the      Blog

Brianne and Mark thought they could escape September hurricane weather in Florida. Believe it or not, our scheduled elopement day was a complete wash. Even in Maine we still get effects from the hurricanes down south. But we still managed to get their Acadia National Park adventure elopement in the following day!

Since it was just the two of them, they had the flexibility to reschedule to a new day. Fortunately, I had availability in my schedule to make that happen before another elopement later that afternoon. That is a big perk of elopements! You have flexibility for your timing, activities that you want, and a day tailored to your wants. 

Jordan Pond Elopement

We all met at Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park. They led us to a spot they had picked out for their ceremony. It was tucked off of the walking path to provide a little more privacy and better views of Bubble Rocks. Fortunately the rain had passed, but the extreme winds stuck around. The gale force winds ripping off of Jordan Pond created white caps on the water. It was cold and windy, but it was spectacular. Mother Nature’s forceful surprises truly added to the adventure. 

In true elopement fashion, their officiant Rev. Erika Hewitt, stopped two hikers to ask if they would be witnesses. They graciously agreed, and we got started with their meaning ceremony. 

In lieu of their family being present, they wrote letters for Bri and Mark to read to each other. Their eyes filled with tears hearing the kind words their family had for them. I personally loved this idea so much. I think it’s an incredible way to include loved ones and add even more sentiment to your elopement experience. 

Prior to their trip to Maine, Rev. Erika suggested they fill a jar with mementos from their trip. The jar was filled with stones from the shore, leaves from their walks, and blooms from her bouquet. Best of all, they included a whisker from their beloved kitty who didn’t make the trip from Florida. This one pulled at my cat mama heart strings! Now, in addition to their photographs and heirloom albums, they have this little jar to help remember their elopement. 

What ways will you add sentiment into your special day? Scroll through the photos for some inspiration! 

Did you enjoy this Acadia National Park adventure elopement? If so, you will love this Coastal Wedding in Maine.

Luxury meets adventure here in Bar Harbor, Maine. This glamorous couple chose outfits that were still similar to traditional wedding attire. Nick was in a full suit and tie with a boutonniere, and Amber wore a long sleeve white gown that flowed so perfectly in the wind. Being a professional cosmetologist in Clearwater Florida, Amber did all of her own hair and makeup flawlessly. Her simple jewelry paired so perfectly with the elegant glam and bridal bouquet that complimented the colors of the cold Atlantic ocean. It was the perfect luxury elopement in Acadia National Park!

Amber and Nick traveled to Maine, fully trusted me (even before meeting me), to pick her up from her hotel in Downtown Bar Harbor. I drove her to meet Nick in the National Park so they could see each other for a first look. I prepped them in advance on where he should stand and face at Sand Beach. She walked down the stairs to reveal her gorgeous gown to him. After we spent a little bit of time at Sand Beach for some portraits, they followed me to our next spot. It was a little hidden gem I keep up my sleeve. They hadn’t seen before. I led them down a steep path through the evergreens where we landed at a small, secluded spot on the pink granite cliffs of Acadia. It towered over a pebble cove where you can hear the waves crashing and rolling the rocks against each other. The peaceful sounds of nature paired with the crisp salty air blowing across the water and onto your cheeks made for the most serene spot. Here they shared their beautiful handwritten vows.  

Bar Harbor Elopement

As Amber + Nick read from their custom vow books, I wasn’t able to hear what they were saying. But I could tell by their expressions that it was filled with lots of love, emotion, and happiness. They sealed the deal with the exchange of wedding bands and a first kiss. Then, we spent some more time rock hopping along the rugged coast of Maine. 

While they may live in Florida now, they chose Acadia because its scenery reminded them of Nick’s hometown in Alaska. During our few short hours together, they told me all about their love story, how they met, and the things they love the most. (Hearing about their travels and their trip to Alaska together, has me even more excited for my trip there in August of 2023!)

We finished up our time together back in Downtown Bar Harbor, at the hotel they were staying at. The architecture and grounds of The Bar Harbor Regency created a slight European with classic elegance. 

This is the perfect example of being able to have a luxury wedding experience with fun and adventure as well. From just a couple of phone calls, emails and questionnaires we had already got a sense of each other’s personalities so when we met for the first time on the day of their elopement, there was no feeling of awkwardness. There was an instant connection that made it so easy to talk to each other and learn more and more about them as we spent that time together. We created timeless photographs that are classy and packed with adventure, truly reflecting their love story and our full elopement experience that we created together. 

Who knew climbing through nature in wedding attire and hiking boots could look so fabulous?! 

