Heather & Tom: A Portland Company Wedding

In October I had the great pleasure of photographing Heather and Tom's Portland, Maine wedding. In most cases I am able to meet with my clients prior to their big day, but in this case it just wasn't possible since Heather and Tom were living in Alabama. So, after several conversations and lots of email planning, it was great to finally meet the them the day of. Right away they were both so gracious and open. It probably did not hurt that Tom was old friends with my regular second shooter David... nope, that didn't help at all :-)

Heather and Tom were each getting ready at separate hotels in downtown Portland. I caught up with Heather as she was starting to prepare for the wedding with her makeup...



With hair and makeup just about complete, it was time to get dressed. On the left is Heather's simple yet beautiful dress, and at right the lovely bride...


The dress was made complete with an intricately tied knot which took several attempts and intense focus...


And a final touch up before heading out...


While I was with Heather and her bridesmaids, David was several blocks away with Tom and the groomsmen. Tom focused on his tie...


... but a second set of eyes helps to get it just right.


A couple of details also captured by David...


Here's Tom dressed and ready to go. Looking sharp...


For their ceremony we all traveled south to Fort Williams Park, home of the Portland Head Light, a Maine icon...


The location is breathtaking, especially in the Fall with bluebird skies and blazing foliage. The park makes a fantastic backdrop for a wedding. Below, Tom eagerly waits for Heather, who is accompanied down the isle by her father...


The ceremony was a very intimate affair held under one of the park's pavilions, and was standing room only...


A great look from Heather... and that's it, MARRIED!


Fort Williams Park has so many options for portraits. I had several locations in mind, though David and I found ourselves happily clicking away the whole way there! Did I mention the bluebird skies? I love David's image on the right...


... as well as the warmth of this next image made while walking over to the light house...


One of my favorite portraits is this seated pose with lens flair.


And we had to create some portraits with the Head Light, of course...


And the rocky coast below the Head Light made a great backdrop for a portrait of Tom, with the warm light of the setting sun making the shore glow behind Heather...


Among the great features of the park are the old bunkers. We had a lot of fun shooting numerous different poses in these old granite doors and window frames...


Another of my favorites from the day...


With many portraits taken, we headed back to the Portland downtown and to The Portland Company for the reception. I coaxed just a few more portraits out of them, loving the windows found in the old boat yard...


A few details shots...


I think this next detail gets my vote for favorite cake shot of the season. Great sunset, industrial backdrop, rich, warm tones.


Shortly after our arrival it was time for toasts, which are always fun to hear...


Heather was entertained as well...


Cheers!


Then Heather and Tom's first dance...




And the cutting of that fantastic cake. In the shot below I captured a guest's flash firing; a happy accident...


With formalities out of the way, it was time to party...



Tom had requested a nighttime portrait, so we ended the evening with a walk downtown and some portraits in the Old Port...


Thank you Heather and Tom for including me in your day, and for being so easy going and fun to photograph.