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

Kerrie + Alex || Mad River Glen Vermont Wedding

I walked in to the airbnb where Kerrie and Alex were getting ready and found the two of them sitting next to each other at a small table scribbling away - I was expecting some state of getting dressed to have occurred at this point, but the two of them were busy writing their vows.  I grabbed Kerrie's dress and jewelry made by her dear friend Alixandra Barron.  The two split up, got dressed in seperate rooms and had their first look in the woods behind the house before I whisked them off and up the mountain for a few portraits before the ceremony.  The ceremony occured at the base of Mad River Glen and was officiated by another good friend of theirs who wore a starry suit.  Moments after asking the crowd to take a moment of silence for those who could not be there to celebrate wiht them a huge gust of wind came flying through the base of the ski mountain and nearly knocked the couple over.  After emitting a big "WOOHOO" both Kerrie and Alex and their friends enjoyed drinks and snacks before a dinner and dancing at the Mad River Glen Lodge.  Sparkie and Roadie I'm glad you found me and invited me to capture your wedding day! XO

Hannah + Aleah || Readfield Maine Wedding

“Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.”

— Mary Oliver.

The day started with a bang, or rather a loud clap of thunder as I sprinted from the car into Hannah’s house to begin capturing the day. Hannah looked up from getting her make-up done and asked

“This is going to stop, right Gretchen?” her eyes a bundle of nerves and fear that their outdoor wedding was going to turn into a muddy mess. 

“It’s a thunderstorm, it should roll through quickly, but it’s going to be fine either way," I responded. She smiled and I ran out the door to Aleah's house.  Luckily for us the rain stopped as quickly as it started and the rest of the day yielded unwavering sunlight which had us hiding out in a basement before the ceremony began.  We did Hannah and Aleah's first look on the corner of Hannah's family's barn, each squealing when they heard each other's voices for the first time and then weeping (very photogenic tears) when they saw the other's dress for the first time. The rest of the day raced by in a blur of beautiful words by many, an intricate quilt made by Aleah's mother, toasts by all three siblings, many dances and surprise fireworks.  I hope you all enjoy these photos as much as I did taking them! XO

Vendors:

Assistant Photographer: Kyle Burnell // Dresses: Jenny Yoo & BHLDN // Rings: Alexis Russell & D. Cole Jewelers // Catering: White Flour Catering // Stationary: Pickwick Press // Flowers: Handpicked at Elvins Farm // Cake: Silly's // DJ: Justin Gilbert

Also, because sometimes I'm an overachiever, I shot a few video clips over the course of the day and made a 30 second video: