My designer friend Noelle Grattan at ING Designs in Kittery contacted me with the fun idea of documenting the last days of Memorial Bridge with her family portrait.  I loved this idea!   An interesting bridge like Memorial is such a strong graphic element in a session.  Hope you enjoy a last look at the bridge.  Thanks to Noelle and family too for trooping it in the cold too!

Thought I would end the season out showcasing this magical wedding that took place smack dab in the middle of the Kennebunkport Festival of Lights.  Highlights were all the winter wonderland themed details designed by the bride (a graphic artist!)...the candlelight moment during the ceremony when the entire congregation sang Silent Night...the stroll through Dock Square...the most gorgeous bridal bouquets...and the snowflake bedazzled dance floor thanks to Mike´s Music Mix that was hopping all night!  Helps that they were the nicest couple--ever.  Congrats to Tracey & Bill!!

Details...

Ceremony...Village Baptist Church, Kennebunkport, Maine
Reception...Village by the Sea, Wells, Maine
Floral Design..Fleurant, Kennebunk, Maine
Cake...Let Them Eat Cake, Gayle Forte, Kennebunk, Maine
Entertainment...Mike´s Music Mix, Mike Bacon

Well...techincally, they are already married!  But we treated this as a fun seaside engagement session.  They are one of my all time favorite couples--just photographed Kelly´s brother´s wedding in Colorado this past August--SO MUCH FUN!  Thanks to Kelly & Tom for being such a fun couple...and letting me play.

Kerri & Justin´s wedding took place on a dark and rainy day....at a castle!  It was such fun!  I love rainy days, especially when the bride and groom play with it and don´t take it too seriously.  And if it hadn´t been for the rain, I might not have found all the cool little rooms and details of the castle itself.  I loved their palette--especially those rust shoes!!  Congrats Kerri & Justin!

Details...

Band...Kahootz (amazing!), Boston MA
Reception and Ceremony...beautiful Searles Castle, Windham NH
Videgraphy...Bryan & NIkki Powers, Hindsight Video, Barrington NH

Molly & John´s wedding day in pretty little Castine Maine swept me away...I felt transported to a place out of time.  They were both so natural and relaxed...and the day so magical...I felt honored to be capturing it all for them.  Very fun couple and amazing families.  Congrats Molly & John!  Hold onto that feeling and remember this day always!

Details...

Wedding Ceremony...Our Lady of Hope, Castine Maine
Reception...The Manor Inn, Castine Maine
Floral...Jeanne Russell at Island Flowers, Verona Island Maine
The lovely Marina DeMarco was second photographer all day and caught so many amazing moments!! 

oh my I´ve been neglecting my readers...sorry I´ve been gone so long! 

Details...

The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Lincolnville…the setting is elegantly and classicly Maine and the service team led by Laurel Johnson is superb.
Thanks to Wendy Freedman, the newest member of my shooting team for her eye-mazing photos of the groom as she second shot for me that day.
Jerks of Grass for serenading everyone oceanside!
Compositions for the pretty Spring palettes and floral design.

Just had to share these pretty little details while I was editing Dina & Seth´s Portsmouth wedding...love...

Bride and Groom´s Favorite things:  working so hard at planning every detail and then seeing it come to fruition, bringing our family and friends together in such a beautiful spot, seeing everyone truly enjoy themselves, my dad´s unexpected speech, the sun coming out at 4:45PM for a 5PM wedding in April which allowed for the most breath-taking photos and an our-door ceremony, our slideshow, which our friends and family will continue talking about for years to come

From Brenna, The Bride, Favorite moments: seeing Chris be recognized (which does not happen enough) for being such a genuine, loyal friend-- his best men´s speech brought him to tears! lighting sparklers with 2 little girls who were at the Stage Neck having dinner with their parents- my maid of honor heard them talking in the bathroom about the "princess" so she brought them outside to meet me!  They thought I was Cinderella :)

From Chris, The Groom, Favorite Moments:  the best men speech, our second dance after having two cocktails (because the first dance was a little intimidating), seeing Brenna dance with her father knowing how close they are, seeing all of her hard work come alive, being with my friends, and picture time modeling my sneakers

Advice From Brenna: eat something!  at least try your wedding cake, or try to get some in a bag to go!  make sure your dress bustles correctly, allow enough time to get through everything you have planned because the night flies by!  and definitely, definitely take a relaxing honeymoon after if you can manage, because you will need to unwind!

The Details...

Floral...Kate Henderson at Katherine´s Garden, York Maine
Entertainment...Fred Pappalardo, York Maine
Bridal Gown...LaSposa Bridal, Newton, Massachusetts
Tux...Men´s Wearhouse
Diamond Ring...passed down from Grandmother to Mother to Brenna
Cake...Confection Art, Owen Dyer, York Maine
Live ceremony music...Richard Noyes, ENCORE!, Portland Maine
Groomsmen Gifts...Suede Slippers from Brookstone
Bridesmaids Gifts...jewelry, pashminas, silver flip flops
Stationery & Design...Chris Johnson, Brides Brother
Pastor...Alexander Hurt, Domincan Church, Boston MA
Hair & Make up...Jaclyn Angelini

Corey & Bruce´s wedding near Camp David on a foggy mountain top was featured last year in Style Me Pretty.  I have been inspired by all the fun Halloween window displays around the coast this weekend!  Enjoy all their fun details and moments...it was great to re-live it all.

So excited...had to share this sneak peak of Andi & Sean´s wedding!  Very intimate Peaks Island Maine wedding.  Andi´s mom Mary Velgos designed all the stationary...and all their details pretty much blew me away.  It was a magical evening, and I was so thrilled to be a part of it!  Congrats Andi & Sean! 

Had so much fun with these guys!!  The most perfect day and the most perfect palette for all these sweeties..thanks to Amy (mom!) for coming up with our colors.  And thanks to Kate Martin of Beautiful Days for all the inspiration and props!

I´ve been dying to post this wedding since I shot it last September!  And now I finally can...here is the first sneak peek as featured in The Knot Magazine, Boston, Fall/Winter 2011 edition.  Gabrielle owns Stone Event Planning, and she was not only the bride this time, but of course the designer and planner!  It took place at the exquisite and totally unexpected Adolphus Busch Hall space in Harvard University. 

We are so happy for them...stay tuned for LOTS more fabulous moments and details from her wedding in the coming weeks...

This wedding between Thomas Bell & Anne Adele took place in 1790...and in our imagination. 

I was approached by Laura Pope and the board of the Wentworth Gardner Tobias Lear House to do a styled shoot with a model bride for a new wedding space in Portsmouth.   I brought Kate Martin of Beautiful Days on board to do Art Direction and style the shoot head to toe.  We slowly assembled our team over a period of a few months and the shoot above, by Meg Simone is the culmination--so excited to see our vision brought to life by Meg!

Thanks so much to all the Wedding Creatives who generously donated their time and amazing effort to the shoot.  We already had a gallery show at the Wentworth Gardner estate, and many more images and presentations are coming...stay tuned!

