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Not sure how to order photo gifts/cards online? This video will walk you through step by step :)

I just LOVE being a mom!! (thank You Kirk for such a sweet photo!)

It is truly the best thing ever to watch my boys develop their own style
& to see their sweet personalities shine…magical really.

For the past few years I have been itching to ditch my office (and all of the paperwork associated with it) but I just could not tear myself away from photographing weddings…being a wedding photographer looks like a carefree easy job, but I will tell you that there are a shocking number of hats. That is why I literally jumped up and down when I saw that Stacey was ready to expand her studio and grow a team that included adding an additional wedding photographer. I wrote her an email immediately that said “pick me!!”…and she did!!!!

My obsession = photographing weddings

The thorn in my side = office work

My dream = to only be a photographer

My dream come true = Stacey Kane Studio!!

Bye Bye long nights of editing photographs!

Hello OBSESSION!! …and at long last, beach days with my family!!!

Effectively immediately I will be shooting weddings exclusively
as a photographer with Stacey Kane studio!!

****(all current contracts will remain through Audra Photography;
all new wedding contracts will be through Stacey Kane studio)****

“Making beautiful photographs was the easy part…the challenge was in creating images that capture personality, sass, and a sense of strength…”

Here are a few more photographs from the April shoot with Shoot Style:

Yesterday I spent a few hours photographing 3 models along side Earl Christie.  Shoot Style (if you are a photographer and don’t know who they are, you are totally missing out!) set up a boudoir photo shoot at a lakeside camp, which I jumped at the chance to join.  Fashion photography is new to me but I am head over heels in love with it…I have to say, boudoir photography had the exact same vibe.  Earl and I took turns setting up shots.  I loved the challenge of photographing these women.  Making beautiful photographs was the easy part…the challenge was in creating images that capture personality, sass, and a sense of strength…

I am always eager to open a box of chocolates…I know it is not very lady like…but I usually dig right in.  If I don’t like my first pick, I put the leftover bit of chocolate back in the box and I try the next one…and so on.

This time, my “chocolate box opening experience” was very different.   When I lifted the lid…I found myself staring at ART.  Really.  Art.  Just looking at the modern design and shape of the two chocolates delighted me.  And then, my first bite…the taste was truly indescribably delicious.  Brilliant flavor and texture!!

My second impression of Black Dinah Chocolatiers confirms my first:

:: Impeccable presentation, FRESH local quality ingredients, chic, elegant, creative little bites of originality…with just the right amount of sass. This chocolatier makes Maine proud!!  These lovely chocolates are a wedding detail that your family and friends will be sure to remember!  ::

The cherry on top: the prices are completely reasonable with no minimum order.  example: 1 Chocolate in a glassine envelope with a personalized message, name and/or date – $2.50 each (sample in photo above)  OR a 2-piece box with a ribbon – $5!!! Check out Black Dinah Chocolatiers’ website for a detailed list of products and prices.

I can only think of a handful of times when I have tasted something so incredible that it has burned itself into my memory…I will NEVER be able to forget the scrumptious hand-cut caramel, sprinkled with Maine sea salt…and I am afraid that my caramel craving will probably never be completely satisfied again…unless…(note to my family and friends: for every holiday from now until forever…can you just give me a box of handmade chocolates from a remote island in Maine?  hint. hint.)  ~audra

Read Black Dinah Chocolatiers “vendor page” on Maine Wedding Spot.

Read about the excitement one little dog caused…

I actually LOVE when dogs attend weddings…even better when they are part of the ceremony!   Maybe it is partly that I have always loved animals…and the other part…because I love the unexpected…dogs provide just that!

I (Audra Photography) photographed this wedding in Lincolnville, Maine…it was so much fun to have a little spunky dog in the wedding party!

