As seen in the 2011 issue of Seacoast Bride, we hosted a photo shoot at Harbour Place in Portsmouth, NH, and we certainly had quite a talented group of wedding vendors from New Hampshire, Maine, Mass, and a long trip from Vermont!
How did the shoot work? We had six groups create a seaside|nautical themed design (since Harbour Place is an amazing spot right on the water!) — but there was a kicker! Each design team was given an overall wedding budget so that the designs created had to be fitting to the amount we outlined for them. Why? While we certainly love getting our hands on photo shoots — it’s a great way for vendors to show their creativity — but we also wanted to make sure that when you see these designs, you get a sense as to whether or not the design is practical for your wedding budget or any tips on how to take a design and make it fitting to your needs.
So let’s take a peek into our first design and the photographer behind the work. While our design groups were busy setting up their creations, we asked the photographer to work with a couple for engagement and bridal portraits. And guess what, I had the pleasure to join in the fun! So the photos you are about to see are those of my husband John and of course…me! And I was so excited to find out that we were working with the fabulous Mark Davidson. Mark is based out of Massachusetts though will go just about anywhere you ask him to go. Not only was I happy to work with Mark but I also knew that he would be a great fit for John, since he generally doesn’t get excited about taking pictures — or so he says. I think he ended up having more fun than I did! Well, it was also due to Mark’s relaxed and easy-going personality making it easy for anyone to work with him.
Getting started on our engagement shoot, it was kind of daunting to pick out locations in Portsmouth since there are so many places to go but Mark totally knew what to look for. “Portsmouth had a big role in in the over all feel of the shoot. I tried to get a seacoast feel however was limited to where I could go because of lighting but that’s the case anytime someone picks up the camera. My goal was to get a couple great images with good light rather than a bunch of OK images.”
Now, I must admit, I also get a little camera shy especially when it gets to the gooshy stuff. Be sure to listen to your photographer’s advice, “Posing my couple was easy because they were rock stars!” (Yes, I forced Mark to say something nice about us) “I tried putting them in an environment to get them relaxed and comfortable by making suggestions. I want them to look as natural as possible!”
Mission completed. Check out more photos below including Mark D’s favorites!
a Mark D Fave: It’s kinda of a cheesy photo but John did a great job of getting Liz to laugh. It’s a playful image of the two of them. The lighting is soft as well which helps.
a Mark D Fave: It’s a simple image. Again both are symmetrical.
a Mark D Fave: Big fan of this location. It’s not the most natural looking image but I still like it. The lines draw the viewer’s eye to the subject. This is a very symmetrical image and that’s one of the feature I like about it. I took out the smoke stacks or whatever was in the background to clean the image up to give the couple more attention. Liz shoes are pretty awesome too! (yes, Mark — I must agree that my shoes are pretty fab!!!)
So we hope you enjoyed this experience as much as I did! Stay tuned as we show you the team’s table and floral design for a $50k wedding budget.
Photo Shoot Team Details | $50k Design
Lead Designer: Signature Events
Floral Designer: Embellish
Photography: Mark Davidson
Invitations: Papier Gourmet
Cake: Wild Orchid Baking Co.
Hair: Hair that Moves
Makeup: Joya Beauty