Kate Martin, Beautiful Days (Styling, Floral, Art Direction--Wendy Freedman Assisted)
Win Rutledge, Be Our Guest (all linens/chairs/rentals)
Laura Pope, Stacey Fraser deHaan, Margot Doering--Wentworth Board & Staff
Bear Kirkpatrick & Emily Grondine (models)
Jacki Norrie, Wedding Tresses, Hair design
Nicole Masterson, Glow Bodywork & Just Bee, make up (Kristin assisted)
Mariah Roberts, Beach Pea Bakery, Cake Design
Assiah Russell, Puttin on the Glitz, Jewelry
Erin Flett, Stationary
Elizabeth Dirom, Madeleine´s Daughter, Dresses + Shoes + Veil
Charlie Cicero, Anneke Jans, Food Conceps, Preperation, and Styling
Scallops (shop in Portsmouth), all seashells
Meg Simone, Meg Simone Wedding Films, Wedding Film
Geneve Hoffman, Geneve Hoffman Photography, Still Photography

Had such a blast photographing these three belles on the beach today...totally weird foggy weather on the coast, but they all rocked it!  Haven´t had that much fun in a long time!!!  Thanks Marina for keeping us all laughing, to Angelina for being such a great sport and big sister and to Sofia who is just tooooo cute and sassy in her green dress.  Props by Kate Martin of Beautiful Days

Visit Seacoast Bride Magazine online to see the entire story!

Details

Planning & Design...Stone Event Planning, Gabrielle Stone, Cambridge, MA
Catering ..Max Ultimate Food,  Boston, MA.
Ceremony...Swedenborg Chapel, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Reception...Adolphus Busch Hall, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Lighting Design...Adams Lighting, Deb Adams
Floral Design...New Leaf Flores, Daniel Lopez, Jamaica Plain
Hair Design...Wedding Tresses, Jacki Norrie
Make up...Katrina Hess, Boston, MA
Rentals...Rentals Unlimited, Boston MA
Entertainment...Jazz Bands Boston, Brant Greishaber, Boston MA

 

Our family looks forward to Maine Maple Sunday every year.  I grew up on New Hampshire maple syrup from Abbott´s farm in Lancaster--every March we would pony up the then (circa 1975, ahem) $22 a gallon.  Even when we moved out West for a couple decades we would still whip out and insist on REAL maple syrup on our pancakes (what are those "pancake syrups" at IHOPS..it ain´t real maple). 

So fast forward 30 years and I am now raising a Mainer who is now 3 years old--and she´s never had anything but real maple syrup (at $46 a gallon now) pass her lips too!  On the last Sunday of every March many of the hundreds of Sugar Shacks in Maine open up their doors and offer up tours, samples, breakfasts, and all kinds of Maine made maple goodies. 

This year we visited Thurston & Peters, Sugar Hill 207-793-2773, and Hilltop Boilers 207-793-8850.  They are located in Newfield Maine area.   It was a sunny but chilly day--perfect boilng weather!

Maple Sugaring is a New England ritual started by Native Americans and shared with European settlers.  It´s now made mostly with fancy stainless steel kettles and machines that look like Willy Wonka designed them rather than hollowed out logs and hot stones--but the final product hasn´t changed much at all.  So next March, seek out some of these fine Maine producers and see what´s boiling!

To find out more visit The Maine Maple Producers.

iapp - international association of privacy professionals Global Summit 2011

Location:  Wardman Marriott, Washington DC
Photobooth:  Dave Clark at Onomono Media

This was my cousin Jenny´s wedding...and it was so intimate and romantic.  Had a wonderful time capturing it for them!  

Wanted to quickly mention how beautiful The Connecticut River Valley Inn is too.  Pat, the owner, is an artist and every corner of the inn is exquisitely outfitted.  And all the meals were memorable.  I´ve stayed in many bed and breakfasts, and this one is near the top for level of comfort, design, and food! 

Details...

Reception:  Chester´s at Bell Tower Square, Lawrence Massachusetts
Coordinator:  Elizabeth Delgado
Floral Design:  Susanne´s Weddings
Tux:  Men´s Wearhouse
Invites:  By the bride! 
Catering:  Two Chefs are Better Than One Catering, Alyson Kerrigan
Cake/Cupcakes:  Shabby Chic
Favors:  Brian Smillie Candy
Hair & Make up:  Wicked Salon, Ryan Murphy, 603-384-3446
Entertainment:  Get Down Tonight Entertainment, Chad Ardizzoni
Rings:  Paige Jewelers, Steven Paige
 

Winter´s stark landscape brings out the romantic in me...this is the first in my Fairy Tale Series. I am drawn to the dark side of nursery tales, but with a modern twist.  I feel like the tale of Little Red Riding Hood taps into a child´s conflicting sense of adventure/play and fear of the outside world.  I had this shoot in my mind for quite awhile, and finally all the research and props came together (and an amazing Wintry morning helped!). 

I wanted the tale to be more symbolic than literal; and instead of timeless or of a long gone age, very 2011.  My twist is that Red is collecting seashells instead of flowers.  

Can´t wait for my next series...

Thanks to Deb at Details By Deb on Etsy for letting me borrow and feature her amazing hand made wool cloak.

I actually found a copy of the book How to Raise a Lady by Kay West at Daisy Jane´s in York (my favorite local clothing shop!).  They were using it for display and I leafed through it and ended up buying a copy for myself (online).  It may seem like common sense, but I believe the key is that we as parents need to teach these things, they do not necessarily come hard wired to be ladies and gentlemen.  Anyway, the book has struck a chord with me and I recommend it for anyone struggling with the p&q´s in todays high speed information highway society.  Below is a list from the book to get started.

26 Things to Teach Your Child

Use please, thank you and excuse me.  Always.

Wait your turn.

Be generous with compliments and stingy with criticism.

Listen to your child when he or she speaks to you, even if you’ve heard it before.

Do not discipline your child in front of others.

Do not correct any child on their manners, other than your own, and always do that privately.

Be consistent.

Do not give in to temper tantrums.

Do not lose your temper.

Admit when you are wrong; offer an apology when you owe one.

Let your child know when the discussion has become a decision.

Words can hurt; do not hurl them as weapons.

Respect your child’s privacy and boundaries.  Knock first.

Do not impost your ideology, and respect those whose ideology differs from your own.

Agree to disagree.

Give credit where credit is due.

Hold the door.

Lend a hand.

Be a good sport.

Be a gracious loser and a generous winner.

Give more than you are asked.

Don’t take more than you need.

Leave a place cleaner than you found it.

Do not respond to rudeness with rudeness.

Winning is not the only thing, and nice girls and boys do finish first.

Details...

Reception:  The Meeting House at Union Bluff, York Beach, Maine
Ceremony:  Star of the Sea Summer Chapel, York Beach, Maine
Entertainment:  DJ Fred Pappalardo, York Maine

Details...

