I firmly believe that the Ocean Gateway is one of Portland's hidden secrets. Located right on the waterfront between the Old Port and the East End, it features a wide range of variety for your portraits from the industrial aspects of the Portland Company Complex to the working waterfront, the fun rock garden to the Old Port itself. You really can't go wrong. Then you add in the option for an on-site wedding ceremony along the waterfront and the floor to ceiling glass wall overlooking the harbor and it is the perfect palate for your Maine wedding.

VenueSusie SimmonsNovember 29, 2019Ocean GatewayPortland Maine, MaineComment

The "P" Family Portraits in Portland, Maine

Here I am posting the “P” family’s annual session from 2018 just as we’re starting to plan their 2019 session. For this family, they have legitimately been on this ride with me since the very beginning when I first photographed mom and dad as they were anxiously awaiting the arrival of their daughter. And every single time I photograph them, I have a new favorite session.

Family, PortraitsSusie SimmonsAugust 9, 2019Portland MaineComment

Anne & Derek's Wedding at Portland's Ocean Gateway

When Anne & Derek reached out to me in early December, the snow covering the ground and April seemed like a distant thought. Before we knew it though, the snow was melting, the grass was starting to look a little less grim, and the days were getting a bit longer. The chill of winter was hanging on by a thread as I arrived at the Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront to meet Anne & Derek on their wedding day. Yet they were troopers as we made our way to Portland's Fort Allen Park for their first look next to the Fore River. The chill in the air made for good cuddling weather as they spent some moments together taking it all in.

The "C" Family Portraits

Nothing makes me happier than getting to meet up with my couples after their wedding day to continue to capture the story of their day. Needless to say, when this past couple reached out and asked me to visit them in their new home and meet their newest edition, I was practically jumping in my seat with excitement.

Family, Newborn, PortraitsSusie SimmonsNovember 21, 2017Portland Maine, Family PortraitsComment

Praise from Emily & Coleman

★★★★★ (5 out of 5 stars)

"WOW, where do I begin?!?! Susie was incredible and the best money I could have spent on our wedding. When my husband and I got engaged, I spent weeks looking for the perfect photographer. There were so many, I couldn't make a decision. Had I known then what I know now after working with Susie, it would have been a no brainer. The entire day of my wedding I was blown away by her talent, her organization, discreteness, and efficiency."

Rachel & David's Nautical Wedding on Peaks Island in Portland, Maine

Thinking back on Rachel & David's nautically inspired wedding just shy of three weeks ago, a smile instantly comes over my face. And how could it not with a wedding this awesome and a couple this cool. I knew that I wanted to be their photographer way back in September of 2015 when Rachel and I met for a cup of coffee and chatted about their day, how they met, and seemingly a wide range of topics beyond wedding preparations for well over an hour. Arriving for her bridal preparations on their wedding day was truly like meeting up with a long time friend. I love it when that happens!

Brittany & Dan's Old Port Maternity Session in Portland, Maine

Woah. That's about how I can sum this one up.

How has it already been five years since Brittany & Dan tied the knot? Or just about that long since their epic trash the dress session in Portsmouth, New Hampshire before the bridge was taken down?

Maternity, PortraitsSusie SimmonsAugust 12, 2016Old Port, Portland MaineComment

Katie & TJ's Ocean Gateway Wedding in Portland, Maine

This post has been waiting in the wings ever so patiently since Katie & TJ's perfect summer wedding last weekend. Truthfully, I have been looking forward to it for just about a year since I first met Katie & TJ over a brew at Some Brewing in York. A couple who travels to Maine on a week day to chat about their wedding over a beer... well, it's obvious why I've been so excited!

Katie & TJ's Engagement Session in the Old Port of Portland, Maine

Engagement, PortraitsSusie SimmonsJuly 13, 2016Ocean GatewayOcean Gateway, Portland Co., Maine State Pier, Old Port, Portland MaineComment

Jacqueline's Unique Broach Bridal Bouquet

WeddingSusie SimmonsApril 14, 2016Ocean GatewayOcean Gateway, broach bouquet, bridal bouquet, Portland Maine, DIY wedding, DIYComment

Trish & Rob's Spurwink Church & Mariner's Banquet Center Wedding in Portland Maine

WeddingSusie SimmonsJuly 15, 2015Mariner's Church Banquet CenterSpurwink Church, Mariner's Church Banquet Center, Portland Maine

Allison & Mark

★★★★★ (5 out of 5 stars)

"She wasn’t a robot just there to earn her money and get out. She was a welcome guest who just happened to be taking some really AWESOME photos throughout the day. I received the most compliments from my guests about how wonderful and personable Susie was (is)."

Katelyn & Paul

★★★★★ (5 out of 5 stars)

"Her pictures were beautiful - I keep looking at them over and over and smiling! And her sneak-peeks were up so soon that I got to see them just days after the wedding."

ReviewsSusie SimmonsDecember 31, 2014Portland ClubPortland Club, Portland Maine, New Year's Eve Wedding

Blog