i have sat down to write this post several nights. writers block usually comes from not having anything to say….this time it is because i just have way too much. this summer, at a time when i needed it most, i went back home to photograph this beautiful family on Greens Island just off mid-coast Maine.

and while it looks as if this is where the story begins, it isn’t.

it actually began 16 years ago when i laced up my cleats and stepped into the wet, dew permeated grass of a field hockey field for a 6am tryout and practice. in the far corner of the field these two women stood in their shorts, a bit (okay a lot) intimidating with whistles around their necks, and motioned with an assertive, circular  wave for us to start the first of many (many, many) early morning runs. at that moment, sweating profusely and honestly, in all of my teenage rebellion, regretting getting out of bed for this type of torture, i had no idea how these two people…these two incredible sisters…would empower me not only as an athlete but as a person, and as a woman. and that first step on the field wasn’t just a girl going  to play a sport, it turned into something so much more for me that only revealed itself several years (a decade) later. Hilary and Christine moved on from coaching 6am (oh and 4pm…these ladies did not fool around) practices, to being wives and mothers, and doing the general lifetime long growing up we all do. when Hilary contacted me to do their family session on the Island this past winter, i glowed and dreamed until July finally came.

some of you hear island, and think Hawaii with a few resorts and a sushi bar a walk away. island life in Maine is different… for the most part there is no electricity, running water, no television or internet, intermittent cell service…for me, it was a heaven all its own. it reminded me just how refreshing and renewing simplicity truly is…just the people you love, for the entire summer, with no technological interruptions or overbearing housework demands.

i am going to share a few photos here on the blog, but invite you all to CLICK ON THIS LINK for the slideshow for a more story telling view….

love always, mandy

daily mantra:

hope is the thing with feathers- that perches in the soul- and sings the tune without the words- and never stops…at all.

{emily.dickenson}

there are moments, in this very busy season, that i loose touch with reality. maybe that isn’t the best thing to admit, but there is such a whirlwind of activity and shooting, and editing, and more shooting, and more editing….that i truly forget there is a real world out there other than just weddings. weddings are so much fantasy. perhaps because as little girls (and boys too, i imagine) we dream about the day endlessly. i blame Disney animation, or any story that ends with a prince and a princess, and ‘Happily Ever After’ at the end. and even in the day of the wedding itself, it is almost surreal…for the bride and groom and attendants…and the photographer.

but, i have to say…this wedding of Noel and Pam’s was something way different for this photographer. and i photographed the day, not in a dream-like haste, but in a relaxed place of genuine love. not only the love between Noel and Pam, but of every welcomed guest (furry or otherwise).

Both Noel and Pam are professional dances…more to come on that later,  but it makes for fun, creative posing!

{the.ceremony}

as i mentioned, Pam and Noel are professional dancers…and one of the most amazing gifts they gave to themselves, as well as all of their guests (and their very excited photographer) was a dance, choreographed and created by them just for this occasion. i have to say, this is the only time as a photographer i have ever wished for video as another outlet, but their dance was so full of perfect expression, it was easy to capture.

love how we got the entire group together for this shot in the field…

and the reception was just as uniquely fun….field games and furry attendants all gathered for an evening of celebration, and dance.

see this canoe?

i was rowed into the ocean, carefully, to get these…

sigh…it was a perfect night.

after arriving safely and dryly on land…it was time for cake. there is only one thing better than cake. it’s more cakes. and they were gorgeous.

and…they lived Happily Ever After

daily mantra: we come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly…sam.keen

can i just say…(have i said it yet lately…i can’t remember??!!) that i love my job more than anything. it isn’t just that i get to do something i love…which, i admit is pretty awesome. but more, it is the people i get to meet and get to know. i actually met Tracy last year in the wedding of her very good friend Caitlin. i can say, without a doubt, Tracy is probably the most warm and loving person i have ever met. and after meeting Nate this spring, i knew why they had chosen each other for life.

Tracy and Nate built a gorgeous house this past year. i couldn’t help notice the general theme throughout every room.

the other man in the house….

something tells me that the guys do not spend quite as much time getting ready as the girls do….

their ceremony was filled with joy, tears, and laughter…and love.

the details of the reception were outstanding…and it was all put together by Tracy and her incredibly talented sis-in-law. every detail was thought of, planned, and coordinated beautifully. i couldn’t help but take photographs of it all…

daily mantra: what lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matter compared to what lies within us. {ralph.waldo.emerson}

i am always beside myself happy with couples decide to get pictures AFTER they get married. the day you get married there is so much rushing around it can be hard to get the relaxed and fun shots you are looking for, but when it is just the two of you, you are able just relax and enjoy the entire photographic experience. Angela and Eric have been married a little over a year now, and they wanted to celebrate their one year anniversary by capturing themselves in this stage of their lives. i had an amazing time photographing them and getting creative with posing and locations. it is so great to have a couple willing to try anything!