How lucky was I to be a part of Miss Cora’s 4th Birthday party in Hermon Maine?!  Mom, wanted to have a party full of fun and chose to host it at the Hermon Maine Snowmobile Club for ease of clean up, to have space for crafts, and a photo booth!  The theme was Knights and Fair Maidens.  My friend is a very talented and creative graphic designer here in Maine.  She made the adorable invites below.  I hopped right on the photo booth idea.  I love dress up and photography (of course!)  I had been eyeing the fun photo booth backgrounds I had seen on Pinterest and at some of my Maine weddings.  They were made of long torn strips of fabric in three or four colors made into a fluttery curtain or garland of sorts.  I thought, “Hey, I could make that!”  And Cora’s birthday party photo booth was the perfect opportunity.  I had wanted one for my Sabattus Maine photography studio anyway.  I had some props and Bridgit had trunks of things since Cora loves dress up!  She also went all out buying the knights outfit, which all the boys loved.  Guests enjoyed two fun craft projects; crown decorating and mask painting.  The crowns were made from fun scrapbook papers and were adjustable with a velcro.  Stickers and jewels were available to embellishment to your hearts content.   We dined on punch, macaroni & cheese, PB&J with crusts removed, and cheese puffs!  A grand feast for any little lord or lady.  The photo booth shenanigans are sure to make you smile.  Miss Cora was very cute when everyone sang “Happy Birthday”, and she blew out the candles on her pink cone castle birthday cake made by the cake decorator extraordinair, Karen.  ”Aunty” Michele was a big help at the photo booth and made the gift bags that were awarded for the castle bean bag toss game (created by dad!) where everyone was a winner.  Unfortunately I was too busy at the photo booth to get photographs of that.  After the game we all went outside for the Pinata grand finale!  Yay candy!  I hope you enjoy these photographs.  Remember to photograph your family all the time.  They change so quickly, and before you know it they are starting families of their own.  Happy Birthday Cora!  I am so proud to be your “aunty”.  Every time I see you I am impressed by the new things you have learned, your cuteness, and fun personality.  Just like Mom and Dad you are sure to grow into an amazing person!  xoxoxo Aunt Rene

 Cute invitation by Graphic Designer Bridgit Cayer

Cora waiting at the window for her friends to arrive while we finish decorating.

Birthday Party Fun, Maine Style!

Cora and Grandpa were my stand in models!

 Miss Cora and 3 pretty cool ladies.  I LOVE this photograph of Cora and Mom (heart melting!)

The torn fabric backdrop came out great, and I plan on offering it for birthdays, mini photo sessions, and some of my Maine wedding clients.  I can even create one special for your event with your colors (yours to keep when the wedding or party is over).

Fun times in the Photo Booth

These kids crack me up!

Can you say adorable?

Shenanigans

Photo booth Family!

Cora loved it when everyone sang happy birthday.  I could tell it made her feel so special “sniff”

 Time to break out the candy…literally

The Details:

The Birthday Girl:  The most fabulous Miss Cora

Photo Booth Creation:  Rene Minnis Photography

Photography: Rene Minnis Photography

Cake:  Karen Clark

Crafts and Theme:  Bridgit Cayer,  ideas

 Pinterest, using the search terms: castle party, knights, swords, medieval and maiden. ( she purposefully stayed away from “prince” and “princess” so as to locate more unique ideas — no Disney stuff.)

 She looked around on etsy.com, too. That’s where she found the handmade cloth banner made of castle-themed fabric triangles (seen in one of the photographs).

 Gift Bags and Snacks:  Michele Prentice

 Music:  Bridgit’s Phone!

 Additional Thanks for help in set-up cleaning and decorating:  Brian, Vic, Cil, Linda, and Rick!

