Out of the (home) Office...

I am off to Cape Cod for the much anticipated Roots Workshop, a five-day intensive photojournalism workshop for wedding photographers. As the name suggests, the objective of the workshop is for current wedding photojournalists to get back to the "roots" of this style of shooting. It's a very unique concept, and is the brainchild of our good friend, Emilie Sommer (BTW- so proud of you Em for pulling this together). There will be no models, no wedding gowns, etc. Instead, we'll be shooting real photojournalism assignments on the Cape under the mentorship of some of the nation's most celebrated photojournalists. I'll admit I am a little nervous- there will be lots of critiquing but with that comes lots of room for growth.

While I am at the workshop, I'll be busy around the clock, so I may be a bit slower on email than usual, but I will get back to you the second I get a free moment.

And later this week, I am hoping to unveil the new image of I Do Click turned Samantha Warren Weddings. The new look, new site, new blog and even a new email address will be launched I expect in the coming days, and with all that will be a major personal announcement as well, so stay tuned to the blog for the latest! I'll be painting the town purple!

Life's A Beach

This past weekend, Kyle and I renewed a July 4th weekend tradition by heading to York for a (much too) brief beach visit with the Ober/Spencer clan. Cady and Jimmy Spencer were one of the first couples whose wedding I photographed (back in the summer of 2006), and we've become dear friends since (the best perk of my job). Nine months to the day of their arrival in St. Lucia where they had a fantastic honeymoon, Cady gave birth to Emily, the most adorable baby girl that ever was! I don't know what brings Kyle and me more joy: Emily's beautiful belly laughs or seeing how much Cady and Jimmy delight in being parents (something they are quite good at)! The entire ride home, we couldn't stop saying how perfect they are at parenting, and we vowed that when we become parents one day, we will look to them as models for creating a most happy home.

I wasn't going to post any pictures from our beach weekend, as the shots I took of Emily, now 15 months, were very informal and solely planned to present to Cady and Jimmy as thanks for their hospitality. But Kyle chided me via email today for my recent break in blogging, saying "the people want photos" and urging me to share some of the shots. (Apologies of course for the lapse in posting. The countdown for our massive move to Portland is now being measured in days and I've been busy planning and packing. Do check back soon for the official announcement and an image of our soon-to-be colorful little cape.)

And he's right. Emily is way too cute to not show-off. She has as many melt-you-faster-than-the-sun expressions as she does bathing suits, and that's saying something!

The epitome of a beach babe!

I love her little looks. Even though she can only say a few words, her expressions say it all!

Playing in the sand! She was the princess of every castle the other kids were digging on the beach.

Then she discovered the joys of an ice cream cone, and it was pretty much all downhill from there.

Cady managed to get her cleaned up...

...But then Emily found my french fries and more important to her, the ketchup that went with them! Suffice to say ketchup is her new fav food. Kyle says she looks like a vampire here, keeping our bocce balls under wraps.

Luckily for the birds, she was willing to share the fries (she really only wanted the ketchup).

She barely got tired despite a full day of swimming and snacking, but she was quick to cuddle up in mom's arms.

The next day started out quite clean.

Like her daddy, Emily showed potential as a PGAer.

But of course, I had to have my snack shack fries again, and Emily got covered in ketchup for the second day in a row. I love that you can just see Cady's hands in this shot.

And mommy and Emily check out the water one last time before Kyle and Sam headed home.

To the Spencer and Ober families, thank you so much for having us (again). We are so looking forward to living closer to you, and the beach house!

Talking SMAC

A pending move in late July has put the kibosh on any major cultural adventures this summer. That's why I am giddy that some of my favorite performers are making their way to Maine this summer and last night, I got to hear my most favorite of them all: Dan Tyminski, playing mere feet from me at the Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield (which is a long drive from just about anywhere in Maine except New Hampshire).

