Tuesday, September 30, 2008

A Day at the New England Aquarium


Last weekend we managed to slip in a free weekend to our hectic schedule and enjoy a little excursion as a family. We were excited to not only get some free time to play, but, we also worked in an opportunity to see our cousin, Shamus. He'll be graduating MIT next Spring and I'm ashamed to say this is the first time we've headed into Boston since he's been at school. Better late than never, though!


His fraternity had a party the night before, so, I'm quite certain he was eager to be awakened at 9am to spend a few hours walking around the New England Aquarium! Our children could hardly contain their excitement at just the thought of spending time with their cousin - let alone, that they were going to the Aquarium!! Shamus was a good sport about his role that day as tour guide, hand-holder and human jungle gym.


We captured a few images during our visit, but, mostly we just enjoyed having time to play with our kids and spend some time with Shamus. Thanks for being such a good sport, Shamus!! :)










Sunday, September 14, 2008

Brooke & Jeff


Brooke and Jeff celebrated their wedding day Saturday, September 13th. I can't say enough about how wonderful this couple is! Every moment of this day was full of laughter and emotion. Here are just a few peeks into their beautiful day....



Tige spent some time with Jeff and his family as they prepared for the ceremony. Jeff was a little on the nervous side and fortunately, his dad was there to help him with the final touches on his tux before the limo picked them up.





Brooke was seemingly very relaxed and excited about her day. She was applying her makeup when I arrived at her parents house and there was quiet activity as her sisters and parents busied themselves getting ready as well.




Getting into her gown was no small feat - I've never seen that much tulle in my life! :)








With a few finishing touches to her makeup and some last minute packing for the honeymoon, we accomplished a few formals of her with the girls and then it was off to the church.



Once Brooke arrived at the church, she had a few moments with her dad as she watched her bridesmaids walk up the aisle and the ceremony began...







After the receiving line and some church formals, we had some time to take the wedding party down to the beach. The clouds and fog rolled in creating the perfect light for pictures. When we were done with the wedding party we had some time with Brooke and Jeff before introductions were made at the reception.




After that, it was off to the party! The best man (and brother of the groom) gave the most amazing toast we've ever heard. There was truly not a dry eye in the house - including ours! It was a wonderful tribute to Jeff and his lovely bride, Brooke. Once we'd all recovered and dinner was finished, The Bob Charest Band got everyone (and, I do mean everyone!) out on the dance floor. It was a wonderful celebration and we're so fortunate to have been a part of it! We wish you both a very restful honeymoon and a lifetime of happiness together!!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Maura & Matt



On Saturday, September 6, despite the threat of tropical storm Hanna racing up the East Coast, Maura and Matt had a beautiful wedding day! A traditional Catholic church service at Sacred Heart in Portland was followed by an eagerly anticipated reception at The Portland Club.





Maura had all but finished preparations when I arrived. Her mom was making some final adjustments to her sash while her bridesmaids made quick work of pulling together any last minute necessities. We headed outside for a few pictures and then it was off to the church.











Maura's 'something old' was her grandmother's handkerchief which she carried with her bouquet.







Tige was at the church with the groom and his groomsmen capturing a few formals of them before the bride's arrival.









Once the bride arrived, the groom took his place at the altar with his best man and the ceremony was quickly underway.








Once the ceremony was over and some family formals were done, we had a little time left to photograph some casual shots of the bride and groom.






Then, it was off to the reception fun! They had a fantastic band - Two Bass Jon - who had the entire room out on the dance floor. I think it's safe to say these two put on a very special celebration to honor their wedding day and make it one their family and friends will always remember! We wish you all the best for a wonderful few days in Bermuda!! And, we know you'll have a wonderful life together - you complement eachother so well - Congratulations!!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Kate & Julian



On August 31st, The Bradley Inn in New Harbor, ME hosted the wedding celebration of Kate & Julian. It was a most spectacular sun-filled day with a beautiful breeze. Surrounded by family and friends, it was apparent to us that these two have a very special romance. Kate's brother trekked to Maine from Michigan with his band to play for the event - and did they ever rock the house! Julian also had family and friends travel from as far as Saudi Arabia. It was a wonderful and intimate wedding filled with amazing food, incredible music and lots of fun and laughter! Here are just a few peeks into their day.

As exhausted as Kate was when we arrived, she managed to rally and get into the spirit of primping and prepping for the day. There was a flurry of activity once things got going as Kate got her hair styled and make-up applied. Her bridesmaids busied themselves getting dressed and handling any last-minute issues, while the flower-girl waited patiently for her turn in the make-up chair.


Julian getting a final adjustment to his boutonniere before heading out to the ceremony.



A final look from dad before they started down the aisle.




The ceremony was sweet and simple - and, the backyard of the inn made a beautiful setting! Their dog, Rufus, curled up at the couples' feet and was wonderfully behaved - despite a little growling during the vows. :)


Once the ceremony ended, we finished up some formals and had a few moments with just Kate and Julian (and Rufus)...


We wish you both much rest and relaxation after such a busy schedule of activities and celebration!! Thank you for inviting us to take part in your day. It was a fantastic time for us to work with you both and get to know your families and friends. Thank you also, for giving us a great excuse to go on a vacation for the holiday weekend!!! Much love and happiness to you both!