I Do Click Wedding Photography

2008-07-17T02:08:00.001-04:00

Out of the (home) Office...

2008-07-12T22:11:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-08T13:25:00.005-04:00

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

2008-06-27T09:48:00.005-04:00

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

2008-06-26T12:43:00.006-04:00

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

2008-06-24T09:42:00.004-04:00

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

2008-06-23T16:26:00.009-04:00

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!!!

2008-06-22T20:09:00.008-04:00

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

2008-06-18T11:12:00.004-04:00

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?

2008-06-17T15:57:00.007-04:00

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.

I Do: Sarah & Adam in Tewksbury, Mass.

2008-06-16T10:59:00.019-04:00

Who: Sarah and Adam
What: An elegant evening ceremony followed by a wild night of dancing and drinks into the wee hours of the next morning.
Where: The grand and gracious Tewksbury Country Club.
When: Friday, June 6, 2008 (yes, I realize I am blogging out of order)
How: Makeup by Melissa McFadyen (email me for information, hair at the trendy J. Christopher Haircutters in Andover (MA), ceremony officiated by the couple's longtime family friend and seriously awesome DJing by a friend of the groom's who owns and operates Urban Kinetiks.
Why: Sarah and Adam first met at the age of seven on the shores on Lake Winnipasawkee where their families were vacationing together. Childhood companions, they became summer loves and began dating on-and-off in high school, but without driver's licenses, it was difficult to bridge the divide between their respective Massachusetts's hometowns when they weren't at the lake. Finally, after graduating from college, they began seriously dating and on Friday, June 6, they were married: Just like it was always meant to be.

Sarah had told me in an email before the wedding "We have always considered each other's family as part of our own" but I never could have anticipated the outpouring of joy and love that enveloped the couple on their wedding day. From Sarah's lifelong girlfriends stacked two-to-a-seat as they supported her at the salon to Adam's high school buddies crammed into all corners of the hotel room (some wearing matching t-shirts commemorating the day) as they kept him loose and laughing before the ceremony to the parents of the bride and groom working the wood until after midnight on the dance floor, I was honored to not just be photographing a wedding, but writing the next story in this family's (singular) story.

Sarah getting her makeup done at the salon. I loved the makeup artist's bracelet- it fit perfectly.

Looking through the lens at my brides all day, I start seeing similarities between them and the images we so often see in the media. I was struck by Sarah's likeness to a particular star in this image, though luckily Sarah is much more together (and luckier at love).

Love this image of the line of girls leaving the salon with Sarah and her dress leading the way.

Sarah waiting to get her dress on. I was struck by how calm and confident she was. I guess after two or so decades, you just know.

Final touch-ups.

The bridal suite at the country club had this tall window and Sarah had requested some shots of herself silhouetted within its frames.

Adam's brother and best man gives him a reassuring pat on the back right before Sarah began walking down the aisle. A favorite for certain.

Sarah and her father emerge. Through my long lens, I was able to see the most tender moments between the two. So she could keep her eyes on Adam, her father kept whispering, "Step. Step. Step" everytime she needed to step down the stairs. I also love the guests with their cameras at far left.

The ceremony was held on a charming stone bridge that ran perpendicular to the patio where the guests sat about 200 feet back. It was a challenge during the very short ceremony (under five minutes) to position myself in a way that didn't obstruct the guests' view but the result was beautiful.

A quick look.

The long-awaited first kiss.

And that brief moment directly after, where the couple realizes the magnitude of the moment.

While it is certainly beautiful, the average eye might not see anything extraordinary in this image of the couple walking back down the aisle. But I do. It's common for grooms to fidget with their new wedding ring, as Adam does here. Only problem is that in this case, it's on the wrong hand! During the exchange, Adam held out his right hand and in the moment, Sarah slid it right on there.

Sarah and Adam couldn't keep their eyes off each other.

See.

I usually do not give these sort of treatments to my images, but something about this photo spoke to me in aged sepia. I love that it could be from 1908 or 2008 or 2108.

The beautiful bride. Check out those blues!

Some details from the reception.

In lieu of a traditional favor, Sarah and Adam made a donation on behalf of their guests to cancer research. Beautiful inside and out.

Sharing a laugh during the best man's toast.

This dance floor rocked! And you know there is always that one guy (or gal) who just seems to be every where on the floor. That one who will twirl the groom's mom and then serenade the bride and then breakdance. Here, this was that guy and while he someone sneaked into many of the images from the reception, this is my favorite.

Sarah looked so stunning that none of us noticed she never put on her wedding jewelry. Luckily, she was already wearing diamond studs, so it wasn't like her lobes got too lonely. But about halfway through the reception, she realized the absence of those special accouterments and went upstairs to add them so we could take a few final portraits.

Thank you Jess and Greg for connecting me to Sarah and Adam. Cannot wait to see you all at Leah and Darrell's this weekend!!!

Featured in the Morning Sentinel

2008-06-11T20:26:00.003-04:00

Last week, I was designing album pages when I got a phone call from a features writer for the Morning Sentinel/Kennebec Journal who was writing a piece about the impact of digital cameras on photography professionals. She wanted to know why people would hire me when digital technology and the fine images they often produce is so accessible to all, via a local Best Buy or Amazon online.

The story "Picture a digital world" ran this Sunday in the Sentinel/KJ. While not all of the pearls of wisdom I shared were included in the story, I was grateful to be considered an expert in this issue and thus to be included in the piece, and hope I was able to do my part in educating the paper's readers that it is the photographer's eye, expertise and vision that a client is receiving when they book me, and not just someone who shows up and presses a button.

I Do: Chrystal & Ben in Bangor

2008-06-09T11:22:00.007-04:00

Who: Chrystal & Ben
What: A romantic rendezvous in a riverside park, then an afternoon ceremony beneath a garden gazebo followed by an evening of dinner and slow dancing.
Where: Pre-wedding portraits in the lovely Cascade Park and wedding at Bangor's Spectacular Events Center
When: Saturday, June 7, 2008
How: The bride's hair was done beautifully by her mother, flowers and cake were done by a family friend and DJing was from Eric Lunt of Fairfield.
Why: When Ben opened the Inn door and saw Chrystal anxiously waiting before him, wrapped in white and sparkling in the afternoon sun, he began beaming. Seven hours later, as their reception came to a conclusion with a final turn around the dance floor, he still hadn't stopped smiling. I imagine he won't for some time, and neither will Chrystal.

I could tell you how adorable and tender these two are together, how there mere mention of one another evokes an endearing grin or how at peace and joy they look in each other's arms. But any explanation wouldn't do the connection between these two justice, and so I'll just share some select images from their Saturday ceremony and celebration and invite you back to my blog soon for a viewing of their slideshow.

I had to laugh when I saw this interactive magnet on the fridge in the kitchen of the house where Chrystal and Ben live together with their pup Maggie, and where she got ready on her wedding day.
Getting her makeup done. Chrystal had promised me I'd love the purple in their kitchen and she was right. Very Samantha Warren Weddings! And would you believe she baked those muffins in the background on the morning of her wedding day. Wonder bride!
6.07.08 sure was a lucky date, seen here on the tag of Chrystal's stunning strapless dress.
The couple opted for a "first look", which I love (and which is becoming more and more popular). Us girls went to the Inn where Ben got ready with the guys and that's where Ben started smiling. Here, the couple catches up in a scene that looks straight from the seaside. Would you believe that in actuality, we were in central Maine and the Bangor Mall was just across the street? It was so picturesque and peaceful there.
The plan was to go to a nearby park for pre-wedding pictures, but when I spotted a field flush with lupines behind the hotel, I knew we had to have a short session there. Stun-Ning!
The light in the park was fantastic. It was golden delicious like the kind you find in late fall. There are so many breathtaking images of the two from the park, so you'll have to check back in the coming weeks for the wedding slideshow so you can see the rest.
It's a fact... I am a sucker for the seersucker suit, especially when it's on a dapper five-year-old! I think a good summer seersucker suit could be for men what the little black dress is for us.
The ceremony was held in a small gazebo behind the event's center, overlooking a lush marsh, and a gentle breeze kept guests cool in the hot afternoon sun.
The first dance...the eye contact between these two could actually be responsible for global warming. It was hot!
I loved the intricate lacing on the back of Chrystal's dress. It took a few minutes to tie, but it adds such beautiful texture and a nice splash of champagne color.
What a fun cake. At once whimsical and elegant, it not only looked but tasted yummy.
The final dance...I told you Ben never ceased smiling.
And, another angle on the last dance of the day. Simple, yet stirring.

Chrystal and Ben... it was a true delight (and an honor) to spend this day with you. Have a fantastic honeymoon in St. Lucia, knowing your wedding day looked and felt as lovely as you two are together.

Here Come the Brides: Article About Maine's Wedding Industry

2008-06-03T09:37:00.003-04:00

With wedding season officially on, the media is turning its pages and airwaves into I-Do related information centers. For this reason, I've updated the Nuptials News section in this blog's sidebar, with just a sampling of the stories I've seen this past week. Take some time to explore the links, and if you've come across any wedding-related stories of interest, do send them to me and I'll be thrilled to post them there.

Of course, the article that likely has the most pull for readers of this blog is one about the business of weddings (especially destination ones) within Maine. I actually wrote the article while on assignment for Mainebiz, a Portland-based biweekly that covers the state's business and economic trends. Now the cardinal rule in journalism is to never be involved in what you are writing about, but my editor at Mainebiz thought my insight about the industry here would make the article especially meaningful for our readers (the majority of which are middle-aged chief/senior executive level males whose wedding planning days are a decade or two removed).

The article centers around what weddings mean to Maine's economy and whether that could shift in these turbulent economic times. Many in the industry who I spoke with for the story agreed that weddings were fairly recession-proof, and that Maine is well positioned to maintain and even strengthen its foothold in the wedding market thanks to the relative affordability of having a wedding here, the state's location as a drive-to destination for many of the East Coast's largest metropolis's, and of course, our coast. It was an honor for me to be seen as enough of an expert to shape and then write the story, and to educate Maine's business community about this essential economic engine.

(Please note, the article is linked here as a PDF. Mainebiz doesn't publish stories on its site until one month after their print publication.)

Kristina & Jimmy's Wedding Day Slideshow

2008-05-30T21:53:00.005-04:00

I've been hard at work all week editing images, designing albums and planning the arrival of Samantha Warren Weddings. As a result, I've been admittedly a bit remiss in posting. Therefore, I thought I'd share this to satiate my loyal readers. Enjoy Kristina and Jimmy's wedding slideshow. And again, much congratulations to Kristina and Jimmy for a wedding weekend beyond words (which is why you have to watch the show, that fyi, takes a few moments to load).

I Do: Kristina and Jimmy in York

2008-05-25T12:15:00.008-04:00

Who: Kristina and Jimmy
What: Weekend-long seaside ceremony and celebration with 100 closest friends and family (including nearly two dozen children!)
Where: The elegant York Harbor Inn and the stunning seaside Hartley Mason Reserve directly across the street from the inn.
When: Saturday, May 24, 2008
How: Maggie Sotero dress from Portland's Andrea's Bridal, makeup and hair by Saundarya Salon and Day Spa in Wells, ceremony by the lovely Julie Draper, and DJing by Clark Sillery of Fred Pappalardo Disc Jockeys.
Why: As best man, Jay expected his primary wedding day responsibility (besides the toast) would be keeping the groom's jitters at bay. "But Jimmy had none," Jay reported to the 100 or so guests gathered last night for an intimate evening of dinner and dancing in the York Harbor Inn's ballroom. And why should he? Anyone who has spent a second together with Kristina and Jimmy knows that besides being an insanely attractive couple, the two just fit so well together.

Longtime friends who met in San Diego before becoming much more, the couple recently relocated to the East Coast where Kristina works in pharmaceuticals and Jimmy has every guy's dream job of being a video game tester. They just bought a fantastic house outside of Boston (of which I am quite envious as it has the most beautiful gleaming copper kitchen) and enjoy completing crosswords together on the train on the way into work. You just have to smile when you hear all the ways things have just fallen into place for them as they become a couple, then homeowners and then husband and wife. Fate, life, luck...whatever you want to call it just seems determined to bring them together. Case in point: Thursday night, Jimmy's friends took him to a Red Sox game to kick off his bachelor party. And who else could be found in Fenway that night? Kristina of course, who was there as part of a work retreat. (Yeah, she worked through Thursday this week, which I think is just another indication of how calm and confident they were coming into their wedding day - and also how awesomely organized Kristina is!)

It was such an honor to be a part of such an important day in their lives together. Here is a look at some of the moments I saw unfold...

The day for the boys (and DeeDee) began with bocce on the beach...

Why Holly, the maid of honor and sister of the bride, had to have her hair set under this dryer was unknown to me (and I think her as well). But it made for a funny shot, champagne and all!
Ok, I'll admit it! I was a little jealous when I saw the flower girl's fantastic wand, glimmering with glitter.
Kristina in her gorgeous gown, looking across the street as guests gather at the ceremony site.
The bride and her father share a quiet look at the end of the aisle.
Jimmy was simply glowing!
Have you ever seen the Men's Warehouse ad on television? It brings me to tears every time...the line at the end of the advertisement is "When everyone is looking at her, she'll be looking only at you." And I thought of that yesterday, as Kristina smiled up at him. I know how much she was looking forward to this day, and I am so thrilled, knowing it was every bit as perfect as she envisioned it.
The first kiss. See how genuinely gleeful Julie, the officiant, is. I am so glad I recommended her to Kristina and Jimmy. She is my favorite officiant because of her warmth and kindness. Like me, she feels a true connection to her couples that is clear here.
After the ceremony, Kristina and Jimmy walked together to this bluff overlooking the beach, and they just stood there for several minutes looking out as the wedding party and their guests collected behind them. I don't know what was said between them, but it was a moving (and beautiful) moment for all there.
The wedding party. Loved the tan suits and navy dresses.
Kristina and Jimmy needed no direction when it came to capturing them as a couple. Instead, I urged them to enjoy these lone moments of solitude together and stepped back and capture their interactions with my long lens. Beautiful and very real.

A delicious favor- mini jars of jam from nearby Stonewall Kitchen.

The tables were simple, yet elegant, with pink flowers and votives.
This dessert took the cake. Instead of the traditional wedding cake, the couple opted for an ice cream sundae bar, complete with homemade hot fudge sauce, brownie bites and a bowl of cherries. The guests were delighted, including these two- Stef and Christy, who live in South Berwick and who Kristina connected me with when Kyle and I were considering moving there. They were incredibly helpful in providing us an insider's eye on the community, and I almost felt guilty not moving there after their glowing and thorough guidance.
Some intimate moments from an emotional first dance.

The dance floor was tiny, yet packed! Congratulations Kristina and Jimmy. It was a pleasure spending the day with you and finally getting to know you in person after months of emailing. The day was all I had expected and more! I look forward to seeing you again soon, and wish you a relaxing honeymoon to San Diego.

China Disaster Caught in a Wedding Lens (from NYT)

2008-05-23T13:15:00.003-04:00

Usually I put wedding related news stories in the "nuptial news" section of the blog's sidebar, but I thought given this New York Times story's currency, I'd give it it's own post. Puts into perspective the threat of wedding day rain drops. Truly stirring imagery.

Workshop in Kennebunkport, Part III

2008-05-22T17:47:00.005-04:00

I've been a bad blogger! And for that, I am very sorry... I am still playing catch-up from a five-day Farmington hiatus (hence the reason I skipped this week's installment of the Tuesday Tease). Last Wednesday through Friday, I was at the workshop in Kennebunkport that I've previously blogged about, and then on Friday night, a gaggle of us girls beat it down to Boston for the weekend to celebrate my good friend Diana's bachelorette party.

The weekend was a delight: massages and makeup at the fab Luxe Beautique on the North Shore (fyi: if you are a Boston-area bride and need a makeup magician, go to Amy at Luxe- she is amazing!), a sunset tour of the town via stretch limo (Diana squeeled when she saw it pull up) and dancing and drinks in the North End. And the key lime martinis at Caprice Lounge on Tremont Street were so scrumptious, I've been busy making them at home (vanilla vodka, splash of pineapple juice and splash of Rose's lime juice) since my return. What fun we had! I am so looking forward to Diana's wedding in June and seeing my new friends again!

Girlfriend getaways are the best, but after five days away from home (I think my longest stint away without Kyle since we've lived here), I was ready to return. Throughout the week, I've been busy working on Stephanie and Brian's slideshow, images and album as well as getting ready for my wedding this weekend in York (which I cannot wait for). And, Kyle started his new job on Monday, so I've been trying to be wifey- I baked cookies, packed him lunch (well, that lasted two days) and even did laundry (which I've been blessed to have Kyle take care of since we started dating as I've always been a full-time student).