Even for those of you not hip to the bluegrass scene (come on!), you most likely recognize Dan's voice from the Coen brothers movie "O Brother Where Art Though?" Though it looks like George Clooney is singing "Man of Constant Sorrow", it's actually Dan, who won a Grammy for the performance. At every show with him I've attended (I've seen him twice with Allison Krauss and Union Station and last night was the third and boy was it ever the charm), he's told us about his wife's reaction to learning her husband would be the voice beyond the face and body of George Cloooney: "That's my fantasy," she deadpans. (Personally, I prefer Dan.) But like Dan joked at the show last night, "Man of Constant Sorrow" was his Milli-Vanilli moment. It was insight I especially appreciated because I've been listening to Dan almost since I had ears to do so, and even though he sings and picks at least a dozen songs that are stronger and more influential within the genre than "Man of Constant Sorrow", it was that one which caused the crowd to erupt last night. Nonetheless, I am grateful for his help in making bluegrass more mainstream...

Anyway, I digress. The real reason for this post was to tell you about the Stone Mountain Arts Center, which is essentially a timber frame barn that sits about 200 people yet brings internationally acclaimed artists thanks to its reputation and the connections of its owner, Carol Noonan. Before I picked him up for the show, Kyle sent me a text message that said, "The furthest seat from the stage is 45 feet. Just saying." And it's true. The venue is so intimate, it's like having a concert in your living room. The drive up the western hills and over the mountain streams showcased a postcard around every turn- and when we arrived, Dan and his sound guy were sitting on the front porch, enjoying the view of the hills and horses. The center serves dinner, which I'd describe as bohemian comfort food like Fungus Among Us Pizza (with mushrooms), veggie lasagna and what I had- a big salad that even Elaine wouldn't have been able to handle with goat cheese, candied nuts, cranberries, corn and marinated peppers. Then the plates are cleared (though not the wine glasses) and the show starts. Because you are one of the maybe 200 tops people there, it feels like your own private show and the sound is incredible. The center is also open for weddings so if you are planning to wed there, definitely get in touch with me.

Even though it's in the middle of nowhere, I knew we'd run into people we know, and sure enough, I spotted Joe and Nellie, longtime family friends and former bandmates of my dad, who just so happened to play at our wedding! Now that my dad lives in Virginia, I can say Evergreen is the best bluegrass/roots band in New England.

Dan and his insanely talented band who are all famous bluegrassers in their own right played Kyle's favorite song and some of my favorite (though not my favorite two). One song, which reminds me of my dad and going to bluegrass festivals with him as a kid, was so buttery, I was in tears. And because the venue is so tiny, afterwards they came out to meet and greet those who had stuck around. I was like a 12-year-old at a Hannah Montana concert when I met Dan. I think I said the word "amazing" about seven times in as many seconds, and he responded by noting that I knew all the words to every song. That's how tight the venue is- he could see me being my own Milli-Vanilli about 20 feet away.

Upcoming acts at the center that I plan to check out include Taj Mahal in November and Bela Fleck in December. Maine comedian Bob Marley does a few shows up there as well, and other ones to check out if you are into folk/blues/bluegrass,etc. include Lucinda Williams, the Cowboy Junkies, John Hiatt, Marc Cohn ("Walking in Memphis"), Arlo Gutherie, and Carlene Carter (June Carter Cash's daughter). Even political satirists Capitol Steps will perform two days after the presidential election, but it's all sold out. Definitely check it out if you are a music fan. It was by far the best concert (if you could even call it that) I've ever been to (yeah, better than Bob Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival) and the best date Kyle and I have been on in a long time (which is saying something because we generally have a blast together). He bought me the funniest shirt at the show that reads "I got hooked on S.M.A.C in Brownfield, Maine." So true!

Another great gem for good music in Maine is L.L. Bean's FREE! summer concert series. They tend to feature some of the same acts at the Stone Mountain Arts Center... they play at Bean's on Saturday and then at Brownfield on Sunday. The show I am definitely putting out a lawn chair for at 5 a.m. is Jerry Douglass (a fantastic dobro player who also plays with Allison Krauss and Union Station) on August 16. I cannot believe I don't have a wedding this day. It's like fate. John Hiatt comes on August 23 and Lonestar is on August 30.