This little Jack Russel Terrier was so well behaved…patiently waiting for his turn to walk down the aisle, sitting at attention during the ceremony, even obediently looking to his masters for direction as they walk together during The Recessional… But then instinct kicked in and well mannered Fido became a hunter of bouquets!! Ribbon untied, solid grip on the stems, chomping as he rans at top speeds (leaving a trail of petals along the way)…I think he was actually smiling!! In the end, only the Bride could convince him to “drop” his prize…I am quite sure this is a moment that will not be forgotten by family and friends…all of the commotion certainly resulted in lots of laughs! I know the Bride and Groom were so happy to celebrate their wedding day with their beloved dog!!  …even if there was one less bouquet in the formal photograph of the wedding party…

:: French's Point ~ Aron & Gita's wedding location ::

An entirely donated, high-end wedding event (October 15-17, 2009) for a very deserving couple: Gita Pullapilly and Aron Gaudet!

Jessika, Ross, Aron, Gita, Amber, The L-Factor girls

Here it is…THE LIST of incredible vendors who are generously giving their time, skills, and products for this three day event!!!

**Missed the wedding details? Read this post -> :: A Free Maine Wedding? ::

Location: The Retreatat French’s Point
Jessika Brooks,CEO
RWMProjectDirector
Venue for: Rehearsal Dinner, Wedding Ceremony, Reception,
Farewell Brunch
ceo@fpmaine.com,|www.rfpmaine.com
207.567.3650

Planner: Sweetest Thing Weddings
Amber Small, Wedding Planner
RWMProjectCoordinator
sweetestthingweddings@gmail.com |www.sweetestthingweddings.com
207.907.6484

Florist: Flora Fauna Designs
Judith Wilber Bourgeois, Owner/Designer
Floral and Event Design
florafaunadesigns@yahoo.com |www.florafaunaweddings.com
207.650.3563

Tent: Sperry Tents Seacoast
Bancroft Potter, Owner
Fully Floored, Elevated Reception Tent
info@sperrytentsseacoast.com |www.sperrytentsseacoast.com
603.570.4857

Photographer: Audra Photography
Audra Welton, Owner
Event Set-Up Documentary Photography and Full Event Coverage
audra@audraphotography.com |www.audraphotography.com
800.558.8028 |www.maineweddingspot.com :D

Photographer: Stacey Kane Photography
Stacey Kane, Owner
Event and Vendor Photography –Two Days of Coverage
stacey@staceykaneweddings.com |www.staceykaneweddings.com
207.653.2356

Photographer: David Murray Photography
David Murray, Owner
Event and Vendor Photography –Two Days of Coverage
www.davidmurrayweddings.com

Photographer: Michelle Turner Photography
Michelle Turner, Owner
Event and Vendor Photography –Two Days of Coverage
info@michelleturnerphotogrpahy.com |www.michelleturner.com
207.518.8703

Videography: Media Northeast
Josh Swan, Owner
Three Days of Video Coverage
josh_swan@yahoo.com |www.medianortheast.com
207.447.1529

Caterer: The Silver Tureen
Robb E. Schoonmaker, owner
William H.  Munette Jr., owner/chef
Wedding Reception Caterer
silvertureen@roadrunner.com |www.silvertureen.com
877.794.9482

Graphic Designer: Cottrell Designs
Ross Cottrell, Owner/Designer
Rehearsal Dinner, Wedding, Brunch Invitation
Stationary Design/Printing/Production,
RWM Project Material Development and Design and RWM Logo Identity Creation
cottrelldesigns@roadrunner.com
207.567.4228

Linens, China, Stemware: Wallace Tent & Party Rentals
Linens, China, Flatware & Stemware for the Rehearsal Dinner
China, Flatware & Stemware for the Reception
Linens, China, Stemware for the Farewell Brunch
mail@wallacetent.com |www.wallacetent.com
954.424.0076

Linens: Over The Top, Inc.
Custom Table Top Linens for the Reception
info@overthetopinc.com |www.overthetopinc.com
954.424.0076

Caterer: Creative Catering
Eileen Bartlett, Owner
Gourmet Brunch Catering
ccfoods@fairpoint.net
207.567.3563

