway, New Hampshire called Purity Spring. Josh and Caren are both skiers, natch.

I had the fabulous Miss Stacey Doyle, an incredible wedding photographer from Rhode Island second shooting with me. She worked with the guys while I was photographing the ladies.

I loved this wedding dress, even laid out on the bed with the rest of the days texture, it shines.

I am not a big hair and make-up person myself, (although I love watching it and looking at it) and I delight in finding kindred spirits on a wedding day. Caren's sister looks thrilled to be spraying hairspray, doesn't she?

Caren and Josh saw each other before the ceremony and we shot all of the formals and did some fun portraits at the base of the mountain.

And then Caren and her dad got ready to ride up the mountain, waiting waiting and waiting for that special chair to arrive.

A gorgeous ceremony on top of a beautiful mountain, this shot was also shot by my second photogrpaher, I love the angle!

We circled around the mountain top after the ceremony and did scads of portraits.

And then back into the base lodge for the wild and eventually crazy reception.

Thank you Josh and Caren, and many thanks to Purity Spring!

More North Conway, New Hampshire Wedding Photos on Facebook

Lincoln, Massachusetts Wedding - Codman Estates

2010-09-01T15:18:00.004-04:00

Lincoln, Massachusetts Wedding - Codman Estates

Tasha and Jay got married at the magnificent Codman Estates in Lincoln, Massachusetts. It's such a gorgeous venue and the two of them had the best time!

I had the uber-talented Massachusetts wedding photographer, Earl Christie second shooting along with me, getting coverage of the guys getting ready and getting his own unique angle on the day.

Tasha's dad was a shutter bug. Here I am shooting over the shoulder of the father of the bride. :)

Everyone was so lovely at this wedding, I truly appreciate you having me along for the day!

More Lincoln, Massachusetts Wedding Photos on Facebook

Massachusetts Photobooth Fun

2010-08-30T15:19:00.001-04:00

Tasha and Jay got married down at the Codman Estates in Massachusetts. They had to have the photobooth and they had such a fun time. :)

Camden, Maine Wedding - Camden Amphitheater

2010-08-26T13:44:00.006-04:00

Camden, Maine Wedding - Camden Amphitheater

I recently had the pleasure of photographing Jasmine and David's wedding. Such a great relaxed wedding. So much fun and so much humor.

Jasmine had her "two mommies" helping her get ready, her own mother and the mother of her very best friend growing up. These two were like sticks of dynamite!

The wedding was held in the Camden Amphitheater and Jasmine and her father cut through the library to wait and watch for the start of the ceremony.

After the ceremony, Jasmine, David and I took off for some fun portraits around the Camden waterfront with my very talented second photographer Carol Savage.

These next few photographs were shot by Carol Savage. She shot more than the rear view, of course, but one of the best things about working with another photographer is how efficient the portrait shooting is. You an get multiple angles at the same moment.

The s'mores back at the reception were a big hit.

Jasmine and her maid of honor getting busy with the lollipop microphone. :)

David telling his new bride that if she'd liked it, then she should have put a ring on it. (sorry David, too good to pass up!)

Jasmine dancing with both of her parents.

The last vestiges of the wedding cake.

And one last look at the reception tent.

Thank you both so much, I had such a fantastic time at your wedding!

More Camden, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

Second Shooting in Massachusetts

2010-08-12T17:19:00.004-04:00

I love second shooting!! It's one of the best values you can add to your package.

I work in a very tight network of professional wedding photographers and we adore shooting with each other. It's a great break from being the primary photographer. When you are the primary photographer, it's fantastic to have a second set of eyes and feet and working the event to get moments you can't grab due to not being able to be in two places at once.

First the guys:

Then another perspective on the first moment you see each other:

A second photogrpaher can get silly shots during the formals, and roll around on the ground thinking outside the box during your portrait session.

A second photographer can stay behind with the bride and her father to get those last minute moments between father and bride.

And basically be anywhere the primary photographer is not, getting another angle and another perspective on your day. I shot this wedding in Massachusetts with Jamie Wexler, and shoot with as many of my wedding photography buddies as I can; it gives me a great little boost in the middle of the season to watch another pro working.

Saddleback Moutain Bluegrass Festival

2010-08-06T15:18:00.010-04:00

Maine Magazine hired me to shoot the Saddleback Mountain Bluegrass Festival last weekend. Saddleback is one of my favorite ski mountains in the winter; it's a big mountain with a small mountain community. Way cool.

