November 14, 2023

Emily & Jake’s Monson Maine Wedding

I visited Monson, Maine for the first time in 2021 when a fellow photographer and I decided to hike Borestone Mountain for my birthday. On the way, we stopped at the Monson General Store, which I'd wanted to visit since seeing it come across my Instagram feed. I quickly fell in love with the adorable store and its delicious sandwiches, which we happily ate on the peak of Borestone as we looked out at the October colors. At that moment, I put it out into the universe that I wanted to photograph a Monson, Maine wedding.

I was so excited when Emily inquired about her and Jake's Monson wedding the following July. After chatting with them over Zoom, I was a big fan and crossed my fingers and toes that they'd choose us to be their photographers.

Emily and Jake have known each other since they were kids. Emily's family had just moved to Michigan, and they were introduced to Jake's family through mutual friends. Their moms quickly became best friends, resulting in some plotting down the road. Emily had a huge crush on Jake as a kid, but due to their minor age gap, the feeling wouldn't be reciprocated until college. With a little push from the moms, Emily finally got the nerve to ask Jake out, and the rest is history!

Their wedding weekend included all the best the area has to offer. They had welcome drinks at the Monson gazebo, hiked Borestone Mountain with friends and family (and sandwiches from Monson General Store), and had their rehearsal dinner aboard the steamboat Katahdin as it cruised Moosehead Lake. Their wedding day took place at Emily's family's historic farmhouse, which has been in the family for over 200 years and is the oldest standing structure in the county. They treated guests to a delicious dinner from The Quarry, which recently won a James Beard award. I was so excited to try their food finally!

There were so many delightful moments that I could write an entire blog post just on those, but I'll include a few favorites here. The first was listening to Jake's wedding vows, which were incredibly thought over and heartfelt. They also had a few curse words, which resulted in Emily pointing up to the heavens as guests laughed.

Another favorite moment was Jake's brother Dylan's best man speech in which he spoke of times when Emily had been there for him throughout the years. I don't think there was a dry eye in the tent. That family can seriously write.

Finally, I loved their first dance, which was silly, fun, and full of laughter.

Here are some favorites from their Monson wedding!