Caterer: Shoreline Lobster Bake Company
Jessika Brooks, CEO
Rehearsal Dinner Catering
ceo@fpmaine.com |www.fpmaine.com
207.567.3650

Band: Bob Charest Band
Bob Charest, Bandleader
Cocktail, Dinner and Reception Music
info@bobcharestmusic.com |www.bobcharestmusic.com
207.797.3848

Accommodations: The Farm at French’s Point
Jessika Brooks, CEO
Week long Accommodations for Family of Bride
ceo@fpmaine.com |www.fpmaine.com
207.567.3650

Web Design & Hosting: Rain Storm Consulting
Brian Rayhill, Owner
Website Hosting and Design Services for realweddingmaine.com
contact@rainsotrmconsulting.com |www.rainstormconsulting.com
207.866.3908

Photo Booth: Maine Photo Booth Co.
Peter Small, Owner
Three Day Photo Booth Usage of Two Booths with a Custom Wrap
mainephotoboothco@gmail.com |www.mainephotoboothco.com
207.561.0529

Wine: Winterport Winery
Mike Anderson, Owner/Vintner
Sparkling Wine, Toasting Cider, Beer
info@winterportwinery.com |www.winterportwinery.com
207.223.4500

Marketing Coordinator: Aimee Dolloff
RWM Marketing Coordinator
rwmainemarketing@gmail.com
207.949.3950

Media Coordination: Cashman Communications
Dan Cashman, President
Media Outreach, Media Coordination
dan@cashcomm.net |www.cashcomm.net
207.947.9113

Bridal: Sandi McKeen Couture
Sandi McKeen, Owner
Custom Bridal Accessory Apparel and Seamstress Services
207.567.3477

Bridal and Tuxes: Henry’s Bridal Boutique
Mother-of-the-Groom Gowns, Tuxes for Groom and Guests
info@bangorbridal.com |www.bangorbridal.com
207.947.0701

Candy Bar Display: New England Confectionary Co.(NECCO)
Aimee Scott, Brand Manager
Reception Candy bar Display
ascott@necco.com |www.necco.com
781.485.4528

Wedding Gown: Madeline’s Daughter
Elizabeth Dirom, Owner
Pronovias Wedding Gown
bridal@madeleinesdaughter.com |www.madeleinesdaughter.com
603.431.5454

Bridal Jewelry: Serjeo
Serjeo Minassian, Owner and Master Jeweler
Bridal Jewelry
serjeo@serjeo.com |www.serjeo.com
617.367.7399

Custom Cuff Links: CHART metalworks
Charlotte Leavitt, Jeweler
Custom Nautical Chart Cuff Links
info@chartmetalworks.com |www.CHARTmetalworks.com
207.221.6807

Henna Artist: Remarkable Blackbird
Genevieve Levin, Henna Artist
Three Days of Henna Services
nev@remarkableblackbird.com |www.remarkableblackbird.com
207.657.4131

Cake: Let Them Eat Cake
Gayle Forte, Owner
Custom Designed Wedding Cake
letc@roadrunner.com |www.letthemeatcakemaine.com
207.967.4145

Whoopie Pies: Wicked Whoopies
Amy, Founder/Owner
Wicked Whoopie Pies
amy@wickedwhoopies.com |www.wickedwhoopies.com
1-877-447-2629

Hair: The L-Factor
Regina Leonard and Jodi Leighton, Co-Owners
Hair/Make Up Design –Custom Bridal Hair Accessory Design
thelfactor@myfairpoint.net
207.989.5515

Maple Cotton Candy & Kettle Corn: Mainely Kettle Korn
Fabian and Brittany
Maine Maple Cotton Candy and Kettle Korn for Welcome Bags
mainelykettlekornFBC@yahoo.com |www.mainelykettlekorn.vpweb.com
207.505.0010

