Micro Wedding Film Photography in Portland, Maine
When I first met Dayla and Chris, I could see a focus on intentionality and artful documentation at the forefront of their wedding planning. They choose to keep it small and intimate with immediate family only. In this way, centering each other, their relationships, and the important people in their lives They loved the vintage and nostalgic feel of black and white film, which featured heavily in their gallery. Because they planned a thoughtful, laid back wedding day, we had time to create beautiful, artful photographs together focused on documenting their love and their people.
Why Choose a Documentary Wedding Photographer?
The term documentary photography gets thrown around a lot, often with little explanation. Documentary photography is focused on very little to no interference in the moment that is being photographed. Watching and observing what is happening while taking photographs that showcase the moment exactly as it is. Personally, I don’t love to label my approach; however, I do often lean towards this documentary method for weddings. I like the little in-between moments - getting into the wedding dress, walking down a corridor before the ceremony, a hug with a grandparent, a side conversation with a sibling. When you look back at your photographs, I want you to remember how that moment felt. I don’t want you to remember having to contort yourself into a pose that did not feel true to you.
Documentary photography comes into play during most of the wedding day. Allowing time to unfold, for the couple and their friends and family to just be together. For Dayla and Chris, this meant enjoying their families company during the day. While we wanted to take portraits in the nearby park following the ceremony, we all knew we did not want this to take away from their time spent living the wedding day they had planned. I really enjoyed this short portrait session at Lincoln Park, in the early days of spring. Giving a moment for Dayla and Chris to take a breath after the whirlwind of their ceremony. And of course, giving a moment to showcase Dayla’s incredible shoes!
Planning a City Hall Micro Wedding in Portland, Maine
Dayla and Chris stayed at the Press Hotel across from City Hall. We started there, documenting the intimate getting ready and time with close family. Dayla’s dad joined in to walk her across the street and down the aisle. The Press Hotel was a perfect spot for a City Hall wedding given its proximity to City Hall and downtown Portland. Plus, the old books and typewriters (a nod to it’s history as a the Portland Press Herald) really add to the vintage aesthetic Dayla and Chris were so interested in.
They reserved the State of Maine Room at Portland City Hall. Prior to the wedding, we separately explored the venue, considering areas for photos and setup (I always check out the venue prior to the wedding to ensure the day runs smoothly). The room can fit up to 50 people and even comes with chairs. Dayla’s dad walked her down the corridor, before entering the ceremony space and a small roomful of their closest family.
Chris saw Dayla for the first time as she entered with her dad. What followed was a super short ceremony, officiated by a member of City Hall staff. Signing of the license, some chatting with family, and a bit of celebration. Before we knew it, Dayla and Chris had their marriage certificate in hand.
One of my favorite features of City Hall is their spiral staircase. The afternoon light streamed in just as Dayla and Chris walked out of the State of Maine room. We stopped for a few photographs before exiting the City Hall to their awaiting family members.
On the front steps of City Hall, we stopped to take a group photograph (I really do love when the wedding is small enough to get all of the guests in one photo!)
On this Earth Day, the magnolias and cherry trees were just beginning to show color. Dayla and Chris stood under the trees with fleeting early spring buds.
Exploring Old Port and Documenting How the Moment Felt
Following the quick portrait session at Lincoln Park and a few drinks at Press Hotel, the wedding group made their way to a boat they chartered to take them to dinner. We all walked through Old Port together, winding down the cobblestone streets. For some of the family, this was their first time in Portland. Our walk brought the group down through many of the popular Portland streets, allowing the guests to get a feel of where Dayla and Chris live.
I ended my time with the party before they took off on the chartered boat. The sun was starting to get a little lower in Casco Bay as they mingled and prepared to set off. With just a few film frames left, I documented those moments before they undocked - a sweet end to a joyful coastal Maine wedding in April.
