the      Blog

Welcome to my little space on the internet where I share my photographs & client experiences with you! 

Here you will find highlights of weddings, elopements, engagements, and families. This is a great way to get a feel for my style of posing, lighting, locations, and some inspiration for your own time in front of my camera. I also have a little section of helpful tips & advice about sessions, weddings, and travels! 

Take a look around & get inspired...

xo, Em

Romantic & Adventurous Engagement Session in Acadia National Park

Couples • September 8, 2023 

How Your Engagement Session Can Be Both Adventurous and Romantic:

Your engagement marks the beginning of a thrilling journey—a journey filled with love, excitement, and endless possibilities. As you prepare to embark on this new chapter together, why not kick off the celebration with an engagement session that’s as adventurous as it is romantic? From scaling majestic mountains to strolling along sun-kissed beaches, there are countless ways to infuse your photo session with a sense of adventure while capturing the deep connection and intimacy you share as a couple. Here’s how your engagement session can be both adventurous and romantic:

Embrace the Great Outdoors

One of the best ways to add an adventurous flair to your engagement session is by taking it outdoors. Whether you’re avid hikers, nature enthusiasts, or simply love spending time in the great outdoors, there’s something undeniably romantic about exploring the beauty of nature together. Consider venturing into the wilderness for a hike to a stunning overlook, or the cliffs of Acadia National Park. Or, if you prefer a more relaxed setting, opt for a leisurely stroll through a scenic park or along a picturesque shoreline, hand in hand with your partner.

Incorporate Your Shared Hobbies and Interests

Another way to infuse your engagement session with adventure and romance is by incorporating your shared hobbies and interests. Whether you’re passionate about hiking, kayaking, or nature picnics, let your favorite activities inspire the theme and setting of your photo session. Imagine sipping champagne and sharing charcuterie on a picnic, or sharing a tender moment atop a rugged cliff overlooking the ocean. By incorporating elements of your shared passions into your engagement session, you’ll not only create unforgettable memories but also showcase the unique bond and connection you share as a couple.

It’s these candid moments of love and tenderness that truly capture the essence of your relationship. Be present in the moment, embrace the beauty of your surroundings, and let your love for each other shine in the photos.

Make It Your Own

Ultimately, your engagement session is an opportunity to celebrate your love story in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you as a couple. Whether you’re scaling mountaintops, exploring hidden treasures, or simply enjoying each other’s company in a familiar setting, infuse your photo session with elements that reflect your unique journey together. Embrace adventure, cherish romance, and above all, savor the joy of beginning this new chapter of your lives hand in hand.

This session was the perfection depiction on their love, and translated more so in their wedding photos (view those here)! Ready for a romantic adventure? Let’s connect to find the perfect place to make it happen!

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Lighthouse Engagement Session in Portland, Maine

Couples • August 18, 2023 

Engagement photos at a sentimental location, make for extra special memories – for this couple, that was Bug Light Park in South Portland, Maine.

In the journey of love, certain places hold a special significance—a reminder of cherished memories, shared laughter, and the bonds that tie two hearts together. For this couple, the decision to capture their engagement at a lighthouse near their first apartment was more than just a choice of location—it was a tribute to the love story they had built together, one step at a time.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

As they strolled hand in hand along the winding paths that led to the lighthouse, the couple couldn’t help but feel a rush of nostalgia wash over them. It was here, near their first apartment, that they had embarked on countless walks with their beloved dogs, exploring the neighborhood and discovering hidden treasures along the way. Each step they took was a testament to the journey they had shared—the ups and downs, the laughter and tears, and the unwavering support they had offered each other through it all.

A Beacon of Love and Light

Perched majestically against the backdrop of the ocean, the lighthouse stood as a symbol of hope, guidance, and enduring love—a beacon that had watched over their relationship from the very beginning. As they posed for photographs beneath its towering presence, the couple felt a profound sense of gratitude for the love that had brought them together and the countless memories they had created along the way. With the salty breeze in their hair and the sound of crashing waves in the distance, they knew that this moment would be etched in their hearts forever.