Chutney’s and Marmalades: Memories Madein Maine
Gay Dion, Owner
Homemade Maine Chutney’s and Marmalades
gayldion@roadrunner.com
207.567.4072

Printing: Snowman Printing
Dan Fitzgerald, Sales Manager
Printing Services for Wedding Invitation and Paper Sourcing Assistance
dan@snowprint.com |www.snowprint.com
1.800.675.7669

Beer: Sebago Brewing Company
Kia Adams, Owner
Beer Products
kai@sebagobrewing.com |www.sebagobrewing.com
207.856.2537

String Trio: Opus Trio
Andria Chase –Contact
String Trio for Prelude and Ceremony
booking@opustrio.com |www.opustrio.com
207.356.2975

Calligrapher: Anna Kessler,Calligrapher
Calligraphy Services
amkess@roadrunner.com
207. 548. 2130

Popcorn Bar: Coastal Maine Popcorn Co., Inc.
Paul Roberts, Owner
Rehearsal Dinner Popcorn Bar
paul@coastalmainepopcorn.com |www.coastalmainepopcorn.com
207.633.2266

Bottled Water: Poland Springs Water Company
Beverage Products
www.polandspring.com
800.4.SPRING

Printed Paper Products: Lindenmeyr Munroe
Shawn Talbot, Sales Representative
Neenah Papers
Providing Paper Products for all Invitations and Event Materials
1.800.442.1390

Live Piano: Sauter Music Services
Carl Sauter, Owner
Live Piano music for brunch
carl@carlsauter.com|www.carlsauter.com
207.525.4462

Salmon, Trout, & Shellfish: Ducktrap River of Maine
Shelly Patten Prescott-Regional Sales Manager
All Natural Smoked Salmon, Trout, & Shellfish
shelly.patten@marineharvest.com|www.ducktrap.com
1.800.434.8727

Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Bangor Airport
ourguest@fourpointsbangor.com|web
207.947.6721

Governor John Baldacci wrote a lovely letter regarding the donated, high-end wedding event this October for a very deserving couple: Gita Pullapilly and Aron Gaudet!

**Missed the wedding details? Read this post -> :: A Free Maine Wedding? ::

Read a copy of the document – or – the Governor’s letter transcribed below…

Letter from Maine Governor noting the generosity of Maine wedding vendors.

Dear Friend:

Maine has long been a destination state for people who are looking for authentic natural beauty, outdoor experiences and vibrant, friendly people. We have earned the slogan of Vacationland and take great pride in welcoming families from every corner of the globe to our shores, mountains and quaint towns. Maine stands out for the quality and variety of cultural, recreational, and social opportunities available to visitors.

Among our offerings, Maine has been the chosen location for couples wanting to experience one of their mmost important days – their wedding.  Recently, a number of vendors in Maine donated services for the wedding of Gita Puilapilly and Aron Gaudet, the prnciples of PBS’s POV documentary, The Way We Get By.  The film chronicles the troop greeters who have met, rain or shine, night and day, the 800,000 soldiers who have flown through the Bangor International Airport during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.  The generosity of the Maine businesses that have shown their appreciation for the telling of such an inspiring story is indicative of the spirit of Maine people.

The People of Maine are our State’s most-treasured natural resource.  Our small businesses are know for their creativity.  These businesses complement Maine’s other attractions, including historic towns and villages, bold coasts, northern forests, lakes, rivers and mountains.  maine offers something to every bride and groom who are interested in these exceptional offerings.

Maine companies are eager to expand their business with the wedding industry.  I hope you will give them every consideration as you help ensure tthat couples have the best options possible to consider for their special day.

Sincerely,
John E. Baldacci
Governor

Who is talking about the October 15 -17, 2009 pro bono wedding??

**Missed the wedding details? Read this post -> :: A Free Maine Wedding? ::

Local TV News , Radio and Print stories started this summer.