Getting ready & reception location:  The Whitehall Inn, Camden, Maine
Ceremony: Bok Amphitheatre, Camden Harbor Maine
Florist: Fleur de Lis, South Portland Maine
Make Up & Hair:  Amandaz Mazeau
Limo:  Gray Smith
Cake:  Glenn Quirion  Sweet Tooth Boston 
Entertainment:  George Blodgett (bride´s father)

Some other details...

ring bearer rang little silver bell during processional
groom is a drummer in an internationally known band called The Sheila Divine
Cake baker is her best friend
Father, George Blodgett, is a big band leader
flower girl is grooms daughter

Details...

Ceremony & Reception: Flag Hill Winery, Lee, New Hampshire
Hair & Make up:  Joya Beauty, Dover, New Hampshire
Videography: Hindsight Video, Barrington, New Hampshire

**Special Thanks to Wendy Freedman for taking some fun shots (portrait of bride in the vineyard in slideshow above!) and making me laugh the entire night

Details...

Ceremony & Reception:  Flag Hill Winery, Lee, New Hampshire
Floral Design:  Brides mom!

Details...

Ceremonies & Reception:  Charter Oak Country Club, Hudson, MA
Floral Design: Orchids N´ Blooms, Boston MA
Entertainment: Night Shift
Second Photographer: Marina DeMarco of Geneve Hoffman Photography

If you have never visited The Market at Sage Farm Antiques in North Hampton, New Hampshire...where have you been??!!  It´s a posh yet kitschy collectors dream stop.  The market, which is normally held in the c. 1780 Colonial farmhouse runs year round on select first weekends of the month (not every single month, but just about) and offers a unique local collection of antiques, baubles, tchotckes, and rare finds.  

There truly is something for everyone as Sharyl, the owner says on her website..."from Country to Victorian."  Although I love the vintage 1940´s + 1950´s  era bric-a-brac myself.  Every weekend is all fresh merchandise...so it´s truly a delightful treasure hunt each visit.  A flea market this is not...but also not a stuffy antique store (not that there is anything wrong with that)--just wander around and you feel like you are in uber cool grandmother´s attic.  And the prices are to die for--in a good way.

My daughter (named Sage too...she loves that) and I go to the Summer markets and wander around the farm too...when we are organized we even bring a picnic...so beautiful.  But for this trip, Sharyl Murphy, the owner, let me and my friend Lynne Valeri play with my camera at their December Market (my favorite one!!)...and of course I wanted to wait until next holiday season to feature it, but could wait no longer.  Plus, you don´t have to wait until next holiday season to enjoy all the treasures...the next market, aptly called Cabin Fever Market runs Friday February 4th through Sunday February 6th.  Check out their website for more info and directions/hours.  NOTE:  it appears that the Feb market is at the old Rollins Furniture location on Route One, and NOT at the farm...but either way, get there early on Friday for the best picks!!  Get on their mailing list asap to be notified of all upcomings market.

yes, this is what Sage and I do when we are cooped up all day!  featuring clothes from naartjie

If you look up ´tea´ in the first cookery book that comes to hand you will probably find that it is unmentioned; or at most you will find a few lines of sketchy instructions which give no ruling on several of the most important points.

This is curious, not only because tea is one of the main stays of civilization in this country, as well as in Eire, Australia and New Zealand, but because the best manner of making it is the subject of violent disputes.

When I look through my own recipe for the perfect cup of tea, I find no fewer than eleven outstanding points. On perhaps two of them there would be pretty general agreement, but at least four others are acutely controversial. Here are my own eleven rules, every one of which I regard as golden:

• First of all, one should use Indian or Ceylonese tea. China tea has virtues which are not to be despised nowadays — it is economical, and one can drink it without milk — but there is not much stimulation in it. One does not feel wiser, braver or more optimistic after drinking it. Anyone who has used that comforting phrase ´a nice cup of tea´ invariably means Indian tea.
• Secondly, tea should be made in small quantities — that is, in a teapot. Tea out of an urn is always tasteless, while army tea, made in a cauldron, tastes of grease and whitewash. The teapot should be made of china or earthenware. Silver or Britanniaware teapots produce inferior tea and enamel pots are worse; though curiously enough a pewter teapot (a rarity nowadays) is not so bad.
• Thirdly, the pot should be warmed beforehand. This is better done by placing it on the hob than by the usual method of swilling it out with hot water.
• Fourthly, the tea should be strong. For a pot holding a quart, if you are going to fill it nearly to the brim, six heaped teaspoons would be about right. In a time of rationing, this is not an idea that can be realized on every day of the week, but I maintain that one strong cup of tea is better than twenty weak ones. All true tea lovers not only like their tea strong, but like it a little stronger with each year that passes — a fact which is recognized in the extra ration issued to old-age pensioners.
• Fifthly, the tea should be put straight into the pot. No strainers, muslin bags or other devices to imprison the tea. In some countries teapots are fitted with little dangling baskets under the spout to catch the stray leaves, which are supposed to be harmful. Actually one can swallow tea-leaves in considerable quantities without ill effect, and if the tea is not loose in the pot it never infuses properly.
• Sixthly, one should take the teapot to the kettle and not the other way about. The water should be actually boiling at the moment of impact, which means that one should keep it on the flame while one pours. Some people add that one should only use water that has been freshly brought to the boil, but I have never noticed that it makes any difference.
• Seventhly, after making the tea, one should stir it, or better, give the pot a good shake, afterwards allowing the leaves to settle.
• Eighthly, one should drink out of a good breakfast cup — that is, the cylindrical type of cup, not the flat, shallow type. The breakfast cup holds more, and with the other kind one´s tea is always half cold before one has well started on it.
• Ninthly, one should pour the cream off the milk before using it for tea. Milk that is too creamy always gives tea a sickly taste.
• Tenthly, one should pour tea into the cup first. This is one of the most controversial points of all; indeed in every family in Britain there are probably two schools of thought on the subject. The milk-first school can bring forward some fairly strong arguments, but I maintain that my own argument is unanswerable. This is that, by putting the tea in first and stirring as one pours, one can exactly regulate the amount of milk whereas one is liable to put in too much milk if one does it the other way round.
• Lastly, tea — unless one is drinking it in the Russian style — should be drunk without sugar. I know very well that I am in a minority here. But still, how can you call yourself a true tealover if you destroy the flavour of your tea by putting sugar in it? It would be equally reasonable to put in pepper or salt. Tea is meant to be bitter, just as beer is meant to be bitter. If you sweeten it, you are no longer tasting the tea, you are merely tasting the sugar; you could make a very similar drink by dissolving sugar in plain hot water.
  
  Some people would answer that they don´t like tea in itself, that they only drink it in order to be warmed and stimulated, and they need sugar to take the taste away. To those misguided people I would say: Try drinking tea without sugar for, say, a fortnight and it is very unlikely that you will ever want to ruin your tea by sweetening it again.

