Schooner Olad Wedding | Camden, Maine Elopement Photographer

As someone who owns a couple sailboats of my own, the opportunity to capture a wedding on a schooner was a welcomed request! What a perfect way to have a small destination wedding on the coast of Maine. Not only was a beautiful August afternoon, but it was also during the Maine Windjammer Festival, meaning the harbor was extra full of classic vessels! After some quick family portraits in the Camden Amphitheater, it was time to board the Schooner Olad!

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The Schooner Olad was built in 1927 as a yacht, and now serves as a scenic private charter vessel right out of downtown Camden, Maine.

view of Camden harbor from the docks
boarding a schooner in Camden, Maine
Schooner Olad Photos Flax Studios
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Camden Harbor

As we set out toward open ocean, you get a great view of the Camden waterfront. If you look closely enough, you can even spot the Mount Battie tower as well!

Camden Harbor From The Water
View of Mt. Battie Tower from the Camden waterfront

Ceremony

Now that we were out far enough, it was time to get married! Captain Aaron performed the ceremony as family watched. You couldn’t ask for a better spot for an intimate Maine wedding like this!

Sailboat wedding ceremony
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first kiss on the sailboat as husband and wife
Aboard the Schooner Olad
Camden Maine Windjammer Festival
Windjammer Festival on the Camden Harbor in Maine

With the harbor being so busy, the boat was motored out in open water before raising the sails. What a fun first act as husband and wife!

The Bride raising the sails on the schooner olad
how to raise the sails on a schooner
black and white photo of the bride on a sailboat

So many beautiful things to see from the water, including the Curtis Island Lighthouse just off the mainland.

Curtis Island Lighthouse
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schooner olad wooden masts

This day was a particularly windy one, with winds forecast up to 25 knots! HOLD ON haha!

groom holding on as the sailboat keels
windy sailboat picture
group photo on the schooner olad

While out to sail, we were even graced with the presence of an adolescent eagle on the rocks! Some sunbathing seals as well.

Young Eagle on the rocks in Camden Harbor
seals sunbathing on the rocks

The bride and groom even had the opportunity to steer the vessel for a while.

bride and the groom captaining the schooner olad
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flags on a sailboat
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wet shoes on the boat
happy face rock
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As we arrived back at the harbor, it was time to walk around downtown Camden some for some final portraits. A perfect way to finish up your wedding day before a fun evening out on the town!

black and white wedding photos at the camden library
Camden library outdoor patio
romantic wedding photos in Camden
bride and groom portraits at the camden amphitheater
dancing in the amphitheater in camden maine
black and white wedding portrait
wedding bouquet
back of the camden library
romantic view of the camden harbor waterfront

Bob + Tandi | Vesper Hill Children's Chapel Wedding | Rockport, Maine Photographer

When Tandra first reached out to me, it was clear how excited she was about her upcoming wedding to Bob! I was instantly excited as well to capture their intimate wedding in Rockport at the Vesper Hill Children’s Chapel. The chapel is surrounded by beautiful gardens and the perfect spot for an event like this! Their plan was to have a small wedding surrounded by some of their closest friends and family, with a dinner celebration at Natalie’s Restaurant in Camden after. Minimal fuss, just a wonderful time spent together. I’m honored they chose me to capture this special occasion and I hope you enjoy reliving the day through the photos. Thanks for coming!

-At the end of this blog post is a link to the full album and ordering gallery-

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Tesla transportation to the wedding ceremony
The bride and groom arriving at the wedding ceremony.
the groom having his boutonniere put on his tuxedo
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black and white classic wedding portrait

Ceremony

After a few quick formal photos with their wedding party, it was time to head up to Vesper Hill Chapel for the ceremony! The musical accompaniment was provided by the Windfern Ensemble and provided a lovely backdrop as everyone came in. The bell was rung, and it was time to begin! Part of Bob and Tandi’s vows were sharing what they loved about each other, followed by the exchange of rings, and finally a kiss to seal the deal!

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ringing the church bells at the start of the wedding
windfern musicians
The bride and groom walking into the ceremony together.
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Reception

After a few more quick photos on the way out from the Children’s Chapel, it was time to head over to Natalie’s in Camden, ME. If you’ve never been, it is a top notch restaurant tucked away just outside of downtown. If you’re having a small wedding in the Camden area, this is a fantastic spot! Bob and Tandi enjoyed a cocktail hour with their guests before making their way into the dining room for their reception dinner.

Natalie's Restaurant in Camden Maine
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Natalie's Restaurant Champagne
Natalie's Restaurant Wedding Reception
bride and groom having dinner at Natalie's Restaurant
Champagne cheers at Natalie's Restaurant in Camden Maine
Custom Wedding Dinner Menu at Natalie's Restaurant in Camden
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Definitely some of the coolest groomsman gifts I have ever seen!

classic revolver pistol
44 magnum black powder revolver best mans gift

With the formal events done and dinner about ready to begin, Bob gave a toast and thanked everyone for attending, at which it was time for me to leave them to enjoy the rest of their evening!

Thank you Bob and Tandi!

-Vendors-

Photographer - James Flachsbart
Ceremony site - Vesper Hill Children's Chapel
Ceremony Music - Windfern Ensemble
Flowers - Seasons Downeast Designs
Dinner Venue - Natalie's At The Camden Harbour Inn

Want see the rest of the photos or make orders? Click the link below to see the full album and make orders for a limited time! 
 

FULL WEDDING ALBUM LINK