Alison + Duane (1/9/10 at the Omni Mount Washington Resort) were such a nice couple. Kind and gentle towards each other, and their ceremony exudes that thanks to JP William Mellekas (by referral only, he’s located in Franconia, NH – contact me for info). He did such a great job and I enjoyed his genuine care and compassion, and ability to orchestrate such a personal and touching celebration. You can hear more of his sound bites throughout their highlight film.
Does your JP know you? Have you met them prior to the ceremony? Are they a friend of the family? Have you given much thought to the elements that best represent your beliefs in marriage, that you can add into the ceremony? Alison and Duane chose the blending of the sands ceremony, some people write their own vows, some have lots of poems, readings, or songs. Whatever it is you choose to do, make sure you feel comfortable with the person you choose to officiate your ceremony. You will be at ease walking down the isle knowing that everything is in good hands.
To see more stunning imagery from Duane + Alison’s wedding, have a peak at Elizabeth Bradford Photography. A great husband/wife team based in NH. All images in this post provided by Christine + Peter of Elizabeth Bradford.
It’s always exciting for me to see the first glimpse of a photographers work from a wedding we share. To see the details they capture, the way they frame things, it’s never the same, and such was the case with Elizabeth Bradford Photography. When Christine sent me a sneak peak I kept saying “wow, I’ve never noticed that aspect of the resort before” or “that was really great angle to frame them up.” Of course I can’t post all the images from their wedding here, but you can contact them to see their portfolio. I will be sharing more images from EB this week as I roll out vendor spotlights from Alison + Duane’s celebration (JP, Florist, Events). I had never met husband and wife team Christine and Peter before but ironically they were married a few miles from The Mount Washington Resort a few years prior! All images courtesy of Elizabeth Bradford Photography.
Rolling out the vendor series from the Style Me Pretty Inspiration shoot I worked on, lets introduce Brea McDonald of Brea McDonald Photography. I know all of us are extremely thankful for her absolutely amazing imagery. I was also thankful for the delicious Potato-Leak Soup she brought to share with us afterwards! With so many details on this shoot, she eloquently captured each aspect of the design. Her work clearly speaks for itself.
There is an anonymous quote that I love, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away.” As a photographer my goal is to capture and preserve the real moments of life. If it’s your newborn baby’s toes, 1st tooth, senior portrait or wedding day I will approach your life event in a unique, authentic and personal manner that stays true to who you are. Your photos will bring to life those exciting occasions for generations, preserving those moments that take your breath away. – Brea
One of the things I loved about Brea from first meeting her was her love for natural light. We both arrived on site armed and dangerous with back up lighting not knowing how dark the barn would be. I think we were both excited and pleasantly surprised to find lots of windows and plenty of sunshine pouring in. All her images from this shoot were done with 100% natural light. Brea’s work will be featured all week here on the blog so check back for more of her images. If you haven’t found a photographer for your wedding yet, I urge you to visit Brea’s site immediately! Easy to talk to, super fun loving, she will be an instant friend! Don’t forget to see Brea in action, watch the recap film from the shoot, here.
Shoot Participants: Brea McDonald Photography, Griffin-vites Custom Watercolor Stationery, Soiree Floral, Maine Seasons Events, and Meg Simone Films.
The third testimonial in this series, here is Kim’s candid opinion of her wedding flowers, photographer, and lighting from her wedding at the The Wentworth Inn, Jackson
Flowers were done by the ever so talented Carrie of Dutch Bloemen Winkle…..enough said!! I had this vision of large centerpieces with dramatic tall branches, she blew it away….even surprised me with sparkly black branches that were an added glitz!
Which leads me to my great photographer Lea Morgan. She was the head of the show for my wedding. What a doll to work with. Very professional, and had a blast with my guests.
Lighting was provided by A&M Daniel out of Amherst, NH. We had the entire tent light up with pink LED’s. A small cost for a dramatic effect!