These are not the only controversial points to arise in connexion with tea drinking, but they are sufficient to show how subtilized the whole business has become. There is also the mysterious social etiquette surrounding the teapot (why is it considered vulgar to drink out of your saucer, for instance?) and much might be written about the subsidiary uses of tealeaves, such as telling fortunes, predicting the arrival of visitors, feeding rabbits, healing burns and sweeping the carpet. It is worth paying attention to such details as warming the pot and using water that is really boiling, so as to make quite sure of wringing out of one´s ration the twenty good, strong cups of that two ounces, properly handled, ought to represent.

(taken from The Collected Essays, Journalism and Letters of George Orwell, Volume 3, 1943-45, Penguin ISBN, 0-14-00-3153-7)

Received this in the mail from Kate Martin of Beautiful Days...one of my favorites ever!  (that is Kate, and the ornament!)

Please visit The Beach Pea in Kittery Maine to view a solo show of my recent photo work.  The show is entitled "walking in the air" and it´s a series of infrared woodland scenes printed on archival bamboo matte prints and mounted on 3/4" bamboo wood panels.   Any of the images in the show, and in the slideshow above are available in varying sizes...10% of all profits from the show will go directly to (H)EAT to house, warm, and feed local families in need.

Big shout out and thanks to Piet at Plywerks in Portland Oregon. 

Chilly cheeks didn´t stop this family from having fun on a November afternoon in Maine!  Thanks to Deb, Mark & Liv for letting me throw some leaves around with ya.

Yes, it´s my sister and her cute family.  :)

Cute little cousins!  If you have never visited Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown, DC...you must!  There are so many alcoves and secret garden entrances--we could not decide where to shoot.  The kids had a blast!

This fabulous vintage wedding was recently featured on Style Me Pretty...and they say it much better than I can.  Please visit this link to see the entire wedding and all of Kate´s amazing details...

Amanda and Justin´s wedding was so sweet...and rockin!  Motorcycles meets romance...but romance wins.  She had beautiful purple accents with nature inspired details--complete with petite purple fairies!  Congrats to you both.

Details...

Ceremony and Reception...The Three Chimney´s Inn, Durham NH
Makeup and Hair...Joya Beauty, Dover, NH
Entertainment...Aaron Denny

We waltzed around the Charles River Esplanade with Rebecca and Keith.  Beautiful Fall evening.  The fabulous Gabrielle Stone of Stone Event Planning in Cambridge Massachusetts is designing and planning the JUne 2011 nuptials.  We are making an interactive Guest Book with these photos...should be a fun book!  Can´t wait to see you both on your wedding day!  Congrats Rebecca & Keith! 

Shane was welcomed to the world on August 27.  Sister Fiona and parents Heather & Brian are all so proud of him! 

Details to follow...

Emily & Oliver had an amazing Summer day on Pemaquid Point, Maine.  Their palette of lime green, pink, and orange threaded everything together...from the bridesmaids dresses to the invites to the ties on the gents to the tent and everything in between.  It was so fun to capture their colorful day.  If you haven´t visited this little finger on the jagged Maine coastline, you will be surprised at it´s beauty and history.

The traditional ceremony was at historic Harrington Meeting House built in 1775 and reception was at the lovely Bradley Inn.  I cannot say enough about how lovely Beth and staff are at the inn.  The grounds, the fresh local food (second best food I´ve had at a wedding...the first was back in 2008 at The Contented Sole in Pemaquid--same owners!), the inn itself, the staff were all wonderful.  Damon at Maine DJ played tunes under the rising moon.  Amazingly sweet couple and great wedding!  Best wishes to you Emily & Oliver!

Details...

Ceremony...The Harrington Meeting House, Bristol, Maine
Reception & Catering...The Bradley Inn, Pemaquid, Maine
Floral Design...by mom of the bride!!
Entertainment...Damon Rodzen of Maine DJ Service

At our Lumina and GLOW studio in York Maine we sip from Amy Clark´s of Ocean Fire beautiful tea cups every day.  Both Amy Hopkins of GLOW and I absolutely fell in love with her work and had to have them!  I had the opportunity to photograph her at work recently and decided to share some of them here.  Check out Ocean Fire´s website for more info and links on how to purchase.  Or better yet, swing by her studio in York Village and see them for yourself. 

In her own words...

I have always loved playing in the dirt. And I have always loved the concept of functional art.

My work has evolved over the years, changing with each experience, yet the foundation remains functional, with my own nature-inspired, graceful style.

With every piece I strive for the harmonious balance of function and beauty, whether it is in a sturdy, generous serving bowl that mimics a hand-turned Shaker piece; a custom-carved platter that was your favorite wedding gift; or a refined tea bowl that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand.

The pottery I make is earthy and substantial, designed and created to be used and enjoyed. I want each piece to be special, but not limited to special occasions. I create simple forms with natural colors in hopes of evoking serene, effortless emotions from the user.

In my own kitchen cabinet, I see the story behind each hand-made plate, cup and bowl: the artist, the person who gave it to me, or the place where I first came across it. It is a brief, subconscious thought that enhances the moment.

I like the idea of people using my pieces every day, to transform an ordinary experience—having a bowl of cereal or mug of coffee—into a peaceful moment of quiet celebration.

This amazing family has become one of my favorite subjects.  The first time we did a portrait together in 2008 I did nothing but laugh, and this time was no different.   They are so stylish and natural in front of the camera...such a pleasure to work with.   Looking forward to creating a beautiful canvas wall series...we did the entire session in both color and black and white because Isabelle envisioned a series of images to hang on wall in black and white, but the muted colors of the late Summer North Atlantic was too tempting not to share!

Thank you Isabelle, Gary, Marion & Matisse!  ;)

Amanda had a perpetual smile on her face all day...such fun to watch her enjoying her wedding day so much.   Her dramatic gown and details, combined with the romantic grounds of the winery created a perfect wedding tableaux.   The sweet purple palette of the day matched well with ripe grapes, and the golden Summer sunshine gave everyone a reason to smile!   Can you believe they danced under a rainbow and the final moment of the evening was spent dancing under fireworks.  Fairy Tale wedding day.  Best to you Amanda & Corey!

Details...

Ceremony & Reception...Flag Hill Winery, Lee NH
More details to come... :)

The day started at gorgeous friend´s of the family Victorian style house.  We had so much fun exploring and photographing there!  Liz could not be more sweet...it´s a classic school teacher marries police officer story--check out the cake topper!  Catholic ceremony took place at the Summer chapel Star of the Sea in York Beach where cute junior bridesmaids in polka dot dresses greeted all the guests.  York Trolley Company took  us all to Long Sands beach for some bright blue sky beach fun.  DJ Fred Pappalardo got the crowd going at the new Ramsdell Rogers Hall in York Village.  Congratulations Liz & Kevin!  Beautiful seaside wedding day!

Details...

