Bethany & Brian- Friday Fantastic: The Dunegrass, OOB Maine

Who: Bethany and Brian
What: A family & friend focused Friday evening wedding for 130.
Where: Ceremony at the First Parish Congregational Church in Gorham, followed by an elegant evening of dinner and dancing (and as the night wore on, some dancing that was not as elegant, but certainly entertaining) at the Dunegrass, in Old Orchard Beach.
When: Friday, August 1, 2008
How: Hair at downtown Portland's Salon Burke, makeup just a short stroll down Congress Street at the fab The Makeup Shop, stunning dress from Portsmouth's Madeline's Daughter (with dress inspiration coming from this very blog, and aided by my former bride Kelly (of Kelly and Pat), chic cake from the European Bakery in Falmouth, and spot-on DJing from Brian Phoenix. (As you will see, the flowers were fantastic too, and as soon as Bethany returns from Arubu, I'll post that vendor as well.)

Why: Before I'd even meant Bethany and Brian, and witnessed them together, their love story had moved and inspired me. Being a merchant marine meant Brian was at sea for three month stretches at a time. Three months away. Three months home. Then back away again. It's a most harrowing schedule, and I wondered about these two people who possessed such passion and patience to sustain a relationship in these circumstances (let alone plan a wedding). Having been privileged to spend a day (not long enough) with these two and the family and friends who maintain them, I now know.

In a pre-wedding note to me, Bethany and Brian told me how the distance that could have divided them but instead defined them as one, taught them how to make the best of any situation. They told me that they actually felt blessed to have the chance to miss someone who you know loves you as much as you do them. As a result, it was an honor to document their wedding day. Now that Brian has a new job - on !land! that requires no travel- and that they are practically neighbors, I know we'll see each other often and I look forward to it. I know they have much to teach me, but for now, let me teach you about them...

Bethany began her wedding day getting primped in Portland.


The makeup room was tiny, but I hunkered down and found some great angles.


Family was the focus on Friday, and there was no division between Bethany's side and Brian's. Here, Brian's little sister and Bethany walk arm and arm to the car after leaving the hair salon.


A pre-wedding toast.


I adored Bethany's shoes. She did as well, so I got many shots of them!


There is something I love about this shot of Bethany getting into her dress with some help from her friends. You can feel the anticipation!


Bethany admitted to me before the wedding that while Brian loves pictures and "has a GREAT SMILE!", she usually felt uncomfortable in front of the camera. So, I had her bridesmaids stand behind me, keeping her laughing and engaged while I snapped a few flawless pre-wedding portraits. B is for Beautiful!

Brian gave everyone a good belly laugh during the ceremony, when he mistakingly tried to put the ring on the minister's hand. In all fairness, it was pretty dark in there, and he'd never done this before, so that's a good thing.



I was worried about the weather, which had been forecasted to not be so swell, so before we left the church in Gorham, I got some more traditional portraits of Bethany and Brian together, like this one, just to be safe.


It was a good thing, because the second we left the Gorham town line, we were enveloped by the fog that was so thick, it was almost dark out. Luckily, the pink flowers held by the bridal party really popped through the haze.

But in the spirit of making the best of any situation, I found the fog actually gave the images an ethereal quality that I think is quite magical.


The dreaminess continued through the first dance.


Bethany's dance with her father was especially meaningful (and moving for most in the room) for so many reasons. I know she'll cherish this image forever.


I always love a well-dressed cake!


Erin: you're next. See you in September!


At most weddings, it takes a few songs for the crowd to hit the dance floor. Not this one. After the formal dances were finished, the evening quickly took a turn to the informal and I've never seen a floor fill so fast. This guy especially took to heart the charge to "don't just stand there, bust-a-move."


A final twirl on the dance floor before heading off to Aruba. Hope you are having a relaxing getaway together, Bethany and Brian. Congratulations and I cannot wait to connect upon your return.