Nicole + Ben | Spruce Point Inn

Venue: The Spruce Point Inn
Wedding Planner: Tangorra Wedding Planning
Florist: Deb Corey
Make Up Artist: Joanne McDonough of Joya Beauty
Hair Stylist: Lena of Hair that Moves
Band: Tony Boffa Band
Whoopie Pies: Wicked Whoopies
David Murray Weddings Photographer: David


The busy season for fulfilling many of our clients holiday orders draws to a close and we turn our attention back to posting our wonderful clients' weddings from this season.

We already knew that Nicole and Ben were madly in love after their fun engagement session. They were also just a pleasure to work with and their wedding was a love-filled and warm gathering of family and friends.

As this was a Maine destination wedding, Nicole and Ben planned many special touches with the help of wedding planners extraordinairre Tangorra Wedding Planning. Linnea Tangorra and Megan Whithed with Tangorra carried out Nicole and Ben's vision perfectly. One our favorite touches was the Whoopie Pie and Lemonade Stand outside the church after the ceremony. The reception was at one of our favorite Maine wedding venues, The Spruce Point Inn which is a perfect by-the-water location for a Maine destination wedding. Nicole chose our favorite make up artist JoAnne McDonough of Joya Beauty who does beautiful makeup that looks great in photographs but also very natural. Joya frequently teams with fav hairstylist Lena of Hair that Moves....they are a great duo.

To see all of the lovely touches to this wedding, click here to see Nicole and Ben's wedding slideshow:

Nicole and Ben: A Spruce Point Inn Wedding Slideshow

NEWS FLASH: Linda's Documentary Film on T.V. Tonight

After two years of acclaim on the film festival circuit, our documentary The Breast Cancer Diaries heads to television tonight! This documentary is a labor of love.The subject is Ann Murray Paige--one of David's five sisters. Along with Ann, we will be lifting a glass of champagne tonight to her humor and courage under fire. It was directed by Linda and filmed by Linda and Ann (who set up a diary camera in her home) with some scenes filmed by David as well (including the not to be missed whoopee cushion scene). For more on what this film is all about, see the "official" synopsis below.

The Breast Cancer Diaries airs tonight Thursday October 30th at 8 and 11 pm on the Discovery Health Channel (check your local cable listing--if you get Discovery then you also get Discovery Health).



THE BREAST CANCER DIARIES

For ten years, Ann Murray Paige covered the news—but for the biggest story of her life she turned the camera on herself.

When Murray-Paige, a formal local news reporter and anchor, is diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 38, she sets up a diary camera in her bedroom. Ann’s video diaries—raw and true—offer an intimate chronicle of a young mother’s nine month journey with breast cancer, punctuated with humor, poignancy and romance.

Along the way, Ann—with characteristic wit—challenges everything from drive-through mastectomies to how American society all too often defines a woman by her breasts.

The Breast Cancer Diaries is a chronicle of illness met with attitude, symbolized by the “Cancer Sucks” button that Ann pins on her shirt. Throughout it all there is humor: from a hospital flashing scene, to a young son’s attempt to heal his mother with a whoopee cushion.

Director Linda Pattillo, herself an award-winning former network news correspondent (ABC NEWS and CNN), spent 15 years covering wars across the globe. In The Diaries, she covers a far more intimate and personal battle—that of a young woman and mother fighting for her life.


To see David's documentary still photographs of Ann's journey, visit The Diaries website:

www.thebreastcancerdiaries.com

NEWS FLASH: First Place

Well it has come to that time of the year where we gather our best images and send them off to be judged by a contest jury of our peers--to see how we look at the wedding world, to see how we are motivated, to see if we are in the groove.

I have had the honor of being asked to judge a contest of great photographers, known collectively as the ISPWP, or International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers. It is an exclusive group--all with at least 2 years experience and at least 40 weddings as the primary photographer. I feel proud to be part of such a distinguished group.

My favorite category is The Decisive Moment. I was honored to win First Place in the last contest for the image above. I am proud of that, for many reasons, but mostly because it allows me to demonstrate my photojournalism roots.

I love all aspects of my wedding photography--the fashion portraits, the story documentation, and hey, I love eating cake at the end too!. But the golden nuggets for me are the decisive moments. A decisive moment is a moment that tells a whole story while catching an action at its peak. It is an image that can never be repeated. It is unique. It speaks as much of who the author is, as it describes a moment. Someone with a photojournalism mindset is always prepared for these times. Where others might not see the possiblities, someone who shoots weddings with photojournalism in mind will find the possibilities in any part of the day.

