Miss Maine

Back in my newspaper days, me and every other poorly-paid female Maine journo who scoured the racks at Reny's while truly coveting couture envied Kristen Andresen. She had - without a doubt - the best journalism job in the state. As the Bangor Daily News' ShopGirl, Kristen made central Maine seem like Manhattan, with her ideas and inspiration on where (and how) to find the latest styles for a steal. And she got paid for it to boot.

So I (and her legion of loyal readers) was stunned when ShopGirl turned on the heels of her fashionable flats (likely purchased at TJ Maxx for 60 percent off, thank you very much) and took a job at the University of Maine (her alma mater and mine too) in the public relations department, leaving only these words as parting wisdom: "If it doesn’t fit, don’t buy it. Always shop around. And even though things may be tight right now, don’t stop shopping — even if you’re only window shopping. You deserve a treat."

But instead of fading away like a bad black blouse in the wash, ShopGirl grew up and graduated to opening up a shop of her own that thousands now know as the www.MaineMaven.com. The blog (seems disrespectful to call it that as it is so much more) is like a good girlfriend, whispering secrets in your digital ear (aka Google Reader) about the sweetest spots, styles and steals in a state that has never seemed so hip and happening than through her eyes. If you don't follow the Maven on her blog or on Twitter, you really must.

The Maven's sister just happens to be getting married this weekend, and in celebration, the Maven has turned her attention all this week to weddings. And imagine my shock when in yesterday's entry entitled "Picture Perfect", the Maven listed me as one of her four favorite Maine wedding photographers.

I have arrived.

Here is what the Maven said about me: "Samantha DePoy Warren of Samantha Warren Weddings is an up-and-coming photographer with a photojournalistic style all her own. Lovely."

A mere 21 words, but a high compliment, especially when my name was included among the likes of Michele Stapleton, Felice Boucher and Mark McCall, three Maine wedding photography institutions. Thank you, Miss Maven, I didn't think I could adore you more, but again, you've exceeded my expectations. You really do know everything.