For the past six years, we’ve been lucky enough to be involved with the photo shoots for the iconic LL Bean catalog. Each September, we pack up and find ourselves living for a few weeks at the gorgeous Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina in Bar Harbor, Maine. It’s the perfect “basecamp” for a large scale commercial photography shoot: plenty of rooms, wonderful location and fantastic service. We’ve been so busy with those catalog shoots, that we had never even contemplated shooting a wedding there.
When Jessie and Chris contacted us last summer to inquire about weddings at the Bar Harbor Club and the Harborside Hotel, we were thrilled. As Jessie described to us their vision of a laid back, seaside wedding that was beautiful, elegant but not boring or stuffy, we could relate immediately. The fact that they were both sailors, fun, and they previously lived in San Francisco right near our West Coast studio made making a real connection with them easy. It wasn’t going to be difficult for us to get them gorgeous images… without being overbearing or obtrusive. We “got it” right away.
Their beautiful rings.
The Harborside staff have become like family to us over the years… and it was a joy to return to photograph a wedding there. The Bar Harbor Club is a gorgeous wedding venue, on the ocean, with beautiful views, easy access to the beach and plenty of rooms available at the Harborside Hotel next door. For Jessie & Chris, it was a special location as well, as Jessie’s parents owned a home only a few blocks away.
I would describe Chris & Jessie as being smart, creative, fun people that are as easy and as low maintenance as they come. They wanted their day to be a celebration and a true party… which is exactly what they got.
Chris’ daisy boutonniere.
Daisies created a pathway to the ceremony location.
Jessie and her dad walk down the isle to Chris.
Beautiful Bar Harbor, from the ceremony site.
The ceremony was presided over by their longtime friend, a newly ordained minister. Nice job Padre.
Beautiful, simple ceremony.
Jessie’s gorgeous bouquet. Loved it!
Happy to start the party!
On the beach for a few minutes together.
They had a really beautiful wedding cake.
So basic… but they got it all right. Great color.
Lots of kids made the party fun.
Like everything that day, Jessie & Chris put their own spin on things: a series of buffet bars for everyone. Gourmet fish tacos and Sliders were a few of the offerings.
Yum!!
Just a wonderful evening to be by the sea.
The Bar Harbor Club at sunset. Gorgeous.
The first dance dip.
It was hard to limit myself to only two images of this guy in this blog post. Incredible.
Arguably, the most enthusiastic dancer I’ve ever seen. Wish I had the video (and I know someone does)!!
Jessie and Chris are independent, creative people… as they demonstrate their original technique for cutting a wedding cake.
Right through the middle!
Sunset on a Bar Harbor Club Wedding.
Chris and Jessie stayed true to themselves and created a special evening: they found a great location, had fantastic food, kept things simple… and brought all their family and friends in to celebrate. It was a wonderful wedding, it was a reflection of who they are and it was really an honor to support them and their guests.
Though it may be while we’re sailing somewhere in the Caribbean, or while we’re on a photo shoot in Manhattan or at our West Coast studio in San Francisco… but wherever it is, we hope to see you all again soon! Thanks for being so welcoming and fun!
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To see the complete photos, just click here, or go to www.brianwedge.com
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Vendors:
Ceremony & Reception: Bar Harbor Club
Host Hotel: Harborside Hotel, Spa & Resort
Photography: Brian Wedge Photography
Priscilla - I love the poppies- so bright, cheerful, and vibrant. Great shots capturing that energy. The burger and fries look killer too. What a way to blend classic with personal style. They did it well and Brian you captured it in its essence. Not easily done.
Now I am craving some good food!