Annual Family Photography Session - Old Orchard Beach - Southern Maine Photographer

We have had the pleassure of photographing the Whittaker family every summer for the last several years. With each passing year documenting the growth of their children and sharing in the joy of their annual family reunion. This year we spent time under the pier in Old Orchard Beach incorporating both the pier structure and vivid ocean color. The kiddos began walking through Palace Playland and capturing their amazed expressions was priceless. Photographing their abundant joy was the highlight of this year's photo session.



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The Landing Scarborough Maine - Deb & Mark's Wedding

The wedding cermony was held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Portland, Maine and the reception took place at The Landing in Scarborough, Maine. Deb and Mark did most of their planning from Florida, but with the help of the bride's parents were able to plan the perfect wedding day. St. Joseph's Catholic Church features beautiful architecture and original hand-carved wood craftsmanship.



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Pineland Farms New Gloucester Maine - Sophie & Greg's Wedding

The setting of "The Garden" at Pineland Farms for the ceremony served as a beautiful background for Sophie and Greg's nuptials. As is so typical for a Maine summer day in June the sky threatened with a forecast for ocassional thunderstorms. The weather gods decided to wait until the ceremony was over before sharing their joyful tears, thunderous applause, and luminous fireworks. The brides family continued a tradition of capturing their Groucho Marx tribute group photo and the skies did eventually clear. Sophie and Greg decided to add to their wedding photography package a beach photo session for the day after to fully take advantage of one of Maine most wonderful treasures.



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Wells Maine Photographers - Heather & Mike's Wedding

Wedding ceremony took place at the Historical Society Museum Church with the reception held at the Coastal House, both located in beautiful and historic Wells, Maine. The church holds very special family memories for the bride and you may notice that Heather & Mike are serious Boston sports fans. Utilizing a trolley for transportation can really add a nice touch and allows for some fun photo opportunities. The Coastal House is a beautiful reception venue and their staff are extremely attentive.



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Wedding Photographers Maine - Billie & Joe's Wedding

Billie & Joe's wedding ceremony was held at Saint Joseph's Church and the reception took place at The Ocean Gateway both located in Portland, Maine. Their friends and family kept the party going all day and well into the night. Congratulations on the recent arrival of their newest addition to the family.



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Southern Maine Photography - Liz & Allen's Wedding

Liz and Allen had planned to have an outdoor ceremony on the grounds of Spring Hill Lodge in South Berwick but the weather would not cooperate. Their ceremony was moved inside and was quite beautiful. We tucked under the awning for a few intimate photos and by the end of the evening the sky had cleared enough for a closing stroll. We were thrilled to be a part of their day and had so much fun with both families.



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Portland Maine Photography - Anngela & Brian's Wedding

A rainy day did not dampen the fun of this great group. Umbrellas added a spot of color as did the lively crowd making for a wonderful reception at the Portland Club on State Street in Portland Maine.

Wedding Tip #1 update

I am updating my first wedding tip on selecting the wedding date to include a few more considerations.

1. Determine the time of year for your wedding...your favorite season or meaningful date to you and your fiancé.

2. Consult important family members to avoid scheduling conflicts.

3. Determine the best time that you can both take off from work or school.

4. Consider your honeymoon plans. Is it a good time to honeymoon where you've always dreamed of going?

5. Be realistic and allow yourself enough time to plan the wedding.

Hard to believe almost a week of posting tips has passed. Hope we are helping someone...
As always...we wish you happy planning!

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Wedding Gift Registries...the joy of presents!

Bridal gift registries are a big help to everyone, so don't hesitate to use them. The gift giver knows you're receiving something you want and there's a high probability that you will have one less item to exchange or return.

All of us have friends and families scattered across the globe. Almost every major department store offers free bridal gift registries and online store fronts making it easy for anyone...anywhere to purchase the gifts you really want. Tracking items by computer and updating information as they are purchased from your list also reduces the chances of receiving duplicate gifts and the time & effort involved exchanging or returning them.

You should create a shopping list together with your fiance (Home Depot has a bridal registry too!) and register for items from a varied price range. Providing a range of prices to your guests creates a more comfortable gift buying experience, though be sure to put some high ticket items that you really want or need as well (often several friends or relatives may purchase an item and gift it from the group). Gift cards make great presents as well, even if your guests don't purchase from your registry...you may receive a gift card for one of the stores on you list.

Many stores have registry consultants. Be sure to ask about upcoming specials and sale items and ask them to provide a printout of your wish list.

www.doubletakephotography.com/weddingplanner.htm

www.doubletakephotography.com/WeddingChecklist.htm

Wedding Tip #1

First, congratulations to all of you on your upcoming nuptials. You are about to embark on a journey filled with many emotional highs and lows. For some...their wedding has been in the planning stage since they were quite young. Others may remember the dream of the castle and their knight in shining armour...but have come to learn that unlike the fairytale, the only way to achieve the dream wedding will require an array of talents and perseverance rarely called upon in our daily lives.

This being my first installment I thought we would start the blog and the first of our wedding tips with what occurs just after the engagement.

Wedding Tip #1
"You're Getting Married...Be Prepared To Work, But Plan Early To Avoid Stress"

So what happens now that you're engaged? Have you already selected a date...ceremony or reception site? Band or DJ? Photographer? Limousine or Horse drawn carriage?

Stress can happen quite quickly after the high of the wedding announcement passes and you realize how many details will have to be attended to. Hopefully these few hints will help you navigate the early stages of planning without having your initial excitement end in frustration.

Selecting the wedding date is not as easy as looking at the calendar and picking your favorite weekend. Where you live has a lot to do with what months of the year are most popular. The more desirable time of year in any particular region means more competition for the same dates and venues. As a result, you may love a date but your church and/or reception hall has already been booked by another wedding party. Select several dates within a cluster of weekends and contact your ceremony location FIRST! Find two dates at your ceremony location that could work for you...NOW or as soon as possible, contact the list of reception sites and banquet halls where you were hoping to have the reception held. If the initial date is not available you already have a back up date to inquire about. Securing you ceremony and reception site early will provide you with a great sense of accomplishment and put you ahead of all those brides who waited just a week or two too long.

Our website has many tools and resources you may also find informational.
As always...we wish you happy planning!

Free Printable Wedding Planner Checklist
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Print your own wedding planner in Word or Publisher