For years I have longed to photograph atop a hill with cascading rolling fields of green ending in a the last moments of sunset. I found that at the Merrill Farmhouse in Gray, Maine at the wedding of Lauren and Travis.
“My family adores you, and your work. If the job in NY isn't already for one of them haha they would be happy to have you over for dinner or a quick hello!!”
--Lauren D.
Photographing at the rehearsal dinner Friday evening in late September for Lauren and Travis I was overjoyed to be taking family portraits. With Travis and his stepdad holding down my adirondack chair so it would not flip beneath me because I didn't want to lose a moment of sunset light to run to my car for my ladder, I had all around me partake in a portrait. (We had checked the week prior with Black Tie catering, there was no available ladder at the farmhouse).
The bride's father Robert was playing music with his iphone keeping everyone in high spirits, it was awesome! When we went inside for dinner, there began the weekend of good eating. Amy at Black Tie said she had her best chefs on site for this wedding and I have no doubt they did. I compared the food to the Stone Barn in Westchester near where Lauren grew up and where she thought of maybe having her wedding. (The Stone Barn is known for the amazing dinners).
But Lauren and Travis's wedding had to be Maine. Maine is the home of Lauren's love and soulmate Travis. Maine is where Lauren and Travis have started their careers and medical practice, Empower Chiro Accu. They are very good at what they do as well, I can say from experience.
Having an authentic Farm, quality food, an outdoor experience and exceptional photography were all important to Lauren and Travis. They went as local as they could with all their vendors and food. Judy from Flora Fauna did the gorgeous arrangements, and the wedding favors were bottles of Maine Maple Syrup purchased from a farm within miles of Merrill Farmhouse.
Some of my favorite people to meet and photograph at weddings are not the young and glamorous, but are quiet with many stories if you take the time to talk to them. The groom's grandfather caught my eye during the toasts--he had the twinkle in his blue eyes of my great great Aunt Elsie. Held my hands in his like she did when I talked to him. Once I talked with him, I decided a generational picture was a must. Bert Sr. Bert & Travis right here.
These photos bring me so much joy I’m obsessed with the progression of 'PG' kosher wedding to the slurred light photos showing what a party it turned into :-) just classic I LOVE all of them and the effects!! THANK YOU!
--Lauren D.
There are many barns to choose from in Maine, many are beautiful and I highly recommend them. What takes the cake here at Merrill is the stunning landscape and remote location. There is little to no traffic to worry about and I could photograph all day overlooking the working fields behind us. If Maine is the way life should be, Merrill Farmhouse is the way barn weddings should be!
For details on the venue please get in touch with Amy Collins from Black Tie.
If you are interested in my availability for your wedding please email me at photo@sharynpeavey.com.