The image above happened on a day when the remnants of a hurricane were passing through Massachusetts. I challenged myself to find an image that could convey the challenges of that day. The time came when the bride exited the car for the chapel. The ushers reaction is exactly at the moment when the umbrella collapses . It is a fun moment, accented with the bride’s polka dot rain boots. It is a one of a kind moment.

This is why I love what I do. I love the images that stand alone. I love the images that never be duplicated. This is what I strive for when I shoot.

So I will be anxious to judge my colleagues moments as I pour through the hundreds of photos that will be soon before me. They are moments that set us apart from each other and define who we are, even as together, we strive to give our brides and grooms the beautiful images that tell the story of their very important day.

David

Emily + Matt |St. Ann's and Laudholm Farm Wedding

Ceremony: St. Ann's, Kennebunkport, Maine
Reception: Laudholm Farm at the Wells Estuarine Reserve

Coordinator: Brooke Sheldon of Lilybrooke Events
Florist and Lighting: Kate Martin, Beautiful Days Events
Caterer: Kitchen Chicks Catering

Gown: Melissa Sweet
Transportation: Antique Bentley
David Murray Weddings Photographers: David and Paige

Emily was gorgeous in a Melissa Sweet gown and a touch of fun fashion with fabulous pink shoes in keeping with the pink and green color scheme of the day.


Emily and her father practiced lifting the veil and had a great shared laugh before the ceremony.


An elegant and classy arrival in an antique Bentley at historic St. Ann's by the ocean in Kennebunkport.

Emily and Matt--just married--have a moment alone before they leave St. Anne's to awaiting family and friends.


The Bustle.


Coordinator Brooke Sheldon, Event Designer Kate Martin and Caterer Kitchen Chicks created a chic and casually elegant event at this historic coastal farm.





This kiss image was seconds after Matt gave a melt your heart away toast to his beautiful wife.


Matt and Emily were a perfect match on the dance floor and danced so beautifully together all evening from the first dance to the last. A perfect metaphor for their wonderful and loving relationship. What an honor to be there to document your wedding day.

To view the the slideshow of Emily and Matt's wedding at St. Ann's and Laudholm Farm, click the link below:

Emily and Matt wedding slideshow

Jessica+Michael | Arrows Restaurant

Venue: Arrows , Ogunquit, Maine

Venue Coordination and Flowers: Danielle Johnson Walker, Arrows
Bridal Gown: Vera Wang from Louis Blum Bridal Salon, Houston, Texas
Brides Attendants: Vera Wang
Groom Apparel: Calvin Klein
Groomsmen: Jones New York

Cake: Arrows
Band: The Coronados Dance Band
Tent: Sperry Tent Company
Signature Drink: The Maine Mojito by John at MC Perkins Cove Restaurant
Photographer: David

WOW.....what else can we say about this classy and fun wedding. Jessica was totally glam in a Vera Wang dress that was one of the most fashionable and memorable gowns of this wedding season. David loved the way the veil played in the wind during the bridal fashion session on the oceanside rocks of Ogunquit beach.

Zen moment before the fashion session:


The day was cool and a bit windy, but the breezes only accentuated the folds of Jessica's dress.
Vera Wang on the rocks:


Michael sees Jessica for the first time, walking down the aisle in the Arrows garden:


Just married. Love this image--it it a love pat? Or maybe just had to touch that gorgeous flowing dress?


A moment alone after the ceremony:


Jessica and Michael, thank you for having us be a part of your incredible day!

The Unscripted Moment

--First Place/Wedding Photojournalists 2007 Contest/Bouquet Toss
Taken by David at a wedding at The Four Seasons in Boston

To both David and John it comes down to the trust our clients have in them as
photographers, as experienced photojournalists, and as artists. That trust enables them to get close enough to capture the decisive moments--both big and small--of the wedding day. But it is not just getting close. It also comes down to the eye of the photojournalist to anticipate the moment, to prepare for the moment, to patiently await the moment, and to have the technical and artistic experience to choose the perfect lens and camera setting to capture the moment.

David talks more about capturing the moment in a recent article in WedPix, the on line magazine of the International Wedding Photojournalists Association.

