Mount Desert Island Engagement Session
Scenic Garden in Maine
Hanin and Brett cozy up on a granite slab bridge
Maine is known for so many breathtaking views and adventurous hikes. But did you know this State is also home to magnificent gardens? Now, I could go on with my list of favorites, but for this Engagement Session we chose the Asticou Azalea Gardens on Mount Desert Island.
According to the Land & Garden Preserve website, The Asticou Azalea Gardens were first envisioned by Charles Savage in 1957. He sought to create a space inspired by Japanese gardens, yet uniquely Maine in nature. Mr. Savage’s thoughts on the similarities between MDI and Japan were documented in an August 1957 paper; “It is significant fact that many features of the natural scenery of Mount Desert have similarities to the Japanese, particularly in the parts of the island where bold ledges, rocks and pitch pines prevail.” With that inspiration, as well as Azalea’s relocated from Reef Point Garden, The Asticou Azalea Garden was born.
Hanin and Brett in the Asticou Azalea Garden
Today, the Land & Garden Preserve manages this green space, as well as other stunning and historical locations around MDI. You should note, a donation is expected to hold a session in this space, but we’ll get into that closer to the end of this post.
Engagement Session on Mount Desert Island
I was so excited when Hanin and Brett (one of my September wedding couples) told me they were coming to town for a final tour of their venue. They live in Massachusetts, so we had not physically met prior to the tour of their venue; Camp Jordan in Ellsworth, Maine.
Hanin and Brett enter the garden
Before this couple’s visit we had a discussion about a number of concepts and options for their session. Finally we settled on both the Asticou Azalea Garden, and a little pond and carriage road system just down the road from the garden; also managed by the Land and Garden Preserve. This was going to be a wonderful day to explore on Mount Desert Island!
From the moment you enter through wooden archway of the Asticou Azalea Garden onto the winding and perfectly maintained gravel paths, you get a sense that you are somewhere magical. There is a solemnness to this garden as visitors quietly enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas of this sweet little piece of Heaven on Earth. One hardly needs words when you’re in a space so reverent as this one. These gardens feature lush green foliage, beautiful blooms, waterlilies, towering trees— all of this surrounding a small reflecting pond with a granite slab bridge centered as the subtle crown jewel of the garden. Near the back of the garden you can find a small Japanese-inspired sand garden that is kept raked and clean. All garden aficionados visiting MDI should add this iconic spot to their itinerary.
Throughout the Asticou Azalea Garden there are simple granite benches, cozy sitting nooks nestled among the shrubbery, and a set of stepping stones across the stream. We took advantage of these spots to create some really great shots! As we made our way along the path however, we kept noticing a rather suspicious acting fellow and his girlfriend meandering near us. After gossiping among ourselves about the couple, Hanin, Brett, and myself were onto them. Our suspicions would prove true only moments later.
Surprise at the Asticou Azalea Garden
Hanin and Brett at the Asticou Azalea Garden
As we made our way toward one of our final portrait locations at the far side of the pond, we noticed the young gentleman and lady closing in on us. Once they finally reached us, the gentleman, visibly nervous, asked if he could borrow someone from our group for a picture and handed Brett his phone. Seeing that I already had a scene set just for Hanin and Brett, I offered to use my camera and flash for some high quality shots, and email them the photos later. Both the lady and gentleman were very appreciative. This in itself was not odd, but the gentleman’s shakiness, sweaty forehead, and overall nervous behavior still had us three suspicious.
I got the couple posed and settled in the same spot Hanin and Brett had just shared a moment ago, and we learned that their names were Matt and Michelle. Cool. Nothing suspicious about that. As we finished the last few shots, I thanked Matt and went to hand him my business card. Then he asked me, very shakily I might add, if I could take one more photo and at that very moment he— PULLED OUT A RING! I kid you not! What luck that my clients and I were in the right place at the right time. All three of us cheered and teared up as Matt proposed to Michelle.
As I snapped away with Michelle and Matt emotionally expressing their love, Hanin could be heard in the background still squealing with joy over this beautiful shared moment. You can even peep her expression in the background of one of the shots above. I love that we got to experience such a cool and unscripted surprise together. It definitely set the tone for the rest of our day.
