Whitney and Shane married on a hot Friday night in July in an intimate candlelit ceremony. Then the couple celebrated with family and friends at their cocktail reception held at the Saltwater Grille in South Portland overlooking Casco Bay and the gorgeous Portland skyline. It was their perfect wedding day. This was a very special wedding for me. Whitney and Shane are dear family friends of mine and it was an honor to photograph the event for them. As a photographer, it is a gift to be part of an important day for people— especially family. There’s over 1000 final portraits and moments of their event so it was so, so hard to pick just a few art pieces for the blog. I picked out these to show Whitney that her wedding was exactly what she envisioned for her guests. Whitney worked for a large banquet hall back in high school— a place that cranked out large numbers of chicken dinners and repeated the same wedding formula every weekend. Nothing wrong with that, but Whitney wanted a lighter fare and a chic cocktail party where guests were free to drink, dance and roam. She skipped many of the party “events” most weddings require. Whitney, who is bright, fun and lovely, is not much for the spotlight so this made perfect sense for her. Shane, warm and wonderful, was at ease all night too. He was able to be funny with his friends and not worry about this procedure or that formality. That said, Whitney and Shane’s wedding was delightful, touching and packed with great moments. I cried while editing their images. It proves that if you plan your wedding to meet your personality as a couple, it comes out just as gorgeous and momentous – if not better – than a formula wedding. Great job family! So happy for you all!
Whitney’s mom, Lori, gives her a sweet side kiss just as she did when she was a baby girl.
Whitney puts on her final details at her mother’s home in Portland.
Whitney is so beautiful. Killer features, lady! Your hair was fabulous!
Pictures form the past of Whitney and her twin brother Josh line the halls at the house where everyone got ready. The family is very close.
Whitney’s dress had a lace back. I love to see lace on a wedding dress. Very pretty to photograph and highlight for a bride. Whitney pulled this look off perfectly. She has an elegant look about her that made the dress classic and still glamorous for a night event. Love this photo.
Cute blue toes for luck.
Paper fans were added last minute for the church to keep guests cool.
Pointlessly arty — even for me. But I loved this shot of Whitney sneaking down to the basement before the service!
The candles for the service were done so nicely. I can’t say this enough. A candlelight service in July is very hard to pull off. There’s typically just too much light. It’s basically impossible. But check out the results that Whitney and her family were able to pull off in a smaller, darker church and a ton of draped sheers and muslin. Holy effort batman! Paid off!
Dude, Candlelight service in July. Amazing and so pretty! White rose petals lined the isle.
Married!
This cake by European Bakery was gorgeous and delicious!
Topper on the groom’s cake celebrates Shane’s love for fishing. Love to see groom’s cakes coming back. So fun!
There was alcohol at this cocktail reception, of course, but this was a signature non-alcoholic drink —a “wedded bliss berry” made with pineapple, cranberry and seltzer water with fresh berries on top. Held by fabulously fun bridesmaid, Nancy!
Great toast by best man, Ian, left the crowd laughing and adoring Shane even more.
Love the candles overflowing at the reception too. Awesome centerpieces.
This sequence of Shane and Whitney during their first dance is priceless. This is so Shane. These two played like children together the whole evening. That’s a sign of a great marriage to come! Congrats guys!
Shane’s Grammie was surprised when Whitney presented her the bouquet. This was a great family moment that required no tossing at all!
Shrimp! Yum!
Whitney’s friends from Bates: “Don’t Stop Believing… Hold on to That Feeling.”
Whitney and Shane hold on to each other in a sea of “SHOUT!” hands. Love this image too.
- Maine Wedding Reception Venue: Saltwater Grille of South Portland
- Maine Wedding Service: Greater Portland Church of Christ
- Coordinator: Lori Harrison
- Dress: David’s Bridal
- Makeup: Laura Flood
- Jewelry: D. Cole of Portland
- Bridesmaids by: David’s Bridal
- Catering: Saltwater Grille of South Portland
- Cake: European Bakery
- Groom’s Cake: European Bakery
- Florist: Family Friend
- Entertainment: Rockwell Productions
- Couple’s honeymoon: Grand Cayman Cayman Islands
In the coming weeks, I will be submitting our Blush Imagery photography work to several local and national bridal publications. If we can use your story and our photos, just submit a 500 (at least) word description of your wedding, preferably written in first person. Include a description of your event with the background story of you and your groom. Include the wedding date and wedding location. Also, tell us how it felt to be married in the state of Maine and what it meant for you and your familes!
Compared to most U.S. locations, Maine has a a gorgeous, but short wedding season— typically from June to October. There are only so many possible weekend dates within that period of time. We are fortunate to have so many brides make Maine their
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