As a result, today was the first day I've had more than a minute to look through my images from the final day of the Kennebunkport workshop. I am going to share a few with you here. Just to recap, the first day of the workshop we shot on the water, then we spent Thursday inside at a swank pad reviewing our work and discussing compositional strategies and then the final day (Friday), we had a short shooting session in an old (and very dark) New England barn. Now granted, I don't expect to be shooting brides in barns anytime soon (though I do have a rustic barn wedding in October) but it was a great exercise in playing with little light and space (imagine 16 or so photographers, our instructors and two models crammed into a full barn). I must also admit I was exhausted and charred after two intense workshop days, so it was also an exercise in endurance. The resulting images are very dramatic as we were experimenting with drastic darkness and light. My favorite is the one at the top of this post that was taken from outside shooting in through the tiniest - I am talking maybe an inch tops- opening of the barn doors. Here is a peek at what else I came home with...

Isn't amazing that these shots were all taken in a single small barn? Do you like them?

Workshop in Kennebunkport, Part II

2008-05-15T20:31:00.008-04:00

When you start your day with a drive past the Bush family estate on Walker Point, you know you are in for a most fabulous day. With my sunburn still singeing, myself and the other workshop attendees and leaders headed off to what was undoubtedly the nicest home I've ever been to for a day of critiques led by the Davids (Beckstead and Murray). The house was insanely beautiful- the kind you'd see in those interior design magazines you gush over at the day spa. In fact, you may see it there soon as a photographer and a writer from a home design magazine were actually there working on a piece while we huddled up in the media room for an intense marathon of image gazing and gauging.

The critiques were both constructive and complimentary, and I was impressed by everyone's imagery. Jaws dropped, souls were stoked and I came back to my quarters for the night, eager to get a camera back in my hand so I could challenge myself even further. Much discussion centered around how to use the images taken during the workshop... Some planned to put them on their wedding websites in hopes of showing clients what was possible and to inspire the imagination. Others opted to put their best shots in a site section devoted to fashion or editorial work. I am still undecided. As I said yesterday, these were models, there were makeup artists, designer dresses and we had eight hours to shoot, when I usually have eighteen minutes!

For now, I'll just display the images here for your enjoyment. When my new site launches later this summer (just signed the contract for the design today!!!!!), perhaps I'll have a special gallery for work I've done in forums like this workshop. BUT... if these captures captivate you, I'd strongly recommend you consider blocking a few minutes off at your wedding for a quick fashionesque shoot, or scheduling a post-shoot (also known as a "Trash the Dress" or as my friend, Kate Mefford calls them, "Unbridled Sessions"). This special shoot can include both the bride and the groom (or just the bride if she wishes) for a post-wedding (day after or even weeks/months/years later) fun, free-form shoot that can take any direction you'd like- perhaps some fashion like this or some more romantic shots as well. (And, you don't have to be one of my clients to book me for one of these sessions.)

As I look at these images I took yesterday, I can't stop thinking how much I wish I had shots of me looking like that! If you thought the same thing (about yourself of course- it would be kind of creepy to have shots of me on your wall), let me know.

In the meantime, here are some of my other shots from yesterday. Some I like for the light, others for the scenery and some are just plain funny- showing the chaos of a workshop style shoots with lots of eager photographers. We'll be shooting again tomorrow for a bit, and I'll likely post those early next week when I return from my weekend adventure. Again, if you are interested in these kind of shoot for yourself (or ever with a few close girlfriends), do let me know. I had so much fun and would be thrilled to try it again!

A couple of shots of some photographers at work...

You may remember this shot from my previous post (yesterday). This was one of the images during my critique that the Davids picked as their favorites, and they suggested a black and white treatment... you like?

Workshop in Kennebunkport, Part I

2008-05-14T23:41:00.009-04:00

It's almost midnight (and I've been up since 5 a.m.) and I am boiled redder than the dogs you find in a steam tray at any true Maine convenience store. Despite my languishing lids and torched skin, after a full day of shooting, my creative side is energized in a way it has not been in some time!

I am in Kennebunk for the rest of the week to attend the Shoot With Beckstead workshop, led by visionary David Beckstead, who sees art in places that up until now, I would never have even thought to look in. David Murray, a perennial winner in the WPJA's quarterly contests whose work I have long fawned over is hosting the workshop, and he and his wife Linda have been kind enough to put me up for the week. I am most grateful for their warmth, and their inspiration both as people and as professionals.

A workshop for a photographer like me is a giant playground. Free from the pressures that for me, make weddings such a wonderful rush (weather, time, etc.), a workshop provides time to play, a chance to challenge myself and my equipment, and an opportunity for feedback from those who are foremost in the industry.

Today, we spent around eight hours - mostly on the water's edge- shooting in Kennebunk/Kennebunkport. There are about 15 of us, so it took me back to my newspaper and pr days, when you're shooting alongside so many others, elbows up! That said, everyone sees things differently: we're all facing the same thing, but we are all seeing something different! Though I wouldn't feel comfortable putting the shots on my Website because we were working with models and I pride myself on my photojournalistic style, I thought I'd share some eyecandy with you here. The girls were gorgeous, and generous with their good humor and patience. And, seeing it's the first time in a while I've shot with bright blue sky, I got a bit carried away. Let me know what you think...I don't think these are my best shots by any means, just what connected with me when I was editing over pizza and red wine tonight!

I'll try to check back in over the next few days and let you know what I am learning, but you can't imagine how full these workshop days are! It's quite an adventure. And, I have a very fun non-work weekend in store that I'll tell you all about on Monday. Those of you trying to reach me on email, know I am out of the office and will return your inquiry as soon as humanly possible. Goodnight- I am off to find some aloe!

Tuesday Tease: Installement II

2008-05-13T08:47:00.002-04:00

Today's tease isn't nearly as fun as last week's, and for those of you who follow the blog regularly, it's practically old news. Nevertheless, I am excited to have (finally!) made the early steps toward my rebranding. And, I am grateful for your loyalty and input along the way.

So, that said. I might suggest you bookmark this. Just a thought.

I Do: Stephanie & Brian in Rockland, Part II

2008-05-12T12:08:00.007-04:00

Stephanie and Brian's reception this past Saturday had all the elements a good party should... yummy food, generous bartenders, delicious details and moves on the dance floor that would have made even Bon Jovi blush! I mention Bon Jovi of course, because many traveled from New Jersey, where Stephanie and Brian now live, for the wedding, and whenever a Bon Jovi song (there were several) was cued up, the crowd erupted! What fun!

Toile was the theme from the invitations to the cake. I don't know about you, but there is just something about toile that I love. At once chic and cool, it's a playful pattern and on Saturday, it was everywhere.

The cake was so stunning, it was a bit nervewracking to actually cut into it. But with Oreo's awaiting inside, how could they not!
I love this capture from the first dance. Brian looked so content- as if he never wanted this exact moment to end.
Stephanie's little sister Danielle gave a simple and sweet toast that had everyone tearing up (even me).
Stephanie had told me she was looking forward to the father-daughter dance. She savored every moment of it!
Stephanie (nice bling!) sneaks a peak at the comments left by guests in their sign-in scrapbook. It was a touching and thoughtful tribute assembled for the couple by bridesmaid, Britt.
Talking to guests about the honeymoon. Speaking of which, Stephanie and Brian, I hope you have the best trip to the coast of Italy. Please eat everything in sight (you earned it after all that dancing), make sure to take a swim in that awesome azure ocean and relax knowing your wedding was every bit as wonderful as you dreamed it would be. Ciao!

I Do: Stephanie & Brian, Rockland, Part I

2008-05-11T10:04:00.012-04:00

Who: Stephanie & Brian
What: A wedding, of course!
Where: St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Rockland and The Samoset Resort in Rockport
When: Saturday, May 10, 2008
How: Makeup by Nordstrom Skin Care in downtown Rockland, DJing by Greg Powers and fabulous toile cake by Sweet Sensations Bakery in Rockport.
Why: Six years ago this weekend, Brian took Stephanie home to meet his parents for the first time. Even in those early days of their relationship, both say they "just knew." And yesterday, Stephanie, who admitted to me she had been buying bridal magazines since 1999, was escorted down the aisle of an intimate, coastal community church by her dad. "I don't think he would have given her away to anyone else," Stephanie's little sister, Danielle later told me.

Stephanie and Brian are the reason I love what I do. As much as Stephanie worked to plan her dream day (it was worth every moment- I swear), I think the hardest part of the process was spending nearly an entire day apart from Brian before the ceremony. Not because she had to be with him, but because she wanted to. I can't say enough about these two as individuals, as a couple, or about the day when they became husband and wife. I can't wait to show you the slideshow from their ceremony and celebration, but until then, here are some shots to share. More coming tomorrow!

It was blustery, but beautiful as the day began with nine holes of golf. Here, a foursome that includes the groom tries to sink the putt on the Samoset's storied third hole.
Brian tries to get out of the sand trap. I know he'll be a better husband than he is a golfer!
I am not sure if Stephanie needed any blush- she's been glowing all week!
From the bridal suite, Stephanie could look into the lobby where Brian and the guys were waiting before heading to the church.
Brian was grinning as he waited for his bride.
Stephanie had warned me the church was low on light but what was streaming through the stained glass windows I thought was brilliant.

During the receiving line, Brian kept fiddling with his ring.
Brian (at front) and the groomsmen.
Stephanie was stunning. Each image of her is more beautiful than the next!
A few of Brian and Stephanie. There were just so many to choose from!

I didn't get home last night until well after midnight, so I am going to hold off on posting images from the reception until tomorrow so I can catch up on some long overdue R&R. Check back tomorrow!

Tuesday Tease: Installment I

2008-05-06T09:51:00.004-04:00

Leading up to my logo's launch, I was going to give you a one-a-day hint to build the buzz a bit. But seeing how impatient you all are (!I love it!), I thought I'd further fuel the frenzy by posting a clue every week until the big reveal. I'll call it the Tuesday Tease! Here is your first hint.

Of course, this will put some serious pressure on me and my dynamite designer, but we're pretty tough chicks. And this also means I need to get my act together and call J about getting the site started. Hopefully he's recovered from his tropical getaway :)-

Our Passover Story...

2008-05-05T11:59:00.015-04:00

Passover is a Jewish holiday celebrating the Jews' exodus from Egypt and thus, their liberation from a life of slavery under the tyranny of the Egyptians. If you aren't familiar with the story, here is the short version: the Jews were slaves in Egypt, God finally responded to their plight by sending 10 plagues upon the Egyptians (fun stuff, like lice, locusts, boils, etc.- I cannot believe I am writing these words on a wedding blog). The final plague was the killing of the first-born of every Egyptian. Jews would be spared from this, by putting a drop of blood on their doorpost, and God would know to pass over their house (hence the holiday's name). The plagues were effective, the Pharaoh let the Jews go and freed them. As they fled, he had a change of heart, sent his soldiers after them, and it was then Moses parted the Red Sea and the Jews escaped into Israel. It is suspected that Jesus' last supper was actually a Passover seder, so that's an interesting connection. Again, this is like the Cliff Notes of the Passover story, which actually takes several hours to retell (though our family has streamlined things a bit).

Passover is one of my favorite holidays, the food is tops (especially my mom's melt-in-your-mouth brisket, my aunt's matzo ball soup and the cheesecake I make) and the company is the best. Over the years, the size of our celebrations has ebbed and flowed. Some years, we'd cram nearly 40 people into the living room. This year, it was a more manageable 10, including my grandparents, who always come up from New York (which is why I think I love this holiday so much). I especially appreciate the ritual of it all –both familial and religious– and I think the messages of hope, peace, and faith conveyed during the ceremony, which is led by my Uncle Dennis, are most applicable today.

This was the first year I thought to bring my camera to document the festivities. It certainly made everything go by much faster. Here is what I saw:
The seder requires dedication (and that you've eaten a big lunch). Even though all this yummy food is within your reach, you can't dig in until the service allows it, which can take a while. While my uncle leads the service, we follow along in the seder book. As you notice, we are not very patient: we use the Concise version!

The seder table, set for ten. This is the first time our seder table included an orange, which represents the role of women within the Passover story.

This is the seder plate. Each food upon it is symbolic, for example, the horseradish (at top right) represents the bitterness of life under the yoke of slavery, while the charoset (that apple chutney looking stuff in the top left corner) represents the mortar Jewish slaves used to build storehouses in Egypt.

There is lots of wine at Passover. If you follow the seder exactly, you would have drunk four goblets worth! I tend to stick mostly to grape juice to keep pace. One of the cups of wine on the table is for Elijah... I'll admit I am a bit confused about the whole Elijah thing, but apparently, he is a prophet and we open the door for him and leave a cup of wine on the table for him in hopes he'll come, which will signal that the Messiah is coming behind him. (Like I said, a little fuzzy on this (I am not very religious)but I think the detail on this cup my parents have for this part of the service is stunning.)

I think that "yarmulke" is one of the coolest words ever. It's pronounced ya-mu-ka and it is the skullcap Jewish men wear on their heads at a service. Though Kyle isn't Jewish, here he is wearing one while he listens to my grandfather.

And another yarmulke shot- I love how it matches those funky faces on the wall and also the stripes on Kyle's shirt. Maybe he is a better dresser than I give him credit for!

My grandmother lights the candles as the start of the service.

Kyle follows along in the seder book.

A reading inside the seder.

My uncle holds up a piece of matzo- this is the unleavened bread which shows how quickly the Jews fled Egypt when they were freed- their bread baking on the rocks didn't even have time to rise!

Passover in our family is never boring, one because of the company (I'll get to them soon) and two, because it is very interactive. A fan favorite it when we put drops of wine on our plates, one for each of the 10 plagues. Some use their spoons. Others use their fingers (and therefore the wine never makes it to the plate, usually landing in his mouth or on the white tablecloth).

Enough blood and boils... let's get to the people who make this holiday so great:
My beautiful grandmother.

My mom, wearing her queen crown.

My aunt is always smiling.

My uncle, who just celebrated a birthday yesterday. Happy Birthday.

My stepdad, who converted to Judaism several years ago.

This year, we were lucky to be joined by my friend Moshe, who is a graduate student from Israel in my department.

I love this shot of Kyle.

My grandfather is a man who is larger than life and thus is hard to capture in just one image. I am his only grandchild and I adore him. He always sits across from me at Passover, so I was able to get some shots that really captured his infectious personality. Can't you just tell how much fun he is?

As we always say at the end of the service: Till next year!

Catching Up...

2008-05-05T10:43:00.007-04:00

Even I have to admit the irony: It's been over two weeks since I've posted and of course, my last post was about I Do Click's blog was featured in the Maine PR Journal, where I went so far as to offer the blogging advice that one should blog regularly to best engage their readers.

The reason for my absence (though inexcusable)is quite simple: I've been CRAZY BUSY!!! I wanted to just check in today with an update, and a heads up on all the thrilling things I have coming up...

As loyal blog readers know, I am currently working toward my Master's degree in Mass Communications at UMaine. Nearly 35,000 miles of commuting later, I will be graduating this Friday (though I'll be still working on my Master's thesis over the summer) with a hooding ceremony at the college's Alford Arena. And, it just so happens that Friday is also my birthday, so it will be a day of riotous celebration, ending with dinner at Ichibon, a favorite sushi place of mine (in Bangor, of all places). It's been a mad dash to the finish, which has detracted from my blogging time. I put the finishing touches on my thesis prospectus only last night, and sent it off to the three-person committee I will be defending it before on Wednesday (keep your fingers crossed for me please).

The end of the school year means I am also nearing my tenure as a media writing instructor for undergraduates. I've been buried under papers and email excuses for the past few weeks, and have also been writing letters of recommendation for students and helping them find internships and summer jobs.

And, I am working on a really fun article for Mainebiz right now, which I'll definitely be sharing when it is published later this month as I think you'll all enjoy it.

Though our house still hasn't sold, I am happy to announce that Kyle has been offered an exciting new job!!! A huge relief after weeks of mass resume mailings and hair-pulling and certainly well deserved. He'll start in the Augusta office while we still live here in Farmington, and hopefully transfer to their South Portland office when we move down that way. Apparently, CMP is planning a massive new transmission line that will span the state, and Kyle will be part of a small team of environmental specialists getting the project permitted in each of the dozens of towns the line will run through. I am !so! proud of him for landing this huge opportunity, though I'll really miss the family that we've formed at his current company, Main-Land Development.

We are hoping our house does sell sooner than later, as we've spent the past few weekends checking out houses in Portland and we're really excited about the options down there. I'll keep you posted.

Of course, though I've ignored the blog, I Do Click, err... make that Samantha Warren Weddings (soon, soon) has been top of mind. I am !pumped! to announce that my graphic designer friend Jenny and I finalized my new logo late one night last week, and I can't stop staring at it. I am really eager to share it with you, but I am going to make you wait until my new Website and blog launch this summer (though my May and June brides will get a sneak peak through our post-wedding correspondence). You are going to love it!!!

And while most sane people would take a vacation or just chill out a bit post graduation, I am going to be doing what I love most: shooting a wedding that I expect to be emotional and exquisite on Saturday at the Samoset in Rockland. I've been corresponding with Stephanie and Brian for months, and I am so looking forward to meeting them on Wednesday and then photographing them and their loved ones on Saturday. And next week, I am spending three days in Kennebunkport where I'll be attending a workshop led by two hot, hot, hot wedding photographers: David Beckstead and Maine's own David Murray, who is a photographic genius (he was one of the WPJA's top five photographers in the world last year) and a genuinely nice guy.