Ceremony...Star of the Sea, York Beach, Maine
Reception...Ramsdell Rogers Hall, York Village, Maine
Entertainment...DJ Fred Pappalardo
Transportation...York Trolley Company, York, Maine
 

We did this mini session on the beach at sunset right after a commercial shoot I did for GLOW Bodywork.  Beautiful light and special moment for mom!

Where to begin!  Squirrel Island, off the coast of Boothbay, is a private Summering spot for about 100 families.  To say it´s magical, is not doing it justice.  Laura and her family have been spending Summers there for generations, and it was an amazing choice for the ceremony and cocktail hour.   The couple worked with Kate Martin at Beautiful Days on floral and event to design a soft palette of baby blues and apricot...felt like we were in the Caribbean!  So wonderful to work with Kate!!  A private boat took the bridal party to the Newagen Seaside Inn on Southport Island just before sunset, and then everyone danced the night away by the light of the moon.  Late night bowling pizza party was a fun ending to a fabulous day!

Thanks very, very much to both Brea McDonald of Brea McDonald Photography for second shooting and Marina DeMarco of Geneve Hoffman Photography for helping me capture the day for the couple.  Also great to meet and work alongside Sara McCormick of McCormick Media.  We were all honored to participate.

Details...

Ceremony location...Hotel Beach, Squirrel Island
Event & Floral Design...Beautiful Days, South Berwick, Maine
Reception location...Newagen Seaside Inn, Southport Island, Maine
Videography...Sara McCormick of McCormick Media, Bangor, Maine
Canvas Sailcloth Tents...Sperry Tents, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Jamie and Todd created a romantic, vintage inspired wedding at Flag Hill Winery in Lee New Hampshire.  Two year old son,  Aiden, along with all the groomsmen wore vintage black Chuck Taylors.  Favors and table “cards” were the irreverent and chic Jones Soda in bright greens and blues to complement the festive color palette of the day.   Guest Book was something I had never seen before…each guest made a finger print on the branches of a printed and framed “family tree”…very nice heirloom for the couple.   Heather and Erica at Flag Hill made sure the day ran smoothly and Lori D (brides take note...one of my all time faves!!) had the joint jumping!  Jamie had so many fun photo ideas too…made my day a pleasure as well!   Good luck to you both!

Details…

Reception and Ceremony…Flag Hill Winery, Lee, New Hampshire

Entertainment…Lori D Entertainment

Floral Design…Creative Gardens, Lee, New Hampshire

You may remember Ruthann & Joshua from the uber preppy motorcycle engagement portrait session…they are back, as preppy and adorable as ever.   The entire affair took place at Joshua’s family house on the ocean in Maine.    Every detail of the day glittered with deep pink and navy blue, inspired by their own custom designed family crest and slogan “We’re Dropping the Anchor!”  Their baby dog Boo was decked out in pink pearls for the occasion.   They had style and a sense of humor with their giant cupcake buffet too. Sandy Shapiro at Bea & Company made the day glide along beautifully and elegantly.  Chefa’s catering provided a fun lobster bake.  A classic Maine wedding by the sea.  All the best to you Ruthann and Josh…can’t wait to create your heirloom album!

Rehearsal Dinner…The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust Building

Floral Design…Bea & Company, Portland, Maine

Day of Coordinator…Sandy Shapiro, Bea & Company, Portland, Maine

Justice of the Peace…Nancy Gratta

Disc Jockey…Scott Langlois, Cuzin Richard Entertainment, Portsmouth, NH

Ceremony String Trio…Megumi Sasaki Trio

Caterer…Chefa’s Inc, Stacy Breault

Cupcakes…Pam West

Hair Design…Hair that Moves, Lena Hartford

Makeup Design…Joya Beauty, Joanne McDonough

Honeymoon…Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina (they were engaged at the Biltmore Mansion in Newport, RI…so very fitting!).

Amy and Eric had a glorious Fourth of July wedding in York Harbor.  Phil Lusty at Dockside fired off the antique cannon during the cocktail hour to get the party started!  Amy designed her wedding around a palette of soft baby pinks and slate blue..a little play on red, white, and blue!  Kate Martin of Beautiful Days used rare pink hydrangeas and tea roses for the bouquets, ceremony design, and stunning peonies for the reception flowers.  DJ Fred P played a hilarious groom processional with The Final Countdown by Europe to lighten the mood and tears were flowing while he played What a Wonderful World/Somewhere Over the Rainbow during their first dance. Thanks also to Marina DeMarco my talented young second shooter who took the classic portrait of the groom!

Some fun details...cucumber water for guests during the ceremony, A&E monogram (monograms are HOT!) theme throughout day, "here comes the bride" banner for tiny ring bearer, mad libs for guests to fill in about bride and groom, sparklers for the holiday as a favor, July 4, 2010 lifesaver ring guest book, flip flops for dancers.  Every detail was amazing.  Great day!!  Congrats Eric & Amy!

Details...

Ceremony & Reception...Dockside Guest Quarters, York Harbor Maine
Rehearsal Dinner...Cape Neddick Inn, Cape Neddick, Maine
Floral Design...Beautiful Days, South Berwick, Maine
Cake...Let Them Eat Cake, York, Maine
Entertainment...DJ Fred Pappalardo
Officiant...Susan Antal
Trolley Service...York Trolley Company, York Maine
Hair and Make Up Design...Joya Beauty, Dover, New Hampshire

 

Can´t wait to meet the ever preppy, in a Nantucket way, and oh so punctual Everett!  :)  You two will make amazing parents.  Thanks also to Sara, mommy to be and creative head of Griffin-vites for styling the session head to toe!

Raluca and I photographed Kerry and Joes wedding a couple years back, and it´s always such a treat (and honor!) to be asked to come back and document our client´s growing family life!   She now lives in Romania most of the year, but Raluca Chase was a founding member of Lumina and still continues to wow us with her work as she returns every Summer to visit and photograph!  Thanks Ralu!  And congrats to Kerry and Joe on little Katie!!  Love the supah stah glasses too...so chic.

My sister and I styled out our two girls and climbed a hill in Camden with family to pick and mostly eat blueberries.  We were inspired by Robert McCloskey´s Blueberries For Sal--a favorite bedtime story in both our homes.  They both kept saying "kaplink, kaplank, kaplunk."  Mama bear and little bear didn´t show up, fortunately.  

Amazing, colorful, exotic mountain top wedding.  The couple incorporated colors and experiences of their world travels into the day.  The details of this wedding kept me fascinated from start to finish...african drummers, parasols, colors of india, private new log home, wishing trees, sand sculptures!  The extraordinary Carrie MacMillan of Storied Events in Vermont designed and planned the day.  Casie and Joe were such a pleasure to work with on their gorgeous day.

Reception...Dockside Guest Quarters, York Harbor, Maine

Planner...Meghan Torrieri at B Merry, Portland Maine

Wedding Planner...Leslie Barbini at The Wedding Belle, Portsmouth, NH

Hmmm...have a wind machine laying around and some gauzy fabric...what can I do with it...what can I do...oh?!  I know!  ...Thanks to Bethany & Maggie for being my models! You guys were amazing!