As a couple, what kind of location will you choose for your engagement session? I’m always happy to help my couples brainstorm ideas to help tell their personal story. Get it touch!

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Fall Wedding at Camp Beech Cliff | MDI Wedding Photographer

Weddings • April 10, 2023 

Are you searching for a Mount Desert Island wedding photographer? Look no further than this latest blog post! It’s the turning of the season, where you can feel the crispness in the air. The sun is still beaming down on you though, creating a bit of warmth. The leaves are turning vibrant colors before they soon fall to the ground. We know that cold Maine winter is right around the corner, so we soak in these autumn days as much as possible. 

Similar to the changing of the seasons; a wedding day.

You know that something different is around the corner, what you’ve been relishing in for months will soon be transitioning to something else. You’re soaking in these final moments of the in between. It’s exciting to see what’s to come, but the anticipation can bring some anxiousness as well. 

Embracing the changing of the seasons with the ones who matter most brings even more excitement and a settling of any anxious feelings.

Mount Desert Island Wedding Photographer Inspiration

Gabby and David’s entire wedding day was filled with so much emotion. An overwhelm of anxiousness is common to set in just before your ceremony. The anticipation of seeing your love for the first time as you walk down the aisle with all eyes on you. The overwhelm of excitement and love and giddiness, all piles up. Your closest friends and family support you while prepping for the day, but the true sense of calm becomes so evident when you reach the end of the aisle, finally able to take a breath, and join hands with your fiance. The sense of comfort that your partner can provide is like no other. This was clear as day watching Gabby prepare and embrace these moments. 

As their college friend married them, and they confidently read their vows aloud to each other, there weren’t many dry eyes around. Between the tears, David’s immaculate sense of humor kept the light-hearted feel in the air. As the ceremony concluded and they were pronounced husband and wife, there was a plot twist. Gabby skipped the first kiss and went straight for the shoulder in the biggest hug ever. Like she’d been waiting an eternity for that hug. The relief and comfort poured over her being in her partner’s arms. I truly loved that so much. 

After the ceremony, we let the newlyweds have a private bit of time alone. A few minutes to just soak in the moment, embrace what just went down, and just say hello for the first time all day. This isn’t a part of the day that is usually accounted for (but it should be!). 

Wedding Photography Tip

Pro tip: Determine your plan for when you walk back up the aisle together. Do you want to tuck away for 5-10 minutes alone, do you want to have a receiving line to hug all of your guests, or do you want to circle around and jump right into family photos? Make note of this with your photographer and planner beforehand so we can help accommodate what would feel best for you! 

Their ceremony was planned for the perfect time, after they took a breather together, we jumped right into the warm golden hour light for portraits. We captured the natural beauty of the grounds at Camp Beech Cliff as the leaves showed off their bright oranges and red. The evening went on with more laughs and tears during first dances and heartfelt speeches. Stories were shared around the tables during their family style dinner (pasta, yum!), and memories were made on the dance floor. 

At the end of the day, everybody’s hearts (and bellies) were full and happy – that is truly what it’s all about when you’re celebrating you and your person, and now they have photographs that really showcase all of that. Scroll through to see for yourself!

Ready for your own heartfelt photos? Let’s connect!

VENDORS-

Dress: Grayce Bridal

Venue: Camp Beech Cliff

Wedding Planner: Lynette Rodriguez

Officiant: Teri Triciricao

DJ: Bill DaButler

Cake: Orange Cat Cafe

Catering: Big Cat’s Catering

Bridesmaid Dresses: Grayce Bridal

Invitations: Minted

Hair Artist: Christena O Dwyer

Makeup Artist: Mad Hair and Makeup

Rentals: Wallace Events

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Summer Family Session in Acadia | Bar Harbor, Maine Photographer

Family • March 9, 2023 

If I’m being honest, I haven’t met too many children that enjoy sitting still and smiling at the camera for 60 minutes. Who can blame them?! It’s perfectly normal for kiddos to be distracted or wanting to move around. Plus, they’re probably a bit skeptical of someone new trying to take their photo. This summer vacation family session in Acadia National Park was filled with lots of giggles and a little bribery. Maybe even some gross noises and silly jokes!