With our spirits rejuvenated from that dose of love with Matt and Michelle; Hanin, Brett and myself finished out the garden together with a few more shots, then made our way to the car so they could change for our next location.
My Favorite Carriage Roads on Mount Desert Island
Next on our itinerary was a trip to one of my favorite spots on MDI. This location features wooded hiking trails, smooth carriage roads for walking and horse riding (sorry, no bikes or motor vehicles), rolling fields, and one heck of a stunning pond with mountain views. You’ll learn more about this area in an upcoming blog post from a lovely family session I held there.
Brett and Hanin walk along the carriage road for their pond-side date
We started by walking the carriage trail to the nearby wading area and canoe/kayak launch. There’s an ornate boathouse here as well, but beware, it is covered with very large spiders among the deck’s ceiling rafters and between the railing spindles. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. These things are BIG and there are more spiders than I’ve ever seen in any late-night chocolate-induced nightmare. Being that I’m a ‘look but don’t touch me’ sort of spider guy, I can’t say I was a fan in the least bit. But the shots we took on the boathouse were stunning none-the-less. If you zoom in, you can probably see the spiders lurking around Hanin and Brett.
We also took some time to celebrate with a bottle of champagne, before we decided to dip our toes in the water. Once all of the shots requiring dry clothes were finished, we hopped in the pond and created magical shots with mountain views in the background. Epic.
As we made our way back down the carriage road to our cars, we were treated to a stunning sunset, though the day had been rather overcast as a whole.
Photography Sessions at the Asticou Azalea Gardens
I love this garden, and they made a breathtaking backdrop for this engagement session. There is some significant etiquette that I think should be practiced at a garden such as this one however.
1. It is important to remain respectful and quiet as not to disturb other guests. This is a very solemn garden, and judging by a few expressions I received from other guests, they did not take kindly to us disturbing the peace and taking up space with a photo session. Though we were quiet and respectful (with the exception of Matt and Michelle’s surprise proposal), I could see where even our presence and actions could be disruptive to others. Fortunately we chose a day and time that wasn’t very busy. Mind you, there were others who were congratulatory and open to us creating there.
2. The paths are very narrow, so any stopping for shots will block the path and hold up anyone else there to enjoy the garden who might be behind you.
3. I have always been conscious of staying on the path, whether hiking or in a garden. It was difficult to get back enough for a lot of the shots I’d like to have taken here, without walking all over the grass. I always want to set a good example, so I did my best to stay off any grassy areas, but that did cause me to miss out on a few shots I’d love to have taken.
4. Keep it classy. This is an upscale garden with a matching visitor demographic. It is common to see folks dressed in fine attire enjoying a romantic stroll together. Keep your posing and styling respectful and fitting to the environment to avoid any added distraction to other guests. As I always say, know your audience.
Reflections at Little Long Pond
5. Make a sizable donation if you’re creating portraits there. This land preserve operates off donations from members and visitors. Whenever visiting one of their protected locations, especially for a photo session, it is important to provide a donation. You can do that right on their website.
Though the Asticou Azalea Garden is a true treat to visit, regrettably I must say that this one is not a great choice for photography sessions with clients. The process of a session is going to be mildly disruptive in such a quiet space, no matter what you do. The folks who are visiting this garden really want to experience it for its natural beauty and serenity, so a photography session just feels out of place here. Would I do it again? Yes and no. I think it depends on the purpose. If we’re talking something like Newlywed Portraits? Depending on the date and time of day, I’d run a session there again. A photo session just for the sake of a session? I would strongly recommend a different location. I do however encourage you to take a walking tour of this garden to clear your mind, and connect with the fine artistry nature and humans have come together to create in this space. It truly is a spectacular experience.
Hanin and Brett were so much fun to talk and explore with. I am writing this post a little later than normal, so their wedding has already happened, and it was definitely a great one. I can’t wait to finish their Wedding Collection so I can share it with you all in a future blog post.
In the meantime, get out there and explore. Who knows what surprises you’ll come across!
Your Photographer,
Shaun Crockett - The Bearded Mainer Photography
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