Details...

Wedding Ceremony...First Parish Congregational, York Maine
Reception...Wentworth by the Sea Hotel and Spa, New Castle, New Hampshire
Entertainment..Fred Pappalardo

Details...

Ceremony & Reception:  Dockside Guest Quarters, York Harbor, Maine
Invite:  Sara O´Brien, Griffin-vites, York, Maine
Floral Design:  Lynn Curcio, F as in Flowers, Portsmouth, NH
Entertainment:  Lori D Entertainment
Lodging:  The Inn at Tanglewood Hall, York Harbor, Maine
Cake: Gayle Forte at Let Them Eat Cake, York Maine

Details...

Ceremony & Reception location:  The Harrington Farm, Princeton, MA

Details...

Reception-Arlington Town Auditorium, Arlington MA
Ceremony-St. Agnes Catholic Church, Arlington, MA
Caterer - Rita´s (Deborah Rossi)
Stationary - a friend did the stationary.  Kristen DeFrancisco
Cake - Icing ON the Cake Inc
Cookies - Rita´s
Dress - LIV Harris, the store was Vows bridal Outlet
Shrug--Etsy, Rohm was the maker.
Tux - Classic Tuxedo
Transportation - LifeLine Ambulance in Woburn
Flowers - Posies

This Seattle couple chose Ocean Gateway on the wharf in downtown Portland Maine for their fun reception.  The wedding had a beautiful palette of browns, greens and blues.  I had never photographed at some of the locations this couple chose, so it was an amazing adventure for all of us.  Lynne Valeri of Video Design Films captured the day in this link.  Congrats Nicole & Grant! 

They are planning an ultra preppy and fun wedding for July 2010 in a private home in Biddeford Pool.  Congrats you two!!

Beautiful newborn portrait session in Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and Bris & Naming ceremony at Congregation Beth Elohim.

My good friend Kate Martin at Beautiful Days created this stunning zen meets nature orchid inspired piece for our new studio.  Amy of Glow Body Works and myself at Lumina Portrait say a big thank you and namaste!  I used it in a recent maternity shoot too...stay tuned to see it!

Spent the afternoon at Brookside Broilers in Lyman, Maine.  Great little small family farm with gorgeous chickens & lambs and a fun self guided hiking trail through the bush.   Got to sample fresh off the boiler syup, homemade maple candy, unpasteurized milk and fresh farm eggs. 

I am so pleased and excited to announce my newest team member...Marina DeMarco!  We actually met at a wedding this past Summer.  She was a bridesmaid and we got to chatting...fast forward six months and we are working together.  She will be doing editing, shooting, office managing and many other fun TBD positions over the next season.  She is a very gifted artist and I cannot not be more happy (and lucky) to have her on board.  Looking forward to learning from each other.

Thanks to all our friends and family who attended our grand opening last night.  It was a huge success.  Another huge thanks to The Brixham General Store in York Maine for all the wonderful catered items...blew us all away!  And to Eric Hopkins, Amy´s mixmaster DJ husband.  And to Steven Hoffman, my husband who was our official greeter.  Special thanks to Marina DeMarco, my new associate (she´s going to have her own post below...).  Also thanks to Kate Martin of Beautiful Days for the inspiring Zen Orchid arrangement, Kate Henderson of Katherine´s Garden for the romantic Spring arrangement, Brenda Taylor of Brenda´s Bloomers for the colorful bouquet, Paul and Periklis (our awesome landlords!) of York House of Pizza for the thoughtful bouquet, and Cathy Goodwin, Elaine and everyone down at York Chamber for the lovely fern.  So thoughtful and perfect for our space!  There were many, many wonderful friends who helped both Amy and I make this a reality (and gee...you must know we like tea, candles, and wine..thanks for the notes and gifts everyone!).  We will be announcing the winners of the 90 minute massage and 1 hour photo session on Facebook. Keep in touch with us everyone as we build our relationships together!

Yes, that´s right.  I´m writing an entire blog post about a single dress that I absolutely loved.  It belonged to Lauren who got married in January 2010 at The Wentworth By The Sea Hotel & Spa.  It was ultra glamorous and came from the exquisite Madeleine´s Daughter bridal boutique in Portsmouth.  That´s it.  Enjoy...

Ariel and Adam´s wedding day had all the elements of a beautiful Winter day...candlelight, warmth, snowflakes, romance.  Their palette was navy blue and warm ivory.  The entire soiree took place at The Red Barn in South Berwick Maine.  They even ran around outside in 15 degree weather for me!  And some as a result I took some of my favorite portraits of the season.  Joe Dionne of Dionne Entertainment kept the joint hopping with mostly a 1980´s vibe, as per requested from the bride and groom.  One of the funnest weddings I´ve ever been too!  They honeymooned in St Johns--can´t think of a more perfect spot.

ICE Bar 2010 | Portland Harbor Hotel from VideoDesign Films on Vimeo.

Lynne Valeri of Video Design and Geneve Hoffman Photography covered the 2010 Portland Harbor Hotel Ice Bar.  Every year the hotel features ice sculptures and bars made of ice in their festive outdoor plaza.  All proceeds from the sold out 3 night event benefit The Center for Grieving Children, Share our Strength and Junior Achievement.   We were happy to donate our time to the event! 

Wanted to do something a little different for this year´s Bridal Expo at The Stage Neck Inn in York Maine.  The event is put on each year by The Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce.  My inspiration came from Pink Pearl Images in Toronto Ontario.  I hired artist Bear Kirkpatrick to build the booth, and he and Ali Goodwin graciously helped set it up.  It was a big hit! All my new albums were in full view and the colors hint at the design of my brand new studio in York Village.  Thanks to all the brides and vendors at the expo for stopping by!  Visit my wedding website Geneve Hoffman Photography for more info...

I styled this shoot for my daughter, my neice, and our friends while they were up here for vacation in July 2009.  It´s an idea for our new "Day in the LIfe" portrait series at Lumina: life. documented.  We are all tea fanatics, and the idea of this shoot came from a song I had heard by Frances England, a children´s singer/songwriter.  The whole shoot just popped into my head, and I decided to make it happen.  The shoot can be styled professionally so that all you have to do is have fun!  It´s about creating and documenting real memories with your family. We have a brand new studio in downtown York Village, Maine--swing by and see albums of these sessions and lots of other fun stuff.  Check our blog often for more inspiring ideas.  Life is about love, let us document it!  All floral design for Summer Tea Party by Kate Martin at Beautiful Days, and all stationary by Sara O´Brien at Griffin-vites.  See the entire slideshow here:  Tea Party Slideshow.  Thanks!

Sneak peek at Red Barn wedding in South Berwick Maine.  Congratulations Ariel & Adam! 

Romantic Winter Wedding at Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle New Hampshire.  

Details...