So, that's a quick (well, not really) rundown of what I've been up to for the last two weeks. In amongst those more noteworthy events, Kyle and I have both been sick, our daffodils have finally bloomed in the front bed and the patio furniture is finally on the back deck, I've made two batches of homemade sorbet from scratch (one a grapefruit champagne sorbet and the other, strawberry lime), I got major haircut (eight inches off), Kyle put on a fantastic birthday dinner for his mom, and Alder and Nikon have been giving our vacuum a serious workout. We also had a delightful Passover celebration with my family and I'll post some images from that later today.

I Do Click's Blog Featured In Maine PR Journal

2008-04-18T16:44:00.004-04:00

One of the facets of my business I am most proud of is this blog! It might not look like much, but every week I put hours upon hours into ensuring that the blog remains current and consequential. That's why when I get comments from blog readers within minutes of posting, I get giddy. I know people are reading the blog, and most importantly, I know the people I want to be reading it are finding value in its content.

The blog is I Do Click's face on the Web (though I am taking steps to make the Web site a formidable partner for it so look for that in the early summer) and I was thrilled when the editor of the Maine PR Journal, put out by the Maine Council of Public Relations, recently approached me and asked if they could feature my blog and my experience as a business blogger. (Yes, it helps that the editor of the journal is a dear friend from graduate school and also one of my brides, but I'd like to think I am actually a deserving blogger to feature.) The article, which features my blogging tips, can be found here, or you can check out the screen captures below. Thanks Diana!

Reminder: Final Day of WAKE Up Your Walls Canvas Special

2008-04-18T09:41:00.003-04:00

Today is the final day you can order a photo canvas at half off. I already have several orders, which I'll be sending off this afternoon around 4 p.m., so please contact me before then to take advantage of this awesome special.

Save the Date: For Your Engagement Shoot

2008-04-17T10:55:00.004-04:00

The snow is FINALLY!!! melting and wedding season is right around the bend (23 days until my first summer 2008 ceremony and celebration). But it isn't here yet. That means now is the perfect time for couples with upcoming weddings to book their location engagement photo session. Engagement shoots are relaxed, romantic, reflective and typically without the time constraints of the wedding day. In addition to giving us a chance to connect, it's also an opportunity for you to get some carefree images that can be utilized in your wedding correspondence, ceremony and celebration.

I love seeing all the unique ways my couples incorporate their engagement images into their day, from sign-in books (I can make those now! please inquire) to wedding Web sites, slideshows, ceremony programs and so much more. I love the way Chrystal and Ben used images from our October shoot to personalize their save-the-dates and invites, stamps and address labels (see above).

To set up your engagement shoot, please contact me. Dogs welcome (and encouraged!)

Live Wedding Webcasts

2008-04-16T06:29:00.003-04:00

You've heard about I Do Click... now there is I Do Stream, a Connecticut company that offers live video streaming services via the Web for weddings and other special events. I learned about this service just yesterday, from one of my couples; the father of the groom has recently been diagnosed with cancer, and will be unable to attend the wedding because he is having surgery the week before. So the couple is considering live video streaming as a way of bringing him across the continent and to their ceremony.

You can visit I Do Stream's Web site or check out their blog here to learn more. You can either provide your own video camera or the company will send you one along with a laptop with built-in wireless, and up to 50 viewers can log into view the live stream, which can last up to six hours. The video remains online for 30 days and can even be downloaded- to an iPod of course. What's best is that the company has partnered with more than 200 videographers around the nation who will set up the service as part of their offerings but the service seems simple enough that a tech-savvy cousin could certainly be employed. Prices start at just over $300.

I wish we'd had this when planning our own wedding, as there were several VIPS who were unable to make it due to illness and I know other brides and grooms have had similar experiences. This is far more inclusive and professional than having someone hold up a cell phone (yes, that happened at our wedding)!

If in the course of your planning you've stumbled upon other simple solutions to common wedding worries, please do send them along so I can share them with other readers. I feel like everyday I am reading about something new and saying to myself "I wish I'd know about that when we were planning our wedding!"

Warm Weather, Hot New Product, !!!!!!SIZZLING!!!!! SALE

2008-04-15T14:27:00.010-04:00

This afternoon, I attended a webinar (seminar over conference call and Web) to learn more about photo canvasses and their many benefits. I've been hearing raves about canvas prints from photographer friends of mine for awhile, and for Christmas, actually ordered some for Kyle of us as a way to get the scoop on them. After several months of having them in our home, I must admit they rock!!! While we have lots of photo albums and even framed prints (4 by 6's and 5 by 7's mostly) around the house, nothing catches your eye and stops you in your steps as you are running from room to room like a giant wall-sized canvas of yourself. The ones I did of Kyle and I are of us making these ridiculous funny faces, and whenever I see them, I just have to giggle. Everyone who comes through the door comments on them!

I was so excited to start offering my clients these canvasses after I got off the conference call but I wanted to wait until I could share some images with you. As I stepped out into the sun to get the mail, I almost tripped over a massive box from my canvas company. The samples I'd ordered last week for around my home office had arrived!!! Talk about timing.

And boy oh boy, these canvases are Cool (with a capital C)! They feature an image printed on museum-quality canvas and hand stretched on a 1.5 inch thick wooden frame. The frame is gallery wrapped, meaning the image continues around the side of the frame. This isn't just a photograph, it's ART!!!!! Because our house is fairly small, I didn't order any dramatic sizes, but these are available in sizes from 8 by 10 inch up to 56 by 100 inches. That's taller than Michael Jordan!!! And besides the impact and the quality, the best thing about these is they arrive wall-ready- no frame needed!!!

You can order just one featuring one image from a wedding, engagement or portrait session, or many in a collage, or get several of them to group together and make an entire display. The biggest one I ordered to show you here was a 20 by 30 inch, but once we move and settle into our new space, I'll be ordering some a bit bigger so they can really make an impact. As you can see in the shot above featuring Nikon and Sam and Scott, even the 20 by 30 barely fills the space above a typical couch. As much as I love my albums, what's so fun about these is that you don't have to sit down to see it. Instead, your image just becomes a part of your surroundings that seeks you out, instead of the other way around!

As a way of getting my clients as excited as I am about these fantastic new offerings and in honor of winter's hibernation finally coming to an end here in Western Maine, I am running a !!!three day only!!! special called "WAKE Up Your Walls". Order between now and Friday, April 18 at 2 p.m. and receive 50 percent off of your order for any canvas (size 16 x 20 and up). This is HUGE!!! Canvas must feature an image already taken by me. (And remember, I now offer payment via credit/debit card.)

Email me for a complete information sheet. I'd be happy to pull some of your images that I think would look great on canvas and give you some suggested sizes.

This is a 20 by 30 canvas from Sam and Scott's post shoot. Even at that size, it could still be much bigger and not look out of place in the room.

This is a fun one. It's a 15 by 30 inch panoramic of Kelly and Pat walking to the beach before their September wedding. This environmental image would be wall-worthy as a beach shot without Kelly and Pat in it, but when you add them in, it takes it to a whole new level and is dramatic without being over the top. You can get a real sense of the gallery wrap here- see how the clouds wrap around the edge.

Here is a 16 by 20 canvas with a border I put on of Anya and Oleg eating ice cream after their wedding last April.

I wanted to share this close up of the canvas so you can see the quality. It's so smooth it looks like a print, but it's actually canvas!

This is the edge of the canvas featuring Anya and Oleg. Again, showing the clarity of the printing as well as the thickness (1.5 inches) of the canvas.

So, what do you think? Remember, if I've already photographed you and you'd like your images on canvas, email me immediately to take advantage of my 50 percent off special.

Taking the Cake

2008-04-09T11:36:00.005-04:00

My passion for photojournalism was born from my years working as a writer and then editor for several Maine weekly and daily newspapers. These days, I am more apt to be found with a Nikon than a notebook in hand, but occasionally, my schedule permits (aka is pushed) to allow me to pick my pen back up and write. One of my favorite freelancing outlets is Mainebiz, a Portland-based business newspaper. I just finished a piece for them entitled "Press on", about how Maine's weekly newspaper industry is thriving despite the decline of dailies here and around the nation.

I just received my copy in the mail, and had a good laugh. Seems weddings are never too far from my heart, or my handiwork. Right below my front page news story was a fascinating profile on one of Maine's sweetest wedding vendors, Peggy Kovensky, of New England Couture Cakes. It's a must read (even for non-brides to be) because it includes all the delicious details about Peggy's plans to open a storefront in South Portland next month, that will sell everything from wedding cakes for hundreds to cupcakes, for one (me preferably). All of my couples who have had Peggy's creations have gushed about their taste and their look, including Sam and Scott (you can see above how excited she was to eat her cake above), my most recent couple who had a New England Couture Cake. Here's a look: would you believe that everything you see is edible! Hungry yet?

Spring Has Sprung: Hah!!!

2008-04-04T17:26:00.003-04:00

Someone forgot to give Mother Nature the memo that spring started more than a week ago. Though the snow was almost melted and it was raining out when I left the Bangor area today, winter was in full force when I arrived home. April is the second snowiest month in Maine, according to the ski resorts, and with snowbanks higher than the cars on one side of our driveway, I am beginning to believe this winter will never end. Not that I mind, but my May brides might! Alder is looking at me as if to ask, "Mom, when will it ever end?" Notice Nikon in the back, being bad as he eats one of Kyle's gloves.
Even with a new little man in the house, Alder is still queen of the mountain, or in this case the eight-foot tall snowbank.
I was standing in the driveway when I took this shot, looking up at Alder perched atop her pile of powder.

Coffeetable Album Sample: Sam & Scott

2008-04-02T20:04:00.005-04:00

I am so enthused by all the excitement I've been hearing from you about my new albums and coffeetable books. I worked hard to pick products that would generate such gushing while conforming to my commitment to quality. Many of you have posted blog comments and sent me emails confirming I've hit my mark and asking for your upgrade from the image books to the coffeetable books and (a surprising amount of you) to the signature albums. (I admit I was nervous that the higher cost of these signature albums might turn some away from them, but the craftsmanship and durability has sold itself!)

Many of you have also thanked me for being so thorough in my descriptions and photo depictions of these new products here on this blog, saying it's been especially helpful for those of you planning from afar to conceptualize my offerings. In that vain, I wanted to share with you some recent page layouts from a coffeetable book I put together for Sam and Scott, whose wedding and post-shoot I photographed at Saddleback Ski Area in Rangeley. Sam and Scott let me know late last week they wanted the coffeetable album and I sent them the predesign last night. Within a few hours, I'd gotten an email saying they had no changes and "We LOVE it!!! Everything looks amazing!!!"

I ordered the book today and wanted to share with you the page previews so you could get an idea of what an album layout looks like page by page. Granted, every couple's album or book will reflect their style (some will be more traditional, others more photojournalistic) but from these layouts, you can see that MY design style (which I do freehand) is simple and sophisticated, with the focus on the images and not some tricked-out design that leaves you not knowing where to look. And it's classic instead of cheesy (no cherubs or doves here), which I know my clients appreciate. After doing three shoots with Sam and Scott (engagement, wedding and post-shoot), I had a strong idea of what they were looking for (lots of images of their family and friends who had traveled from across the country, a focus on their passion for skiing, uber intimate shots of them alone together, etc.) and the fact that they had no changes is a testament to how well I connect with my clients.

Here are the pages that will make up their 10 by 10 hardcover coffeetable book (click on them to enlarge). The book cover, which features Sam and Scott's wedding color and their names on the spine, is at the top of this post. Because this is a coffeetable book and the pages do not lay completely flat (unlike the pages of my signature albums, which do), you'll notice I don't have a lot of images that span both pages, and those that do are positioned in a way that the gutter doesn't intersect something important (like a beaming face). I'll post pictures of the actual book when it arrives in a few weeks!

Blog Back Up!

2008-03-26T11:50:00.003-04:00

Much thanks to those of you who emailed me earlier this morning to let me know that some of the images on my previous post were not loading. I redid the post, and now everything should be back to normal. If for some reason you are still having trouble seeing my blog posts and pics, pop me an email. Nikon ate my Blackberry yesterday morning and technologically speaking, it's been all downhill since. Luckily, I replaced the Blackberry with a new one today, so things are looking up!

Introducing Our New Coffeetable Books!!!

2008-03-25T19:03:00.008-04:00

Last week, I was agush (this is a new word I just made up) about my new signature albums, which I unveiled this past Thursday. So far, many of you have emailed me, drooling over these new designer albums, and several of you have upgraded from the imagebook which came with your package to the new album! Very cool.

Today, I am equally pleased to present to you my image/coffeetable book offerings. While I am hoping to get more and more of my couples to showcase their wedding photographs through albums, many of you have opted for imagebooks, because they are all I offered until this past January. And since many of you live out of state and we don't get to meet in person before the wedding to review the imagebook/album offerings, I thought I'd devote some blogspace so you can really see the differences between the products and pick (or change to) the one that is best for you!

If you signed a contract for a package that came with an imagebook, this imagebook below is what was included in your package. I have offered them since last summer. It's a 7 by 7 hardcover imagebook with 100 pages (one image per page). You can either have a black background (with white borders on the images) or a white background (with black borders on the images). What I love about these imagebooks is that they have highly portable and are ideal for showcasing many images. Images are printed one per page on matte paper that is surprisingly durable despite its thinness. Covers are customizable, but the most popular look has been the one on this album here. They are simple, yet elegant and all my clients from 2007 who have gotten them have raved about their quality! Here is what they look like:

From the front (these covers are customizable so if you want the image bigger or smaller or the book to be in a different color, you've got it!)...
Here is the hardcover spine.
I know when you see the book by itself, it's hard to get perspective, so I've set the imagebook (which is 7 inches by 7 inches) on top of the 12 by 12 signature album which I showed you last week so you can get an idea of the size.

And here is the spine of the book, alongside the side of the album. Like I said, these imagebooks are much more streamlined with magazine style pages.
Here is a look at those pages. They may be thin but they are very durable.
And another view of the pages.

And, here is a close up of the inside of the book. Because these pages are thin, they don't lay flat like the album pages do, so you are looking at the right page laying flat and the left page kind of curling up. This book has white pages, with black image borders, perfect for Kelly and Pat's sunny September wedding at Sebasco.
Here is another look at the inside. I actually clipped the page down so you could get a view of what it would look like when you are holding the book open.

But there is more! After attending the DWF Convention and Imaging USA Tradeshow in Florida, I decided to add another style of "imagebooks." These are very similar to the above imagebooks - hardcover, page thickness, etc. but the pages are designed by me like an album's page would be, with images of different sizes and spreads to tell the story of your day. Like the imagebook above, the pages are thin, which means the spreads do not lay flat like the album. These are going to be offered in a 10 inch by 10 inch size, with 30 pages. Depending on the design, this includes 30-50 images, so not as many images as the book above, but a different layout.

So as not to confuse, I am calling these coffeetable books. Even though these new coffeetable books cost a bit more, I am allowing all clients who are currently contracted to receive a 7 by 7 100 page imagebook to upgrade to this custom coffeetable book for free. You can still stick with the imagebook, as I know some people prefer these (including Kyle, if you must know) but if you like the more customized coffeetable book, you can upgrade on me.

Last month, I released my new line of packages, of which there are four. Packages one and two include the signature album, package three includes the couple's choice of either a 150 page image book or a 10 by 10 30 page custom coffeetable book. And package four just includes the images on a CD. There are also a few other differences between the packages, but those are the major ones. So, you have imagebooks (7 by 7, one image per page, magazine-style pages), coffeetable books (10 by 10, number of images per page varies on design, 30 magazine-style pages), and signature albums (12 by 12, number of images per page varies on design, 30 thick pages).

I know this is a lot to take in! But fear not: no need to worry about the details. Just enjoy the pretty pictures. Basically, I am trying to offer couples who booked me as far back as a year ago for 2008 the same hot products I now have available if they would like. When we go over the details of your wedding day as your date gets closer, I'll ask you which style of book or album you'd like.

Here is what the coffeetable books look like. These are very customizable as well, but here is a sample one I put together with Angela and Troy's engagements from last month.

This is a side by side of the coffeetable book (left) and the imagebook (right).
A straight shot of the cover.

Another angle of the cover.
What's cool about these books (among other things) is that you can have writing on the spine, as shown here.
Another view of the spine.
Here are sideviews of the coffeetable book and the album. Again, like the imagebook, the coffeetable album is much thinner and more portable than the album, which because it has such thick pages and a heavy textured cover (mmmmm...) is much thicker.
Again, can get an idea of the page sizes and thickness here.
And, an interior spread. Again, I must stress that this book does not lay flat like the album. There is a gutter in the center where the pages come together in the binding. Of course, if you are holding this in your hands, it won't be as noticeable, but if you set it in your lap, one side of the pages would pop up a bit. Notice how these pages are a bit glossier than the imagebook.
And, here is the trio. From left to right: signature album, coffeetable book, and imagebook.
If you missed the previous entry on my new signature albums, then I've put together this handy dandy little cheat sheet for you with the major need-to-knows. Click on it to get a better view. It's a lot to take in, but it's all so exciting!

