Greta + Nick stirred up a storm of love on their wedding day at Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake in Maine. October doesn’t tend to bring hurricanes our way late into the month but the weather patterns aligned just so along the southern route to bring in rain, snow, and sleet.
The upside to that besides the obvious addition of having another reason to snuggle in close to your loved ones and pictures in the snow? If you have to be anywhere on a chilly day in Maine, Migis is definitely the place to be.
Migis sets the scene for an undeniably gorgeous wedding with each beautiful cabin on the grounds being warmed by roaring fireplaces, covered porches overlooking lush evergreen forests, and views of Sebago Lake as you walk from one toasty cabin to another for that oh so wonderful Maine feeling at every turn. So while Migis is beautiful in the summer with dips in the lake to cool off and tennis courts in the woods, it’s just as dreamy with the snow gently falling, smoke pouring out of chimneys, and the hush of the great Maine wilderness.
The couple planned to arrive at their outdoor ceremony by boat and then be whisked across the lake after the “I do’s”, but with temperatures in the low 30’s, those plans had to be altered. Migis and the couple waited and hoped there’d be a break in the wet weather to allow for guests to sit waterside but when the snow didn’t let up, Greta was all for an indoor cabin with a fire going instead! There wasn’t a hesitation in her heart and although it changed the original plans, they knew it would be wonderful no matter what. Love them for that!
We still had an outdoor first look where Greta slipped into her beautiful dress with the addition of her black boots to keep her feet warm for the walk. She did a quick spin for Nick before he bundled her up in a blanket and we photographed them among the colorful falling leaves before ducking into the coolest waterfront cabin for a few moments so the couple could take a few moments to breathe in the gravity of the upcoming celebration.
They were calm in one another’s arms with white snowflakes dotting his blue suit coat and her long eyelashes and they were excited to finally get married.
Quickly the weather turned windier and the cold bite to the air had the wedding party huddling close to keep warm while awaiting the ceremony to start inside Boulders Cabin. Due to it being so dark outside with the storm, I knew it was best to set up my off camera flashes so I’d be sure to get every last teardrop and large as life laughter that I knew was set to come. So as the fireplace roared inside, Nick and his parents made their grand entrance to the queue of the Dj’s music and then…
The power went completely out.
The storm coated the trees and power lines with heavy snow so the electricity hardly stood a chance! While guests chatted in their seats, the DJ ran off to get a couple of his uplights from the reception and his backup generator so the music could continue.
Since we were deep in the woods, the cabin was dark once the power dropped so I quickly adjusted my lights to ensure I’d be able to properly illuminate them in a natural looking way for the ceremony and with the help of one of the DJ’s uplights that I pointed up at the spot where the couple would be saying their vows so my camera could grab focus in the dark (and so guests could see their reactions!), we were ready to go! The DJ picked back up with the music and the show went on even more beautifully than was even planned. It felt romantic and intimate with the only light being the fire and it created a beautiful space for the tear-filled ceremony.
And this, my friends, is why having pros who can adapt to any situation and make it work under unexpected and unpredictable circumstances is oh so very important.
The DJ was incredible with his instinct to run and get power for the music, the venue staff never stopped making sure guests were warm, cared for and comfortable, and myself and Ashley worked quickly to make sure their images would come out beautifully and represent their day – it all came together and truly it was because we all knew our stuff and didn’t falter when it counted.
Weddings are exciting and always new; I never forget that nor do I take it for granted. Knowing how to react in this situation (one I’ve never experienced before!) was key and it makes me sad to think about what would’ve happened if we didn’t know what we were doing or if a non-pro didn’t have the gear to make sure the images came out. To lose any of the moments you’ll see below from their ceremony would’ve been heartbreaking because each emotion was so touching and every reaction was so very them.
The main lodge at Migis never lost power so when the reception started, the lights were bright, the food was delicious, the toasts were hilarious, and the dance floor was packed! The guests were so excited to celebrate these two wonderful people who’ve left a wake of love and laughter in their lives. And because the vibe of the day was 100% about the love Greta + Nick have for one another and nothing less, no one missed a beat commemorating the two of them and rolling with the day.
I can’t thank Migis Lodge, DJ Matt at Millhouse Sound Events, and most importantly Greta, Nick and their families enough for such an incredible day. It was cold, wet, and definitely kept us all on our toes, but what I take away most is that it was an absolutely wonderful day to be a part of and Greta + Nick were just so very happy to be in the beautiful space marrying one another. I’m honored I got to photograph their wedding and I wish the newlyweds all the very best!
….one last thing: my car’s battery died due to the cold (no lights were on when I went out and the lights inside all came on including the headlights when I’d turn the key, the car just wouldn’t turn over) so I found out that it is 100% safe to jump your car in a giant 4 inch puddle of water while being rain/snowed on hahaha! Thankfully I always have cables in my car and I was able to get Mary from Migis to help jump my car so I could make the trip home! We were soaked by the time my car started, but we did it!
I swear these ceremony images were actually taken in almost complete darkness with the power outage. All that illuminated them were my off camera flashes!
Migis Lodge Wedding Photographer: I AM SARAH V Photography (Ashley Conti was my second!)
Ceremony + Reception: Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake in Maine
DJ: MillHouse Sound Events (highly recommend him!)
Dress: BHLDN
Suit: Indochino
Flowers: Marcia Davis Flowers
Cake + Catering: Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake in Maine
Officiant: Frank Newman (friend of the couple)
Hair + Makeup: Ollo Hair Salon
Maine & New Hampshire wedding photographer, I AM SARAH V Photography, photographs events for wildly in love couples seeking an NH & Maine wedding photographer with a photojournalism & cinematic approach. You can see more of my work online at www.iamsarahv.com or on Instagram. I photograph many locations including being a Migis Lodge wedding photographer on Sebago Lake, Maine and I would enjoy photographing your day too! If you’d like to contact me directly, please email me at hello@iamsarahv.com
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Greta and Nick
Soo beautiful , romantic and full of love and fun.
What wonderful memories to have.
Your future looks great. Glad I lived to be a part of your celebration. Much love to both of you. Grammy