It's also a favorite spot to photograph weddings, hint-hint, all of you out there in wedding-planning land. :)

I was thrilled to spend the day in the sun listening to great music.

The crowd was fantastic and the music divine!

The headliner was the Del McCoury Band, if you get a chance, you should absolutely go see them!

Bethel, Maine Wedding - Glen House

2010-07-29T12:54:00.008-04:00

Bethel, Maine Wedding - Glen House

Heidi and Jon had a wonderful vacation wedding at the Glen House in Newry with their ceremony at the Artist's covered bridge.

I met us with Heidi and Jon at the house while they were all getting ready. It's so nice to be at the Glen House, as the house starts feeling like home after a few days.

Heidi and Jon went to meet with Heather and Dave of the Good Food Store, who were catering the wedding just a few days before the ceremony. Heidi saw the funky Volkswagon bus/truck and asked if they might use it as their chariot to get to the ceremony. A perfect touch. The ladies were singing about going to the covered brige to a wedding. It was a valiant effort. :)

After the ceremony, if there is time, I love to take the couple down on the rocks to get a posed photo with the covered bride in the background. makes for a nice iconic image of them on their wedding day.

Bring your dogs to your wedding. Everyone. Bring them. :)

These two had flip charts and crazy drawing detailing how Heidi and Jon got together, it was really well produced and a ton of fun. Another couple gave out awards to the friends and family who had gotten to know each other all week. It was a tight crowd by the wedding.

Aren't they gorgeous? My heart just melts.

Travis Humphrey and his band were in attendance. I've worked with his band a number of times, but this time he was personal friends with the couple. It was great seeing him there!

More Bethel, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

Sunday River wedding album

2010-07-25T12:37:00.001-04:00

Sue and Chris held their wedding up in Bethel, Maine last fall and ended up with the most absolutely divine wedding album! Their reception was at Sunday River in the Grand Ballroom. We did their formal photos at the Sunday River Golf Club. At the time, it seemed pretty cold, but I would love to have a day like that now.

Obviously what follows are just a few select pages. :)

Sue and Chris got a gorgeous burgundy album with a golden caramel accent stripe.

Camden, Maine Wedding

2010-07-20T09:48:00.008-04:00

Camden, Maine Wedding

This one was a classic. Caitlin and Amod were awesome! From the red dress and gorgeous matching vest, the brides-dude and grooms-gal and the slingshot and bouncy castle, this wedding was not going to fall under any sort of normal categorization.

Caitlin is an educational game programmer, so she lists toward nerdy and fun honestly. All of their friends were geeky and silly, no offense intended and none taken, I'll bet.

To give you an idea, to break you in slowly, I'll open with their bridal party shot. Not your mother's bridal photo:

Caitlin started the day in her bitchin' red pumps and gorgeous short red wedding gown, a hot little number that she plans to wear again on her first wedding anniversary. I'd like to see someone try that with their white floor length gown. (Although I wouldn't put it past some of my former clients: you know who you are!)

She and her bridesmaids were quite pleased that they got to employ a pair of pliers for their preparations. They ended up screwing the veil into Caitlin's head. Not really, but I'm sure it felt that way to the ladies. They joked that she was the bride of Frankenstein and then started quoting (or grunting) from the movie.

Caitlin and Amod share quite moment in the car over to the ceremony.

And immediately after the ceremony, the couple broke into a run and a dance, and then barely stopped moving all day.

After we did a very quick round of formal photos, Caitlin sat with her family and grabbed a few bites of the amazing food they had laid out in a buffet.

And then the bouquet toss. I love this gal.

Then the first dance and of course the bouncy castle. Of course. The bouncy castle. What wedding would be complete without a bouncy castle? (Notice the reception shoes are now in full play: highly recommended for the active bride)

Caitlin and Amod, you were the most wonderful hosts and made the photography so easy. Best wishes to you both. Enjoy your honeymoon!!

More Camden, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

The last bit of Nateva

2010-07-05T09:09:00.002-04:00

This was such a great week, I was really excited to shoot Bob Weir and Phil Lech from the Grateful Dead as well as all the other great artists and hippies and artists!

More Nateva Photos

2010-07-04T11:11:00.004-04:00

A couple more photos from the festival in Oxford Maine. Tonight Bob Weir is playing! DeadHeads of all ages will be in abundance!