To view David's featured comments, click here:
Article featuring David in WedPix Magazine: "Capturing the Moment"



--First Place/Wedding Photojournalists 2007 Contest/Drink and Food
Taken by John at a wedding in Maine

Jane+Ben/Arrows, Ogunquit

Venue: Arrows, Ogunquit, Maine
Event and Floral Design: Danielle Johnson Walker, Arrows
Dress: Monique Lhuillier, Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, NYC
Couture Veil & Hair Piece:Debra Moreland Paris
Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Preparation Location: The Breakwater, Kennebunkport
Officiant: Julie Draper
First Dance Song: Beyond The Sea, Bobby Darin
David Murray Weddings Photographers: David and Paige

This beautiful wedding was the embodiment of timeless romance and glamour. Jane's couture attire began with a pair of stunning Christian Louboutin shoes.



Her beautiful Monique Lhuillier lace gown is from the fashionable Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier in Manhattan. Jane's veil and headpiece were couture creations from Debra Moreland Paris.





Love this image of Ben when he sees Jane walking down the aisle in the garden at Arrows Restaurant.



The gardens at Arrows were in full flower. Even the signature cocktail, Citrus and Sake Vodka Martini, had a floral flourish.



One of many moments captured--Jane's delight at the best man's toast.



Jane and Ben--just married--on a romantic stroll on the Arrows' grounds in Ogunquit. Arrows is one of the most beautiful Maine wedding venues and a favorite place for us to photograph weddings.



Click here to view the slide show of Jane and Ben's wedding day:

Jane and Ben Wedding Day Slideshow

And now for some fun--because this fashionable bride and her groom know
how to party as well. We set up The Love Seat (a fresh take on the old photo booth) with a natural backdrop and Jane and Ben's guests were beyond creative with their self-portraits.

Click here to view the slideshow of The Love Seat/Photo Booth:

Jane and Ben: The Love Seat slideshow

The Love Seat is a huge hit with guests. Every time we post a new Love Seat slide show we get calls from clients to tell us they just have to have The Love Seat at their upcoming wedding.

ENGAGED: Nicole + Ben

Portrait Location: Hoboken
Wedding Location: The Spruce Point Inn, Boothbay Harbor, Maine

For Nicole and Ben, Hoboken is a special place--scene of their ongoing romance. First stop was the waterfront with its amazing views of Manhattan.




Next stop-- Lackawanna Station--one of the oldest railroad terminals in use today and on the National Register of Historic Places.



To view Nicole and Ben's fun engagement session slide show, click here:

Nicole and Ben in Hoboken--slideshow

Nicole and Ben we are so looking forward to your wedding at The Spruce Point Inn next month!

ENGAGED: Danielle + Dave

Portrait Location: New York City's Central Park
Wedding Location: Atlantica, Westhampton Beach, New York

Dave and Danielle found us through the list of top ranked photographers in the Wedding Photojournalists Association and asked if David would travel to their August wedding in the Hamptons. Of course! D and D are to be married at the very cool Atlantica which sits right next to the dunes of Westhampton Beach. So how fitting to have a little "beach" volleyball action for their Central Park portrait session.

ENGAGED:Whitney + Spencer

Portrait Location: New York City's Central Park
Wedding Location: Camp Kieve, Maine

Whitney and Spencer are going to be married at Camp Kieve in Maine this fall. The camp is filled with kids in the summer and in the fall it turns into an amazing wedding venue where couples gather friends and family for a weekend of fun. It was great getting to know you two on this beautiful day in Central Park!

Lauren and Damon/The Retreat at French's Point

Reception: The Retreat at French's Point
French's Point Coordinator: Jessika Brooks
Ceremony: St.Thomas' Episcopal Church, Camden
Flowers: Alda Stich
Gown: Vera Wang at Saks Jandel, Chevy Chase, MD
Mantilla: Lauren's mother's mantilla
Shoes: Blue Tux (love the Blue Tux motto: "good for more than a one night stand")
Makeup: Joya Beauty, Joanne McDonough
Tuxedo: Calvin Klein
Programs: William Arthur
Cakes: Janice Strout
Band: Tony Boffa
Caterer: Black Tie Company
Photographers: Melissa and David

What a pleasure to spend this wedding weekend with Lauren and Damon and the hosts of this celebration, the wonderful Medleys, a family filled with southern charm and grace. The setting for this beautiful wedding is one of our favorite wedding venues in Maine, The Retreat at French's Point. Lauren was beautiful in a Vera Wang wedding dress with the mantilla that her mother Pat wore at her own wedding on this very same weekend in June, forty years ago.






The silver bell, passed from Pat to Lauren, a Medley family wedding tradition:



Lauren and Damon had a great first dance song, Otis Redding's "These Arms of Mine":


To view Lauren and Damon's wedding day slideshow, please click here:

Lauren and Damon Wedding Day Slideshow

From all of us at David Murray Weddings, thank you Lauren and Damon for having us document your wedding weekend.