Our Weekend in Review...

2008-03-23T19:54:00.007-04:00

What a wonderful weekend! It was one of those where we had many stops to make, and somehow arrived at all of them at the exact perfect time. I love that!

For those who are interested in such things...Saturday found us heading to Portland, where I had a delightful client meeting* in the Old Port with a fall bride who I really clicked with! Then we headed across town to celebrate our good friend (and Portland-based wedding photog) Emilie's 30th birthday. To see some shots of the soiree, head here to her blog. (Warning, the last group shot is quite unflattering, especially of me. It looks like I was on a bit of a bender, alas, I'd only had a single Guinness in the span of the two plus hours we were at the pub. We were asked to look crazy for the shot, and I guess I complied a little too willingly.) Kyle and I both had such fun. We were grateful to be included in Em's birthday bash, and met some really cool people who I'd be happy to call new friends.

When we could barely keep our eyelids open any longer, Kyle and I headed back across town to bunk up for the night at the Inn at St. John. This is a quaint, historic inn that was far enough away from the Old Port (right next to Hadlock Field where the Sea Dogs play) that is very quiet. The rooms were adorable and well-appointed with antiques, and I'd highly recommend this inn if you need a very affordable room in Portland and aren't bound to being in the Old Port. Before we left town this morning, we had a big breakfast at Big Mama's, a Portland landmark on a cobblestone street off of Commercial that serves up a rib-sticking breakfast fast and cheap. Our last stop of the weekend was Kyle's grandparent's house in Damariscotta where we had a lovely Easter lunch with about 20 Warren's in the house. The twice-baked potatoes we made with shallots, bacon, cheese and horseradish were a hit and we left with full bellies and hearts! Even though I am Jewish and didn't grow up celebrating Easter, it's always a delight to gather with the Warren clan for this family-centric holiday.

To those of you who celebrate Easter, I hope it was a hoppy one (I couldn't resist) and to everyone else, Happy Spring. Though I am ready for bed after such a full two days, I'll be up late tonight, working on a freelance article I am writing for Mainebiz.

*Yes, though I've already booked clients for 2009, I am still booking weddings for this summer and fall season. My 2008 schedule is a bit strange. I have multiple double weekends, which means that though I've booked more weddings this summer than ever before, I still have many open summer Saturdays so please do inquire if you are still looking for a photographer!

!!!Introducing Our New Signature Albums!!!

2008-03-18T14:15:00.011-04:00

This afternoon, my email exchanges with Kyle went as follows:

Me: "OMG!!! My new albums came today. Very sweet!!!!!"
Kyle: "Cool, can’t wait to check it out! So psyched that you like it!"
Me (5 minutes later): "No offense. But I've decided to leave you. We (as in the album and myself) are going to live in France and be very happy together. It was wonderful while it lasted."
Kyle: "F-in right!!!"

It's days like this that I feel so blessed! Not only do I love the direction my business is heading, but I have a husband who gets as giddy as I do about I Do Click's latest developments! And after they see these new shots of my new line of albums, I have no doubt that my couples will have a similar sentiment!

I have been eager to offer albums since I began my business, and after two years of online research, I decided that I needed to actually touch and tap and turn the pages of these albums before making a choice. This was one of the driving forces behind my decision to travel to Tampa in January for the Digital Wedding Forum 2008 Convention. (Seriously, the prospect of warm weather had nothing to do with it. I swear it was below 50 degrees there for most of the trip!)

While there, I attended the Imaging USA tradeshow and looked at dozens of different album companies before deciding on the one you'll see the masterpieces of in a few seconds. My final choice was based on my perception of the quality and durability of the products, the variety of cover colors and fabrics, the attentiveness of the company to perfection, advice of other photographers including some of the world's best who also use these albums, and my own glee in pouring over the many samples I saw. These aren't just albums. These are art that will no doubt become a treasured heirloom!

Feast your eyes!!! (I don't think I have ever been so excited about a blog post! Click on the images to enlarge.)

The packing is stunning and you'll be pleased to know it's 100 green from the recycled paper to the ribbon which is made of recycled mulberry leaves!
The wedding I used for my sample album was Lauren and Jeff's, which was held the past June. I chose their wedding because Jeff is a good friend from grad school and I figured when I am done with the sample, I can send it to them to enjoy. Their name and date is stamped on the lower right corner of the album.
Here is the side view of the pages. Notice how thick they are! Very durable.
Another side view- this one of the bottom of the book.
And a corner view. I cannot believe how well these books are made. The color is called passion (you can see why) and I had the book with a band of a dark color, which really looks good. It's smooth almost like leather, but animal friendly!

Look how thick the pages are (click to enlarge). You have to feel this book in your hands/lap to believe it. Remember, it's 12 by 12 so when the album lays open, it's two-feet wide.
From the inside.
And the spine, which is squared. Screw the coffeetable! (Can I say that on my blog?) This book is a piece you'll build a room around!
And here are a few shots of some of my favorite spreads within the book. I design my albums freehand (instead of using album design software) and the layout is very simple and chic instead of cheesy (you can have either a black or a white background). Here is a full two-page spread of the ceremony.
And a spread of Lauren and Jeff's first dance.
Notice how you can barely see the seam where the book folds. Instead of having a gutter down the middle like many albums, these pages lay flat. And I am showing you on a black page where it sticks out more than it might on a color spread. Wow!
And, this is the last spread of the book. It's one of my favorites.
These signature albums are 12 by 12 (this makes a huge impression!!!) and come with 30 pages (or 15 spreads) designed by yours truly. They are included in two of my four new packages (which were released a few months back): Package 1 and Package 2. For my clients who have already booked their 2008 wedding coverage but want to upgrade their package so they can get their hands on these new albums, please email me stat and I will let you know the flat fee to do this. Yes, these signature albums are an investment for sure, but it's one that I wouldn't offer unless I had complete confidence it was a worthwhile one. (And, if I've already shot your wedding during the 2006 or 2007 season and you'd are interested in one of these stunning books, contact me as well and I can let you know prices.)

And not to totally confuse people... But, also for clients who have already booked their 2008 wedding coverage. If you signed up for a package that came with an imagebook featuring one image per page, I am now offering custom designed imagebooks, that are laid out like albums, but have hardcovers and magazine style pages (instead of the thick pages that come with the signature album. This will be a complimentary upgrade, and I will be sending out information as well as images of these new books in the coming weeks so look for that.

I know all these new offerings can be overwhelming, but I cannot tell you how much thought and attention to detail has gone into these new products and their pricing. Not a day goes by that I am not looking for new ways to improve my photographs, service and product selection for my couples!

Are you as in love as I am? Or maybe it's lust! (You know I am making one of these featuring Alder and Nikon the minute I get a second!)

Ski Day At Saddleback

2008-03-17T11:21:00.006-04:00

I have been very lucky this past week, getting to go skiing a total of two times (Thursday with my parents at Sugarloaf and Sunday at Saddleback with Kyle). I've been skiing since before I was 2-years-old and skied nearly every day for five straight years when I attended Carrabassett Valley Academy, a competitive ski racing academy at Sugarloaf. (Yesterday, the Lewiston Sun Journal actually did a cool story on CVA if you are interested in learning more about this dynamic program which has produced many Olympians -I am not one of them.)

Though my schedule and stamina don't allow me to ski as much now as I did back then, I've enjoyed getting back into skiing slowly this season. Our goal is to get three more ski days in this winter. And, here are some shots from yesterday's adventure, courtesy of Kyle's cute little point-and-shoot.

Us heading up on the t-bar. Isn't Kyle sweet? He asked me to pose for this shot. Kyle atop America, a really narrow winding trail at Saddleback. The conditions weren't the best -very icy- but the view and the snow encrusted trees were breathtaking.
Our ski day at Saddleback was just a day past Sam and Scott's one month anniversary of their winter wedding at the mountain. (These goofy point-and-shooters of Kyle and I make me wish we had some hot shots of us from around the mountain like I took of Sam and Scott during their wedding post-shoot.) Speaking of, just this weekend, Sam and Scott whose lives are finally settling back down after a Feb. wedding and reception in Maine and a March wedding reception in Colorado, sent me the sweetest thank-you email.

Here is what Sam said:"I can't even begin to explain how happy Scott and I are with ALL the photos!! Our wedding was the MOST amazing day of our past 6 1/2 years!! We look at our pictures every week to try and decide which one we want as our photo being framed by our wedding party signatures. Thank-you for finishing the slide show in time for our Colorado reception. Everyone who could not go to Maine truly felt like they experienced the whole celebration with us.

And, what Scott said: I Love every photo you took that day! Your blog really captures the moments of the wedding and reading it brought me right back. I must admit(though I don't want to) I shed some tears reading through it. Truly amazing work! After shooting our engagement photos we knew you HAD to shoot our wedding. Samantha and I have always loved how well you capture the candid moments while out on a photo shoot. These shots resemble the true experience felt, and I've never seen a photographer take them like you do. Having you around put Samantha and I at ease on our big day. Both of our families loved having you there. Their comments were some of the best! Her Grandfather said he would give you the "#1 photographer in the world" award. Many comments were about your personality and how well you blended in with our families. For many days following the buzz of our wedding was how well our photographer was, and "Where can I see the pictures!!!!" The DJ and good friend of mine showed the site to his mother, who is also an avid photographer. Needless to say she was blown away with your images. I can't even begin to describe how thankful Samantha and I are of all of your hard work and time put into our memories. Not enough words describe how fantastic I think you are at photography. You will be highly recommended from Samantha, Myself, or any guest of our wedding. Thank You!!!"

I Do Notice a Trend: Green Weddings

2008-03-10T17:38:00.005-04:00

(As someone who spends a good part of each day immersed in the culture of weddings –whether it be reading up on Maine's most picturesque new reception venues or chatting with brides and grooms about the details of their day– I often spot wedding trends emerging before they actually are considered trendy. And when I do, I report them to you here! In October, I wrote about the increasing popularity of mini-moons. And in December, I brought you this trend update about couples starting wedding websites as a way of better educating their guests about their wedding vision and venue. I am most excited about this latest installment of "I Do Notice a Trend". It's by far the most meaningful movement I've come across, and one of my couples is at its forefront.

I recently saw a t-shirt proclaiming that "Green is the new black!" There certainly is no doubt that the environmental movement has officially caught on, and it's impossible to open a newspaper or magazine without reading about the latest way to green your life, from buying a Prius to using energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs around your home. As gas prices continue to rise (current speculation is they'll be at $4 a gallon here in the Northeast by summertime), it seems likely that more and more people will start contemplating their relationship with the planet and its longevity, whether for economic or altruistic reasons (does it matter?)

Given this, it's not surprising that this call to environmental consciousness has made its way into the world of weddings. Lately, I've noticed more and more Websites popping up that cater to couples planning green weddings, including GreatGreenWeddings.com, Green Elegance Weddings.com, Treehugger.com and the best one- Portovert.com. Last summer, MSNBC.com featured this article on the hot new trend of weddings going green. Of course, it takes awhile for the trends to make their way north here to Maine but I am proud to report that one of my couples -Sara and Dean- are the first I've found planning a decidedly environmentally-friendly wedding in the Pine Tree State.

And, they are going further than any couple I've read about in my green weddings research to do it.

In fact, the environmental impact of their wedding has been one of their key planning considerations, says the couple (who are seen above in one of their engagement photographs I took back in December that really showcases their connection to nature).

And they aren't just talking the talk! A line item in their wedding budget is actually for carbon offsets they will purchase through Terrapass that will balance out the carbon emissions brought about by them and their guests traveling to Northest Harbor for their October wedding at the lovely Asticou Inn. And their commitment doesn't end there. Sara and Dean, who are both working toward their Ph. D's at Yale University in environmentally-related fields are also using locally grown flowers and food at their reception, and all leftovers will be donated.

While the greening of their wedding will likely come at a greater cost than had they gone a more traditional route, Sara and Dean told me it was critical that their core values as a couple were visible on the day they became husband and wife. Given how articulate the two are on this issue, I asked them if they'd be willing to be interviewed via email for the blog so I could share the thinking behind their theme in hopes it would inspire you as well. Here is what they had to say.

Sam: Tell me a little bit about the ways in which you are working to ensure your wedding has less of an impact on the environment?
Sara and Dean: So, there are some overt things we are doing, and then there are some that are a little more inconspicuous. Although our families and friends know what we are studying and that we are both very environmentally aware, we don't want to force it on people at our wedding, trying to be respectful of different people's comfort levels.

Anyhow, as you read on our site we are using Terrapass to offset carbon emissions from our wedding. We are using this group because they have a handy-dandy wedding calculator (includes travel, accommodations, etc), and they are well respected in the industry. The basic idea here is that you pay a company, who pools money from others who buy offsets from them, and that company in turn invests the capital in greenhouse gas reducing technologies/efforts such as funding wind farms or solar displays (many other examples as well). As I mention on the site, the whole purchasing of carbon offsets is controversial, with some saying that it enables people to not change their behavior (ie still over consuming/polluting) and feel like it is magically sustainable. We look at the challenge of making our wedding sustainable as an effort to find a balance. We knew we wanted to have the wedding in a location that was very special to us, and carbon offsets allowed us to balance that location with the corresponding level of greenhouse gases emitted. Trade offs, trade offs!

We are also working with our florist to do locally sourced flowers for the wedding. We are working with Queen Anne's Flower Shop in Bar Harbor and the co-owner Chelcey Dunham was really excited to think about sustainably sourced flowers. The two main factors for me are how local can we get (with the idea that shipping flowers from Chile uses lots of energy and it is a great idea to support local businesses), and also reducing pesticide use. So note to brides, even in October florists say that locally sourced flowers are no problem! I'd also say that we are thinking creatively about what "flowers" can mean, some grasses or vines or even pine boughs that are local can be really pretty fillers/accents in bouquets!

In March, we will be speaking with the folks at the Asticou to learn more about what we can do for locally sourced food at the wedding reception. For the rehearsal dinner which we are putting on ourselves, we will be using local seafood and veggies so that is covered. We are also using biodegradable food service products (we found it would destroy our budget to rent and wash china), so this was another balancing of ideals with reality. Oh, and one last thing, think about what will be done with extra food if there is any, making a plan to ensure it gets to a local shelter or to the hotel staff is a great way to ensure less waste! Avoiding bottled water is also nice, but not always practical in some settings.

Although I didn't walk the talk on this one, I did run into this cool bridal gown boutique in NYC that offers second hand designer dresses and sends the proceeds along to NYC children's charities.

We are looking into soy or beeswax candles (not petroleum based like most candles), and are currently trying to figure out what sort of recycled paper to use for invitations/save the dates. One cool thing I've learned, is that even some of the highest end papers (Crane specifically) have great sustainability practices. Crane's cotton papers are made from remnants from fabric industry and they have an interesting low water usage process that I believe has won awards. This just shows that it isn't always so hard or so far from the beaten path to think about sustainability!

Our wedding is shaping up to be a few days worth of events, many of which will be active! As a kid I would make my grandparents stand up and do exercise routines with me when I went to visit them (for their health of course!), and so my family is used to this sort of behavior! We've got hikes planned, and have a whole slew of info about bike riding, other hikes, and other outdoor fun. This isn't really sustainability based, but it certainly helps to show off Maine's beautiful coast and develop an appreciation for the landscape!

Finally, favors. For us, we wanted to give people a thank you that was really nice but also useful. I run a recycling program on Yale's undergrad campus and I can't tell you how many "give-aways" I see in the trash that are not ever used! Dean and I are currently looking at Mason jars with handles as the receptacle we give to everyone so that they can partake of our candy bar! Not only can we buy candy in bulk and save money, but this is also a fun thing for kids, people can personalize what they take or take nothing at all so they are more likely to actually enjoy and eat it, and the jars themselves are great for tea or coffee afterwards! Woohoo! This is really exciting to me, its our most recent decision so I'm still riding high on this one.

Sam: Why should it be important for others to try to "green" their wedding?
Sara and Dean: I think this should be important to others because we live in a constantly more globalized world. Although we have pretty darn comfortable lives, through advances in communication technology and transparency, we are able to understand and see more of the impacts that our lifestyle has on the places that produce goods for us. For me, I see a responsibility to be a better steward of resources as part of my life in a developed country. By paying attention to the way we use energy, material resources, and what we dedicate our time to, I think that a big difference can be made in the footprint of our lives. And heck, it just feels great to live a life in which you are doing your best to be a citizen of the global community through living more locally and reducing your impact!