The Style Me Pretty Inspiration to Reality Shoot that I participated in on 11/29 was exposed to the masses on Tuesday and Wednesday in FIVE different blog posts on SMP! To say I felt honored to be a part of this experience is an understatement. I was elated when Meagan of Maine Seasons Events asked me to join the team for the day. It was such a great opportunity for each of us involved to see what the other really has to do to make events come to life. I was humbled by the compliments from each participating vendor and equally impressed with their brilliant talent and ingenious ideas. They were all perfectionists at their craft, and beyond passionate about the task at hand. I hope to work with the girls again, as we really hit it off.
To end the day (unfortunately not shown in photos or video) we had a great meal with homemade soups, whoopie pies, treats, all gathered around Meagan’s super cool Shasta Converted “Camper”, which she took over a year to custom rebuilt with her husband! It’s a must see, and matched the days color palate just perfectly. We all agreed for a Farm inspired wedding, her “camper” would make the ideal bridal hang out – talk about one super chic detail! … and if not for the bride, how about the vendors
Again, the All-Star line up: Brea McDonald of Brea McDonald Photography, Sara Fitzgerald O’Brien of Griffin-vites, Custom Watercolor Stationery, Dawn Kelly of Soiree Floral, Floral Design and Creation, and Meagan Gilpatrick, Design, Coordinating, Styling and prop providing! And The Film!
Style Me Pretty posted a challenge to readers to create a wedding inspiration board to be brought to life by Event Planners and their Style Teams. The above board was created by Becky Devlin of Back Bay Flower in Virginia Beach. Meagan Gilpatrick of Maine Seasons Events contacted me a few weeks ago to see if I would be available to video the Inspiration Board coming to life. Meagan hand picked the team, and in her words, here are the talented, creative, wonderous and delightful components of this style team:
Brea McDonald of Brea McDonald Photography
Sara Fitzgerald O’Brien of Griffin-vites, Custom Watercolor Stationery.
Dawn Kelly of Soiree Floral, Floral Design and Creation. Meg Simone, Videography Meagan Gilpatrick, Design, Coordinating, Styling and likely prop providing!
I’m really jazzed because according to the Style Me Pretty website write up, this board is all about that picture perfect, Farm inspired wedding that is full of super chic details, and ironically I have a few farm weddings in my 2010 future
As a wedding professional, I subscribe to newsletters to stay educated, informed, and up to date on friends/colleagues work. As a bride/groom to be, I highly recommend subscribing to professional newsletters as a way to learn helpful tips, others prospectives on wedding day experiences, and possibly even get a deal – you never know if someone is going to offer a “special” to newsletter subscribers
Jennifer Stone is an amazing photographer based out of Maine whose work I have been following for a few years now. I then met her at the Maine Wedding Woman Photographers luncheon in April 2008. I was honored when she asked if she could feature me in her newsletter… of course! Thanks to Jennifer, I was so excited when just a few weeks before their wedding, Shannon and Ray called to see if I still had their day open. I did It was meant to be! Not only did I finally get to work with Jennifer, I met this amazing couple. Both experiences I’m forever grateful for. Jennifer was so easy to work with and FUN! As you can see from her work (on her site and super cool blog) she loves meeting new people and telling their stories too, “with a blend of documentary, candid, and fashion photography.”
I love getting newsletters to hear the latest ideas and inspiration – and Jennifer hit the nail on the head with “The First Look” something not as many couples consider, I think because of tradition (groom first seeing bride as she walks down the isle)… but I think if you read here… you will see this alternative could have more meaning for you as a couple, and give you a more intimate moment to reflect back on. Head on over to Jennifers Blog and subscribe to her newsletter for more helpful wedding ideas, and advice
This is a sneak peak at Shawn + Kim Burke’s wedding at the Wentworth Inn, Jackson, NH. It was impossible to put the best moments into one minute. There were so many amazing things that happened pre-ceremony as Kim was getting ready, and we all know it was the most energetic and intense dance party on the planet!! Thanks to Ernie of LocoMotion DJ Productions. So, this is just a quick collage of some aspects of the day The rest…. Late August 2009 – stay tuned!
