Have you ever been somewhere, lost in the blissfulness of what is currently surrounding you, and then realize that no matter how old you get, that this will be a moment in time you will never forget?
I can guarantee Stephanie and Graham felt that way. As did I.
We were all disappointed in that COVID had forced us to adjust Stephanie and Graham’s wedding plans, but an elopement on Mount Desert Island provided not only the most heartfelt and intimate exchange of vows, but also a unique opportunity for photography. It allows us the flexibility to plan their day around photographing their ceremony and bridal photos throughout their favorite locations on the island, resulting in an absolutely stunning collection of images.
I joined Stephanie and her immediate family at a small bed and breakfast, nestled along the cobblestone streets of Bar Harbor. We reveled in the excitement as her mom steamed her dress one last time, her sister helped touch up her makeup, and as her dad cried when he saw his first child, a true goddess in her Maggi Bridal wedding gown.
Scurrying down the road, I was then off to meet Graham and his immediate family, breathing through elated jitters as we walked down a wooded trail, beckoned by the sound of the rising tide. The rocks rolled under our feet and we were pleased to see the hidden cove was - as hoped - abandoned by locals, quietly awaiting our arrival.
As Graham and his family gathered along the water’s edge, Stephanie’s parents and sister began their walk. His breath was lost as Stephanie appeared on the rocky shore, time seeming to slow before a dashing smile broadened across his face, unable to hide the pure joy his heart felt in that moment.
Traditions and blessings were given, their parents spoke from the heart, words filled with love and pride for their children, and tears were shed by everyone - including myself. They exchanged their own vows, promising each other a life filled with endless love, spontaneous adventures, and to always have each other to walk beside in life. Embracing, they sealing their vows with their first kiss as husband and wife. Family photos followed, and then we were off to chase the last of the summer sun!
We hiked to the forgotten ruins of an old Rockefeller mansion, and Graham spun Stephanie around the old dance floor, her dress fluttering behind her. We found the tree their grandfather nailed a tack into decades ago, and continuing their legacy, they nailed two more tacks into the thick armored bark. Champlain Mountain stood high and proud, gifting us gorgeous light, gently unfurled across the marsh lands between the road and it’s balding rock face. The waves below Otter Cliffs clapped their approval, and Graham laughed as Stephanie danced in her happiness of finally marrying her best friend. They fell into each other, two souls as one, unguarded and joyful as I captured their endearment for one another.
As the light began it’s quick decent to slumber below the ocean blues, we ended in celebration, perched on the rocky peaks of Cadillac Mountain, popping the tops of locally brewed beer by Banded and Allagash.
I have known Stephanie for nearly half of my life. Not only was it an incredibly honor to photograph her marrying the man of her dreams, but it brings me peace in knowing that Graham -and his heart of gold- will treasure all that Stephanie is, and more. My adoration for them both goes without saying, and their intimate wedding memories will forever be cherished. Thank you both for a grand adventure, and may your marriage be filled with unbridled love, laughter, and always sharing the last peanut butter cup!
