In the middle of May, Lindsay, Brendan, their families, and a short-lived cheering swarm of black flies (we were in the Maine woods, after all!) celebrated L & B’s marriage at Lindsay’s sister’s beautiful Dedham Maine property. It was a leisurely day- the kids, who all adorned flower crowns, swang, climbed, and slid on a jungle gym, while Lindsay and Brendan prepared in separate buildings. Lindsay got ready with a checklist at hand, taking care to ensure everything was coming together for the wedding, while I got to watch Brendan put in a valiant effort to tie his bow tie (ultimately, Lindsay’s uncle saved the day). And finally the pair met at a arch made of birch, in the woods, where their families witnessed Lindsay and Brendan coming together as husband and wife.

As afternoon turned to evening, everyone ate, drank, shared a few toasts, a first dance was had, and Lindsay and Brendan facetimed some of their favorite people who couldn’t be there. I was pleased to see Angie, my cousin, show up on Lindsay’s phone (she’s a close friend of Lindsay’s!), but I was so happy to see the joy on Lindsay and Brendan’s face as they showed off their rings and Lindsay spun in her dress.

These photos are a few of my favorite moments from Lindsay and Brendan’s wedding- enjoy!

Venue: Private Residence, Dedham Maine
Photographer: Kate Crabtree
Officiant: Lindsay’s aunt
Caterer: Stagecoach Catering
Florist: Chapel Hill Floral
Dress Shop: Andrea’s Bridal
Dress: Willowby by Watters
Suit: Peter Renney’s Fashions
Makeup/hair: Ally Sullivan, Eden Salon
Stationary: Minted

Oh, 2020- you were not an easy year.  I witnessed my couples making difficult decisions that they had never dreamed they would ever have to make about their weddings, and it was heartbreaking to see that their big days were made more complicated by COVID-19. While some couples delayed to 2021, others, featured here, opted to continue forward in 2020. They did so with grit and determination, taking on difficult tasks such as whittling down guest lists, working together to determine good safety practices, and making requests of their guests, such as testing and mask use. Despite all of that stressful work, I found that their weddings were fun and emotional events that were a delight to capture.

I was especially thrilled to see many couples opt to elope outside this year. I photographed five elopements this year that had two or less guests present, and four took place in Acadia National Park. While I certainly enjoy photographing larger weddings, 2020 felt like the perfect time to escape to nature and elope. It was such a wonderful experience to share Acadia with my couples, several of which had never experienced Acadia’s beauty before. I even hiked with some of them, which led us to some incredible views.

While I certainly spent a lot of time in Acadia photographing elopements and engagements, I traveled all over Maine to photograph weddings in 2020- to private residences in Blue Hill, North Yarmouth, Northeast Harbor, and Brunswick, and two venues- Barn at Flanagan Farm and Nonesuch River Brewing, all stunning in their own ways.

With all that said, this set of photos, which I’ve selected as my very favorite from 2020, feels especially poignant this year. These couples and their weddings prevailed, despite all of the challenges that were faced. It often felt like there was very little to cheer about in 2020, but my couples came together with their closest friends and family to show that there was indeed something to celebrate- love, which persevered and flourished, even during a time where we were all forced to quarantine and separate from one another.

Without further ado, here are my favorite photos from 2020. Can’t wait for 2021!