Vendors

• Photography: Emily Brianne Photography
• Location: Acadia National Park
• Hotel: The Bar Harbor Regency
• Hair + Makeup: Amber Brockway
• Florals: Queen Anne’s
• Dress: Asos Bridal

Truth bomb, barn weddings aren’t usually my number one choice… Because well, coastal chic is more my style. BUT, let me tell you, this was one of my favorites and the venue doesn’t always matter. Let’s be real, I love being a southern Maine wedding photographer at any venue!

First things first, this entire day was the perfect combination of trendy, yet timeless – and that is what I love so much! Second, all of the attire was absolute fireeee – varying shades and textures of burnt orange bridesmaid dresses, a custom green suit for the groom with his groomsmen matching in floral ties, and best of all… the sparkly jumpsuit that Abby changed into and absolutely rocked at the end of the night (we all know I love me a good jumpsuit)! 

Then we have all of the perfectly organized details that include touches from TSwift and their pup, colorfully muted florals complimented with ferns, lovely September lighting, a whole charcuterie table, and my absolute favorite thing ever *drum roll please* … food trucks! Yeah, you heard that right, food trucks. Mainely Burgers catered their wedding, and it was hands down the best wedding dinner experience I’ve ever had. Instead of waiting to be served at your table, you literally walked up to the window and made your selections. And just when you think it can’t get better than burgers and fries..they rolled in their ice cream truck after dinner. Literally heaven. 

Southern Maine Wedding Photographer

Okay, but on top of all of those personal and thoughtful touches throughout the day, what got me the most was the love that could truly be felt. The tears that filled in everyone’s eyes as Abby’s dad led her to her choked up groom, the most heartfelt vows where they both shared the ways they make each other better and their love of adventure that has built their relationship stronger than ever, the way their siblings shared about them in their speeches and the strong bond that was so evident with her and her nephew. So not only did all of these aspects of the day solidify that Abby + Ben are cool AF, but that these are my type of people. The clients who share similar values as me, and can easily be lifelong friends even after that wedding day has passed. 

All that to say, it’s not necessarily about the venue or look of the day that matters the most. It’s about the relationships and love being celebrated that I get to photograph, the sentimental personal touches, and couples that share similar values as me. 

After a double-header wedding weekend with their fun, trendy day, and the coastal elegance at the Cliff House, I felt a shift in my brand. My creative fire was relit and my core values were shining stronger ever. I felt a push to revamp my brand to incorporate these things that mean the most to me and attract clients who share similar values of family + quality, fun + adventure, and investing in experiences more than things. 

“I could not recommend Emily more! Emily shot our wedding and engagement photos and we could not be happier! She is the perfect combination of professional and fun to be around. She makes each session feel comfortable and easy! She is so great at prompting you and posing you to get natural and comfortable looking photographs. We are so glad we booked Emily for our big day and will certainly use her again for any photography needs!”

Abby & Ben

Vendors

• Photographer: Emily Brianne Photography
• Hair: Hair By Amy Mitch
• Makeup Artist: Jordan Thronell
• Venue: Hitching Post Of Maine
• Dress: Brides Across America
• Bridal Jumpsuit: La Femme
• Veil: Etsy
• Shoes: Forever Soles
• Florals: Flower Moxie
• DJ: The Music Man DJ Service
• Videographer: Christopher Silk Films
• Food Trucks: Mainely Burgers 
• Grazing Table: Charcutemarie
• Groom Suit: Indochino
• Stationery: Zazzle
• Vow Books: Etsy – Printsmitten
• Sketch of Their Dog on Details: Etsy – SimplyMarieDesign

Texas meets coastal Maine. Caitlin and Jake were stationed in the desert of Texas and planned a destination wedding to Bar Harbor, Maine. With Jake’s roots in Maine and their love for the coast, they wanted a Bar Harbor Inn wedding. It was the perfect place to celebrate with their friends and family! 

The day started early with hair and makeup by the talented Brittany and Julia. They glammed the ladies up and incorporated some custom hair pieces created by Little Red Flower Truck. Fun fact, they grew and designed all of the one of a kind floral arrangements throughout the day. 

While guests gathered at the nearby Catholic church in downtown Bar Harbor, Cailtin and her ladies slipped into dresses with different shades of blue, and tan shawls to tie together the coastal feels. 

Bar Harbor Inn Wedding

After their traditional wedding ceremony at the Holy Redeemer, guests were shuttled back to the Bar Harbor Inn just a few minutes away where they indulged in delicious hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails named after their pets. We did portraits all around the grounds of the inn and along the Shore Path before they entered their reception right into their first dance and parent dances. 

Just because this was a mid-day wedding, there was no shortage of dancing and good times once the dance floor opened up. Check out all of the exquisite florals and fun that was had before they celebrated the rest of the evening in bouncing around Downtown Bar Harbor!

Fun fact: Caitlin + Jake share a love of adventure just like me. We did their engagement session on one of their trips to Maine, and it ended up raining for the majority of the session but they completely embraced it and had fun with it. AND during my road-trip around the country in 2022, they met me at White Sands National Park for a fun adventure session playing in the snow like sand of New Mexico!