Kim 08.07.09 at 9:19 am
Meg, I adore it! I think I’ve watched it already 7 times and I plan to about 325 more!! You are simply amazing! I cannot express how much having this video (and more to come! ahhhhhh!!) mean to both Shawn and I. Thank you thank you thank you! Kim Tanya 08.07.09 at 7:31 am
This video is amazing..looks like something out of a movie…the beginning was the best “Thats the cutest dress ever, Shawn is going to die when he sees it” haha…I want a video like this for my wedding!! CONGRATS KIM AND SHAWN!!! Ernie Houle 08.07.09 at 7:26 am
I have to say that this was one of the best weddings ever. Congratulations to Shawn & Kimberly! Spread the word to family and friends so we can do this again and again!
Friend and wedding photographer Anne Skidmore did a tremendous job at Ellie and Hannu’s wedding at the Mount Washington Resort on June 13, 2009. She just emailed me these two pictures and I was thrilled because I don’t often get to show you a snapshot into my world. First I caught a quick sound bite with Ellie, Carrie, and their Mom on their way to the ceremony. After the ceremony Anne was taking them back to the Jewell Terrace for photos. My goal is to be accommodiating and unobtrusive, allowing you to “relive the moment” for years to come. Thanks for sharing Anne! To see her amazing work from Ellie and Hannu’s wedding – click here! And her website, here :)
Maine based Photographer, Samantha Warren, posted a really great “Bride Side” article that hit home and I wanted to share – not just because Dave and I are very green minded (with the construction of our non-toxic green home complete with solar)… but also because in todays economy wedding expenses are adding up! This article sheds some great insight into some STUNNING D.I.Y type projects, resources to use to plan your Eco-Conscious Wedding, and how to “feel good” about your impact on the environment
Avid outdoor enthuasiast and rock climber Brian Post is a celebrated photographer living here in the Mt. Washington Valley. I first met Brian about 8 years ago when he worked for the Mt. Washington Observatory as a Summit Observor. I would do a live call in for RSN TV and Brian would give us the low down on the days forecast. His landscape and scenic work from his time on top of “The Rockpile” is stunning. Back in the 35mm days I would assist Brian on occasion, and I think watching his style with photography had an impression on the way I developed my wedding video business. We’ve been on the wedding scene for quite some time together and it’s always a blast when we have the same bookings. These photos are from Cheryn + Mike’s wedding which I have yet to post on, but I do appreciate Brian allowing me to share to you, potential clients, who I am… I never have photos or posts of myself, but you may want to know who I am… don’t forget to pop over to Brian’s site if you are looking for a photographer!
These photos are from the Mt. Washington Hotel, 8/16/08: Brian captures the “View”Finder… Meg waiting for parent dances to start, Meg out on the Verandah capturing the view.
NH based Wedding Photographer Brian Post catches NH Wedding Videographer Meg Simone.
I had the pleasure of working with Samantha Warren Weddings on 08.08.08 at the York Harbor Inn. If you are looking for a photographer run to the phone quick and give her a call! She is so fun to talk to and be around, your wedding party will love her, but also forget that she is there. Her photojournalistic approach to the day is unobtrusive and Sam captures “passion and personalities, instead of poses”. I love it! Sam is so easy to get along with and just plain fun. Have a quick feature look at Sam in action.
I don’t even know where to start with Lani + Steve: 08.08.08
I am left speechless after this post by their photographer, Samantha Warren Weddings. Amazing, talented, she captured this celebration with such an understanding for the circumstances. I was in tears when I saw the photos. Hats off to Sam Visit her site by clicking on the image below to read the full story and see more of her work. I will be posting video soon with permission from L + S.
