Brian + Jennifer | Newry Covered Bridge Wedding | Maine Elopement Photographer

2020 is certainly shaping up to to be much different than any of us could have imagined. While the plans changed drastically for my first wedding of year, Brian and Jen were determined to move forward no matter what! This was a special date for them, with it being both Jen’s parents and grandparents wedding anniversary. Now it is theirs as well! Brian and Jen decided to rent a home with just their parents and siblings for a nice weekend away… and to get married! They did so at the Newry covered bridge near Sunday River on what turned out to be a near perfect day! After spending a couple of months in isolation/quarantine due to Covid-19, I have never been more excited to get out and capture weddings again. It was such a pleasure to spend the day with them, and I hope this helps those who couldn’t be there, to relive the day. Thanks for coming!

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

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Getting Ready

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wedding dress hanging
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wedding rings
first look in newry maine

Ceremony

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newry covered bridge wedding
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Part of their wedding ceremony, were two unique things. The first being a traditional Scottish Quaich Ceremony, which involved sharing a dram from the two handled cup. The two handles are taken by both parties to symbolize their love and trust together, and with that, toast to their new life as one. As avid scotch and Scotland lover myself, this was certainly something I could appreciate! The second is a similar tradition of a handfasting ceremony, to symbolize their joining as one.

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post ceremony toast

After toasts, Brian and Jen had their first dance on the bridge. Then it was off for some portraits, which you’ll see turned into an adventurous time!

first dance on the newry bridge
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pooh corner farm flowers
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In case you couldn’t tell, the bugs were all over us throughout the afternoon haha!

After the bridge, it was time for some hiking, which is something that these two do often together.

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Our first stop was Step Falls Preserve. I am not going to lie, I have never been more nervous then when Brian and Jen decided they were going to walk through the flowing falls together. It may not look very dangerous at a glance, but in full wedding attire it could be quite dangerous. Thankfully, they made it safely out and back and it was definitely worth it! Extra thanks to Jen’s brother who acted as my human light stand to help make the photos pop! After the falls, we went on one final hike to catch some mountain views at sunset…

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Step Falls Preserve Wedding Photos
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Step Falls Preserve Long Exposure
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For the first time ever, I even did a little video work. While this isn’t something I’ve ever done before, I wanted to help do something special they could share with all those who couldn’t make it. I hope you enjoy these clips I captured throughout their special day.

Thank you Brian & Jen!

-Vendors-
Photographer/Videographer - James Flachsbart
Officiant - 
Savoir Claire
Flowers - 
Pooh Corner Farm Greenhouses & Florist

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


Alex + Heather | North Peak Lodge | Sunday River Wedding Photographer

Alex and Heather could not have asked for a more amazingly gorgeous day in September for their wedding! This was my first time capturing a wedding on top of Sunday River in Newry at the North Peak Lodge, and wow! The energy and excitement these two carried with them throughout the day was just awesome. From first looks, right through the most jaw dropping first dance I have seen, it couldn't be any more clear that these two have found the perfect match in each other. It was such a pleasure to spend the day with them both and capture their big day. I hope you enjoy scrolling through the photos and stories as much as I enjoyed taking them! Thanks for coming!

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

Sunday River North Peak Lodge Wedding Photographer Flax Studios

One of the most unique aspects of the wedding day was in the details of the flowers used by the flower girl. What may seem like simple potpourri, were actually the dried flower petals from when Heather was born!!! Heather's mom had saved and dried the flower petals, and provided some to be used on her wedding day. I've never heard of anything like that and thought it was one of the coolest details I have ever heard! What a special touch.

flower girl basket
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engraved groomsmen gifts
flower girl getting ready

Once everyone was ready, it was off to the Sunday River Covered Bridge in Newry for the first look and some portraits with the bridal party! 

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grooms reaction during the first look
Bethel Maine Covered Bridge Dip Kiss
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Heather had no problem getting her feet a little wet, which is not something you can say about everyone before their wedding ceremony! 

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Sunday River Covered Bridge
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The bride getting wet feet in the river
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Sunday River Covered Bridge in  Newry, Maine

It was finally time to take the trip up the mountain for the ceremony! Heather and her father chose to take one of the chair lifts instead of the gondolas to enjoy the views. This is also probably one of the only times I'll be able to get an aerial shot of the wedding guests, as they were seated and awaiting the bridal party to arrive and walk right down the aisle!

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North Peak Lodge Wedding Ceremony Space
Ultrawide panorama on top of sunday river wedding
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North Peak Lodge Ceremony View
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First Kiss
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Large Group Photo with all of the wedding guests
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Emotional speech reactions

While Alex and Heather had given me a heads up that they had taken some dance lessons, nothing could have prepared me for what was about to come! I was so floored that I had them recreate their first dance again out in the sunset for what ended up being one of my favorite captures of the year!

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One of the reasons that Alex and Heather chose to be married at Sunday River is because this is where they first met. While skiing with some friends, Alex thought he would show off a little for the cute girl he just met, but instead ended up with a bad hip injury. Lucky for him though, he was put up in her family's house. There was plenty of joking about the story in the toasts! Heather's brother for instance, was a little annoyed to come home and find his spot on the couch taken by an injured guy he didn't know well. But hey, it all worked out, right!?

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Wedding rings macro shot
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Thank you Alex and Heather!

- Vendors - 

Photographer: James Flachsbart
Videographer: OTD Collective
Venue & Catering: Sunday River
Hair & Makeup: Island Indulgence Spa
Flowers: Pooh Corner Farm Greenhouses & Florist
Dress: David's Bridal
Ceremony Music - Amy Andrews
DJ: Brian Poulin

 

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