#keepusinmaine || Exploring Fort Gorges

I've lived in Portland for three years now (WHAT!? how did that happen!?) and I've seen Fort Gorges from all angles but haven't ever explored it.  My sister, being the social butterfly that she is connected me with Aundre and his NYC crew and we spend the last hours of light a few days ago exploring the Fort.  I love getting out to shoot with other photographers - it's a huge learning experience - everyone shoots and poses people in different ways.  I can't wait to connect with these new friends when I visit Dominique later this fall! 

If you are interested in checking out these fine folks on instagram you can find them tagged in my photo HERE.

Steph + Eric || Moosilauke Ravine Lodge Wedding

Like many of my lovely couples this summer, Steph and Eric invited me to be a part of more than just their wedding celebration, and for them this meant showing up a day early to hike Mt. Moosilauke which looked over Moosilauke Ravine Lodge where they would tie the knot the next day.  The hike through dense fog and later a full on downpour left us laughing, and refreshed given the height of humidity this time of year.  Sing-alongs in the evening shouting “God damn they’re tall” and then an early wake-up call for breakfast left many of us skiers feeling a bit like we were at a ski camp – sore and tired and famished! The morning was filled with lawn games in the rain and group games inside when it started to pour, knitting and reading by a crackling fire all the while the ball of nerves in my stomach kept getting tighter and tighter as the rain fell harder and harder.  And then as if by a magic swipe of a wand, it stopped all together for long enough for the couple to have their first look, wedding ceremony AND cocktail hour OUTSIDE!  The look of astonishment and glee on Eric’s face when he saw Steph for the first time, gorgeous vows with an emphasis on how lovely it is to have someone to walk and talk with, a marriage certificate to be signed by all in attendance, and songs written by Eric’s brother were a few of my favorite details.  We had just enough time to sneak a few photos down on a bridge on one of the trails leading up Moosilauke before heading back in for dinner and dancing.  Dartmouth kids sure know how to dance, I was tripping over my feet trying to keep up! Steph and Eric, it was a pleasure and an honor and I hope you love your photos! XO

Venue and Catering: Moosilauke Ravine Lodge Dress: Eddie K // Rings: Family Heirloom // Rentals: Boston Rustic Wedding Rentals  // Flowers: Simple Bouquets Favors: Nell Pierce Art

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: