The Morning of

When I first arrived, the atmosphere in both Jessica and Ryan’s prep spaces was calm yet full of excitement. Jessica got ready just down the road at their family home with all the women of the family and her closest friends. They traveled together to the Boothbay Playhouse bridal suite to slip on Jessica’s dress and piece together the final touches. As the most important women in her life helped her slip on her shoes, and clasp her necklace and bracelet, she was ready for the aisle, after some much-needed snuggles and kisses from her beloved German Shepard, Skor, of course.

Ryan, on the other hand, was getting ready with his groomsmen in an adjacent house. The gentlemen stuck to less of a rigid timeline, but their candid moments were just as meaningful. The guys were laughing, cracking jokes, and getting ready for the day, all while making sure they were there to support Ryan, who couldn’t stop smiling. Skor joined them throughout their portraits and as they put together their final touches for the day.

As an avid dog lover myself, I am always an advocate for more paws at weddings! It was truly awesome to see how Skor was able to really allow Ryan and Jessica to feel grounded during the haste of the wedding morning and it was obvious how much this good boy was loved by his people.

The outdoor ceremony site at the Boothbay Playhouse was absolutely stunning. The backdrop of lush trees and natural beauty was a perfect setting for the couple’s vows. I was able to snap a few photos of the space before guests arrived to really show off its simplistic style. My favorite outdoor ceremony sites are often understated and allow for the natural beauty of Maine to really set the scene. The doors at the top of the aisle are a really lovely touch and add the best amount of pizzazz without taking away from the natural beauty of the landscape. These, of course, are all my humble opinions, take a look for yourself at Jessica & Ryan’s ceremony to see how it all came together.

Jessica peeks through the stained glass windows within the Playhouse before seeing Ryan for the first time on their wedding day

Jessica’s face says it all in the photo above. Her dad, a huge support in her life, guided her towards Ryan at the top of the aisle. Ryan was visibly emotional, and I couldn’t help but feel it too. I was fortunate enough to capture the candid moments of that ceremony—the small glances, the quiet tears, and those intimate smiles shared between them as they exchanged vows. Per their fun and upbeat personalities, Jess & Ryan also shared a few jokes and giggles during their ceremony. A perfect highlight of their connection and spontaneity!

After the ceremony, the cocktail hour was in full swing, and this was where the candid moments really started to shine. Guests were laughing, sharing stories, and genuinely enjoying the celebration. I’m always drawn to the little, unscripted moments- folks gathered at the entrance of the barn that was saturated in sunlight, a grandmother playing with her infant granddaughter, and a couple of kiddo’s who found the vintage car parked out front. This wedding had so many fun personalities, and all the younger kids were so interested in the photography aspect. Specifically, one young girl took an interest in my film camera so I let her snap away and tag along with me through cocktail hour to grab some candids. I always love connecting with my couple, but it makes it even more special when I’m able to engage guests in the fun!

As the evening light began to soften, we stole away for a few quiet moments with Jessica and Ryan for sunset photos. As a film photographer, I always find the natural light during this time to be absolutely magical. In the section below, you can find a mix of digital and film images that tell you why photographers love Golden Hour so much.

When the reception began, it was time for Jessica and Ryan’s first dance. As they swayed together, there was such a beautiful sense of intimacy between them. Jess threw off her shoes, and it was as if the whole world had faded away, and the only thing that mattered was the two of them together at that moment. I always feel so privileged to capture these intimate exchanges. The way Ryan held Jessica close, the way they smiled at each other—the love was palpable.

As a documentary-style photographer, I find it important to look cinematically at my surroundings. During the middle of their first dance, I made my way to the back of the venue and snuck a photo or two through the glass windows in the venue as well as the balcony above.

One of the sweetest moments of the evening, for me, was when Ryan danced with their 2-year-old daughter. I can only imagine how emotional it must have been for him to share such a special moment with his little girl on the dance floor. Louise, their daughter giggled and waved to the guests throughout these moments but the best moment of all was when she was just smitten with her dad and looked at him as he spun her around the dance floor. Peep the black and white photo of Louise laughing as her dad sang to her as he held her.

Jessica, too, shared a beautiful dance with her father, and you could feel the raw emotion in the room. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight as they shared that father-daughter moment. Her reserved father let his guard down during their song and sang to her with conviction during each pass of the chorus over the speakers. It was one of those moments that hit you in the heart, and as a photographer, it’s a privilege to witness.

The sun dipped lower behind the trees just as the most lively part of the evening began to take place…

As a perfect reflection of their own personalities, Jessica & Ryan’s guests took to the dance floor with spirited dance moves and silly twirls. What I loved most was how the guests of all ages came together to celebrate. The barn truly came alive! The dancing was vivacious, the laughter was genuine, and you could tell that everyone was just there to have a good time.

I always love to do a few laps of the entire venue during dancing to capture other moments happening around the space. I came across two boys who may have produced my favorite candid guest portrait from this entire wedding season. The vibes of these two are off the charts!

Credits

Vendors:

• Venue: Boothbay Playhouse / IG: Boothbayplayhouseevents
• DJ: Two-07 DJ Service 
• Florist: Heidi Fuller with Gracelynns Flower Truck / IG: gracelynnsflowertruck
• Catering: Amy Ronan 
• Hair: Bridget with Starz Hair Studio
• Makeup: Allie with Sea Your Skin Aesthetics / IG: @allie.simmons
• Transportation: Country Coach Charters
• Photographer: Emily Leonard Photography

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