Flowers:  Katherine´s Garden, York Maine (also Aunt of the Groom!)
Reception: York Harbor Inn, York Harbor, Maine
Ceremony: Hartley Mason Reserve, York Harbor, Maine
Dj/Entertainment: Clark Sillery of Fred Pappalardo Entertainment
Cake: Let Them Eat Cake, York Maine

This couple was one of the kindest, most gracious I´ve ever worked with.  Their wedding palette was a beautiful burnt orange palette.  It was a perfect, blue sky October Maine day.  Couple is from New York City, but chose York because the groom spent many Summers in York at his grandmother´s house (his connection to Kate Henderson of Katherine´s Garden--Stephen´s first cousin is Kate´s son...deep York ties!).  They are planning a separate reception in California as well for the bride´s family and friends.  Groom´s family has an interesting history...his paternal grandfather is I.M. Pei, who was in attendance.  Both sides of the family, and the couple, were a pleasure to document.  Looking forward to the album collaboration for many reasons, the least of which is the amazing crisp October light we had all day.  Best wishes to Elizabeth & Stephen!

I photographed a wedding at The Fells in August, and I was so awe inspired by the grounds.  There were sculptures of animals hidden throughout the extensive grounds.  And the grounds themselves were a botanists delight (no, I´m not a botanist, but sounded kind of artsy...lol).  I was literally overwhelmed with the beauty...it took me about 15 minutes just to pick a few spots in which to photograph the couple...I couldn´t decide where to put them!  Usually it´s the opposite at a venue...there only one or two obvious choices.  I could have photographed there all day...and actually, I think I will spend an entire day there next Summer just hiking the trails and photographing.

Here is the description from their website....

The Fells is one of New England´s finest examples of an early 20th-century summer estate. Stroll the length of the 100-foot Perennial Border, discover the Old Garden, hidden behind masses of rhododendron, and admire the view of Lake Sunapee from the formal Rose Terrace and hillside rock garden where a brook trickles to a Japanese water lily pool. The 22-room Colonial Revival mansion is open seasonally for historic guided tours and the nature and hiking trails are open year-round, dawn to dusk.

Details...

Wedding Coordinator...Abbie Ryan
Hair & Makeup...Head Games, Portland, Maine
Stationary...bride
Ceremony...Old Meeting House, Yarmouth, Maine
Ceremony Chaplain...Jon Settlemoir
Catering...Stacey Breault, Chefas, Portland Maine

 

Details...

Flag Hill Winery, Lee, New Hampshire

Rachel Swain (www.rachelswain.com) photographed Jessica, one of my favorite all time subjects, for her senior portrait.  Rachel has her own photo business, but sometimes shoots, helps me out at weddings, and edits for Geneve Hoffman Photography.  Thanks Rachel!

For more info...visit

Stephen King
Stephen King´s House

Details...

Ceremony Location: Washington Congregational, Washington, New Hampshire
Reception Location: The Fells, Newbury New Hampshire
Flowers: The Art of Nature, New London, New Hampshire
Entertainment: Elite Entertainent, Concord,  New Hampshire
Makeup:  Faces
Hair: Aesthetics, New London, New Hampshire
Caterer: Theresa Maier, Theresa´s, Henniker,  New Hampshire
Cake: Deb Moore
Tent: Lakes Region Tent, Concord, New Hampshire
 

Details...

Photographer:  Raluca Chase for Geneve Hoffman Photography
Ceremony:  St Helena, Belgrade Lakes, Maine
Reception:  Private Lakeside Byrne Home, Belgrade Lakes, Maine

 

Details...

Reception...Meeting House at Union Bluff, York Beach Maine
Ceremony...Rich Knight of First Parish Congregational Church, York Village Maine
Entertainment...Eye2Eye of Wilson Stevens Productions (they rocked out...very fun!)
 

Check out My Kate Parker Wedding Blog!

Wedding Day Formal Portraits by Geneve Hoffman Photography
10 Tips Every Bride Should Know

Modern brides should no longer have to choose between having great candids (wedding photojournalism/reportage) and having stunning portraits (fine art portraiture/traditional).   Today’s best wedding photographers will be trained in, and offer both.   Once you have found a quality photographer for your day, based on portfolio, price/service, philosophy, and compatibility, here are the top 10 ways to make the most of your wedding day formal portraits:

1. Take advantage of engagement sessions.   Win-win in many ways: practice being romantic in public for the big day, professional portraits of you as an engaged couple, build rapport with your shooter, use for guest books/websites/save the dates, see how gorgeous you really are! J
2. Leave room in your day, but not too much, for the formals.  Work closely with your photographer and planner to ensure that there is enough time, without rushing or lollygagging, for great portrait sessions throughout the day.
3.  Space formals throughout the day: each phase of wedding day presents unique portrait opportunities.  I like to do several 15-minute “mini” sessions as day unfolds to capture real time emotion and joy and to avoid “photo-fatigue” of long sets.
4.  Don’t do formals before the ceremony…unless you want to! Experienced photographers will honor that once in a lifetime “threshold” moment when the groom sees you at the ceremony for the first time and work closely on your timeline to ensure amazing portraits before AND after the ceremony.
5. Create a shot list…or don’t: great photographers will get the job done either way!   Each couple has different priorities, and photography is a service that should cater to your heart’s desire…you can’t give an experienced photographer too little or too much information.  
6. Sit back and enjoy your day: allow planners, assistants, or designated party to coordinate formals.   Photographers will have worked this out weeks before the wedding so that you don’t have to!
7. Keep family portraits to immediate family only when pressed for time.  Extended family shots, that may not even make the final album, can quickly eat up all your time allotted for the more important portraits of bride and groom and bridal party.   Remember, you are the center of attention for this one day!
8. Do family portraits right away at ceremony site, bridal party at reception site. This allows family to depart for cocktail hour to act as “hosts,” makes the best use of time, and keeps visual interest by changing backgrounds.
9. You chose this location…now make the most of it!  Creative photographers take advantage of every nook and cranny at your location…of course, it’s fun to go to a special spot like the beach or a lighthouse, just allow for the special transportation and extra time.  
10. Be spontaneous, be romantic, be goofy, PDA all the way!  This is truly a once in a lifetime day…have a glass of champagne and ham it up! Turns the photo session into a fun part of your day.  Hold hands, pucker up, jump up and down, run barefoot on the beach…relax and be marry! 
 

Spent the entire day with this couple, from getting ready to reception dancing, at the ultra swanky Beechwood Hotel in Worcester Massachusetts.  Stefanie designed her wedding around navy blues and ivory/white.  Everything was elegantly monogrammed...from the invite to the beautiful programs to the matchbooks.  Stefanie looked like a rock star all day, and appropriately, surprised Colin with a new electric guitar.  The candlelit ceremony was even in the hotel´s chapel...beautiful day!

Details...
 