Nateva Festival in Oxford, Maine

2010-07-03T06:33:00.005-04:00

No weddings for me this week!

This weekend the Nateva festival is in Oxford Maine, right around the corner from me, and I am freelancing for the Lewiston Sun Journal.

One of the crowd favorites was Jakob Dylan, son of Bob Dylan and former frontman for the Wallflowers.

Off the stage there is always plenty to entertain oneself. Crowd watching being very rewarding. These three beauties were part of an eco-fashion show and strike a pose outside a bank of porta-potties.

And of course bubble blowing . . .

Jackie Green was an excellent show.

I'll be there for the next two days, shooting and enjoying myself, hope to see you there!

Augusta Maine wedding- motorcycles and all!

2010-06-21T12:26:00.003-04:00

I second shot for Jennifer Stone this past weekend at an Augusta, Maine wedding of motorcycle enthusiasts. Both the bride and groom had Harley Davidson's, as well as a number of the grooms men.

I met up with the guys at the church in Whitefield before the ceremony and we took some standard formal portraits and then we played with the motorcycles. I asked the groom to ham it up and give me some attitude. I love his stance.

After the ceremony we played around getting some images to celebrate the couple's love for motorcyling. While Jen was getting some nice portraits of them with their bikes, I was crawling around on the ground looking for some interesting angles and working on some ideas to highlight the brides rockin' red shoes.

When I second shoot, I try to push the envelope as far as I can, to work out ideas that I can bring to my work when I am the primary photographer. The bride and groom were instructed to just ignore me during the portrait part of the shoot and listen to Jen. The groom couldn't help himself after this shot. "You know, there's a tree in front of your camera," he quipped.

Yup, I knew that. Thank you Jen, I had a fantastic time shooting with you!

Equinox wedding in Manchester Vermont

2010-06-17T21:06:00.005-04:00

I've been having a great time second shooting the last couple of weeks. I never got the opportunity to second shoot last year and it was really important to me to do it this year. I learn so much and it is really fun.

A couple of weeks ago I got the chance to second shoot for Michelle Turner, a great friend of mine in Maine. We are in the photographers education group, ShootStyle, and the day after this wedding, we beat feet down to Massachusetts to help give a workshop focusing on making the best of drab venues. We didn't have any problems with that at this venue!

The Equinox in Manchester Vermont is a gorgeous venue. We had the run of the place and got some amazing images.

The church is right across from the hotel, so we literally just walked back and forth across the street from the getting ready to the ceremony to the formals location to the reception.

I love it when people bring their dogs to their weddings. It totally means that the dog is a part of the family. Don't be offended if I spend more time getting a good portrait of your dog than I do of some of your bridal party members. ;)

Or if you have two photographers at your wedding, and one of us does this? I am absolutely going to shoot it. Michelle makes a good case for wearing a dress while shooting a wedding.

I had a fantastic time shooting with you, Michelle as always, and adored your lovely couple! :)

Baxter State Park Getaway

2010-06-12T09:32:00.004-04:00

I went up for a photo safari with some photographer friends this week to soak up the nature and get some photos for fun and stock usage.

We stayed in one of the Baxter cabins with no running water or electricity, but we each brought a cooler full of food (egads, what were we thinking??) and got up at 3am every morning to drive 45 minutes to the gorgeous popular moose hangout. We only saw one moose at that location, way of in the distance, but we saw tons of great scenery.

It was really fun going with other photographers, we motivated each other to get moving at 3am. :)

I was shooting Kahtadin upside down so I could get my camera closer to the waterline. Carol was laughing at me and stepped in to grab a shot of me lying upside down on my back. She totally made my shot. :)

Thanks you guys! I had a really wonderful time!

Photobooths at Weddings

2010-06-05T07:45:00.001-04:00

Too much fun. I started offering this service a few years ago on a whim. It was a little something extra and it seemed like it might be fun. I had no idea. The crazy goofy unadulterated JOY is so universal that instead of calling it a photobooth, I should just call it a joy-booth. :)

Last weekend in Chocorua at the Brass Heart Inn, Kristen and Cory invited me bring along my photobooth set up. It was a fabulous good time.

Their many and varied guests:

The bride and groom:

Chocorua, New Hampshire Wedding - Brass Heart Inn

2010-06-01T16:29:00.006-04:00

Chocorua, New Hampshire Wedding - Brass Heart Inn

I had the absolute pleasure to photograph Kristen and Cory's wedding over Memorial Day Weekend at The Brass Heart Inn in Chocorua, New Hampshire. It is the cutest inn with a bunch of little cottages and a big red barn for the reception.

