Crystal and Kevin were married on a beautiful September day, the kind of day where the air had a nice crispness to it, but the sun was still shining.

As Crystal was newly single and had just finished up her Sophomore year of college at the University of Southern Maine, Kevin had completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from the University of Southern Maine and was working at the Androscoggin County Jail. The two had a mutual friend  who decided the two should meet. So, on a warm May night, Kevin and Crystal met for a blind dinner date in Augusta and the rest was history!

A year of pure bliss went by and Kevin quickly decided that he was ready to pop the big question! On November 1st, 2014, Kevin took Crystal and her parents to the movie theater to see the newly released John Wick – a movie Crystal’s father, Dana, had been dying to see. As the previews began rolling, there was a brief pause between previews. Some of Crystal’s favorite songs began blasting in the background and a slideshow containing photos of Crystal, Crystal and Kevin, and Crystal and Kevin’s family started playing on the big screen. At the end of the slideshow were the words “Crystal Elizabeth Lancaster, Will you marry me”? In shock, Crystal looked over to see Kevin on one knee, on the (sticky) floor, with a gorgeous ring in a beautiful black suede box. Red with embarrassment, she said YES!

When Crystal contacted me about shooting their wedding, we immediately bonded over our love of Patrick Dempsey and Harry Potter.  I met up with Crystal on the day of her wedding at the Senator Inn and Spa in Augusta.  From there, we went to St. Francix Xavier Roman Catholic Church in Winthrop, Maine, where Crystal and Kevin had their beautiful ceremony.  Afterwards, their reception was held at the Augusta Country Club in Manchester, Maine.

One of my favorite parts of this wedding would have to be all of the special details that Crystal and Kevin incorporated into their day.  Crystal actually had her Mom’s wedding dress altered to fit her – how sweet!  They chose to have an unplugged ceremony, asking guests to put away their cameras and cell phones to be present with them during the ceremony (something photographers love because it makes our jobs easier!).  And at the reception, instead of just tossing the garter, Kevin wrapped it around a football and threw that to the crowd!  I just love these two, and I was so honored that they chose me to be their wedding photographer.

Ceremony: St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, Winthrop, Maine

Reception: Augusta Country Club, Manchester, Maine

Wedding Coordinator: Nicole Gilbert of Simply Glamorous Occasions

Hair/Makeup Artist: The Blushing Bride by The Beauty Bar, Auburn, Maine

Dress Alterations: Veronica’s Creations, Greene, Maine

Flowers: Berry & Berry Floral, Hallowell, Maine

DJ: Rob Leclerc, Spin Doctor

Maple Syrup Favors: Red Leaf Hollow Farms

Photo Booth: Oh Snap Maine Photo Booth, Brunswick, Maine

Cake: Heavenly Delights Bakery, Vassalboro, Maine

Photography: Andrea Simmons Photography

Assistant Photographer: L. Stevens Photography