As a Maine photographer based in Portland, I had the immense pleasure of documenting Olivia and Matt’s wedding at the breathtaking Bonaventura Vineyards in Hartford, Maine. The day was a perfect blend of authenticity, genuine moments, and candid emotions. This day was an idealic example of how documentary and editorial photography can blend beautifully in a final gallery.

Olivia, in her vintage-inspired bell sleeve lace dress, radiated a modern elegance as she prepared for her big day in a lived-in A-frame cabin. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation with her bridesmaids and family who joined her, setting the stage for a celebration throughout the day.

One of the distinctive aspects of this wedding was the use of both digital and film photography. As a Southern Maine photographer with a penchant for creativity, I chose to capture the day using the classic and artistic medium of 35mm film. The choice of Porta brand film added a timeless quality to the images, complimenting the couples natural ability to be in the moment on their special day. An important aspect as a photographer that I try and bring to each wedding is ensuring that your wedding day feels like your wedding day. As simple as that sounds, it is easy for a couple’s special day to mirror a styled shoot. While I undoubtedly believe that photography is one of the most important aspects of a wedding day, Olivia and Matt showed a lovely example that posed photos do not need to be the focus of a wedding day. In fact, uplanned moments can compliment a final gallery and bring an authentic feel to the final images.

The day unfolded with a hybrid of documentary and editorial moments, capturing the essence of Olivia and Matt’s love story was my goal from the jump! From the laughter-filled preparations in the A-frame cabin to the heartfelt vows exchanged with a stunning lake as their backdrop, every frame told a story of love, joy, and authenticity. Below I directed Olivia to swing her dress around as the light peeked perfectly over the tops of the trees in the background. Lending its hand towards the etherial and whimsical vibe throughout the day.

The rest of Matt and Olivia’s wedding day unfolded as anticipated, filled with emotion and spontaneous moments. Speeches given by beloved family members brought tears to nearly every person in the Bonaventura reception barn. It is a prime example of creating space for emotive moments will lead to the best candids on a wedding day.

As their photographer, I found Olivia and Matt’s wedding day to be an absolute joy. The combination of digital and film photography allowed me to capture the day in a way that felt true to the couple’s spirit and the natural beauty of Maine. If there’s one thing I took away from this celebration, it’s that love is best captured in its most authentic and candid moments, and I’m honored to witness such lovely moments between couples and feel extra grateful when I am the one to capture those moments to live on.

Vendors:

Venue: Bonaventura Vineyards / IG: @bonaventuravineyards
Florist: Meadow Ridge Farm / IG: @meadowridgeperennials
Music: Dave Dionne / IG:@djsmaine
Caterer & Bar: Sedgley Place / IG: @thesedgleyplace
Photography: Emily Leonard Photography / IG: @emilyleonardphotography
Artist & Signage: Your Caricature / IG: @your.caricature
Hair & Makeup: Flawless Pros / IG: @flawlesspros
Transportation: Custom Coach / IG: @custom.coach
Planning: BB Events and Rentals / IG: @bbseventsandrentals

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