Monthly Archives: June 2010

Plus Size Wedding Dresses! Bring it!

For many brides, it is a real shock to learn that wedding dresses typically run in sizes way, way, way above your regular clothing size. Hearing that super-sized number can make any women in that fitting room cringe.

“I’m a what? No way. I’m not wearing that then!” At least, that’s what I said back when I tried on my gowns. Although I wasn’t quite a plus size, it still hurt to have to wear such a bigger size.

For some of us who wear a larger clothing size, the reality is that you may find yourself in a plus size wedding dress. Fear not! They’ve come along way baby!

Take a look at these fabulous, elegant styles and photographs I found at Allure Brides. Love them all! Guess what? Available in sizes 14W-32W! Awesome.

Today, so many great bridal stores, like Allure Brides, have a women’s or a plus size section. Sure, I wish they would call it something more tasteful too! But gals, get over it. Why argue semantics when it’s about looking fantastic!

(Confession: Today, I have a little black dress on to see clients. It looked great in the dressing room. I thought it was a large. Got home and my jaw dropped when the tag said XXL. Screw it. I look really hot in it! I may go buy more in other colors. Ha!)

These wedding dresses are perfectly made for a fuller figure. On your wedding day, you will be so happy that you have a bridal gown that actually fits properly. Don’t buy an unflattering dress that hurts you because it has the number 6 on the tag! That’s not healthy!

I’ve photographed over 300 brides and their wedding dresses as a professional wedding photographer. Not once have I ever taken a photo of the size tag of a dress. Typically I prefer to focus on the gorgeous, happy girl in that hot dress!

Leigh and Austin at Kingsley Pines

Leigh and Austin are one of the greatest love stories I have ever witnessed. It was an extremely emotional Maine wedding. This couple earned every second of their perfect June day. Leigh and Austin met by chance when Leigh rented a car from Enterprise where Austin worked. He was late to pick her up. She was angry. Later that night, she went to a bar with friends and just happened to see him again. She didn’t remember his name, but he remembered hers. The rest was as they say: history. The two fell in love but that love was tested shortly after when Austin was diagnosed with cancer. It was very serious. Unlike most young couples who spend their courtship traveling to romantic get-a-ways, Austin and Leigh spent their time in the hospital. She never left his side. On one of Austin’s hardest nights, he was more concerned about getting a blanket put on Leigh, who slept beside him, than on his pain or himself. That’s love. It was a frightening experience for them. For their families and friends, the hurt hasn’t gone away. Their wedding guests wept at the emotional ceremony where Leigh and Austin finally exchanged their vows. They cried for his battle but more importantly, the tears celebrated the couple’s victory. Like I said, Leigh and Austin earned every second of their perfect June day.

Their program by Sebago Lake.
Leigh’s parents walk her down the isle at Kingsley Pines— gorgeous Maine wedding venue. Great for images!
Leigh wipes tears as their service starts. Love the light here. (And I loved Leigh’s hair.)
Austin cries as he states his vows. (Personal note: I totally lost it after this shot.)

Left: Leigh and Austin… making it is official. Rightt: guests kicked off their heels to sit on the doc after the service.


Love this simple lake look with Leigh and Austin!Leigh has a very strong grace about her. I loved photographing her all day. Amazing woman! Leigh picked up her dress at White Dress By The Shore.
Love this picture. It was supposed to rain all day. It didn’t. It was gorgeous. Austin and I joked together about how nice it would be for it to rain just a little on the way to the dance hall. And it did! Here, guests run from the rain carrying drinks and laughing!
Leigh and Austin cut their cake!

Leigh’s dad, Skip, dances, squeezes, hugs and cries with his daughter on the dance floor.
Friends don’t let friends who are intoxicated touch sparklers… but it was ok for this guy. Nice heart dude!

The Bob Charest Band was amazing all night! Leigh and Austin had a HUGE crazy party! Here, they’re in a “circle of love” dance!

Leigh throws herself into Austin for a kiss. See the “A” in the back there… that stands for Austin. LOL. Austin and Leigh, I loved every minute of working with you both! You’ve really touched me as a photographer. It was a fantastic day and I was so happy to be there with you! Love, Beth

When all of Austin and Leigh’s images are ready, you may find them here. CLICK HERE.
Florist: Need name again, will update … super job!
Officiant: Gordon, family friend
Hair & Makeup: Salon Casco
Entertainment / Music: Bob Charest Band

Album Testimonial

Beth, We got our album, and oh my goodness…. We LOVE LOVE LOVE it!  Thank you so much! It’s just beautiful, and brought back so many wonderful memories.  We feel so lucky to have had such a perfect day, and the most amazing photographer around to capture it all just as we imagined it.   We couldn’t be happier, and we will be enjoying it for decades!   Thank you so very much for everything.

All our best, Phil and Sarah

Thanks Casco Bay EyeCare

Brian, fellow photographer and my hubby, attended the Falmouth/ Cumberland Community Chamber Business After Five event last night. While there, he won the door prize provided by Casco Bay EyeCare. A great prize at that … a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers special series, collector edition sunglasses. Oh mama! These are so cool. They have a map of the New York City subway system on them! Brian gave them to me — cause he’s awesome! So thank you, thank you, thank you Casco Bay EyeCare! You guys are super cool! You made me a rockstar overnight! Yeah networking!

How nice are the photographers in this town!

The photographers in this town are so great!

So I took this huge group photo Monday for Cheverus High. (see original blog) Group shots this large are tough to do well and not the most glamorous to shoot. I was happy to do it for a wonderful client friend of mine.

I was surprised at the shout outs / love for that group photo by other photogs. Thanks! Here’s what my pro photography pals said to the left. I so appreciate it guys— you have no idea!

Hope you all are having a great season! Can’t wait until I see you for our holiday party Dec. 2 … and then all winter! I am watching you all too! And you look marvelous!