I wish I could have taken pictures at the show, but no cameras allowed inside... trust me, it's worth the trip! Thanks Kyle for taking me there!

BDN Article: Firefighters 'rescue' ring

I love a good story and this one is a great one. It's about a bride-to-be whose engagement ring fell down the drain (something we all fear from the moment we become engaged nearly as much as drawing up the guest list) but was luckily rescued by the local fire department. I love the bride's quote: "It kind of renewed our faith in humanity. People don’t ever go above and beyond for anyone else, and they did." Kudos to the Orono fire department!

And what's more is that the groom-to-be is a childhood chum. I went to Montessori school with him in the sixth and seventh grade, and his parents were both professors in my Master's program. I can't believe that we are all finally growing up! And the reporter who penned the piece is also a friend (and a bride-to-be herself) who agreed to be a guest speaker in the journalism class I taught at UMaine for the past two years. It's a small world, especially in Maine!

Thanks Nicole for sending this along!

I Do: Leah & Darrell in Providence, RI

Who: Leah & Darrell
What: An elegant evening garden party followed by seaside dinner and dancing.
Where: December ceremony in Las Vegas with a seaside summer celebration at the stunning Squantum Association on the water in East Providence, Rhode Island.
When: Ceremony on December 15, 2007 in Las Vegas • Celebration on Saturday, June 21, 2008
How: Hair and makeup at Arous in East Greenwich, RI, flirty knee-length cocktail dress from BCBG, reception at the Squantum Association with insanely awesome DJing (the dance floor literally was packed all night) by Mike Aten of the DJ Experience.
Why: It was the summer of 2003 and Leah had stopped into Garden City's Eddie Bauer to get her dad a father's day present. She was immediately taken by the store's manager, but he was not as quick to pick up the MANY signals she was making. Suffice to say, it turned out to be a very fruitful father's day for Leah's dad, who received more presents than he was used to. Eventually, Darrell noticed the girl who couldn't stop shopping, and asked her out, only to stand her up.

Knowing in her heart he was worth a second chance, the two finally had their first real date. They became engaged in the kitchen of their first home together several years later, and last winter, after an especially stressful move to Virginia, the two decided to escape to Las Vegas for a surprise Strip side wedding. On Saturday, they celebrated their ceremony at a Great Gatsbyesque garden party, complete with the seersucker suits and pleated pink skirts.

To see Leah and Darrell together is to witness bliss. Let me show you...

I seriously squealed when Leah pulled out the fabric for what would become her birdcage veil after it was cut to size. I've ALWAYS wanted to photograph one and I think the results were fabulous and fun!

Once the cuts were made, Leah could relax a bit, and I love this sly smile she showed when her hair flower was placed just right.

She loved the final look.

Getting into her dress.

Most brides, including yours truly, would have a big breakdown if their dress' zipper went off its track leaving a serious split down the side. But not Leah. She remained completely collected as a sewing kit was rounded up and her mother (with steadier hands than I would have had) made the fix. The question of how she would get back out of the dress now that she was sewed in of course cause lots of laughs among the bridesmaids, who decided that task would be left up to Darrell!

Again, I don't usually post "formals" but the bond between Leah and her little sister Iris is worth sharing (I still tear up at the scene in Leah's Vegas wedding video when Iris comes running in mid-ceremony to surprise her sister, following a flight snafu). And look, formals can be fun, and fresh!

I love a couple who totally tunes me out and focuses on each other during their shoot. The resulting images are so real, and reflective of who they are as individuals, and as one. I want my brides and grooms to look at their images and remember how they felt at that moment, and not what "the photographer was telling them to do."

The Squantum had such a variety of settings and Leah and Darrell (and me) were eager to explore them all. I love the lines created by the wheat!

Actually, there were nice lines everywhere, like those left by the columns and sweeping staircases of the club's main house.