Sam: What are three simplest steps other couples can take to make their wedding more environmentally-friendly?
Sara and Dean: 1.) Think Local. Buying products that are made locally helps support local vendors and also reduces the energy needed to package and ship things long distances. This can apply to anything from food to flowers to favors.
2.) Reduce consumption where possible. Think of things that are not really necessary, and come up with creative alternatives that you can handle yourself. If you love luminaries, make them yourself using tissue paper and last year's Christmas lights! If you want confetti, cut up the comics sections from your newspaper!
3.) Reuse. If you face facts, there are just some things that you want to be part of your day no matter what. Think of ways to incorporate them that will allow them to be reusable. Let your bridesmaids pick dresses from a color family (J.Crew has a cool selection of different styles in the same fabric and color) improving the odds that they will re-wear them since they chose them! Find favors that celebrate your day but that also have a longer term use! Let guests take home centerpieces, or use the same flowers for rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception (creative florists can make this happen)!

Sam: Many people think the whole greening/global warming/carbon credits/etc. is partially a political sham. Do you believe the changes you are making at your wedding - one of the thousands of weddings held each year- can really make a difference?
Sara and Dean: Well, I'm realistic in that I know I can only control my own behavior. It was important to us that this be a central part of our planning, and we've made it happen. We are able to see that it will have a difference in this ceremony and that is really special. I think the key is getting more people to actually engage and feel that this is important, and this rides on a larger social/political movement. When it comes down to it, your wedding day should represent the two of you and, I feel, the type of life that you want to share together. Starting off on this way makes a big difference to me! Does this make a big difference globally however, probably not, but it also brings ideas into the minds of a larger group of individuals who might not have thought that way previously, and that sort of watershed has great potential to have an impact.

What I love about their response is that it conveys their passion without being preachy. Sara and Dean aren't people who are going green because it's trendy, but because it is something they believe in and have devoted their lives -professionally and personally- to. They are realistic with their vision while holding to their values. Brides and grooms to be who are reading this should also be buoyed by the fact that many of Sara and Dean's suggestions are simple and inexpensive, like letting the bridesmaids pick out dresses they'll wear again and reusing flowers from the rehearsal dinner at the wedding.

Lately, I've seen a few photographers who have held contests on their blogs to give wedding photography coverage away to a couple planning a DIY green wedding. I am not going to go that far (hey, I need my green, too). But, because I believe good things come in three's and I see that Sara and Dean are one short on their list of wedding items to be reused (so far they have flowers and bridesmaids dresses), I figured why not make myself reusable as well! And so, I am offering them three free hours of rehearsal dinner coverage on the Friday night before their wedding. I am so proud of Sara and Dean's commitment to a cause they believe in (and willingness to educate others about it here.) I encourage others to consider making their day a nice one for a green wedding! (And I've love to hear your ideas on making your wedding day, or any other in your life, more Mother Nature minded.)

Update: Now that I've become a loyal Wedding Bee reader, I get to see all their cool contests, like this one for a free eco-luxe honeymoon. I totally think Sara and Dean could and should win. Don't you?

Weekend in Review

2008-03-10T12:28:00.006-04:00

(Me, Cady and Lisa - whose wedding I'll be photographing in 2009-right?) at Mohegan on Saturday night...errr... Sunday morning.)

Cady and Jimmy's wedding in York two summers ago was one of my first ever. I've come a l o n g way as a photographer since then, and another wonderful thing that has developed since then is our friendship with Cady and Jimmy. I say "our" because last winter, I shot some maternity pictures for them at their home in Mass. and Kyle came with me. The four of us have been good friends ever since. Though the four hour drive between our Maine home and theirs in Mass. has been prohibitive, we have managed to meet halfway at their family's summer home in York for bocce and beach days. One of the reasons I am so excited about the prospect of moving to the Berwicks is so we are closer to them and Cady and I have already begun scheming about all the fun in the sun we'll have together this summer if we actually do make the move.

One thing to know about Cady and Jimmy is that they know how to have Fun (with a capital F) and this past weekend was a testament to that, as well as to the loyalty of their friends and family. Kyle and I are honored to be a part of that group. Saturday was Jimmy's birthday and since a guy only turns 30 once, Cady wanted to make it special. In a move that secures her place as one of the coolest wives ever, Cady chartered a bus to take them and 40 of their nearest and dearest on a midnight run to Mohegan Sun, a casino in Conn. What's most impressive is that she managed to organize the entire event - including decorating the bus- without Jimmy finding out. We all gathered at their new house under the guise of a housewarming/birthday party and when the bus pulled up, Cady took Jimmy outside and told him the good news. He admitted he had no idea (and even had taken the previous day off of work so he could get the house ready for the party) but to say he was thrilled would be an understatement.

Kyle and I had so much fun at the casino. Last year at this time, we had gone to Las Vegas, but because of the whole house hunting thing, we've been fairly Farmington-bound lately, so this was a fun diversion from home inspections and credit scores. (It's so much more fun to pull a lever than it is to sign what seems like reams of forms.) Now I know after my recent anti-credit card posts, admitting to gambling seems perhaps out of character. But, we try to be responsible gamblers. We know we aren't going to win, we budget a set amount of money and vow to not go over it, and (pathetic admission in five, four, three, two, one...) we play the penny slots!

Actually, at Mohegan, we found a half penny slot!!! and had a blast on that. In the five hours we were there, we pretty much pulled the max bet lever nonstop, and only blew $80. At every machine, we more than doubled our money, but managed to lose it all by not getting up when we should have. At one machine, we were actually getting annoyed by winning because it took so long for it to add our winning credits on (at .5 cents each, you can imagine how long it takes to get up to $10). And, on the way out, we put our free $10 bets down on this wheel thing, and I won $20 so $60 for a night on the town isn't bad (and it's a heck of a lot cheaper than going out to dinner). We felt kind of lame when we got back on the bus and everyone was talking about everything that went down at the crap tables, but I bet we had just as much fun! Thanks Cady and Jimmy for including us, and we can't wait to see you soon! I am so lucky to have such cool clients, and fun friends!

(Here is Kyle and I at a very hot, then very cold, machine. I wish we had more pictures to show, but we were a bit nervous about taking photographs inside a casino. Especially after all those pennies we won, we didn't want the pit bosses to think we were up to some Ocean's 2-esque escapade or something like that.)
That wasn't all we did this weekend. On Friday, we met up with Martha, a former bride and an awesome Realtor (and in her free time, she plans weddings). We are blessed that Martha agreed to be our buyer's agent in our search for a southern Maine home and on Friday afternoon, we met up in South Berwick so we could all check our the property we have our eyes (and hearts) on. This is our second time walking through the house and I was so glad Martha was there to point out its great attributes, and potential troublespots. We definitely are still optimistic -perhaps more so- that this is the place for us, but now we are better educated so we can move forward in an informed way! Stay tuned!

And after our house hunting, we hooked up with Lani and Steve, who will be getting married next summer (2009!) in York. Lani, who was an insanely talented basketball player and now coaches, was referred to me by Ashley, whose wedding to Greg I had the pleasure of shooting this past summer in Falmouth. The two girls played AAU hoops together as teens, and I am so grateful to Ashley and Greg for that connection. Kyle and I had such a relaxing time catching up with Lani and Steve in Lani's parents living room in York and hearing all about their wedding plans for one of my favorite venues, the York Harbor Inn. I felt like we were hanging out with old friends, instead of potential clients, and I was pumped when I got Lani's email on my Blackberry the next night as we were on our way to Mohegan letting me know that they were booking me. Guess I hit the jackpot after all!

Congratulations are in order...

2008-03-06T13:01:00.007-05:00

A few weeks ago, I gushed about stumbling across one of my bride's blogs, and finding the super sweet comments she'd written about me and my work. Well, now that blog has gone global and I am so proud of her (and to tell you all about it.)

Emily, whose wedding I'll be photographing in July, started her Wild Maine Blueberry Bride blog back in January. And as a result of her posting persistence (22 posts in February alone) and more importantly, her comic commentary on the planning process, she got word this week that she's been accepted as a blogger at Wedding Bee! I am so proud of her, and excited that her blog, which I've been laughing over for weeks, will now have the broader audience it deserves! Yeah, Emily!!!

For those of you who don't know, Wedding Bee is a wedding blog updated daily (sometimes several posts an hour sometimes) by 25 or so real brides from around the world. It gets about 80,000 hits per day! Unlike some of the more commercial sites (which I love, don't get me wrong), Wedding Bee is abuzz with advice, anecdotes and adventures from real brides-to-be (on REAL budgets, with REAL brains and REAL, well, you get the point), who by chance, all happen to have a biting wit (which I love) and an affinity for poking fun at themselves and their planning predicaments. Warning: If you are tight on time as it is, you most likely do NOT want to check out this site, because it's a vortex (kind of like Facebook, which is another story for another day that's a little more open because I haven't wasted half of it on Facebook!)

To be offered Beedom is a big deal... and Emily, who has been given the Bee name of Miss Tiramisu is already showing she is deserving. She has been one busy bee! In the past 24 hours, she has posted twice, including the most recent about age differences between spouses that has received more than 50 comments in the few hours that it's been up. (Kind of jealous, I must admit!)

Emily is actually my second Bee bride... last year, Anya (you know, from the ice cream shot) was a bee for several months before her wedding to Oleg in April. What I think is so cool is that most Bees are from more urban hives- from a quick count, about 90 percent of the current Bees come from cities with more than a million people, like way more. Emily...errr, Miss Tiramisu, is one of the few bridal bloggers having a more rural wedding (though she's actually now living in a more populated place outside D.C. where Mr. Tiramisu is from).

It's great that the site gives a voice for those planning outside of the urban centers, especially because the planning issues brides like Miss Tiramisu face often are unique from their city dwelling counterparts (like do we remind people to bring bug spray on the Save-the-Dates, or should we include that on the invites?) And I can think of few better bloggers than Emily to represent Maine brides! So cool!

And remember to check out all the hive happenings at www.weddingbee.com.

I Do Click Offers Online Booking and Payment!!!

2008-03-05T10:28:00.007-05:00

I know the wedding planning process can be -at times- quite stressful and as a result, I am always looking for strategies and shortcuts that will simplify my couples' planning as it relates to wedding photography (and really anything else I can be of help with).

I honestly feel I have a fairly streamlined booking process for my couples, but I always wished there was a way they could electronically sign a contract, that way they didn't have to print out the PDF contract I'd emailed them, review it and then return it to me with the retainer via snailmail. Enter ShootQ!

ShootQ is a newly-released Web-based studio management software for wedding photographers that I think simplifies the photography planning process beyond what I'd already pared it down to. I signed up for it last month, and recently booked my first few weddings through it.

What's best is that ShootQ was developed by the photographers from LaCour, based in Atlanta. If you remember back to my blog entries from the DWF Convention in Florida, it was two of the four photographers who make up LaCour who led the first workshop I attended and their words revolutionized the way I saw myself as a photographer, and how I could become better at my storytelling through images. Suffice to say, they are among the best in the business and so I feel confident signing on to a product that they themselves saw a need for and then developed.

So here is how it works. When you fill out the contact form on my Website, it will actually send your inquiry right into my ShootQ platform and I'll email you back, letting you know if I am available for that date. If I am, and you decide to book me (and why wouldn't you?), I will send you a link to my packages. You can select the package you'd like, fill in your information, electronically review and sign the contract that comes up on the screen, and then even pay your retainer online (using Paypal). The long and short of it- you can pick your package, book it, sign the contract and then pay for it all online using a credit or debit card. (You can also still pay by check, which is more than fine by me so I don't have to pay the PayPal fee).

ShootQ will also send out invoices, reminding you when you need to make a payment (let me know if you'd like to sign up for a payment plan), and update you on the status of your album design, etc. And, when you sign up through ShootQ, you'll get a password so you can log in and update your wedding day details, just in case your ceremony time changes or something like that. For couples who have already booked their 2008 wedding, I plan to manually enter your information into ShootQ so you can experience its benefits, so look for an email about that in the coming weeks.

Now as excited as I am, I must admit that I do (well, did) have some reservations about this new system. For me, providing a truly personal service to my clients is of the utmost importance and it is one of my offerings that my past clients say they most appreciate! I was worried that if I used ShootQ, my correspondence would be too robotic and impersonal. I will not let this happen, because I intend to still be as personable as I've always been, and only use ShootQ for the business end of things, so I can offer you the timesavers that come with life in the electronic age. (Plus the added benefit of reducing my negative impact on the planet by going paperless.) Emails will still come to me and be answered by me... the only thing that will be automated is the booking, contract signing and if you choose, payment process.

My other qualm was my moral worry that if I offered online payment, people would use credit cards and could potentially go into debt to pay for their wedding photography. Now I don't want to get on a soapbox here, but I am kind of anti-credit card. I don't use them in my own life (I did once, right when I turned 18, and that pretty much cured me), nor does Kyle (though we do have a mortgage on our house, so we aren't totally without debt). It certainly makes life difficult sometimes (especially traveling) but it eliminates one potential major stressor in our lives and marriage. On a side note, Kyle and I are avid listeners of the Dave Ramsey Show and he advocates life without credit cards (or really any debt at all). For him, "debt is dumb, cash is king, and the paid-off home mortgage has replaced the BMW as the status symbol of choice." It's a neat idea.

But obviously, most people use credit cards and some people do it quite responsibly so it seems online payment is something I should offer because it saves people a trip to the post office to mail a check (though you can use electronic payment via check through your online banking or use a debit card). Like I said, I have to pay PayPal a percent of whatever is paid to me to use their service, so I do prefer payment via check but I think it's pretty cool that you can now pay me online if you wish! Just please, please don't go into debt on my account. I definitely want your business, but let's figure out a payment plan or something. (Forgive me for sounding preachy. This is just something that is morally meaningful for me to mention.)

I am interested to see how ShootQ will be integrated into my business. Do let me know what you think, and if you have any suggestions about the software, I will definitely pass them on to the developers.

And while we're on the subject of wedding photography payment, I'd be interested to see your response to the following poll. I currently collect the entire payment (save for the retainer) on the wedding day, but I dislike my clients having to deal with business matters on their wedding day, so I am thinking about changing that. That said, I realize sometimes wedding costs are being shared by not just the bride and groom but other family members as well, so I'd be interested to know how you think it would be easiest for you and your budget to pay for your wedding photography coverage. (If you've already been married, I'd love your answers as well.)

Focus On the Family

2008-03-04T10:08:00.006-05:00

The older (and wiser) I get, the more I realize I am a true product of my parents (and over time, my step-parents as well). More important is that luckily, I've reached the place in my life where I now know that's a very cool thing! Both my parents are college professors, as in my stepfather, and my stepmother also works at a college too! But they are also all talented artists and I thought I'd share a little bit about them with you here today because they are so integral to who I am as a person and a creative mind, and because they've been making some serious headlines lately (and I am insanely proud about them as a result)!

My mom is a writer, as is my stepfather, who also creates captivating lithographs like the one that is the focal point of our living room. I near about fell off my chair just a minute ago when I found this giant Wikipedia entry on my mom and this one on my stepdad Stephen. (Wow! Now you know where I get my PR-savvy from! Seriously, my grandfather has an iPhone and my parents have Wikipedia pages. I think I am the least hip person in my entire family!) And, they recently appeared on the front page of the Bangor Daily News (though the article is archived so I can't attach it here) for their efforts to make Maine's anti-smoking Web site more accessible to those who have low literacy levels.

And it was my father who first inspired my connection to the camera. A Nikon shooter (go figure), his intimate portraits of places and people graced our home growing up. He has the eye and the technical ability to make everything he sees through the lens look beautiful. He gave me my first real camera (which was promptly stolen from my car a few weeks later) when I was 17 and just starting my first newspaper job and I remember him sitting with me at the kitchen table of my first apartment in Rangeley, drawing little diagrams as he tried to explain functions and f-stops to me. Good times.

Last summer, my dad moved back to his home state of Virginia to teach at a college down there. My dad is a fifth-generation bluegrass musician (I have broken the chain, but it is my favorite music to listen to) and in 2005, he was inducted into the Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame along with my stepmother and grandfather (also in there is Johnny Cash, Doc Watson, Bill Monroe, Dolly Parton and other Legends with a capital L). Anyway, I just wanted to give my dad some blog love today because, one, I miss him terribly; two, because he just self-published his first book; and three, because this weekend, the newspaper where he lives ran this awesome feature on him and my stepmother.

They are always boasting about me, so forgive me for taking my turn!

20,000 Hits Here We Come!!!

2008-03-03T13:06:00.008-05:00

Just looked down at the hit counter (which may or may not be accurate) and saw the blog is less than 100 hits away from 20,000. Now I know for some superstar bloggers, 20,000 hits is a day in the life, but for for me, I am thinking it is pretty sweet!

A special prize will go out to the 20,000th hitter if they can get a screen capture of it (on Macs, you hit the apple, shift and 4 key all at once and this little pointer pops up that you can use to draw a box around the area you want to capture and it takes a photo of it/on PC's, I have no clue what you do because I think it all depends on the software you are using).

