Chris & Alexa | Old Orchard Beach, ME Wedding

Alexa was calm and collected. Calmer than most brides when their big day arrives. But she's had experience, a dress rehearsal of sorts - her and Chris had an official ceremony last September with some of their close friends and family. This was their Fourth of July destination wedding; the party they had been planning for over a year. Surrounded by her family and close friends, Alexa quietly and simply did her own hair, donned her mother's wedding dress, and prepared to marry her husband - one more time. Chris joked that this was their third wedding - a fake wedding as an April Fools day joke in 2012, their official ceremony in September, and now this. He was experienced, calm, and ready. Ready to be done with the planning of weddings, but wanting to drink in every moment. Surrounded by his family and close friends, Chris quietly tied his bow-tie, practiced his vows and prepared to marry his wife - one more time.

Chris and Alexa's day was full of rich tradition; and I love that Alexa chose to use her mother's wedding dress!

Since their wedding was held on the beach, they offered flip-flops to each guest as a favor.

Alexa chose blue and yellow for their beautiful beach wedding, and I adored the flowers of the bouquets!

Ever the entrepreneur, Alexa did her own hair and make-up - without even being nervous. :)

Alexa's smile radiated as she put on her dress, and she didn't stop smiling for the rest of the day. :)

I LOVE that she is more of a friend to me than a client. Alexa, you are beautiful inside and out. :)

The guys got ready at a hotel not far from the beach, and had some fun figuring out how to tie their bow-ties.

Chris looked incredibly dapper in his suspenders and blue jacket - perfect for their nautical themed wedding.

Their first look almost made me cry. Chris was so anxious to see his bride... :)

We started pictures in the beautiful woods behind the hotel, and the light could not have been more lovely.

Alexa's dad arrived on the scene just in time to tie Chris's tie for him - saving the day and becoming a hero. :)

After the woods, we wandered down to the beach - literally just across the road - for some more photos.

A very nice gentlemen allowed us to use his front porch - I LOVE this one! :)

You'd never know that these two had been married for almost a year...

They're still in love as much as ever!

The bridesmaids dresses that were handmade by Alexa's mom added such a fun flair to the bridal party.

And oh, what fun they were. :)

The ceremony was held on the beach - the public beach - right across from the Ocean Walk Hotel, where Alexa and her family have vacationed for years.

Every detail was perfectly planned and beautifully executed.

The vows were hilarious...

And so sweet. We all held back tears.

Keeping with their beach/nautical theme, they tied a knot as a symbol of their love.

YAY!! Married! :)

After the ceremony, we all headed over to The Landing for their beautiful reception....

Complete with blue and yellow touches everywhere you looked.

While the guests were mingling we had a few moments to capture some more photos - and we even found a circle. :)

Chris and Alexa are huge travelers - and they were so excited to find a compass in the courtyard!

I love the way he makes her laugh. :)

I captured this photo right after the power came back on after a short period of being out. They were so relieved! :)

After a sweet first dance...

The floor opened and the party started! :)

Because of it was the Fourth of July, there were fireworks being set off all over town!! So after the dancing, we all headed back to the beach to light Chinese lanterns in a little celebration of our own. :)

So beautiful...

Chris and Alexa, I have been SO honored to photograph both of your weddings (and any more you choose to have)! :) I love that you're now our friends, more than just clients. Thank you, thank you so much for opening up your hearts and welcoming us into your family for the weekend. It was such a beautiful day, and I couldn't be happier for you! May God richly bless your marriage - love you both!

Vendors that made this day possible:

Photography: Amanda Joy Photography

Ceremony location: Ocean Walk Hotel

Reception location: The Landing

Wedding Gown Alterations: Omaha Lace Cleaners

Men's attire: Men's Warehouse

Violinist: Evan Cuddy