A secluded stone gazebo on an island accessible by a foot bridge became another favorite shooting spot. The light off the water was golden delicious and the rough outline of one of the stone supports seems to mirror their bodies.

Heading back to the party. Could you get a more breathtaking view than that? I think not!

Guests were treated to a viewing of the Vegas wedding video, which led to these laughs.

Iris had written Leah and Darrell's love story, which were framed, decorates with daisies and confetti featuring images from the Vegas wedding and placed at the center of each table.

Leah came to me by way of a referral from Jess Jones (you'll remember her from that stunning shot of her and Greg at Portland Head Light that graced the cover of Real Maine Weddings). The two attended Wheaton College, along with Sarah (whose wedding I photographed earlier this month. After three Wheaton weddings (I hope there will be more to come!!!), I am convinced that "Dancing Like a Rock Star 101" is a core class at the college. Seriously, they are that good!





I would give up a finger (not on my shooting hand of course) for an image of me and my grandmother dancing like that. What fun!

Leah wanted some sunset shots and she got em!

What a fantastic venue. So graceful. I would love to shoot there again, so if you are planning a Squantum Association wedding, please do let me know. I was a temporary Rhodie a few years back, and would love to come back. I am hopeful on my next trip, I'll have time to visit my favorite guilty pleasure eatery, Spike's Junkyard Dogs!

I Do: Diana & Jason in Caribou, Maine

Who: Diana & Jason
What: A country chic wedding with a sweet strawberry theme in Northern Maine on the first day of summer.
Where: Ceremony at the bride's longtime church (Holy Rosary) in Caribou, Maine followed by an elegant evening reception at the former Officer's Club at the Loring Air Force Base in neighboring Limestone.
When: Friday, June 20, 2008
How: Hair at Images Salon in Caribou, makeup done by the bride's longtime friend, Sarah, using the Bare Minerals line (my favorite!), favors of homemade strawberry jam made by the bride's mom, Joan, who along with the rest of the family, runs the McElwain Strawberry Farm and catering provided by The Flight Club on the Loring Air Force Base.
Why: At every wedding since she was a little girl, Diana has taken home a neatly wrapped piece of wedding cake and placed it under her pillow, in hopes of having sweet dreams about the man she would one day marry. Yet there is only one dream she can remember: the one that showed her she would wed a man who spoke fluent French.

As I watched Jason lovingly greet his grand-mère en francais outside of their reception on Friday night, I knew my dear friend Diana premonition had been perfect, just as she and Jason are together.

I cannot convey in words the warmth I have for this couple and the families who are so important to them. A colleague turned confidant, it was the darling Diana who made my first year of graduate school as scholar and teacher a delight, keeping me grounded with her steady smile and support. I hope I was able to do the same for her on her wedding day and I pray their wedding images bring Diana and Jason the joy they bring t the world.
To say the McElwain family was eager for Di and Jason's wedding would be an understatement. Her wedding capped off a huge week for the family, which include her little brother's high school graduation and victory as part of the Class B state tennis champs!!!

Diana began beaming the second that tiara was placed!

Diana's friend Sarah served as makeup artist following our lesson down in Boston during the bachelorette weekend back in May. She did a beautiful job!

If you know Diana, you would not be surprised that she picked pink wedding shoes. What fun!

Her dress was stunning.

A view down the aisle.

Diana was so excited for the ring exchange!

And of course they had to check out the new bling together while others at the mass took communion.

I love this moment between them. After all, laughter has been my marriage secret!

A final blessing from the father.

And I love this too: here Jason helps Diana down the church steps. It shows their true tenderness. In the pre-wedding madness, she forgot to put on her petticoat and so her dress hung a little bit lower than she was used to.

I usually don't post formals, but I work hard to keep them fun, and I think that comes through here. What a great bridal party!

Often, you see things through imagery that you might not so easily notice in person. What strikes me in my photographs of Diana and Jason together is how content they are in each other's company. Very peaceful!