When the little ones aren’t loving the session, don’t sweat it too much. I don’t want you feeling or looking stressed because, I promise you, it happens!! Upon booking your session with me, I include a PDF to help you style and prepare for your portrait session. It includes tips and tricks that help our session go a little more smoothly. Here’s a few of my favorite things to keep in mind when it comes to little kids at family sessions:

  1. If little ones are in tow, bring snacks! It helps to have a few treats like goldfish or fruit snacks on hand to keep them occupied or for bribery purposes!
  2. Don’t sweat the small stuff! I work quickly to ensure the best possible results. Don’t worry about getting little ones to look at the camera. You just keep smiling at me, and I will handle the rest!
  3. Expect to take breaks. With little ones, it’s common to need to stop and play. We will plan to let them stop and explore as the session goes on.

Honestly, just looking through these photos, you can see their silly personalities and all the fun that we had during our short time together! Enjoy this family session in Acadia on the blog today.

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A+E – Nubble Lighthouse Micro Wedding | York, Maine Wedding Photographer

Weddings • March 6, 2023 

A cold April day on the coast of Maine – Anna and Ethan’s closest family gathered around them seaside in York, Maine to watch the two become one. I can’t wait to share this Nubble Lighthouse micro wedding on the blog today!

I met Anna 11 years ago during my first year of college in Southern Maine. Her warm soul radiates the moment you meet her. You instantly feel welcome and loved being around her. I can honestly say she is probably the kindest person I know. She has a heart of gold. If I was to describe her in just a short sentence it would be: low-maintenance, heartwarming, and a little bit quirky. Similarly, that is exactly how I would describe their seaside micro-wedding at Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine. 

As their immediate family snuggled up around them, one of her best friends officiated the ceremony, another close friend did her makeup for her and helped reapply in the parking lot as the tears streamed down her face after the ceremony. Being part of this intimate time and getting the opportunity to photograph my college roomie and her person was truly such an honor. 

Their unique touches added so much personality to their special day. Anna’s jewelry was heirloom family pieces. They wore matching socks and sandals. They rocked some awesome sunnies and a personalized denim jacket. And they even had custom sugar cookies designed with their name and the lighthouse. The cookie showcased their personalities so well!

Being that it was a mirco-wedding, my time with them was short and sweet. But during that time we captured the ceremony, family portraits, and just married portraits along the shore. It wasn’t until the last ten minutes of their portraits that we started getting rained on. But no fear, I always carry clear umbrellas with me in case of some rain!

Check out how adorable they are! 

VENDORS

Photographer: Emily Brianne Photography

Custom Cookies: Frosted By Abby

Dress: Baltic Born

Sandals: Chacos Sandals

Ceremony: Nubble Light

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J+A- Swept Away at Windswept | East Blue Hill, Maine Wedding Photographer

Weddings • February 28, 2023 

A private residence just a few minutes away from where Alex grew up. As you follow the long grassy path through the field, you get closer and closer to the ocean and the celebration of a lifetime. Let’s just say, this day made me extra happy as an East Blue Hill Maine Wedding Photographer. 

Jessie’s grandfather walked her through the field and down the aisle, where guests, her fiance and their fur baby, Theo, waited patiently for her. The sun was beaming on this hot August day. We occasionally caught a breeze off the water. 

As they exchanged their handwritten vows with each other, their eyes filled with tears and their pup laid patiently at their feet until it was time to walk hand in hand up the aisle with them. 

After portraits were finished, Jessie changed out of her custom made dress into a jumpsuit so she could comfortably enjoy dinner and dancing. The tables were set with antique dishes under the sailcloth tent. Simple touches of elegance and fun filled their space nestled in Curtis Cove.

