Kristel and James {Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park} | Freeport Maine Photographer

I can think of no better post to share on Veterans Day than a post of Kristel and James. James is a member of the Army Reserves after his years in active duty, and this couple is a very special –  and dare I say – a life-changing part of my photography career and life as a whole. 🤩

Sixteen years ago this past August, I photographed Kristel and James’ wedding. I was 100% NOT a professional photographer at this point – just a co-worker of Kristel’s who had her first DSLR camera and a bucket list dream of someday photographing a wedding. After taking some photos at Kristel’s bridal shower, she and James asked if I would photograph their wedding on top of Cadillac Mountain. I said no. Absolutely not. I had no experience, not much knowledge, and absolutely no place photographing a wedding. But they insisted. And I still said no. And they still insisted. And finally I caved, and so began my career as a professional photographer.

(HUGE shoutout to the lovely gentleman at the now-gone Photomarket whose eyes bugged out of his head when I told him what I was up to and consequently spent an hour teaching me every nook and cranny in my camera, and very important tips such as never photograph someone while eating. You sir, are my hero. 🤩)

What happened after that fateful day was a whirlwind of learning, growing, and building a business. The hustle has been so.real. for the past 16 years, and is still going strong. I hadn’t seen Kristel and James since their wedding day, and was thrilled when she reached out asking if I would be willing to do some portraits with them this year. I couldn’t wait.

The evening we had at Wolfe’s Neck Woods last month was more special than I could have possibly imagined. Kristel and James are more grown up, and even more in love. They still look at each other with the same twinkle in their eyes as that day 16 years ago, and still make each other smile, blush, and laugh. It took no time to slip back into a comfortable space with them in front of the camera. James wore his dress blues for part of our session, and they even brought some of their favorite books for a few photos (oh my bookish heart! ❤️). It was incredibly special to have them in front of my camera again all these years later. I am forever grateful for these two giving me the push I needed to launch my career, and owe so much of what I do to these two amazing humans.

Scroll all the way to the end for a special peek at some photos of their wedding day and my first real experience as a photographer. Thank you Kristel and James for putting your trust in me. I am forever grateful to the two of you, and so very honored to take your photos again, 16 years later. ❤️ xoxo

🥂 Wedding Photos! 🥂

August 1, 2009