The blog is celebrating its 18 month birthday about now (it was born in mid-August of 2006). I very much enjoy sharing my personal and professional follies with you through it and seeing it is updated several times a week, it's basically become the face or front page for I Do Click on the Web. I also love when I am shooting a wedding and a bride or groom or their parents or friends ask me how the dogs are doing or compliment me on a recent wedding I've shot because they've seen it on the blog. On Saturday, I posted on the blog (via the Twitter box at right) how I was looking forward to skiing on Sunday at Saddleback, and within an hour, I'd gotten an email from Ashley and Greg, whose wedding I photographed last August, saying they would be there too and making plans to meet up. And, a friend of theirs, Lani, who is considering me for her 2009 nuptials confessed to me that's she has become "obsessed" with the blog and since finding out about it last week, has already gone through the past many months of posts! I love that!!!

One of the things that's also cool is seeing how blog content gets picked up from here and used elsewhere. On Friday, I posted about the free wedding Sebasco Harbor Resorts is offering and within 12 hours, two of my friends and fellow Maine wedding photogs had posted about it as well, and were kind enough to credit me for the find. And, I was recently looking over the Bridal Buzz blog and came across an entry on using wine within weddings, featuring a shot that had been pulled off the blog from Katie and Andy's wedding back in September. Cool, huh? (Though I wouldn't call Katie and Andy or anyone at their wedding a wino!)
There are really three rules for the blog...
1.) If you pull content from the blog - whether it be a picture, idea or text- please remember to give me credit and link to the blog. I now specify in my client contract that while clients are welcome to share images from I Do Click Wedding Photography online at sites such as www.facebook.com or on personal blogs, they must give a credit that states my name, business name and Web site/blog address (for example: Images by Samantha DePoy-Warren, I Do Click Photography, www.idoclick.com).

2.) Comment early and often! One of the coolest components of a blog is that it is interactive and this helps create a sense of community. Your comments add value to my blog, further fosters a sense of the I Do Click community (that I hoped to further stimulate through the private I Do Click client forum I set up several months ago and that is still a work in progress) and they make me feel all glowy (not a real word, I know) inside when I see that you like something I shot or said.

3.) Come back real soon! I do my best to update the blog a few times a week. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. Nevertheless, there is usually new content on the blog, whether it's a new post, picture or results to see in one of my online polls. And just today, I added a new sidebar element- Nuptial News, which will be a place I post links to recent wedding-related news articles I've seen in my surfing.

A great way to keep tabs on the blog is by setting up Google Reader. Instead of having to manually come back to the page to see if there has been a new post, Google Reader will let you know when this and your other favorite blogs have been updated instantaneously. There are about 50 blogs I subscribe to through Google Reader, including those of other photographers whose work I love, favorite vendors, the occasional celebrity gossip site, and even those written by some of my clients (speaking of which, I have VERY AWESOME news about one of my bride's blogs, so stay tuned here and I'll tell you all about it when I can.)

And, if you are a regular blog reader, I'd love to know who you are, why you visit and what you'd like to see more of here. Please post in the comments box!

Sam & Scott's Wedding Weekend Slideshow

2008-02-29T17:21:00.004-05:00

I just got the sweetest email from Kyle (my husband). He had just finished watching Sam and Scott's wedding weekend slideshow and he wrote: "I can not imagine watching that if I were them. Maybe the song helped it for me too but that is the most amazing series you have put together. I swear I saw some of the frames move like in Harry Potter. I love you and your work." His words totally made my day, and I know this slideshow will make Sam and Scott's!

The Knot 2007 Real Wedding Awards

2008-02-29T17:07:00.003-05:00

I've been meaning for weeks to enter a few of my summer 2007 weddings in The Knot's 2007 Real Wedding Awards. And tonight, I finally got a free moment to enter two, though I may add more later in the weekend if I am rendered housebound by the snowstorm that's on the way. The winners will be featured on The Knot- the holy grail of wedding planning- and one couple will win an African safari.

The pages for the weddings I entered can be found here (Kelly and Pat's seaside celebration at Sebasco Harbor Resort- see screen capture above) and here (Abby and Ethan's wedding among the lupines at Saddleback). I'd love it if you'd go vote for them (though I most admit the voted rankings are pretty arbitrary because you can vote for your own weddings or against someone else's as much as you'd like so you stay high in the rankings).

A FREE Wedding!!!! You Gotta Check This Out!

2008-02-29T16:55:00.005-05:00

Sebasco Harbor Resorts in Phippsburg is one of my favorite wedding venues. I adore how it offers both coastal and wooded settings on a single property, and their attention to detail from what I've seen is impeccable. You may remember Kelly and Pat's wedding that I photographed there in late September and what a fantastic fall wedding it was (my favorite shot from the day is above)!

Well, now like Kelly and Pat and thousands of other couples who have had the privilege of saying "I Do" at Sebasco, you can have your wedding there as well - for FREE!!! The resort is holding a contest where you can win a Pure Maine Wedding, valued at $25,000, for 200 guests in 2009. In addition to the ceremony and reception site, dinner for 200, and a rehearsal dinner sunset cruise for 24 people, the giveaway includes lodging for the bride and groom on their wedding weekend, spa services for the bride and groom, golf for the wedding party (for up to 40 people) and heck, even a cake! If you are interested, you can visit their Web site for more information, and all the entry details (entries, in the form of a two minute video essay are due by September of 2008.)

Wow!!!

Help Pick the Colors of the Business Formerly Known As I Do Click Wedding Photography

2008-02-26T08:57:00.016-05:00

I feel like Prince or P.Diddy (I mean, Puff Daddy, Puffy Coombs, Sean Coombs, whatever!) with all the talk of rebranding and name changing. In the poll at right, it seems Samantha Warren Weddings is winning out, but I Do Click always seems to be (successfully) playing catch up (I wonder who out there keeps voting for it- I know it isn't me because I actually never vote in my own polls). As much as I like the sound of I Do Click and appreciate the multiple meanings the moniker has, I fear "click" seems to trivialize the complexity of the work I and other talented wedding photojournalists are doing. "Click" sounds like something anyone can do, and I certainly don't believe that is the case with my work. And of course, those with dirty minds see something entirely different in the name, especially when it is written in certain fonts... Tres naughty!

With the prospect of changing the name, I am also considering a color makeover (and then comes the new Website and blog). I love the black and blue I currently employ, because it's classic and speaks to Maine's beautiful summer blue skies, but it was pointed out to me that those might not be the best wedding colors (for obvious reasons) and that I should maybe rebrand myself as more feminine to appeal more to brides. But I want to connect with couples, which includes brides and grooms, so I am in a bit of a color picking pickle. The purple is one of my favorite shades (and the color of our bathroom walls) and I think it is elegant, especially when paired with the white. I'd be interested to see what you think....

P.S. Blogger doesn't translate colors totally accurately, so to get a true sense of what the black and blue combo look like, click on the image of the swatches (it's actually exactly like the black and blue you see used on this blog.)

It's Official: Fairbanks Farm is On the Market!!!

2008-02-23T15:19:00.006-05:00

I didn't know whether to smile or cry when I saw the sign this morning! After two years of talk, last night, we finally put our John Hancock on a contract with our Realtor and today, the sign went in the yard meaning Fairbanks Farm is now on the market! Also made official today is that I will never be a professional real estate photographer! What a challenge it was photographing our home for the listing shots, especially seeing the snowbanks are double the height of our cars. And, because our house is an old one, the rooms are fairly small, meaning you need a very w i d e angle lens (like the one on my B & H wishlist) to get truly realistic shots that show the room's details and dimensions.

It's with severely mixed emotions that we listed the house. We love our home and our community, but we also long to live in a bit more populated area, closer to other things we love including some of our dear friends, great eats, ballparks, the beach, and the airport! Looking at houses in southern Maine has been a HUGE stickershock for us... you don't make much in Farmington, but it doesn't cost much to live here either! If you saw what our house was listed for, those of you who live outside of Franklin County would think it was a typo, but alas, it's true. I was hoping we'd be able to list it for more, but the Realtors we met with had trouble finding a comparable property to it. Nevertheless, it's been a great investment for us, and it's the place where we got married, so what more can I say! Even though it's not big and only had one bathroom, it's one of the hidden gems type that you have to see to believe. It's an incredibly charming home with a yard that cannot be beat (including a ceder-fenced in backyard lined with bricked-in gardens that have never required a second of tending), so we will see what happens now that it's officially for sale.

Perchance any potential buyers see this post (email me and I'll connect you with our Realtor)... the house is a circa 1890s cape with gravel driveway, two attached barns (in excellent shape and one even has a threehold outhouse in it that was used until the late 80s), fenced-in backyard, garden, woods all around so private, back deck. Inside lots of color and natural light through new thermal windows! Partial basement with brand new (like in the last three months) washer and dryer. Large renovated kitchen with built in cabinets, dishwasher in tiled island, new appliances and shiny copper faucet. Living room with tin ceiling and lined with book shelves (imagine reading by the flickering wood stove of the enameled Jotul). Upstairs includes large bedroom with sky light and two closets (one reach in/one walk-in)and a wall of built-in clothing cupboards; small guest bedroom; office with built-in desk, window seat, and sky light; and newly-renovated bathroom (it's a deep purple with white trim- yums!) with pedestal sink, Pottery Barn cabinets and recently tiled (cocoa color) floors. Situated on a little under .5 acre, just one mile from downtown Farmington, 45 minutes from Sugarloaf and Saddleback and less than two hours from Portland. And get this- we pay only about $500 a year to heat the entire house, and I like it toasty! As I type this, I wonder why we are leaving :(

View from the front- look how tall the snowbanks are!
Our kitchen, which is the room I most love. It's large enough for those who love to cook, and had lots of natural light yet still has an intimate feel for wine and chats over the center island (seen at right). Notice in the back right corner- that whole dark wall is all built in cavernous cabinets.
A closer shot of the sink- it's iron with a new copper faucet. The espresso machine at left is where Kyle's morning magic happens!
A fisheye view of the living room, which is incredibly cozy!
Go little wood stove, go! This thing kicks it! Two cords of wood a year and maybe 150 gallons of kerosene in the monitor heater and we keep it hot!
With all the built-in bookshelves, this house is a readers delight. I remember when we moved in, we thought we'd never fill them. Now, three years later, they are overflowing!
Look at that little thing crank out the heat!
And a parting shot of the pad. So many memories.
I'll keep you all posted on our buying and selling progress!

I Do: Samantha & Scott at Saddleback

2008-02-19T22:17:00.013-05:00

Earlier today, my friend Emilie left a comment under the post on Sam and Scott's post-shoot in which she referred to them as I Do Click's Signature Couple. I've now photographed them three times (engagement, wedding and post-wedding shoot) and the image from their engagement shoot has become an iconic one for my business, as it was featured on my blog and newsletter headers, and was the splash page shot on my Web site for much of 2007. I guess in that sense, they really have become I Do Click's Signature Couple. But now having spend the better part of two days with them in photographing their wedding and post shoot, I see Sam and Scott as the face of I Do Click not just because of the images I took of them, but because of the people behind the pictures.

Sam and Scott are everything I look for in a couple. They are active, astute and plain awesome to be around (even though I was exhausted on Sunday morning after shooting two weddings, I couldn't wait to meet up with them again). They are passionate, playful and not afraid to poke fun at themselves. They are frank and funny. And they are madly in love with each other, their families and the world around them. In essence, they embody the traits I hope others see in me!

Sam and Scott are also great clients because they planned a wedding that was reflective of who they are. They ski and snowshoe and love being in the mountains, so even though beach weddings are beautiful, they knew a winter wedding at a ski lodge in Rangeley was the best match for them. They also kept in close contact with me in the 11 months since they booked me, letting me know how their planning was progressing and always expressing excitement over my images and ideas. And perhaps what was best is that they trusted me. Knowing their love of the outdoors, I knew it was critical they had wedding shots of them as husband and wife within Mother Nature. But their 5:30 p.m. winter ceremony wouldn't allow for an outdoor shoot and Sam and Scott were insistent on not seeing each other before the wedding. When I suggested a post-shoot, Sam emailed me back within hours happily agreeing and thanking me for coming up with a solution so they could get the images they wanted. This is a great example of a couple and photographer working together toward the best results. Their faith in me empowered me with confidence and control and for all these reasons and many more, they are truly representative of the I Do Click experience!

Now enough motivational mumbojumbo! Onto the images.

When Sam and Scott asked for a winter wedding, they really got it. The two weeks before they arrived, we got dumped on here in the western Maine mountains almost daily, rolling out a nice white carpet for them and their guests, many of whom came from much warmer places, like Arizona and California. And even though there were blue skies for much of Friday, as Sam got ready to leave for the church, the snow started coming down and the squalls picked up. Me and all of the bridesmaids headed down to the church a few minutes before Sam and we waited, and waited and waited... Turns out when Sam's dad was driving them out of the driveway, they got a little bit stuck in a snowbank! I wish I'd been there to photograph that (or at least help push) but as I hear it, Sam was about as cool as they come, grabbing her dress, hopping down out of the SUV and telling her dad to get in the passenger seat of another car they had there so she could drive them to the ceremony! Welcome to Maine in February!

The wedding got off without much delay, considering, and was about as beautiful as they come. Every detail, from the cake (decked out with snowflakes) to the table names (after the couple's favorite ski resorts) reflected their winter wedding theme. Together for more than six years, Sam and Scott had always described themselves to me as best friends and their connectivity on their wedding day and in my other meetings with them reflected this. I simply cannot write enough about these two. It's been such a delight for me (at times getting misty, or giggly or sometimes both at once, which is a downright mess) to take a peak through their images to find a few to share with you here...

The Saddleback base lodge, from the outside, and in.
Sam and Scott, who currently live in Denver Colorado, are skiers, hence the reason they got married at a ski area. Her footwear for her weekend wedding included her Uggs, her ski boots, and her heels!
Another shot of the shoes, this time from the back. I love their high lines.
Sam getting prettified (as if she needed it) while confirming some final wedding details with Scott over the phone. I love how you can see all the ingredients that went into getting Sam ready from lash curlers to lunch!
I said it before and I'll say it again. Sam's blues are breathtaking!
I thought it was so cute how Sam and Scott kept in touch all day. Her ringtone for the week was the Wedding March! Here she is on her final phone call with him before heading to the church (via the snowbank). Look how radiant she is!
This was the first time I've shot a wedding where the bride and I shared the same name. However, it was a bit confusing knowing which Sam was being called. So, Sam the bride jokingly told everyone they could call her "Princess" for the day, which was hilarious, because she's about as down to earth as they come. But she certainly looked the part.
Final adjustments...
Sam is lucky to have two fathers, her biological dad and her stepfather. She's so close to them both that she decided to ask the two of them to escort her down the aisle, which resulted in a very poignant processional. I love this shot of them right when they reached Scott: notice her stepfather handing her a handkerchief.
Even though I knew I'd be doing a romantic post-shoot with them two days after their wedding, it was still important for me to get some shots of Sam and Scott on their wedding night. After we'd done the family formals in the church, I held them back for a few minutes to get some images of just the two of them. A few people stuck around to watch me work (who am I kidding: they really just couldn't take their eyes off Sam and Scott), including Sam's grandmother, who came in for a quick shot.

Sam was downright giddy when she saw her cake from New England Couture cakes for the first time. It looked, smelled and taste scrumptious. Even looking at this image now, I want to just stick out my hand and take a fingerful of frosting. It's edible from top to bottom. Can you believe Scott's dad drove it all the way up from South Portland and kept it in once piece, despite the frostheaves. Impressive!
And finally, the first dance.
Sam and Scott are having a reception for their friends back in Colorado next weekend, so I hope to have their entire wedding slideshow up by then. And scroll down for some hot photos from their snowy post-shoot. Congratulations!

I Do: Alison & Keith at Spring Hill

2008-02-18T20:18:00.010-05:00

Alison and Keith were married Saturday in an intimate ceremony at Spring Hill in South Berwick. I spent the afternoon with Ali and her girls getting ready across the state line in Dover, NH and was struck by how assured (and giddy!!!) she was to marry Keith. It seemed so right, that she wasn't a bit stressed (she even worked the previous day nearly right up to the rehearsal dinner). Once I saw Ali and Keith together, I knew why. The two were so affectionate with one another, and both beamed nonstop when they were in each other's the presence. As a result, the day was a delight for them, their guests, and me! Take a look...

Keith gets some help straightening his tie (and a playful punch for luck) from his son, who also served as his best man.
Alison and Keith told me they envisioned their wedding day being like a family reunion, with those dearest to them coming together to celebrate and catch up. When I walked in to the room where Alison was getting ready in Dover, NH and saw this bed packed with her brother, her best friend and her nieces as they waited to get their hair done (well, not her brother), I knew the couple's vision had come to be.
Alison is a sneakers girl (she even wore them from the hotel to Spring Hill, so slippers seemed like a functional yet fashionable wedding shoe selection. They are stunning in their simplicity.
I love these next two shots of Alison right after she got into her dress. As any bride or former bridesmaid knows, there are always a few finishing touches to getting the dress to look just right...
And then that joy that comes across the bride's face when everything is in its perfect place and she realizes she is ready to go!
Julie Draper is my favorite wedding officiant because she infuses the ceremonies she leads with her tenderness and warmth. When Alison and Keith asked me to suggest someone to lead their ceremony, I knew she'd be a good match for them. I love how at ease she makes her couples (and their photographer). Here she is brushing away a tear from Keith's face so he didn't have to let go of his bride's hands.
Overcome but with the lips still of limits, Keith leaned in to give Alison a kiss on the neck.
Alison and Keith had originally scheduled their ceremony for 5 p.m. But they also had told me they really loved being in nature, and wanted their images to reflect that. According to the sunset calendar, I knew the sun would have already gone down by the time their 5 p.m. ceremony was finished, so they moved it up by two hours so we'd have a few minutes of good light left to sneak outside for some shots. I love the way they are looking at each other here. They needed no prompting.