We were very worried about rain, but luckily, Diana employed an old wives tail that worked: the night before her wedding, she donned her wellies (to our delight) and hung her rosary out on the clothesline. Sure enough, bright blue skies hung over this field of flowers I scoped out across from their reception site.

A most beautiful bride... Diana used to drive a pickup truck (since deceased) named Princess, but on this day, it could have been her title!

Heading into the reception- simply stirring!

The entryway into the former officer's club had some cool lines. Of course, I wish the cars weren't there, but they were.

Once inside, there were many hugs!

The first dance.

Growing up on a strawberry farm, Diana knew she wanted them on her cake, which was so good, after their official first cut and feeding, they both snuck a bite on their own!

Who's that handsome guy? Kyle doesn't usually come with me to weddings, but we attended Diana and Jason's wedding as both guests and me as a photographer and though I was too busy to dance with him, I am glad he got to twirl Diana around the dance floor.

Diana and Jason...Much love to you both from us both, and we wish you all the happiness in the world! Beaucoup d'amour!!!

P.S. What do you think of the BIGGER images? I am experimenting with different dimensions in preparation for launching my new blog soon, but me thinks these might be a bit bigger than I bargained for...

1,200 Miles Later!!!

To see more from this !!!amazing!!! weekend of one rehearsal dinner, two weddings, three days and four states, check back tomorrow for complete coverage.

Sarah and Adam: Featured as Image of the Day

I was honored to have one of my real romance shots from Sarah and Adam's wedding featured as the "Image of the Day" on the blog of our good (!!!and newly-engaged!!!) friend and colleague, J. This is the second time in the year he has selected an image each day (well, almost) to showcase from a wedding photographer from around America that J has featured one of my shots. Thanks, J! It's an honor to be honored, especially from such a true romantic as yourself.

Congratulations Sarah and Adam!

Guess Who Turns 1 Today?

Wow, they grow up so fast? I can still remember that feeling of panic and passion that arose when Kyle called on that anxious August afternoon to tell me our new puppy was coming home a few days early. For all four of us, curiosity, frustration, laughter and then love followed.

That first day home, he look petrified. Today, we are petrified of him (he does weigh nearly 70 pounds). That first day home, he crawled up Kyle and nestled around his neck high atop the couch. Today, he takes up two full couch cushions by day and a good part of the bed at night. That first day home, he stared up from the passenger seat that dwarfed him with these saucer-sized eyes. Today, he makes construction workers smile when he hangs his head out the sunroof (even going 80 on the highway), his blubbery lips billowing in the breeze until it looks like they'll burst. That first day home, he had one name: Nikon. Today, he has dozens including Con Man, Conardo, Hip Hip, and Little Man. That first day home, Alder was annoyed. Today, right now, they are curled up together on the couch, her head resting on his silky smooth haunches.

He's been through one pair of brand new Cole Haan boots, two L.L. Bean beds, three throw pillows, and about four zillion other items of interest including a video camera and the toughest Kong they sell (that took about 2.3 seconds). They are lucky to have had his attention, for he is the sweetest, softest, gentlest, goofiest, cuddliest, happiest hound that ever was. We are so BLESSED!

As Nikon turns one-year-old today, I couldn't say which of us adores him most. To him, it matters not. There are butterflies to chase, a big sister to bother and if he plays his cards right, a deep dish of vanilla soft serve.

Happy Birthday, Little Man. Not so little anymore are you?

Taking a nap on the picnic table.

He is all legs!

A special birthday stick.

When the dogs get in a mood, they get "lower lip". It's kind of like my pout.

What a poser.

Wop... I am totally busted.

And, I just have to share this shot of Alder. I could say this is what Alder thinks of Nikon's birthday, but she couldn't be more celebratory for him. After all, they are both Gemini's, and we liked to think of them as twins in spirit. But, ...when she eats sticks, she gets little woodchips in her mouth and so she keeps sticking her tongue out to try and work them out. At once hideous and hilarious.