February 8, 2024

Jen & Austin’s Camden Maine Wedding at 16 Bay View

Camden, Rockland, and Midcoast Maine Weddings and Elopements

Jen and Austin's wedding marked the finale of our year, and in keeping with much of the season, the rain poured down. When I first spoke with them, we bonded over their plans—they had chosen the picturesque Camden Amphitheatre for their ceremony, where Joel and I exchanged vows in 2012.

The downpour on the morning of their wedding forced them to pivot, and 16 Bay View came to the rescue with a backup plan at the charming Union Hall in Rockport. If this change disappointed Jen and Austin, they didn't let it show. Throughout the day, they exuded a calm, contented energy. Perhaps it was because they had already celebrated with a smaller wedding two days prior. Still, I believe it was because they're a couple that understands marriage is way more important than the wedding day.

Having photographed their intimate ceremony, stepping into their wedding day felt like reuniting with old friends. I had developed a fondness for Jen's grandmother, and her enthusiastic wave when she saw me at their second ceremony gave me the warm fuzzies. I jokingly asked Jen if I could take her grandmother home with me at the end of the night.

Jen and Austin were lucky to have the incredible Erika Hewitt officiating their ceremony. If you've yet to witness one of her ceremonies, they are wonderfully tailored to each couple. I couldn't help but notice the tears in Austin's eyes and those of multiple guests.

After the ceremony, these two were up for braving the cold with some umbrellas for a handful of portraits before heading to the first of two cocktail hours back in Camden at La Cave, conveniently located next door to their reception venue. The atmosphere was perfect for such a stormy night. Low lighting, candles, tasty cocktails, and yummy hor deouves warmed everyone.

Upon transitioning to 16 Bay View, one hors d'oeuvre held special significance for Jen—her grandmother's meatballs. It was a heartwarming personal touch that delighted guests.

The dance floor at Jen and Austin's wedding was one of the liveliest we've witnessed in years. It was heartening to see family and friends, both familiar and new, coming together to dance.

As Joel and I packed up and headed out into the pouring rain, I couldn't help but feel grateful that we had concluded our season with such a wonderful group of people.

Below are our favorite moments from Jen and Austin's Camden, Maine wedding at 16 Bay View.