The night ended with a bang…scroll to the end to check out their personal firework show!

VENDORS

Photographer: Emily Brianne Photography

Dress: Danielle Amato – Hudson George

Florals: Erinn Bridges

Catering: Bianco Catering

Bridesmaid Attire: Birdy Grey

Groomsmen: Henry’s Bridal

Hair and Makeup: The Alchemist

Rentals: A Plus Rentals

Are you looking for an East Blue Hill Maine Wedding Photographer?

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J+N- Minimalistic Coastal Wedding at Bar Harbor Inn | Maine Wedding Photographer

Weddings • February 22, 2023 

After a few pandemic postponements, Jen and Nick were finally able to officially make their family become one. It was so evident how much they value family. Grandpa married them on the lawn of the Bar Harbor Inn overlooking Frenchmans Bay. Nick’s son was overjoyed to see his beautiful new stepmom coming down the aisle with her dad. And the most special part of all was their first dances. It was a gorgeous coastal wedding at Bar Harbor Inn.

Part way through the parent dances, they invited all other mother/sons and father/daughters to join in. But it didn’t stop there…  Since Jen and Nick’s new rescheduled wedding date landed on her parent’s wedding anniversary. She surprised the two of them by playing their wedding song and inviting them out for a dance. Jen and Nick joined them part way through and it’s safe to say there weren’t many dry eyes. 

The scenery that the Bar Harbor Inn offers on the coast of Maine, is hard to beat. The bride and groom tied in classic, minimalist details to compliment the coastal vibes. She gifted each of her bridesmaids an oyster shell trinket dish from Oyster Cottages, which are perfect for holding your jewelry and adding some extra elements in your detail photos. (I even ordered a couple for Christmas gifts!)

Scroll through to see love and coastal touches. 

VENDORS

Photographer: Emily Brianne Photography

Dress Designer: Allure

Dress Place of Purchase: Grayce Bridal and Formal

Florist: Queen Anne’s Flower Shop

Venue: Bar Harbor Inn

DJ/Band: Sanborn Entertainment

Hair Artist: Emily Leach 

Makeup Artist: Brittany Spence 

Oyster Dishes: Alison Brooke Designs

Planning your own coastal wedding at Bar Harbor Inn? Contact me today!

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Tips For Scheduling A Vacation Photo Session

Tips & Advice • February 10, 2023 

Thinking about having a family session, but can never find the right time? I know it can often be a struggle to get the whole family together, with coordinating schedules and busy lives. So why not do your family photos while you’re on vacation?! Take advantage when you do get the opportunity to all be together, and have it documented in a vacation photo session! Chances are, you’re visiting a pretty area and a local photographer can help you find some great scenery. (And, there’s probably a good chance you’ll have the most unique Christmas card that year 😉 Let’s capture those precious memories that are being made! Below are some tips for planning a session for your vacation…

Tips For Scheduling A Vacation Photo Session:

1. First things first, plan ahead! Once you have your travel dates set, start reaching out to photographers to get pricing quotes and find out their availability during the time you’re visiting. Most photographers book out several months in advance so you will have more options the sooner you reach out.

2. Be flexible! If having photos done on your trip is one of your top priorities, make sure you have a flexible schedule because photographers may have limited availability. Schedule your session, then plan your other vacation activities around that.

3. Keep in mind, weekend dates can often be more expensive or not available at all. Because many photographers need to reserve their weekend dates for weddings (or their personal life), that time is more valuable to them, and can in turn cost a little extra. So if you have the flexibility to book a weekday session, that could save you a little money.

4. Once you book your session, start planning your outfits so that you know what to pack. Figure out if you’ll need to buy anything new, etc. You don’t want to stress about outfit planning, coordinating, and shopping while you’re on vacation. Also be sure to keep in mind the session location and the different climate when choosing your outfits.

Thinking about booking a session? Let’s chat!!

Wanna see more vacation sessions? Check out the blog!

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