After the Wedding:

:: Style Me Pretty ::  A 6 part story on Style Me Pretty ~ full of photographs and design details

Veterans Day Wedding

Veterans Day Wedding, Part II

Veterans Day Wedding, Part III

Veterans Day Wedding, Part IV

Veterans Day Wedding, Part V

Veterans Day Wedding, Part VI

:: The New York Times :: Published this weekend! (11/1)  “Gita Pullapilly and Aron Gaudet”

:: My Kate Parker Wedding :: “A Heartfelt Wedding Story”

Before the Wedding:

:: Martha Stewart Weddings :: just requested, 6 exclusive photographs for their publication!

:: Channel 5 WABI :: Watch the news story, “Dream Wedding, Inspired by True Story.”

:: Bangor Daily News :: read this article: “Vendors to throw $815,000 wedding for filmmakers.”

:: The New York Times :: just confirmed they will be highlighting the Aron and Gita’s wedding in their Vows section.

:: Maine Maven :: A clever blogger who writes about Maine.

:: Grand Rapids Entertainment :: behind the scenes, love bloomed…

:: USOONpatrol :: A bit of Aron and Gita’s love story…

“Real Weddings Maine” (the pro bono organization) will be hosting an entirely donated, high-end wedding event this October for a very deserving couple:  Gita Pullapilly and Aron Gaudet!

Gita and Aron

Aron and Gita are independent film makers who created a documentary film that is sweeping the country, “The Way We Get By”.

The movie was filmed here in Maine, where Aron grew up.  It tells the story of three Mainers who have a common bond in their dedication to greeting military troops returning from war…in the first few minutes of this film you realize that this is not just a “documentary” covering history and facts or pushing an agenda, but it pulls you in and gives you a rare intimate look at aging, selfless giving, and the will to keep living…I left the theater inspired and challenged…I have never seen a movie like it!  It is no wonder “The Way We Get By” is winning awards and has record breaking turnouts as it opens in theaters across the country.

Take a look at the movie trailer of “The Way We Get By”:

CLICK HERE to see the story CNN just did on “The Way We Get By”.

Co-Directors of Real Weddings Maine

Co-Directors of  “Real Weddings Maine” ,  Amber Small and Jessika Brooks, wanted to give Maine wedding vendors an opportunity to showcase their high-end skills.  This spring they began looking for a couple, who would receive an entirely donated wedding…after seeing the opening of  “The Way We Get By” Amber realized that Aron and Gita would be perfect!   I love listening to Amber tell the story of how she called Aron and Gita and told them the plans that “Real Weddings Maine” (RWM) had in store for them…silence on the phone…THEY thought they were being PUNKED!!!  Ha ha!

Jessika, Amber, and I (Audra Photography) traveled to Boston to meet with Aron and Gita to share ideas and details in person…from the moment Aron and Gita agreed on a wedding date, (October 15-17, 2009), this project has been growing not only in the creative plans of the vendors…but also in the amount of donated services and products…over $800,000!!!**

**Who are all of the amazing vendors? Read this post -> :: Generous Maine Wedding Vendors!! ::

This project has been so much FUN all along the way!! ~ audra

Aron::Groom, Audra::Photographer, Ross::Graphic Designer

I came across Maine Cakes & Cookies® at a wedding I was photographing last year…my first impression was that the lobster and sailboat shaped cookies were beautiful…but I did not have high hopes for the way they would taste.  To my surprise they were absolutely delicious.  I expected them to be dry and a bit stale tasting (because they were not crumbling or breaking in the individual packaging…I thought they must be rock hard)…instead I found they were so fresh and buttery, the frosting was the perfect consistency and equally delicious.  They were each artfully decorated.

The cookies are made one batch at a time in Appleton, Maine!

PS Diane of Maine Cakes & Cookies® also made the wedding cake…a 5 tiered Wild Maine Blueberry Butter Cake, stacked with round 3 layer cakes all filled and covered with Double Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream in a single tip basket weave design…YUM!!!!

if you would like more information contact Diane:

800.775.9246

207.785.2740

diane@tidewater.net

www.mainecakesandcookies.com