Vendors 

• Photographer: Emily Brianne Photography
• Venue: Bar Harbor Inn
• Church: Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Bar Harbor ME
• Florals: Little Red Flower Truck
• Dress: Park Avenue Bridals
• DJ: Bill Lyons
• Hair: Brittany Spence
• Makeup: Julia Montague
• Favors: Homemade blueberry jam by mother of the groom 
• Groom + Groomsmen Attire: David’s Bridal
• Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

The coastal wedding of my dreams. This luxury venue nestled atop the cliffs of Southern Maine offers panoramic ocean views for a jaw dropping ceremony and reception. The Cliff House resort is a luxury venue like no other. 

With Hannah’s background in event planning and Jason’s goofiness in their relationship, I just knew this wedding day was going to be the perfect balance of elegant and fun. The details of this day were classic and tasteful. They weren’t lacking, but they weren’t over the top. The impeccable scenery that the coast of Maine offers truly doesn’t need much to compliment it. Hannah did the perfect job dreaming this up and Salty & Sweet Events brought the vision to life so flawlessly. 

Wedding at the Cliff House Resort

While Hannah and her besties got ready in the Cliff House bridal suite, I created flatlays of her details on the balcony overlooking the water. As she eagerly awaited her first look, she began putting all of those details on – the jewelry, the shoes, the unique scent she chose for this day. Her tight red curls fell so perfectly against the lace details of her minimally elegant gown and then it was time for the big reveal with her soon-to-be husband. 

I positioned Jason facing the water while he anxiously awaited his soon-to–be bride coming down the steep steps onto the rigid cliffs. This was where they’d see each other for the first time – privately, in their attire, all done up and ready for the big day. The excitement of seeing each other quickly relieved their anxiousness. After they shared a few moments alone, checking out each other’s outfits and saying hello, we dove right into portraits. We began with a few of the soon-to-be newlyweds against the Bald Head Cliff as the waves crashed in front of them. 

Wedding First Looks

Pro tip: Doing a “first look” with your significant other allows you to see each other and take the edge off before your ceremony. Not only do you get to share some quality time together, it’s also the perfect way to begin some portraits with you, your families, and wedding party – which then allows more time after the ceremony for portraits or joining your guests at cocktail hour like Hannah and Jason did!

As Hannah’s dad walked her down the aisle, she had the view of her future husband and his son, her family members eyes filled with tears, and the beautiful blue ocean directly behind them. Her brother married them and they exchanged vows filled with sentiment and laughter. Once they were pronounced husband and wife, the lighting was perfect to finish up the remaining family portraits and the just married portraits of the two of them before they joined their guests at cocktail hour! 

As they entered The Atlantic Ballroom, they saw their reception space dreams come to life. All of the details meticulously arranged, the one of a kind lights hanging above the dance floor, and the glass-sided wall overlooking the resort offered picturesque views of the cotton candy colored skies as the sun crept further and further down. 

Ditch the Traditions

I’m a big supporter of cutting out any wedding day traditions that don’t feel like you. Hannah and Jason weren’t afraid to do that. They did have excellent welcome speeches and toasts before dinner, and then they danced the night away with a live band and their closest people. 

In between all of these moments, I truly felt like I was hanging out with friends that I’d known forever, yet we’d only met one other time at their engagement session. Hannah treated me like one of the besties and Jason wasn’t afraid to hold back on witty jokes. We shared lots of laughs and some of our inside jokes, while creating lasting memories and photographs. 

This trendy, yet timeless day was truly one for the books. I found my dream clients, my dream venue, and lifelong friends. This just goes to show that you can have a classic, elegant day and still have so much fun! You just have to see for yourself.

Vendors

• Photographer: Emily Brianne Photography
• Planner: Salty & Sweet Events
• Venue: Cliff House Maine
• Flowers: Flower Kiosk
• Dress: Hinterland Bride
• Ring: Brilliant Earth
• Band: Dan Walker Band
• Desserts: The Sandpiper Cake Shop
• Groom’s Custom Suit: Indochino
• Stationery: Minted
• Hair and Makeup: LE Glam Team
• Rentals: Peak Event Services

Ellie + Trevor came dressed to impress and the result left me swooning! Their trendy, yet timeless outfits paired so nicely together – they chose solid colors to pop against the rigid coastal backdrop in Acadia National Park. Her pale blue dress, with minimally textured sleeves, complimented his neutral colored outfit of a long sleeve button up tucked into fitted dress pants. This outfit combination gave an elegant, sophisticated feel for this newly engaged couple. I love being a Bar Harbor Maine Engagement Photographer!