When we headed back inside for dinner, I loved the way the setting sunlight played on the tables.
Keith's mom is very close to Alison and Keith. In fact, it was Keith's mom who Alison was with when she discovered her dress. You can see how elated she was when Alison and Keith were announced: she was simply delighted!
Alison and Keith didn't take their eyes off each other all day, and the first dance was no exception.
Alison had told me that Keith was an insanely talented dancer. She was right! Check out those moves. Congratulations Alison and Keith! I cannot wait to hear where Keith took you on your surprise honeymoon, Alison. Did you really have to jump out of a plane?

Samantha & Scott at Saddleback Ski Area

2008-02-17T18:44:00.015-05:00

Breathe In! Breathe Out! Breathe In Again!

I am finally catching my breath after a wildly wonderful weekend that included two weddings (one in Rangeley on Friday and Saturday in South Berwick) and today, a fabulous post wedding shoot in the snow at Saddleback with Sam and Scott. You may remember Sam and Scott from their engagement session in Farmington last winter (in fact, you can see one of the favorite shots from the day up top on the right of this blog's header). They've only gotten more beautiful with (eng)age and after spending two more days with them, I adore them all the more (and wish they didn't live so darn far away so we could hit the slopes together).

The last three days are a bit of a blur, and I hardly know where to begin blogging. But seeing tomorrow's forecast calls for rain, I figured I'd first share with you some sunshine-streamed stunners from today to start the week off on a bright and beautiful note. And I am still trying to find the words to describe the magnificent weddings I witnessed on Friday (Sam and Scott) and Saturday (Alison and Keith) so later in the week, I'll bring you images and introspection from those ceremonies and celebrations.

Sam and Scott are skiers and as a result, a winter wedding at Saddleback Ski Area in Rangeley couldn't have been more fitting. Maine natives who now live in Denver, Colorado where Scott is a rep for Elan skis and Sam is studying towards her Masters in forensic psychology (aren't those two of the coolest careers you've ever heard of), the couple's love for winter in the mountains was on full display in the details that made up their wedding day.

But winter in Maine means early sunsets (around 5 p.m. this time of year), and because Sam and Scott definitely didn't want to see each other for photographs before their 5:30 p.m. ceremony on Friday, I suggested we schedule a post wedding shoot for today so we could showcase the natural splendor of winter in Rangeley in their wedding images. They eagerly agreed!

Though some refer to this type of shoot as a "trash the dress", there was so much white stuff in Rangeley that there really wasn't anything to trash it on. And besides, it was awfully chilly and Sam and Scott were exhausted from a long weekend of celebrating, so rolling around in the snow was out! Instead, we opted for a more romantic and relaxed session at Saddleback's base area, where Sam and Scott were ohhed and awed at (and even hugged by a few random well wishers), and rightfully so! Don't they look amazing?

We did the first few shots at Loon Lodge, this majestic old lodge on Rangeley Lake that I had suggested to Sam and Scott when they asked me where to stay in the area. (My in-laws' sporting camps on nearby Mooselook are closed in the winter, or I would have recommended them of course.) I am so glad Sam and Scott and their wedding party had such a great experience there! I love the lodge (it's where Kyle and I first celebrated our engagement with our parents a few days after the fact) and am already looking forward to going back there this August to shoot Leslie and David's wedding.

When we got up to Saddleback, all eyes were on Sam and Scott (and jaws were on the snow). I love that you can see the skiers on the lift gawking.
It was a bit breezy, so we tucked in behind this lift shack to get out the wind.
We even managed to find some Elan skis resting on the rack outside the base lodge. Of course, we had to include them. When I got home, I looked up the word élan to find out it means: panache, sparkle and style, among other things... all perfect words to describe Sam and Scott.
The two have almost identical blue eyes, which makes for some sexy stares!
Warming up by the fire inside the lodge. I love the warmth of this image. Come back to the blog later in the week for coverage of Sam and Scott's actual wedding day. I don't want to gush too much but see how gorgeous this couple is here? Their entire wedding was that breathtaking!

I wish them and their guests safe travels as they all head home to Colorado, Arizona, California and beyond. And a special thanks to Kyle for his assistance as my chauffeur for much of the weekend. He didn't wear the little black hat, but he looked oh so handsome (and I didn't have to tip him)!

Happy Valentine's Day: Sweet Secrets Revealed

2008-02-14T17:58:00.012-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!! In between meeting with the Realtor (and getting the house ready for the Realtor), keeping an eye on Nikon who can now (thanks to all the snow we've had) scale the backyard fence, a planning board meeting tonight for Kyle, and me getting prepared for a weekend wedding triple header, we've barely had time to celebrate! Usually, I am the patron saint of gift giving, but considering how chaotic things have been these past few weeks, I totally blew it. Kyle on the other hand totally nailed it! He replaced my beautiful new boots from Cole Haan that Nikon had destroyed on the way home from Freeport, and got us a gift certificate (for a couples massage!) to my favorite Portland relaxation paradise, Akari. Thanks, babe. After this weekend, I am really going to need it!

The results from the Sweet Secrets contest are in. And the secret: well, the secret is that there really isn't one. Each couple -whether they've been married for five months or 55 years- has their own strategies for success (and their own ways of defining that)! So then, the secret to lasting love, it seems, becomes finding someone who shares the same relationship values as you. For Kyle and me, those values are family, freedom to be ourselves and to be open about what that is, and faith in each other as individuals, as a couple and as parents to two of the craziest canines. We don't just forgive and forget. Instead, we make mistakes, we analyze, we analyze some more, and then we grow together and have a good laugh at how ridiculous we sometimes (ok, often...) get.

But Sam, what about the Brownies? Well, I am getting to that! One of the many blessings life has bestowed upon Kyle and me is that fact that all of our grandparents (eight between us) are still alive, still sharing their wisdom and well wishes with us, and all still married, after more than 50 years. That more than 200 combined years of marriages between them and I think that's marvelously inspirational! And so it was them I turned to for judging the contest entries. And because each relationship is distinctive while being durable, we have three winners as a result! In addition to sharing the advice of the winners, I'd also like to introduce you to some of the judges here.

My maternal grandparents are a hoot! They live in NYC, and they've been married now for 52 years. Kyle and I count them among the coolest people we know! They live life loud and fast, yet are incredibly graceful and generous. My grandmother is the most elegant woman you will ever meet. She is from Israel, speaks eight languages and last year kicked kidney cancer right to the curb! My grandfather has this booming voice that sometimes I swear I can hear all the way from New York. When he walks into a room, everyone takes notice. He doesn't disappoint! He has an iPhone, and text messages me.

Being the quickmover that he is, my grandfather likes to keep things short and to the point. For this reason, he chose Andy's advice. Here is what Andy, one of my grooms (see his slideshow here) from September, wrote:"I've found (and my dad - who's been happily married for 35+ years - will back me up on this) that the key to a successful marriage is just one, very heartfelt phrase: 'Yes dear. You were right; I was wrong. I don't know what I was thinking.' This, of course, is always said by the husband and NEVER the wife." In addition to this advice, my grandfather added you should never go to bed mad at your spouse. I think it's funny that he didn't say never go to bed angry, he just said never go to bed angry at your spouse. Well played!

I was surprised that Kyle's paternal grandparents didn't pick Andy's advice as well, seeing they live by "Yes Dear" and at my bridal shower, that's the advice his grandmother gave me. But they didn't. We are extremely close to Kyle's paternal grandparents because Kyle grew up living on the same property as them and ever so often, we make the two hour drive to visit them on a Sunday afternoon. We love sitting in their living room, which Grammy keeps at sauna-like temps, and simply shooting the breeze, about books and the birds and everything in between. They've been married now for 60 years, raised six kids and we just get such joy watching their tenderness.

Kyle's grammy picked Kysa's advice, which is "The secret to a great marriage is communication. It may sound so simple and so obvious, but it's the plain truth. Several years ago I was speaking with an acquaintance, who joked that the secret to her marriage was that they never spoke. It startled me because to me, it was a sure sign of a crumbling relationship. Sure enough, a few weeks later, her husband announced he was leaving. So, my husband and I make it a point to communicate about everything, from the hairball our cat coughed up to the credit card statement to our newborn's super cute smiles to where we want to be in five years. It is nothing fancy, and certainly not the only thing that a marriage needs, but it is a good solid foundation to a happy marriage."

Kysa booked me in November of 2006 to shoot her brother's wedding in Bath. She was the matron of honor, and sent her entry along with a thoughtful note telling me how often she reads the blog and how much she enjoys looking over Tyler and Bobbi-Jo's wedding images. Her email was incredibly sweet and I am happy she took the time to share her advice, because I agree with it wholeheartedly and Kyle and I live by it. We talk about everything, which sometimes drives Kyle mad, but results in us feeling so much more empowered in our marriage to make smart decisions (or indecisions).

So while we're dolling out brownies, better make it three batches! My Aunt Lynn is one hip lady! She and my mom are thisclose and as a result, we are very tight as well. She is cautiously adventurous and quite cool, always calling to talk about the latest movies or pick my brain about the state of the media. She listens to Kanye West, loves Madonna and plays the drums. This summer, she made a float of all the garbage she'd collected on the road in her neighborhood, and marched in a parade to advocate recycling. She loves the blog, and emailed me yesterday with her vote and given that I too LOVED!!! the one she picked and that I was probably going to send the person who wrote it some Maine goodness anyway, I decided to make Maile my third winner.

Maile is this fierce Texas portrait photographer I met at DWF in Florida. Given my inner nerd, if it hadn't been for her and Kate, I most likely would have never left my room, let alone stay up in the lobby bar until after 2 a.m. having the time of my life. Maile is a mom of three and runs Relish Photography, which given my obsession with pickles and verbs that go va-vaoom, is just about the best name for a photography business ever! I'd steal it for myself, but I like her too much! Maile's logo includes a cupcake, so I hope she or Kate (whose new studio is above a bakery) will get me back by sending me some sweet southern cake comfort.

Anyway, what she said is this: "My secret is corny and cliché, but TRUE. Marry your best friend. The one you that makes your day feel incomplete until you get to tell them all about it. And make sure they’re funny. A lifetime of not-laughing would be a death sentence." I, a professional writer (and photographer!) could not have better characterized the way Kyle and I coexist. Sometimes, I talk right over him because I am just so excited to see him and spill!

So, three winners: Andy, Kysa and Maile. I'll be emailing you next week to get your addresses and get you your brownies from Simply Divine Brownies. And to my other entrants, thank you, thank you, thanks. Your advice engaged and inspired Kyle and I (we especially liked the entry from Emilie, who sent along the 60 reasons her family had compiled as to how her grandparents had lasted 60 years - there is always beer in the fridge, was just one of the gems that got us laughing, and thinking of ways we can be a stronger couple).

Now I must tell you about two judges whose votes were not counted and that's because they refused to vote! I must admit that at first, this annoyed me, but as I thought about what their explanations, I become so proud of my parents!!! They were married for 20 years and divorced the summer after I graduated from high school. They have since remarried and are now happier than I have ever seen them. Each on their third marriages, my parents who remain best friends (yeah, it's a bit weird- the four of them all go on vacation together), are now in a place where they can admit they don't know the secret to making love last, but that they still haven't given up on the search (in this, I think they've maybe found it.)

Now I know a story about divorce on a wedding blog may seem a mismatch to some. But...In accepting that even though they love each other more than life itself, they couldn't survive as husband and wife and then making a decision to remain close confidantes, my parents are writing perhaps the greatest love story I know, in its own way. I love my step-parents for who they are, but I respect them more than I ever can convey for being supportive of my mum and dad's dear friendship.

I am proud of my parents. My mom admitted pointblank she "isn't one to talk" about sweet secrets. "Perhaps," she said, "the key is to marry for love and goodness of fit, since without one, the other is meaningless."

Meanwhile, my dad wrote that good advice is easy to say but "really, really, hard to do." That said, being my dad and all, he had to impart some wisdom, and this is what he said: "NEVER break the bond of TRUST" once it is broken it can never be repaired. Maintain your DIGNITY and RESPECT for others and be KIND, HONEST & TRUTHFUL (it should never hurt if you don't break the bond of trust) and finally live everyday as if it is your last." The following day, he followed up with this bit of advice that really resonated with me: "I told Martha about what makes a relationship work and she added- spend as much time together as possible without smothering... and downsize and make sure you really need a new Rolex or would it be better to work less and love more- and enjoy the moments together." I like it!

I have to say I learned quite a bit during this process (as you can tell from the length of this post). What I was most reminded of is the importance of connecting with your family, even if it is over email! I still remember one Thanksgiving when I was about eight, my parents had me interview all the senior members of my family. I still remember those talks, even though some of the people I spoke with are now gone.

We are always so busy talking about day to day things (how's the weather, don't catch cold, do you have a fur jacket? - is a recent example from a conversation tonight with my grandparents), that we rarely ask the real questions we've always wondered (or should be wondering) the answers to. At contest winner's Andy's wedding to Katie, they displayed a book they had made filled with interviews they'd done about love and marriage from all their family members. What a wonderful way to begin a marriage! In asking, we learn ourselves, and celebrate the relationship we so respect. How flattering it would be to be asked "I admire your marriage. What is your secret?"

Happy Valentine's Day.

Angela & Troy: Slideshow

2008-02-12T18:11:00.001-05:00

My previous post was intended to introduce Angela and Troy's engagement slideshow as well as a few favorites from Friday, but in talking about the troubles I've been having with image color in Blogger, I got sidetracked talking about our potential pending move. But enough about that... you are here for the photographs! You can watch Angela and Troy's slideshow with their requested song above, or (in fullscreen) by clicking here. And, here are a few more favorites from the shoot.

P.S. What do you think of that color purple used in the first slide? (Hint, hint.)

I am loving this old school tone on their images... so romantic and adds a nice bit of warmth (which us Mainers definitely need right now).

Congratulations on your engagement and one-year anniversary, Angela and Troy. Your wedding is going to be stunning, and I cannot wait to meet up later in the summer for a post-wedding shoot!

Much to be thankful for...

2008-02-12T18:05:00.000-05:00

Today was a mixed bag really. I worked from home, and literally spent the whole day doing house related stuff. In the morning, I looked online at real estate listings (which simply confirmed my affection for the house we looked at this past Saturday). And this afternoon, I cleaned and cleaned and am still cleaning- which kind of sucks- in preparation for a visit from a Realtor later in the week (and also so I can be organized for this marathon weekend I have coming up: two weddings, two different parts of the state, two days. And don't forget a post-shoot on Sunday!) Add to that some general frustration over the fact that my spellcheck on Blogger is broken, that Nikon ruined the Cole Haan boots I had coveted for months and finally purchased on the way home from Freeport and that I am seriously sun deprived (cannot remember the last time I saw it) and I was feeling rather glum today.

But then several clients bestowed upon me some small acts of kindness that made a big difference, and left me feeling so very blessed! In no particular order, they included:

•Having read on this very blog that we were potentially moving to South Berwick, one of my darling brides (who has helped me in a pinch before with a !yumyum! pickle recipe) had two of her good friends who happen to live in that community email me with insider insight on living there, including the best places to eat, shop and explore (and a kind warning to avoid the swans in the river because apparently, they are quite cheeky!) It was incredibly thoughtful for her to make these connections with us and got me really enthused about the possibility of moving there. Thank you, Kristina!

•I stumbled across one of my bride's blogs and just had such a fine time reading about her and him and their planning together. She's an out of state bride who I haven't yet met in person, but through her writing, I feel like I know her and even better, that we're an awesome fit for each other! What's more is that one of her entries was all about me, why they decided to book me and how my work made her feel, and in this, she said just the kindest things that made me blush and get all giddy and totally forget about my busted boots and the stress of planning a move. Much thanks, Emily!

•The mother of one of my clients had emailed me a few months back thanking me for my coverage of her daughter's wedding. In her email signature, I saw that she worked at the Maine State Housing Authority. Well, we got our loan to buy our current house through their first time home buyers program (excellent if you are petrified and broke but deadset on being a homeowner). Its 4.7 percent fixed interest rate was a godsend to us, but the loan has conditions, including penalties if you sell within nine years. Well, it's been three years and we've been a bit nervous as to the penalty we would be hit with and have had an impossible time trying to nail down what exactly that would be. Well, I emailed her on a whim last night to see if she could refer me to the right person in her office to speak with so we could get this all figured out before we decided on a listing price. Within 12 hours, she'd written back, connected me with the right person, and complimented me on the recent media coverage I Do Click had received. It goes to show that you never know who you are going to connect with and what impact they'll have on your life as a result of that meeting. She didn't land me a huge job or introduce me to a rock star, but that connection she helped me make is going to give Kyle and me a lot more clarity and confidence with this house selling and buying process. Thanks, Kathy!