I run into Bill Lee at the Post Office at least once every few weeks. His iPhone caught me on Scooter! Thanks Bill at apx 80-90mpg it’s a fun + affordable way to do quick errands! Bill is available for weddings and commercial work worldwide… I will be posting video clips of recent weddings this week – I’ve been swamped, so stay tuned and sorry for the delay – as you can see to the right, the summer wedding line up is huge!
Dana Clemons from White Mountain Photography in Jackson, NH recently moved his gallery to the The Snowflake Inn, in Jackson… a perfect place to stop off if you are looking for a wedding gift for any couple who has visited the White Mountains or is getting married IN the White Mtns.
His prints also make great: House Warming Gifts, Anniversary or Birthday Presents, or “just because” they are visually spectacular! He even has pre-framed “grab & go” smaller prints if you are traveling, OR if you are going to be IN Jackson for a wedding and don’t want to have to travel with your gift, you can pick one when you arrive. Gift Certificates Available
Dana’s work is primarily shot using transparency film for his fine art photography and using heavier medium format equipment….a rare craft because of Digital these days, and a skill to be commended.
With complete control over the entire process, he produces a fine art print using only quality archival ink and paper, tastefully framed, always under UV glass. Prints that will last a lifetime.
The complete collection of prints can be seen at the gallery. Thursday-Saturday, and Monday. Visitors are always welcome to come browse or “talk shop”. You might want to call him first at 603-383-4300, as he might be out pursuing his passion! Photos by Meg Simone. Info from White Mountain Photography website with permission from Dana Clemons.
THURSDAY, APRIL 3rd was the Spring Luncheon for a very talented group of Women Wedding Photographers in Maine that Emilie Sommer of Emilie Inc. organizes. My main focus is wedding VIDEOgraphy but I love to network with other Photographers so they know there is a videographer right over the border here in NH. We met at the Roma Cafe in Portland. Here’s a group picture of us all taken with Emilie’s Camera. I’m not in the photo because I actually pushed the button on her camera for their group shot. I was just a guest so I volunteered. Great to meet everyone and hope to see you at a wedding soon
FMI: http://maineweddingwomen.blogspot.com/
“Since 1987 Paul Charest has worked to set himself apart, creating portraits that are distinctive and artistic.” – Morning Lane Photography
…and Mia and John are so lucky to have him capture their day! We went up to meet with Paul today and go over the details Paul’s Studio is located right on Main Street in Berlin, NH and what a great studio space upstairs (not photographed) and storefront. VERY tall antique tin ceilings, beautiful detail and views out each side of this 80 foot long building! Mia and Paul tell stories right before we left in the main part of his store front, I think we could have all talked longer, Paul is very easy to get along with and I’m excited for him to meet all the Wall-one’s (Whally & Simone’s) – Posted by Maid of Honor, Meghan
I am so happy because today the new “Weddings and Parties” special suppliment came out with the Mt. Ear weekly newspaper. I was honored that they chose one of my photos for the front cover (Caitlin, my sisters, soon to be sister-in-laws, bouquet!), and quite an array of other images throughout, including the cake, and tent from Caitlins wedding.
The MacDonald-Dee wedding in Nahant received a full two page spread. Kaley had an amazing “look” for the wedding party, so I found it fitting they chose photos of their celebration to compliment an article called “The Perfect Match” discussing color, style, etc… I hope Kaley likes it! Here is a look at some of the photos from her wedding 8/11/07
Props to my friend Anne Skidmore who also had a variety showcasing her talents. Dave said, “why do I know those people”… I said, “Because Anne was their photographer and I did the video.” I love seeing photographs from weddings I filmed, to see how others capture the beauty of the day – everyone has a different eye and I really admire Annes work.
It was a fun day out on the sled hill and Brian caught me bundled up with my new Canon GL2 which is a great addition to the studio. The GL2 is my second camera, as I film all weddings with the XL1S.
I finished a night shoot at a new log home in Brownfield, ME. Here is the post card they are using with the images they selected. I must say the custom detail on the interior was most impressive. To learn more about my Real Estate Photography send me an email meg@megsimone.com
Friend and wedding photographer 
