It’s always a nice surprise for a local bride to hire me, especially when I find out she grew up in the town next to where I grew up in central Maine! It was an added bonus when I found out they were also getting married in that town as well! Alex and Teagan met at the Winthrop Fire Department, where Alex works as a firefighter. They are opposites in some ways (especially in height and personality), but they bonded over their love of the outdoors! They both love nature, going up to camp, really anything outdoorsy, so it only made sense for them to get married at a local summer camp! They wanted a weekend of fun and relaxation, where less is more, and the focus was just on friends and family – which is exactly what their wedding day was all about!

I arrived to the YMCA Camp on a warm June morning (after a short 20 minute commute!), and found Alex and his groomsmen hanging out outside the dining hall. Teagan was getting ready with her girls in some of the cabins just a short walk away. Music was playing, and everyone was excited for the big day! Teagan wanted to do a couple of different first looks – with her bridesmaids, her mother-in-laws, her cousin who she grew up very close with, her Dad, and Alex of course! Everyone’s jaws dropped when they saw her, and there were so many happy tears all around! Alex saw Teagan for the first time on the big lawn under a towering oak tree. They had a few minutes to themselves before we jumped into portraits. They had wanted all of the portraits done before the ceremony so that they could really enjoy their time after the ceremony with their guests! They said ‘I do’ down by the lake, in front of the library. The sun shone bright and their guests passed around the wedding bands to send happy thoughts to the couple, then watched them plant a tree together that they will bring to their home. After they were officially pronounced husband and wife (!), the party really began! I don’t think I’ve ever been to a reception with so many fun events and special tributes in one evening. After grandpa opened up the reception wearing a sombrero and starting a conga line (his signature move), there was a candle lighting (with the candle holders that had been used at Teagan’s grandparent’s wedding), Irish stepdancing with Teagan and her Mom, a few different singers, a special anniversary dance for her grandparents, Happy Birthday sung to her cousin, a tribute to her Mom where she gifted her bouquet, and SO MUCH MORE fun! The big finale was when all of the family and wedding party changed into baseball outfits and came out to “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”, while servers brought out fresh soft pretzels and hot dogs! The bride and groom stayed on the dance floor most of the evening, enjoying every minute of the day! On a side note, I think this was the first time I’ve seen a bride bring her Stanley cup to the reception and have it right at the head table with her all night – yet another reason I love this bride!

Thank you so much, Alex and Teagan, for trusting me to capture your special day! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Audette!

Also, thank you to all the amazing vendors who made this day possible!

Venue and Catering: YMCA Camp of Maine, Winthrop, Maine

Officiant: Jeff Gleason from YMCA Camp

Florals: Stevens Farm & Greenhouses, Monmouth, Maine

Hair Artists: Lindsey and Mahala of Mahala’s Day Spa, Manchester, Maine

Makeup Artist: Artistry by Abigail, Maine

Bride’s Dress: Grayce Bridal, South Portland, Maine

Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Azazie

Cake: Donna, Alex’s Stepmother

Desserts: Apple Valley Bakery, Monmouth, Maine

Gluten/Dairy/Sugar Free Desserts: For Goodness Bakes

Videographer: Sweet Thunder Productions, Augusta, Maine

DJ: Luke Haines of 8th Street Entertainment, Maine

Photographer: Andrea Simmons Photography LLC, Maine

Second Photographer: Laura Stevens Photography, Maine