There’s nothing sweeter than being able to photograph the wedding of one of my best friends.  And what an incredible day it was!

Shandra and I actually met at a wedding 6 years ago!  We became fast friends, and I was continually amazed by her ability to pursue her dreams, not letting anyone stand in her way.  She had a dream to open a children’s consignment store, and almost 3 years ago, she did just that – she started a business right in the living room of her house!  Within a year, she had outgrown her first floor, and moved her business, Everything Kids, to a larger building in town.  Shandra was there for me at my wedding, and we were there for each other after having our kids.  So naturally, when Shandra met Jeremy, I couldn’t wait to meet this man who had it all.  I knew that the guy that Shandra chose to marry would have to be someone who would be able to keep up with her energizer bunny spirit every day, someone who would love and treat her kids as their own, someone who would be gentle and kind, while also willing to push back a bit when she gets fiesty.  In getting to know Jeremy, I came to realize that he was all of these things and more.  He spent hours at her store with her, helping with any small or big task that she needed.  Jeremy has two sons of his own, who certainly get their height from their father!

When Shandra and Jeremy got engaged, the planning begun.  Shandra wanted to handcraft as much of the wedding as possible, and they did just that.  From the handmade head table (build by Jeremy himself) branded slivers of cedar wood, to the personalized children’s favors, you can see Jeremy and Shandra’s heart for their friends and family in every detail of this wedding.  Each of the 30 tables were personalized with brass centerpieces, pine trees for the guests to take home and plant, and a variety of favors for each attendee.  The beautiful plates, cups, and silverware were all purchased locally, through antique or secondhand stores.  Although we had a bit of a crazy morning getting everything set up, everything slowed down when we arrived at the South Paris Congrational Church.  It was a beautiful ceremony, which included Jeremy’s Dad playing a song on his fiddle.  On the drive to the reception, guests would notice signs that held clues to a game at the reception, which was held at a new wedding venue, The Barn at Silver Oaks Estate in Winthrop, Maine.  This beautiful remodeled barn was able to hold all of the couple’s 250+ guests!  The night went by quickly as everyone danced under the chandeliers to the band, Family LeBlanc – which happened be comprised of Jeremy’s family members, and Jeremy himself!  Thank you so much for everyone who helped to make this day possible, and thank you, Jeremy and Shandra, for trusting me to be your friend, and your photographer.  Love you both!

Ceremony: South Paris Congrational Church

Reception: The Barn at Silver Oaks Estate, Winthrop, Maine

Bridal Bouquet: EcoFlowers

Cake – Jackie Reynolds

DJ – Chris Floyd

Band – Family LeBlanc

Favors – Rossignol Farms (soaps), Queen Bee (makeup), Pickle’s Potions & Lotions (lip balm)

Jeremy actually built this bridge by himself!