5 Best Things About Fall in New England + Apple Cider Video!

It's been a whirlwind fall so far and I can't believe it's almost over!! I've shot weddings on islands and on mountains, hiked in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont and knit with all of the coziest yarns. This blog is the best compilation I could come up with to share some of my favorite things about fall in photos and words and even a little video of my first time ever pressing apple cider! I hope everyone else has been enjoying the colder nights and changing leaves as much as I have! XO

The 5 Best Things About Fall in New England

1. Hiking.  It's cool enough not to sweat like crazy and the hills are on fire with reds, oranges and golds. Tumbledown, Baldface Loop, Kearsarge North, and Pleasant Mountain are my favorite not too far from Portland adventures.
2. Spiced Everything. And I'm not talking about the PSL. I'm talking about spiced pumpkin muffins(or pancakes or waffles),  spiced hot apple cider, spiced shortbread cookies, spiced hot toddy's... the list could go on I'm sure. 
3. Knitting. Yes, I know I do this year round, but knitting when it's actually cold enough to want to snuggle up under a wool blanket or sweater I'm working on is the best. 
4. Tea Drinking.  Yes, I know I also do this year round, but a steaming cup of hot chai or Earl Grey morning, noon and night is even more delightful when I'm wearing my wicked good slippers and a fuzzy flannel.
5. Winter.  My favorite season of all is right around the corner!  With each frosty morning we are one day closer to ski season!  Let's hope it's a good one this year in the north east!

Check out more of our fall adventures HERE, my latest wedding HERE and find out how to enter a giveaway HERE. Hope everyone has been having a safe and adventurous autumn! XO

Alex + Seth || Islesboro Maine Wedding

When we boarded the Islesboro ferry Saturday morning the fog was so thick we could barely see past the end of the boat, but by the time we made it to the property where Alex and Seth were getting married the sun was shining brightly through the clouds.  Knowing that this was my last wedding of the season had me feeling the same way I do when I round a corner with 100 meters left in a 5k ski or running race – adrenaline pumping, I was excited to finish off the wedding season with a hell of a kick.  When we rolled in I was immediately swept up in the organized chaos that was a DIY wedding – friends and family were busy setting up tables and chairs, locals were already hard at work boiling water for the lobsters Seth brought home from work and the largest chicken roaster I’ve ever seen was being greased up.  Two dogs scampered about, finishing touches were put on the cake and an island gardener appeared with the florals.  Alex showed off her dress she made herself and the Swedish Hasbeens she found for $6 at a thrift store.  The band Sugarbush was warming up and kids were assembling the photo booth.  After a lovely ceremony overlooking the ocean, the couple went for a drive around the island before dancing to a song sung by a college friend.  The day wrapped up with cake and lots of hugs before guests had to head off to the ferry.  Alex and Seth, to say I didn’t tear up during your ceremony or I didn’t like the food at all would be the biggest lie I told this year – thank you for having me and I hope you love the photos! XO

Photographer: Gretchen Powers Dress: Handmade by Alex (Bride) Band: Sugarbush Venue: Family Property on Islesboro Catering: Family and Friends Rings: Heirloom Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens Sweater: LLBean Cake: Baked by a friend Favors: Honey Sticks

Fisherman's Island || Augusta Maine Adventure

Led by adventurous spirit and fellow wedding photographer Ashley of She Of The Woods, seven of us and my pup Ella paddled across Togus pond to a private spot of land where we set up camp, cooked, slept, drank tea, shared great conversation and treats, and swung from a rope swing into the crisp but comfortable late summer water.  We conquered fears, talked shop and traded secrets and shared a positive graceful energy that has been fueling my work week ever since I returned.  It was a magical time on a peaceful island.