•And last but not least, Angela and Troy (whose engagements I shot on Friday) just sent along this unsolicited testimonial, writing: "We am so impressed! I can't stop staring at them. You did an amazing job, and yes you are right....they are HOT!!! I had a few of my friends go on your site to check out the slideshow and I have received nothing but compliments. They keep asking....'Is she photographing your wedding?' Now I'm disappointed I don't have you photographing our wedding....but at least we will have you for the post shoot/trash the dress!!! We can not thank you enough...now we have to decide which ones to actually use for the guest signature frame, and around the reception, etc!!! We had so much fun during the shoot. You can't tell that our feet and hands felt like they were going to fall off!! HAHA :) I truly believe that it was because of all of your guidance and expertise that our pictures turned out fabulous. We went through all of the pictures last night, and were unable to come up with 'one' favorite....they were all amazing. It's too hard to choose which ones we want to use. I just love the one you posted with us kissing....that is definitely a keeper. I will absolutely brag you up to any bride-to-be that I know. You are amazing. I can't wait to work with you again for the post shoot/trash the dress." Thank you, Angela and Troy!

Not a bad day after all. And in addition to putting a smile on my face... these four things (as well as super sweet e-Valentine's Day card from my dad) also reminded me that it doesn't take expensive or extravagant benevolence to turn someone's day around. If you suddenly are struck with the idea to do something kind for someone (call, compliment) just do it! It will make their day, and yours!

I Do Destination Weddings!!!

2008-02-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

As of Friday, I am officially listed on the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA) pages for New Hampshire photographers. I decided to do this for several reasons, the foremost being that New Hampshire is geographically closer to me than many of the places in Maine I shoot, and will be MUCH closer if we make the move to southern Maine. I actually shot my first wedding ever in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire and this summer, have weddings booked in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, so I am willing and thrilled to travel around New England.

And beyond!!! I am also pumped (there is just no better word for it) to announce that I am now included on the list of destination wedding photojournalists that cover the Caribbean (sounds nice right now, huh!) and Europe. You can read my little destination wedding bio above.

It's been a dream of mine for a while now to begin marketing myself to the burgeoning destination wedding market... Since I started my business, about 80 percent of my couples have been coming to Maine to have me photograph their weddings (well- not just for me, they also like the scenery) and as a result, I figured I am certainly used to coordinating coverage with a couple from afar, so why not travel too! If you or someone you know is planning a destination wedding, do contact me. Couples can pick any of my current wedding packages, and simply pay the additional amount for my travel including airfare and accommodations. (It actually could be more affordable and a better style match for you than a local photographer!)

And, any couple who books destination coverage before April 15 will receive a post-wedding shoot (trash the dress) or three hours of rehearsal dinner coverage as a thank-you for getting me started on my way as a worldwide wedding photographer! Passport is current!

On the Move???

2008-02-11T07:49:00.000-05:00

I realized this weekend that Blogger, this software I use to make this blog, doesn't show the colors in images as they truly are- it kind of washes them out. How frustrating! This is just one of the many reasons I am pumped to be getting a new blog soon. However, no new blog until I finalize the new name, the new colors, the new logo and the new Website... all things I am working on, rather slowly. (Seems like Samantha Warren Weddings is the winner!)

It's a thrilling time for me and my family (Kyle and the kids), both professionally and personally. Lots of changes are afoot! We are strongly considering (as in met with a local realtor to soon get our house on the market) a move to Southern Maine!!! On Saturday, we looked at a house we are now officially in love with in South Berwick. It's nearly 200 years old, charming as can be and like us, imperfect in ways that somehow make it all the more ideal! When we got out of the car and introduced ourselves to the awesome realtor Mike (seriously, he was so helpful), he asked us if the kids were coming in or staying in the car. We said kind of flippantly, "Oh, they'll stay in the car. They'll be fine." And then he asked "Oh and you brought your dogs." Kyle and I almost died! (We have no kids, despite my mother's best begging.) Anyway, it's a busier than usual time, and it's been emotionally and (and soon it will be financially) overwhelming as we consider where to go from here.

We adore Farmington... we have our mini-farmstead here (affectionately called Sam's Pickle Patch) with its garden, brightly-colored walls and snowbanks halfway up the windows and Kyle and I have become rather entrenched in the community: he's on the planning board and budget committee for the town, and we are both active supporters of United Way as well as other various groups around town. We have the numbers to all the restaurants in town (which isn't that many) programmed into our cell phones, and we know everyone when we go to the grocery store.

Yet Farmington is so far, from everything it seems to us. Many of our friends live in the Portland area, and as foodies in training, we'd love to be closer to a more metropolitan area where there are great eateries, as well as more cultural and career opportunities (and an airport). Kyle grew up in South Berwick, and the house we looked at there was about 35 minutes or so south of Portland. We'd like to be closer to Portland proper, but finding an old cape in the Old Port (or with 15 minutes) has been a challenge. And this would put us closer to Portsmouth and Boston, as well as many of the weddings I shoot and the clients I need to meet with. But of course, the housing market down there is crazy comparatively, so we've been dealing with sticker shock. Sometimes, we wonder if it wouldn't just be so much easier to stay right here (after all, so many people retire to Farmington or move here to raise their families, so maybe we should take the hint) but like most good things in life, you need to take chances and push the comfort zone! Nevertheless, we are excited (and anxious) about our future. And, if anyone is looking for a charming cape in Farmington, do let me know. Have I got a deal for you!!!

I Do Engagements: Angela & Troy

2008-02-09T08:41:00.000-05:00

Last week, I got a call from Angela, who had heard of me through her friend Mark, the fab florist who I had appeared on the radio show with. Angela and her fiance Troy already had booked their wedding photographer for their July nuptials in Newport, but after seeing my work and hearing about my style, they decided they had to have me photograph them- twice! Yesterday, we met amidst the !!!fourth!!! (but not last) snowstorm of the week for an engagement session in Bangor's Cascade Park. (We'll meet up again after their wedding for a post-shoot -also known as Trash the Dress.)

Angela and Troy were incredibly passionate yet playful with each other, and patient with me as we meandered over the snow and through the the park. And, it was just cold enough out to be perfect snuggling weather, ensuring that the results were hot! I told Angela (who I discovered in yet another "it's a small world after all" moment had been one of my stepfather's students at UMO) that I'd post a few shots on the blog today to give her an idea how the images came out. We're off for the day (looking at houses in the Portland area), so here are just a few of the many keepers. Many, many more to come!

We've gotten so much snow lately that I wanted to include that in the images. This fence post played the perfect weatherstick.

Just a Reminder: Sweet Contest!

2008-02-08T18:08:00.000-05:00

Don't forget the I Do Click Sweet Secrets contest. The entry deadline is Friday, Feb. 8 at 5 p.m. and the prize will be oh so delicious.

!!!FINAL DAY OF SWEET SECRETS CONTEST!!!

2008-02-08T07:40:00.001-05:00

Today is the deadline for entries in the Sweet Secrets Contest!
I currently have six -yeah seriously, only six- sweet secrets submissions which means if you enter today, your odds of winning (statistically-speaking and all) are quite good. I know (well, I am seriously hoping) that more than six people have read the blog since I posted the contest nearly three weeks ago and I know that all of you have meaningful marriage/relationship advice, or you wouldn't be looking at a wedding blog! (And for those of you who are newly-engaged, I know everyone and their brother has been giving you advice, so send it along and score some sweets out of it and inspire a fellow blog reader with a good idea.) The deadline is tonight!!! (But I won't be sending the entries out to the judges until Sunday.)

And while we are on the subject of contests, I must alert you to an !!!AMAZING!!! contest my friend and fellow Maine photojournalist Jennifer Stone is having. Now seeing I offer post-wedding shoots, I know I maybe shouldn't be sending potential bookings to be a part of this hot trend to someone else, but I know Jennifer (who is just the sweetest) would recommend me at the drop of a hat if she was already booked for the day. And, I know the end result of this contest will be stunning.

Get this... She is giving away a Day After session to the couple with the best proposal or how-you-met story. (I think Kyle and I are going to enter.) I would love to hold a contest like this, but if only six people enter a contest to win yumyumyum brownies, I don't hold out much hope that I'll get very many to win tasty photos! The deadline to enter is Tuesday, so get on it.

And while I don't know Kristina Carter of Vrai Photo (based outside of Chicago), she is a good friend of my good friend Emilie Sommer, whose cool calculator I definitely respect. Anyway... Kristina is giving away complete wedding coverage to a couple who is planning a green wedding that will have the least impact on the environment. Her deadline is this Sunday, Feb. 10 at 10 p.m. CST, so get moving (head over to her blog or click the link above for contest entry requirements.)

Wow... my brownie contest seems kind of lame now...

Two Words: Snow Day!!!

2008-02-07T14:06:00.000-05:00

It's been snowing here in Farmington nearly nonstop since the weekend, and it continues to come down. I've been watching the school cancellations crawl across the bottom of the screen for three days straight, and because none of the classes I teach or take have been canceled (making for very slow drives between here and Orono), I finally decided to take a self-imposed snowday today! I spent the morning chasing Nikon around the living room with a camera, and now we've settled on the couch to watch the latest Harry Potter movie from Netflix. I wish I could get some better shots of all the snow we've got but everything outside our door is just white, white, white and so still (and I am too cozy by the stove to venture out and get creative). Incredibly peaceful, yes! But photogenic, not so much.

So, I'll simply bring you some shots of the pooches enjoying their snowday... Funny story about those two while I am on the subject: This past weekend, Alder had several episodes where she decided not to keep her dinner down, most notably on the kitchen floor at the house of our good friends Jon and Kelsey up in Rangeley. (So much for convincing Kelsey they are ready to have a dog!) After the third time in as many days, Kyle called our friend, Gina, who works in a vet office and breeds the jovial Jack Russell Terriers (which I am obsessed with).

Well, long story short... Kyle is now cooking Alder chicken and white rice at dinnertime each night, and serving it to her twice a day, along with some whole milk Stonyfield yogurt. And so as not to offend Nikon's little feelings, he's been on this new all natural, homecooked diet as well. As our own stomachs rumbled last night and the dogs' chicken and rice boiled away on the stove, we just had to laugh more at ourselves than anything (though I will say they've been especially energized this week, and as always, adorable!) Don't you think?

And I had to save the best for last: True Love (and not that unusual)!

First 2009 Inquiry!!!

2008-02-07T10:39:00.001-05:00

I received my first inquiry for a 2009 wedding earlier this week! It just goes to show it's never too soon to begin arranging the most important details of your day. I looked back through my books, and realized I booked my first 2008 wedding this same week last year. And, ironically, it was for the exact same weekend in June of 2008 that the 2009 inquiry is for.

It's also never too late! As of today, I have more than 20 weddings booked for 2008, with the season kicking off with not one but two weddings (and a post wedding shoot to boot) next weekend. That said, because I have a handful of weekends where I am doublebooked (a wedding on Saturday and Sunday for example), I still have many prime summer Saturdays available so if you are interested in having me photograph your wedding, do contact me right away. I am available to shoot weddings anywhere in New England and beyond (some place warm sounds especially nice right now). If by chance I am already booked for your date, I have a great network of photographers who have a similar style, and I would be happy to make a recommendation.

Real Maine Weddings Viewable Online!

2008-02-07T10:08:00.000-05:00

Real Maine Weddings, the new magazine which featured one of my weddings and included shots from two others (including one on its May cover) is now viewable from front to back online. You can virtually flip through the magazine (I am on page 9, 14, 15 and 16) by clicking here, or by visiting the magazine's Web site. Of course, the online viewing doesn't truly convey the quality of the magazine (the photos are crystal clear and oh so glossy in the printed version) but you can get a good look at the content and hopefully, be inspired!

Super Tuesday!!!

2008-02-05T22:14:00.000-05:00

I am watching the Super Tuesday returns come in with great attentiveness. I am a huge political junkie and very active politically in my community (I will actually be a delegate to my state party's convention), though I keep my politics off the blog and out of my business. To me, it matters not who you endorse, but that you are engaged in the process!

I was saddened when ABC News said that only 12 percent of my fellow voters under the age of 30 participated in Super Tuesday voting. The newscaster asked what incentives needed to be offered to encourage the youth vote to turnout: she suggested maybe offering iPods. I so value political participation that I even considered offering print credits or entering clients who could prove to me they caucused or voted in the primary in a contest for a free engagement or post shoot. But I eventually decided against it, because I think the "reward" for political participation is far greater than a single object. Instead, it's a priceless stake in a future we helped to create.

In my mind, voting is a privilege and making informed political decisions is our duty, and one I don't take lightly and hope you don't either. You should see my bedside reading stack. I have books by Hillary, Obama, McCain and have orders into Amazon for Mitt Romney's lesser known tome about his experience saving the Salt Lake City Olympics. I encourage my students, my clients and my friends and family to get informed and get involved. I encourage you to get started by participating in my poll here and if you aren't sure who you should support, check out one of the many candidate calculators, like this one here, which matches you with a candidate based on your stance on the issues that matter most.

Marriage Myths???

2008-01-29T19:40:00.000-05:00

Just logged onto to CNN to catch the latest Florida primary numbers and came across this timely article about marriage myths, like never go to bed angry and never take your spouse for granted. The article is actually content from Parenting magazine (which I do not read for the record) and it makes suggestions for which myths to toss and which to tweak (their words, not mine).

Ok... so what is my ulterior motive in sharing this article with you...well, this would be a great time to remind you I am still soliciting your best marriage/relationship advice for my Sweet Secrets contest. I'll admit, I am a little hurt that I've only received two (genius) entries thus far. Come on! Show a little blog love! Seriously, do you people not like chocolate? Remember, the prize is a half dozen Simply Divine Brownies, shipped to your door and of course, blog stardom! (You don't have to be a client or a bride or groom to enter. Friends, family, fellow photogs. Lend me your wisdom.)

I Do Click Profiled in Farmington First

2008-01-28T07:39:00.000-05:00

I Do Click has been getting some major media exposure as of late (radio, magazines, newspapers, oh my!), and that is continuing with the mailing late last week of Farmington First, the University of Maine at Farmington's alumni magazine, which is arriving in alumni's mailboxes this week. The magazine's editor, Marc Glass, was a mentor for me while I was a student at UMF and recently received my enewsletter (if you don't get it and would like to, signup at right). He thought the newsletter item about my WPJA/Brides Magazine third place finish was worthy of a writeup in Farmington First, and so he did an interview back in November. I've attached an image of the mini newsmaker profile, which appears on page 20 in the Class Notes section of the Winter 2008 issue. Check out Kyle's headshot of me (he even got a photo credit and I think was even more excited to see the magazine than I was!)

I'll be attaching a PDF of the page (which also includes an item about our good friend and local educator, Kelsey, about an inch from my profile- how cool is that) later in the week, but if you have trouble reading the text in the above image, I've pasted it here for your perusal: Professional photojournalist Samantha DePoy-Warren ’06, who operates IDoClick Wedding Photography in Farmington, recently received “Ceremony” and “Creative Portraits” category awards from the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA). And her award-winning image of a groom looking skyward during the exchange of vows received rave reviews from WPJA and Brides magazine judges, who wrote, “Just a great wedding moment. Is he looking to the heavens for confirmation of the vow he’s about to take? Not sure if he’s trying not to cry, or looking for a blessing, but it’s a photograph of very deep, but quiet, emotion.” (The award-winning images can be seen on her website, www.idoclick.com.) “Instead of telling a story with words like I used to, I am now telling them with images,” said DePoy-Warren, a former Sun Journal staff writer who is working on a master’s degree in mass communications at UMaine. “My clients provide the who, the what, the where and the when. My images capture the how and the why.”

This piece is just the latest in a recent stream of press for I Do Click, which you can read about below on the blog. If you are a photographer who would like to learn about potential localized public relations opportunities for your business, please email me at sam@idoclick.com.

Update: 2/7/08: The mini-profile is now online at UMF's new Alumni Web site in the "Eye on Alumni" section (this is a screen capture of what it looks like.)

I Do Click Radio Appearence: Update

2008-01-27T11:21:00.000-05:00

Kyle and I headed to the coast yesterday to get some quality time with his family and on the way there, caught my radio spot on Back to Business. The AM signal was a little - well, a lot- spotty, so we pulled over when we got a fairly clear sound and had a listen. I must admit that while I am usually my own worst critic, the show and my appearance on it was actually kind of awesome! And, it will re-air this afternoon on WVOM 103.9 FM (in the Bangor area but we can actually hear it ok in Farmington) from 2 to 4 p.m. My segment is in the second hour, so I bet if you tuned in at 3:15 today, you'd wouldn't miss it. And, I'll post a link to the sound file as soon as it's available, but it won't be for a few weeks.

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