Kelley and Mike attended prom together. Yes, prom! They weren’t students, however- she was a teacher, and he was a resource officer, and he swears he asked her just to be a chaperone, not as a date, but that fateful prom was the start of their relationship. As their students celebrated the end of high school, the two of them got to know one another. Three years later, there they were, on the cliffs of Acadia National Park, sharing vows in front of their favorite people.

I met up with Kelley and Mike at Acadia Hotel, and I was not surprised that Kelley was ready to get into her dress the moment I arrived. Kelley and Mike had been so delightfully detailed-oriented during the planning process of their wedding that I thoroughly expected them to run on time, if not early. And throughout the day, we ran like a well-oiled machine- except for the ceremony, which started a tiny bit late (due to traffic in the park, which can be heavier on the weekends) we made everything happen on time. Perfection! We drove throughout the park, exploring all of Acadia’s landscapes- from rocky beaches, to fields, to the forest, to the cliffs, we captured all of Acadia’s beauty. But, more importantly, Kelley and Mike’s love for each other was captured amongst these scenic spots.

After a long day of portraits and a sweet ceremony, we retired to Abel’s Lobster Pound, where everyone changed into casual outfits, feasted on lobster, and toasts were shared, in which troll dolls (one which was actually wearing a wedding dress) were actually featured in one toast, much to my delight.

Here’s a few of my favorite photos from our time together. Enjoy!

Vendors:

Getting Ready: Acadia Hotel
Reception: Abel’s Lobster Pound
Photographer: Kate Crabtree Photography
Officiant: Adam Babbitt, MDI Weddings
Florist: Floret
Dress Shop: Pearl Bridal Boutique
Wedding Dress: Stella York
Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair/makeup: Echo Salon

When Kayla and Orlo booked me for their wedding, Kayla shared that she was moving to the Bangor area, which is where I’m located, and so I invited Kayla out for a drink in order to help welcome her to the neighborhood. We chatted over beers (and then we went out again, for coffee) and I remember feeling so glad that she and Orlo had picked me to photograph their elopement because she was just a rad human being that I was happy to know.

The weather was quite honestly weird on the day of their elopement. The sky was full of puffy, stunning clouds that let loose an intense downpour as I drove to Acadia. I felt giddy- while I don’t want my couples to have terrible weather for their elopement, the combination of the rain, the clouds, and the sun was was frequently peeking out, meant that we’d likely have a stunning sunset.

Kayla, Orlo, and their parents were already there when I arrived, so soon after we trudged through the woods to a beautiful, quiet cove that’s off the beaten path. After a lovely ceremony, we captured some family photos, and then spent the rest of the time capturing cool portraits among the stunning and varied landscapes of Acadia.

At one point, as the sun was setting, there was a brief sprinkle. After capturing a few backlit rain portraits, I asked if either saw a rainbow, and Orlo was the first to spot it. I immediately spotted where we should take portraits that would feature the rainbow, but it would require Kayla and Orlo to scramble up a cliff. Like the kind photographer I am, I asked them to scale the rocks if they wanted this magical rainbow in their portrait, and low and behold, they did. Later on, as I scrolled through their questionnaire they filled out for me prior to their elopement, they wrote “no rock climbing for us!” Whoops! It was worth it, though!

Here are a few of my favorite photos from our time together. Enjoy!

Lauren, Mick and their families traveled from Michigan to elope in Acadia National Park during one of best times to visit- mid September (it tends to be less crowded than summer, and the park quiets down a bit before peak foliage. The weather is usually quite beautiful as well). We initially met at Jordan Pond for a few portraits prior to their ceremony, then joined with their families at Otter Point so that their ceremony could take place at sunset. Malen Hsu officiated (she’s a favorite officiant of mine on the island!) and created a personalized ceremony for Lauren and Mick that had everyone laughing and tearing up, which all felt especially poignant as the sun set. We used some of the last light to complete a few more couples portraits and family portraits, and were graced with some seriously amazing light and skies that shifted throughout the evening.

Here are some of my favorite photos from our time together. Enjoy!