Prior to their session, Ellie informed that they’re usually super awkward in front of the camera and don’t know how to pose. I quickly reminded her that it’s totally normal to feel that way and that’s what I’m there for – to walk you through the entire process, make you feel comfortable, and have lots of fun while we’re doing it!

By the end of their session, they were so relaxed, giggling and their love and excitement was really shining through. Although, even at the start of their session, you would never know they were nervous, these two are natural beauties.

Scroll through to see for yourself!

Looking for a Bar Harbor Maine Engagement Photographer? Contact me today!

This is the perfect example of not needing a specific reason for a photo session. Kelsey and Todd are already married, but wanted to do a session together while they were visiting Acadia from Canada! So they booked an Adventure Session in Acadia National Park with me. The scenery isn’t like what they have at home and it had been a while since they had photos done at their wedding – so what a perfect opportunity! 

Adventure Session in Acadia

Their casual attire represented them perfectly. While still looking nice, they felt comfortable in their everyday clothes because that’s what truly felt like them. Plus, it gave us the opportunity to get moving around on the rocks a little more. I’m convinced that Blundstone boots can go with literally any outfit – but they were perfect for this fun couples session with some adventure vibes on the cliffs of Acadia National Park. 

Check out the fun we had together during this low-key session!

I love photographing adventure sessions! Looking for a photographer to hang out with you on your next adventure? I’m your girl!

Did you enjoy this post? You’ll also love my latest Romantic Cliffside Engagement Session.

Celebrating 60 years on vacation in Bar Harbor. For Beth’s 60th birthday she wanted her gift to be a session with all of the family together during their vacation to Maine. Since they were all staying at the Bar Harbor Inn downtown, we did their extended family session around the property. The Bar Harbor Inn has so many beautiful spots to capture portraits, especially with the Shore Path wrapping around the front of the property.

Tips for Family Sessions

1. Don’t sweat the small stuff. The point of taking photos is being together and preserving memories. What counts is the closeness and bond you share. Perfection is not the goal!
2. Coordinate outfits. Matching is out, and coordinating is in! Find colors that complement each other and stick with a common theme.
3. Make the most of your session. If you have extended family in town (like this group), make the most of your photos and get as many combinations as possible.

As the kids get older, it’s always a challenge to get everyone together in the same place, coordinating, and on the same page. But since they were all together for her big birthday vacation, we made it happen! Check out the fun we had documenting three generations of love in this fun extended family session.

I hope you enjoyed this beautiful family photo session in Bar Harbor, Maine. I know it was a favorite of mine!

Looking for a family photographer? I’d love to capture this special season or momentous occasion in your life. See my recent family sessions on the blog. Contact me at the link below!

I didn’t think it was actually quite fall yet in Maine, but it felt like it to this southern fam. Our late summer temps in Bar Harbor were a bit cooler than expected. So just before their session, mom made a Target run for some warmer clothes and sweaters. That resulted in the perfect fall look for the upcoming months! I really enjoyed this fall family session at Sand Beach.

With four kiddos and two grandparents, it can sometimes be a bit of a job to get everyone looking and smiling at me at the same time. But holy moly, these guys made it easy! They were up for some playful fun at Sand Beach in Acadia. Because of this we were able to get lots of combinations of photos. Quick and painless..except for maybe the sand that was consumed by the little one.

Thinking about getting family portraits of your own? Here are my top three reasons why you should consider taking family portraits soon. First, it’s an opportunity to capture precious memories with your loved ones. As time passes and children grow up, having these images to look back on can be incredibly meaningful. Second, a family photo session can be a fun and bonding experience for everyone involved. It’s a chance to spend quality time together and create something special as a family. Finally, professional family photos can be a great way to update your home decor or share with friends and family. Overall, a family photo session can be a valuable investment in creating lasting memories and cherished keepsakes.

Enjoy these images from this sweet fall family session at Sand Beach!

A family session that feels like you. One that shows your family dynamics – the love, the silly, the unbreakable bonds. 

Every year on family vacation, the Fox family has photos done in the cool, new place that they are visiting. While they were here camping in Acadia, doing lots of hiking and outdoor activities, they decided to throw in their annual family photos. This year was a bit different for them though… 

Mom didn’t feel like battling with the kids to wear nice dress clothes that didn’t really feel like them. So instead, she very tastefully coordinated everyone in clothes that truly felt like them.

I couldn’t believe how much I loved this idea and the outcome. I’d just met these strangers, but I knew that their L.L. Beans jackets and hiking boots truly felt like them. They were comfortable in what they were wearing and it really solidified the Maine, camping, adventure vibes of their trip. 

Moral of the story, you don’t have to always follow a style guide – that’s really just there for suggestions and guidance. You should wear what makes you feel good and reflects this chapter that you’re living.

Related Post: Tips for Planning Your Family Vacation Session