The Cliffside Lodge in Poland Spring Maine is a hidden gem!  This Maine Photographer is hoping to change that.  I live right down the road,  and love to photograph Maine wedding venues and ceremonies that are close to home.  The Cliffside Lodge has several offerings that make it a unique choice for your wedding day.  When you reserve the lodge you also get accommodations and use of the entire facility.  They have several locations for your wedding ceremony and the grounds are very woodsy and scenic with quaint dirt roads, forests, waterfront, and cabins.  These rustic locations have a great Maine feel and are beautiful for photographs.  Inside the Cliffside Lodge  you will find a large central room of wood floors, open cathedral ceilings boasting large chandeliers, post and beam work, and a large field stone fire place.  The Cliffside Lodge partners with Belle Fete Catering of Brunswick Maine for lovely and delicious plated meals.

Rachel and Tom chose the Cliffside Lodge, Poland Maine for all the reasons above as well as it being perfect to showcase Maine foliage for their fall wedding.  The day was gorgeous and there were so many beautiful details to capture including amazing flower bouquets by Laurie Ouellette  of Sweet Pea Designs.  (each one unique and full of the Autumn colors of Maine!)  We decided to a “First Look”.  This is where the bride and groom choose to do most of their photographs before the wedding ceremony.  Rachel and Tom wanted to spend more time with their geusts.  Tom waited with his back turned in the grand room in front of the fire place.  Rachel approached and said a quiet “hello”.  When Tom turned around you could just see his heart melt at the sight of Rachel!  It was such a sweet moment.  The wedding ceremony was lovely with acoustic guitar accomponyment by a friend of the bride and groom, and sunlight streaming through the trees.  Delicious food was provide by Belle Fete Events & Catering, and Cake by La Belle Torta of Auburn Maine.  After a lovely Maine sunset portrait Rachel & Tom danced the night away with friends and family to music and lighting provided by Greg Young of Northeast DJ’s.

Rachel and her attendants prepare for Rachel & Tom’s “First Look” at the Cliffside Lodge in Poland Spring Maine

Rachel’s dress, shoes, and accessories glimmered in the streaming sunlight that filtered through the trees during their wedding ceremony on this beautiful Maine afternoon in the fall.

There were gorgeous bouquets in yellows, reds, and oranges for all!  I love white pumpkins and just had to find a unique use for them.  The bride’s father was quite tickled to see me laying on the floor while capturing this photograph of the wedding rings.

Rachel and Tom have fun and supportive friends who love to laugh, as you can see!  These portraits were taken before the ceremony so Tom and Rachel would have more time with their wedding guests.

I just love the above grouping of photographs.  Look how happy Tom is, and the way Rachel’s dress is glowing in the sunlight.  The photograph of her mother and father during the ceremony,.. “sniff”

A bride on tippy toes surrounded by golden Maine foliage, doesnt’ get any better!  Adorable!

Twilight and sunset at the Cliffside Lodge Poland Spring Maine

Joy, Love, and Happiness for all!

The Details

Photography:  Rene Minnis Photography

Flowers for Venue and Bouquets:  Sweet Pea Designs

Delicacies:  Belle Fete Events & Catering

Cake:  La Bella Torta

Entertainment & Lighting:  Northeast DJ’s

Details of Anne’s Dress and Shoes

Dinner Plate Dahlias from Endless Summer Flower Farm in Camden Maine

Getting Ready in Belfast Maine Home.

Lovely light for Anne & Ben’s Ceremony at the 1st Congregational Church of Belfast 

Belfast Maine Wedding Portraits

Trillium Caterers in Belfast Maine.  Yummy!

Laughter & Love in Belfast Maine

Touching toasts with a bit of laughter thrown in!

Dancing to Rockland Maine band Three Button Deluxe

The Details:

Photography:  Rene Minnis Photography, Sabattus Maine

Ceremony:  1st Congregational Church, Belfast Maine

Venue:  Board Landing Farm, Belfast Maine

Decor and Flower Arrangement:  Bride Anne!  Inspirations style me pretty, Martha Stewart, once wed.