Dress...Michelle Roth for Kleinfeld´s of New York...bought during the Running of the Brides in Boston!
Flowers...Holmes-Shusas, Worcester MA
Tux...Bonardi´s, Worcester MA
Minister...Kris Mineau, North Reading MA
Sinatra Impersonator...Patrick Tobin, Springfield MA (I highly recommend this!  Too fun!)
Invites...ETSY artist Tisacreations (if you´ve never heard of ETSY...check it out!)
Programs...DIY!  By bride and her parents (that´s impressive...they were beautiful)
Monogram...ETSY artist GEDesigns
DJ...DJ Big Rick, Worcester, MA
Rings...Bride...Shavarsh Jewelers, Worcester MA; Groom...Wexford House Irish Imports, West Boylston MA
Hair...Jessica Johnston (friend of bride)
Make up...Cynthia Klocek, Worcester, MA
Ceremony and Reception...Beechwood Hotel, Worcester MA
Coordinator...Emily Aghababian (one of the nicest and most accommodating I´ve ever worked with!)
 

Allison and Jody got hitched at Flag Hill Winery in Lee New Hampshire.   Their palette of grapes, greens, and ivory, along with the beautiful scenery of the vineyards, and the fun crowd, was a pleasure to document.  Both families were so accommodating and gracious. 

Details...

Dress...Pure Bliss, Newburyport, MA
Flowers...The Flower Kiosk, Portsmouth NH
Rings...Scontsas Jewelers, Nashua NH (diamond was Jody´s mothers!!)
Invites...by Allison & Jody
Hair Design...Matina Bishop, Matina´s, Nashua NH
Make Up...Catrina Blocker, friend of bride
Ceremony, Reception, Catering...Flag Hill Winery, Lee NH
Musicians...Lex & Joe, The NIghtlifes
 

I photographed Heather & Brian´s wedding a few years ago, and now have the privilege of doing the same for their beautiful daughter Fiona, otherwise known as F3 (f-cubed)!  Hmmm...wonder where the red hair came from?  She was such a cutie!  We hung out here and there and she slept, smiled, sun bathed, cried, fed, and we all had a great time!

Rachel and Matt spent some time with me on a beautiful evening at the beach documenting this exciting phase of their pregnancy.  They have the Watch Me Grow package, and I can´t wait to meet their little bundle.  Isn´t she glowing??!

On facebook!  Get sneak peeks at wedding and portrait photos before they are published, check out my favorite links, see what others are saying, share yourself!  Click facebook.com/genevehoffmanphotography to become a fan!

Be sure to check out all of The Children´s Museum of New Hampshire fun Summer programs!  Watch an entire slideshow of the event here.

Heather, Frank and gang over at Flag Hill WInery in Lee, NH asked me to edit some images from Allison & Jody´s June wedding for their latest weddings brochure.  It was hard to pick the best ones since it´s such a beautiful wedding, and such a beautiful setting.  But here they are!

Doesn´t this stationery make you want to get married all over again so you can hire Sara, owner and artist/designer at Griffin-vites??  Sara and I met at The York Bridal Expo a couple years back, and I just fell in love with her work.  I hired her to do my daughter´s 1st Year Birthday Party invites, and have since seen her work all over the place at weddings and other galas.  She contacted me to do new images of all her current work, and we had a great time styling all her beautiful work at her York village studio. 

Kate Martin at Beautiful Days created an elegant and swanky VIP tent for Share our Strength´s Taste of the Nation 2009 in Portsmouth.  The VIP gala was held at Strawbery Banke under a tent provided by Chris Housley and team over at Marshall Rentals.  Maine Photo Booth along with many local wine and spirits vendors made the night a huge success.  But it was Kate´s design and lighting that stole the show.  Every element was created by Kate and installed by her team lead by husband Daytes Garvin.  The entrance gave you a taste of things to come...gauzy tulle curtains and two floral sentries made with, appropriately enough for the event, artichokes and blackberries and assorted local greens.   Once inside there were two lounges of pristine white Adirondack chairs made by Scott Masi of Chairman of the Board Furniture, adorned with pillows hand made by Kate featuring azure blue coral, fish, and nature scenes.  The votives carried the coral theme, and every inviting table top had crisp white linen coral and mussel shell inspired floral arrangements.  There was also a modern black and white photograph display for VIP´s to peruse while sipping their Bombay Sapphire Elderflower Fizz signature cocktails.  The fact that every dollar donated, including Kate´s time, went to fight childhood hunger made the tent truly awe inspiring.  Check out the entire slideshow of the VIP tent here.

Kirsten & Tim had the picture perfect day at Clay Hill Farm.   All the elements of their wedding tied in with trees, leaves and harmony with nature.  They chose Clay Hill Farm because of it´s natural beauty and it´s unique status as one of the nation´s only Bird Sanctuary and award winning restaurant.  True to form, a chipmunk became a guest at the ceremony...check it out!  There were many friends and family singing and playing guitar and flutes during the ceremony.  Kate at Katherine´s Garden gave the couple a beautiful acorn ornament, which the bride loved!    Tim and Kirsten designed and produced every detail of the reception.  They fed the birds of the sanctuary for their send off and had guests toss birdseed at them.  Check out a slideshow of the day here!

Details...

Ceremony & Reception: Clay Hill Farm, Ogunquit, Maine
Flowers:  Katherine´s Garden, York, Maine
Cake: Gayle Forte, Let Them Eat Cake, York, Maine
Sound: Lindsay Sousa & Dave Farreh, friends of groom
Honeymoon: Ireland!

Kate Martin is the wedding designer and planner extraordinaire behind Beautiful Days. She approached me to do a custom designed portrait that showed off her fun, festive, creative style. We spent some time at Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier in Kittery Point and at the beach with her family. The shoot was so fun, and while her laid back, humorous attitude definitely comes through, so does her amazingly natural and beautiful approach to event design. Kate is the VIP designer for Share our Strength´s Taste of the Nation on June 24...plan on attending! It´s a wonderful cause that is trying to end childhood hunger in America.

Jae & Armand had many fun elements to their wedding...the red cowboy boots, the 10:18 ceremony time (which started exactly on time!), the Shaker songs during ceremony, the beautiful deep red & black thread, the romantic waltz on the beach, the Scenes of Old York Guest Book, the closeness of the couple throught the entire day...the list goes on!  Really enjoyed working with this couple.  Check out the entire slideshow of their wedding here.

Details...

Ceremony site:  First Parish Congregational, York Maine
Officiants: Rev. Robert Whittet of Bethany Church & Rev. Pamela Emslie of Wellesley Village Church
Music: Vocalist Lisa Korak Goldberg, Stephen Goldberg, Classical Period Flautist Prof Emeritus Dale Olsen, Piano Diane Olsen, Organist Wendell Purrington
Flowers: Katherine´s Garden, York, Maine
DJ: Fred Pappalardo
First Dance Song: Exactly Like You, Tony Bennett & KD Lang
Reception: York Harbor Inn, York Harbor Maine
Cake: Cakes By MaryAnn, Eliot Maine
Invitations: by bride and groom
Dress:  Jenny Yoo
Honeymoon: Boston!