I met up with both Kristen and Cory that morning and they had been spending some time together before splitting up to get ready. Kristen got ready in the main house, which conveniently looked out over the ceremony site. She and her bridesmaids and mom kept careful watch of the comings and goings of their guests during the hours before the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Cory got ready in one of the little cottages on the property. He wrote his wedding vows out inside his copy of American Pastoral, an incredibly important book to him.

One last look at Kristen as she takes one last look out at her ceremony site.

The two married their faiths together as well. Cory is Jewish and Kristen is Catholic. They held the service with several Jewish traditions including marrying under a huppah, and they all took part in the Catholic sign of peace.

I love the little details at this wedding. They strung "polaroids" of their childhood photos up around the cocktail hour. Very hip, too cool.

At the reception they, of course, got tossed up in the air on their chairs in the Horah by the men in the family. I think this is always a bit unnerving for the Goys. I love to watch their expressions.

Mazel Tov, Kristen and Cory!!

More Chocorua, New Hampshire Wedding Photos on Facebook

Bethel, Maine Wedding - Ski Esta

2010-05-06T08:57:00.007-04:00

Bethel, Maine Wedding - Ski Esta

SkiEsta. I love this place. As far as Maine wedding venues go, this one is one of my favorites. It's got incredible views, and fabulous details on every surface.

Ali and Chris had their wedding here and it was magnificent!

The gals got ready downstairs:

Ali and Chris got together before their ceremony and got their portraits out of the way, both formal and casual:

and dog photos :)

Their actual wedding service was held in the "living room" if you can call it that. It is a great, great room. The guests stood for the service, which was short and very beautiful.

This house, or mansion, is so huge they easily had space for their cocktail hour on one floor while my favorite Bethel Caterers, The Good Food Store, prepared for the sit-down meal in the main dining room.

A fantastic time was had by all. Thank you Alli Chris and SkiEsta!

More Bethel, Maine Wedding Photos on Facebook

A few details about my album designs

2010-04-28T08:34:00.005-04:00

My albums open with a page of details in a grid near the start of the album. These are nifty little album openers that tell a story of the day without using people. It is a great way to get many of those detail shots into the album on one page where they can be lingered over by the couple, triggering memories of the day.

My album designer, Tim Gormley of Gormley Design, lays these pages down into a grid of squares, so they are graphically set apart from the rest of the album. The page stands out visually and indicates that this page is different from the rest of the album and won’t be following a chronological progression.

These grids can tell you so much about the feel of the day and the personality of the couple, often without the presence of any people.

My Sunday River bride, Sue, sums it up succinctly:

“The detail grid gives a personal touch to each couple . . . it captures the mood of the day.”

Many of the details at a wedding are intricate hand crafted items, which have been painstakingly agonized over. These grids give you a chance to honor the time and expense of these details.

Kim and Mike, a couple who got married at the Glen House in Newry, Maine last fall, said, “We spent a lot of time selecting a venue and creating handmade accents to set the atmosphere of our wedding. In the celebratory blur of our wedding day, we didn't get a chance to notice how all the individual details combined. (The) detail grid provides a concise, artfully presented, memory-inducing, quiet record of an often-overlooked portion of the wedding.”

I try and shoot an entire scene when I shoot details. I position the meaningful object in the front of the scene and then pick up other information about the day in the background to give more texture to the photo.

Jill says about her Bethel Inn wedding album: “(The detail grid) shows the impressions of the wedding that I'll want to remember, plus, Colby's nose is pictured right in the middle and that's something I always love!”

I asked Tim Gormley what he looks for in the detail shots for the albums he designs:

“The perfect detail shot is something that shows part of the location, a personal possession and the weather. It sounds like a lot, but it can be seamless if you see the right thing. In Heather and Tyler’s album, there was a shot that looked through the wrought iron gate, and showed the empty chairs all set up for the ceremony. You see the beautiful day.”

This particular detail, shot at a Highlander's Garden wedding is used as the entire page preceding the detail grid. My second photographer at this wedding, and Boston Wedding Photographer, Earl Christie, shot this image and many of the detail photos in the facing grid.

To see the entire album design of each wedding, click on each bride's name in the above article.

For more information about my album process, click here!