Flowers:  Endless Summer Flower Farm, Camden Maine

Libations:  Trillium Caterers, Belfast Maine

Music:  Three Button Deluxe, Rockland Maine

Pets are family too!  I love photographing pets alone or with their owners.  I do these shoots on location throughout the state of Maine,  and in my Sabattus, Maine studio.  On this day we had a whole family of three Leonberger dogs on set.  It was a full house of fluffy hair, new toys, and fun!  Cuddle up with your own “best friends” and enjoy these playful pups.  ~ Rene Minnis Photography

Life is Good ~ Enjoy  xoxo Rene

Michele & Mark’s Wedding at the Lookout in Brooklin Maine

Preparations

Preparations and details

Views at The Lookout

Details by Pencil Events

Details

Ceremony Fun!

Ceremony

Backlit Guests

The Island

Time to Play!

Michele + Mark = LOVE

Morgan and Dean’s Wedding:  Kennebunkport Maine

Kennebunk Congregational Church

Chase Hill Event Center

There are so many beautiful locations to get married in Maine.  I have the honor of getting to explore them, always discovering new gems.   Kennebunkport is home to some of our more sandy beaches and a fun town to explore on a Destination wedding weekend.

Morgan and Dean.  What can I say?  These two look like movie stars and have an amazing group of family and friends.   They met in college through Dean’s best friend.

Dean’s proposal:  Morgan was sitting in the front row at an Ohio State Game.  Dean was in the marching band, and had his section play the wedding march as he proposed.  Morgan ran out to him with a huge hug, and the crowd went wild!  How sweet and romantic!

For their wedding day, they chose Kennebunkport as Morgan had spent happy summers there with her grandparents.  Their ceremony was held at Kennebunk Congregational Church.  The reception location and food were provided by Chase Hill Event Center in Kennebunkport.  The dining area is very classic and bright with windows.  To the side, a wood beam and clapboard bar connect to an open air dance floor.   Airy Elegance, and a perfect day for Morgan and Dean!

A stunning gown glowing in the window
Morgan, her family, and the ladies hop on the trolly to ride to the churchDean making sure everything is on schedule!This birdcage veil was a perfect touch for Morgan’s glamourous styleDad escorting Morgan into the Sanctuary to start the ceremonyDean anxiously awaiting a first glimpseYay! they did it!SillinessSo HollywoodWhat a lovely couple
Chase Hill Event CenterMorgan’s Grandfather and his friends sing her a song.  ”sniff”  What an amazing family!An origami bird made by Morgan for DeanWith this crew, who knows what the night will bring!I think Dean has a “not so secret” admirer

Details

Photography:  Rene Minnis Photography

Venue & Food:  Chase Hill by Fete

Tracy & Maurice:  Whitney’s Inn, Jackson New Hampshire

Whitney’s Inn is the perfect New Hampshire wedding venue.  If you would like a ceremony with mountain views and rustic barn style reception with antique touches, this is the place for you.  (I would have my own wedding ceremony there in a heartbeat!)  The Shovel Handle Pub at Whitney’s Inn is very interesting with open ceiling and wood everywhere.  The support beams have been left in between rooms so it is open, yet separate.  The seating is on 3 levels with the dance floor in the middle.  This venue is best for a group that is gregarious and likes to mingle.  The rooms are decorated with antique signs, farm implements, and even and antique stove.  The polished wood bar is gorgeous!  They have many rooms outside the main inn for guests to stay and serve a lovely breakfast with views of the  New Hampshire White Mountains.

Tracy & Maurice are all about FUN!  They are a free spirited couple with an equally spirited group of friends and family.  Their shindig was spectacular.  The Bride and Groom did a “first look” session where we took a lot of the formal photographs before the Wedding Ceremony at Jackson Falls.  This is a great way to spend most of your time at your party instead of taking photos.

The ceremony took place on Whitney’s Inn manicured lawn under a birch awning with a view of New Hampshires White Mountains.  The back of the programs had “make your own paper plane” directions! (too cute!)  Guests were encouraged to create and fly these planes as Tracy and Moe exited their ceremony.  Happily, they obliged .

