Bonnie and Chris
8.3.13
Kennebunk, Maine
Bonnie and Chris’ wedding was like pressing a reset button on me mid-wedding season, igniting a reminder of why I feel lucky to do what I do. These two are children of the earth, as the saying goes. I’d add of the sea as well for Chris is a captain and works on the water and Gooch’s Beach was the backdrop for their nuptials. It was a smallish affair inviting, as Bonnie said, “only the nearest and dearest.” Though the couple is living on the west coast now, Chris grew up in Kennebunk, so they chose to have a sweet ceremony on the rocky shore of Narragansett Point and a backyard reception just down the road at his uncle’s house. Planner Sharon Hardy did a wonderful job managing the day’s events. The reception tent was totally up my alley, dining on big farm tables with benches and eating family style. She admitted though, it was all Bonnie’s creative vision. Chris even made personalized leather bookmarks for all the guests (as well as belts for the groomsmen)! Chuck from Destination Catering cooked up some platters and bowls of delicious food. Parking was hard to come by at both the ceremony and reception site, so he kindly offered to drive my car back from the ceremony site, dropping me off, and finding a nook to park my car in back at the house. That act of kindness made my day!
Bonnie looked easy breezy beautiful in her wedding dress. Chris looked handsome in his attire and also easy breezy donning flip flops with his vest and tie — loved that look. The ceremony was kicked off by the Schooner Eleanor sailing by, a ship that he helped build and that his friend is now captain of. Heartfelt vows were spoke by both Bonnie and Chris. Tears from both made me well up. I feel these two are truly connected at the soul. There is a vein that runs deep between them, a lifeline of sorts that seems to give energy and love from one to the other and back. I saw this throughout the day, but felt it at the ceremony and later during our walk to the beach for portraits. (I’m sure Bailey the dog, their “son” as they call him, also adds to their lifeline!). Bonnie and Chris are kind, laid back, creative, loving, and fun. They treat each other and those around them with respect and seem genuinely honored by their presence, grateful for their moments with them.
Thank you so much for having me document your wedding day, Bonnie and Chris! I loved every minute of it. I hope you are enjoying Italy and your (second!) cross country trip back to Cali. Because Portland is so wonderful and such a great place to visit — or better yet, live! (wink, wink) — my offer still stands if you need a place to crash or a tour guide as the quest to convince Bonnie to move to Maine continues :) Hope you’re enjoying your newlywed status!
How they met, in Bonnie’s words:
Love at first sight. We’ve been inseparable since the day we met. We met on July 4, 2007 and watched the fireworks together. My car was in the shop and Chris rode his bike. He wanted to give me a ride home, so the two of us hopped on his bike, and up hill and all, we made it home. A true symbolism to our relationship…we always make it work. :)
Photographer: Whitney, emilie inc. photography
Bridal prep: Hidden Pond, Kennebunk
Ceremony: Gooch’s Beach, Kennebunk
Reception: groom’s uncle’s home
Coodinator: Sharon Hardy, Reflections of You Events
Officiant: Carolyn Lambert
Caterer: Destination Catering
Music: Fred Pappalardo DJs
Cake: Bel Cibo da Cherie
Hair/make-up: Kimberly Savage
Tent: Exeter Events and Tents
Honeymoon: Italy and cross-country road trip
