This is the story of Jessica and Danny and of the hurricane that hit Maine on their wedding day, Saturday 08.29.09. It is probably the best wedding-day story I have ever told visually as a photographer. Settle in, this one will take awhile, but it’s well worth it.
Jessica contracted me to do her wedding well over a year ago. When a bride books me that early, she’s not messing around. Jessica planned every detail down to the last strawberry in the champagne glass. It was to be an elaborate Catholic Mass and a sophisticated, yet fun evening at the popular waterfront Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine.
With her limos arranged, boats lined up, photo locations scouted, table decorated, band ready and her hair did, Jessica forgot to plan for one major thing— hurricane Danny. That’s right, a hurricane named after her very own husband -to-be was about to seriously crash her party.
It’s important to know that Jessica is one of the most gorgeous girls I’ve ever worked with a personality to match. She’s warm, likes the finer things– but is in no way pretentious. She has a big, welcoming, inviting presence. And funny… she’s so funny. But how would she handle her perfect day being ruined by the perfect storm? You just never know with a bride— it could go either way.
I called Jess nervously the day before and talked to her about backup plans for photos. Already, the boat for her grand reception entrance— cancelled. The outdoor tent— cancelled. The cocktail hour on the deck— cancelled.
The day was starting with drama. Let’s begin:
Jessica having fun during the morning with her sister.
Jessica dressed, fabulous and laughing her hurricane blues away.
Jessica walks through the hurricane to the church. Keep in mind for later, Jess has been sitiing in a limo for well over 45 minutes waiting on later guests due to the storm and the only bathroom for the church is outside in the back of the building.
Jessica walks with her father down the isle. Even I was crying.
Father Labar of St. Brendan’s gave one of the funniest, moving homilies I have ever heard, asking Danny and Jessica questions that had us all roaring with laughter. He was amazing!
So now that our bride has been watching rain fall, waiting way too long in a limo and belly laughing, what did you expect? She had to go! Stopping the service briefly, Jessica calls her maids to help her get to a bathroom. It was pretty funny. I have shot over 350 weddings and have never seen this one. Only Jessica could do it with such humor. She took a little bow on her way back to the alter. Everyone cheered!
The show went on… a gorgeous service.
After the service, we did portraits. I’m not going to lie to you, a little rain is a bummer in Maine but can be worked around. A hurricane is totally un-doable. Jessica and I planned out pretty water pictures on docks at the Nonatum. We were far from where we both wanted to be, so I went to work and got creative. Not easy with a large wedding party but we had fun! (PS– This is when you find out if the photographer you hired is worth their salt. And why having “Uncle Fred” do your wedding photos is not a good idea…. this situation is not an easy one. You really have to be trained to get good, creative interior portraits.) We did the families at the alter but these wed did around the church to give Jessica and Danny something more creative.)
We got funny at the end. I like this one the party looking all directions. Just for fun!
Off in the limo! Friends toast the couple. I’m on the floor in the limo here. I love riding along!
At the Nonantum, more quick portraits. Who needs sun and water right? These are cozy. Rain gives a photographer an opportunity to stretch a bit!
In the spirit of the storm outside, the reception inside went wild. Thanks to the good works of a personal favorite Maine band of mine, The Bob Charest Band…. fabulous! Jessica and Danny’s friends are what I call “good rowdy” … totally fun, while being very cool and respectful. Loved you guys!
This was funny and took even me by surprise. When the wedding party was introduced into the reception they each did a dance or something funny! This guy put a bunch of powder on his hands and became — well, like a magic man? (UPDATE: The couple’s friends are from Cleveland. LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team always does this powder throwing ritual at the beginning of each game so our Clevelander groomsmen Joe and bridesmaid Lindsay decided to ‘recreate’ for the ‘walk-in’.) This wedding tested al my skills and kept me on my toes!
A great toast by a groomsman gets Jessica laughing!
Worm! Worms!
Danny brings sexy back.
Couple gets taken for a ride in the chairs.
One more drama and casualty of the hurricane… the floors were pretty slick and wet and a bridesmaid fell and hurt her ankle… sigh! Eventually the EMS was called. Hope you are ok! (UPDATE: Moira actually broke her foot! She’s in a boot for 4 months!)
The couple’s day was far from the norm and far from what they expected but still they laugh and still they dance.
So what makes a wedding-day story really good anyway? There’s the angst of looming danger, drama, comedy, conflict, resolution and, of course, a happy ending. I’d take an amazing story to tell my kids and grand kids for a lifetime over a perfect day! Absolutely! After a wedding, a couple has only what they started with— each other.
Jessica and Danny, I am so glad that you have each other! You’re a wonderful couple and I had so much fun! Thanks for my best wedding story to date! Enjoy! With love, Beth :)
Other Maine wedding vendors:
Transportation: Lilley’s Limousine
Water Transportation for Wedding Party: Schooner Eleanor (cancelled due to Hurricane Danny)
Kennebunkport Hair: Cate Madison
Florist: Melissa at Fleaurant
Officiant: Father Labar Church: St. Brendan’s
Coordinator: Dawn Blystone at Nonantum
Reception: Outdoor at Nonantum (inside due to Hurricane Danny)
Tented by Sperry (cancelled due to Hurricane Danny)
Cake: Ice cream cake from Shain’s of Maine
Band: Bob Charest Band