The cocktail hour was held in the main part of Whitney’s Inn, and outside.  The reception was in the barn at The Shovel Handle Pub.  The DIY photo-booth was hit!  (Rene Minnis Photography can also provide a photo booth for you)  Many of the booth props made it up to the dance floor where hilarity ensued.  The band (friends of the couple) was charismatic and let the guests participate in some musical performances.  I couldn’t stop smiling this entire wedding, and even danced with the crew at the end of the night .

Debony’s Salon is stylish and eclectic with great light.  We had so much fun getting ready there!  It is in Jackson New Hampshire, right down the road from Whitney’s Inn and the Shovel Handle Pub.Jackson Falls New Hampshire is the perfect picturesque place to have your wedding portraits… and make grouchy faces!Notice the paper airplanes!What a Beautiful bride!

Gorgeous interiors at the Shovel Handle Pub adjacent to Whitney’s Inn, Jackson New HampshireRustic Charm at Whitney’s.  You just want to stop in and stay for awhile.Shenanigans!
The Shovel Handle Pub, a great Barn style wedding venue in Jackson New Hampshire.

The End!

Details

Photographer:  Rene Minnis Photography

Hair and Makeup:  Debony Salon

Flowers:  Bouquets and Boutonniere’s by Carolyn from Snell Farm.  Table vases DIY by Tracy and Family

Venue & Libations:  Whitney’s Inn, Jackson NH

Music:  Holy Cow Band

Molly and Adam’s Wedding at Laudholm Farms Reserve in Wells Maine

Molly and Adam are a sweet, fun, adventurous couple.  They met at a friends wedding where they were both members of the party.  Currently hailing from Vermont, they enjoy hiking and nature.  Laudholm Farm in Wells had the perfect blend of wild and rustic vintage for their casually elegant wedding.

I just LOVE this venue.  It has so much character.  There are many great spots for photographs, and you can even take a cart down to the beach.   Friends and Family had a fantastic time dancing the night away in the lantern lit barn as the sun set behind the adjacent farmhouse.  Ahhh Maine summer at its best.

This unique bouquet was stunning against Molly’s lace gown

Olivia, Practicing with chapstick close at hand

Three Sisters
In line for the the mirrorMiss Olivia helping Molly with her shoes, how adorableA proud FatherStyling and Libations by Kitchen Chicks Catering
Fun with the girls!Molly + Adam = <3Beautiful light
This was such a fun group.  Everyone had an amazing time!
Adam’s official initiation to the Maine clan via the Moose Hat.  Moose hat was much sought after during the dancing Sunset on the FarmYeah, I climb up on balconies and swing from rafters.  That’s where all the good shots ar

Photographer: Rene Minnis Photography

Venue: Laudholm Farm Reserve, Wells Maine

Design & Libations: Kitchen Chicks Catering

Flowers: Fleurant Flowers and Design

Tent:  Marshall tent rentals

Band:  Grippo Funk Band

This little guy did a fantastic job! We were able to do several blankets and some knitwear too. He made sure we all got a little wet so no one felt left out , but once we got him sleeping adorable photographs were the result.  His mom is a very talented knitter.  She made both the sleep sac and the adorable green/blue stripe  hat.  I dabble in knitting and made the chunky button beanie.  I just love his squishy cheeks.  These sessions involve a lot of waiting, but the resulting images are worth it!  They change almost daily that first year.  It is so important to capture these moments.

Periodically, I offer studio mini sessions for kids.   Keep an eye out for them because they are fun, a great deal, and only happen when the inspiration to have a studio full of little whirlwinds strikes me!  Each $100.00 session is 10-15 minutes (2 kid limit) and comes with a shared gallery and a 5×7 print.  As you can see, even studio sessions can be fun and full of life.  I really love to photograph kids just giggling and being themselves.  Enjoy looking!