I can't believe I'm even writing this post. I'm so excited. This year, one lucky couple will become my 50th wedding couple and they'll get a golden ticket worth a very special prize. But mum's the word until that couple books!

From my first wedding in 2003 — before I became an "official" business — featuring the love of my brother-in-law Carl Osgood and his beloved Tina Curtis to this year's crop of loving couples, it's ALWAYS an honor to photograph love being realized.

Not all of my wedding clients have been full-coverage weddings either. I recognize that even a simple ceremony or straight reception coverage sometimes is the name of the game. Every couple deserves to have special coverage of their Big Day(s). That's why I tailor packages to meet my couple's needs.

So here's to you, my beloved wedding clients:

1. Tina Curtis and Carl Osgood, October 19, 2003, Kingman/Mattawamkeag

2. Maggi Powning and Peter Jahreis, October 23, 2004, The Little Brown Church/Anchor Inn

3. Geizette Voisine and Thomas Witherly, May 20, 2006, Apostolic Bible Church/American Legion Hall (May Tom rest in peace)

4. Nicole and Ryan Stevens, October 2006, Bangor Elk's Lodge

5. Valerie Bates and Todd Cotier, July 7, 2007, Bar Harbor Campground

6. Lori Hanson and Shaun Smith, July 21, 2007, Spectacular Events Center

7. Shannon Opperman and Thomas Bourbon, July 28, 2007, family home

8. Nicole Libby and JP Seeber, August 11, 2007, St. Matthews Catholic Church/Spectacular Events Center

9. Sierra Coad and Dana Jackson, September 1, 2007, Church of God/Shriner's Club

10. Maren Watkins and Kevin Calzia, September 2, 2007, Fort Madison/Manor Inn

11. Jessie Poulin and John Buckley, June 21, 2008, Kimball Terrace Inn

12. Abby and Craig Glass, July 5, 2008, Four Points by Sheraton (reception only)

13. Alicia Crandall and Douglass Rodgerson Jr., August 2, 2008, County Road Baptist Church/Crandall home

14. Lindsay Young and Ben MacDonald, August 9, 2008, Holbrook Island Sanctuary/Brooksville Community Center

15. Robyn Bourbon and Thomas Sockbeson, August 16, 2008, William K. Arey Hall (Bucksport)

16. Emily Prescott and Terence Hamilton, September 6, 2008, Spectacular Event Center

17. Carey Bell and Ian Scott, September 27, 2008, St. Mary's Catholic Church/Jeff's Catering

18. Kayla Nicholson and Douglas Noddin, October 11, 2008, Grace Church (Dedham)/White Birches

19. Samantha Coon and Gerald Levesque, October 25, 2008, Hampden Highlands UMC/Lucerne Inn

20. Doug and Linda Warren, November 29, 2008, family home

21. Tristine Currier and Barry Currie, Feb. 28, 2009, Brewer UMC

22. Nicole Carney and Corry Lawson, May 30, 2009, Messiah Baptist Church/Meadowbrook

23. Adrienne Myers and Tyler Dunn, Aug. 1, 2009, Notre Dame De Lourdes Catholic Church in Skowhegan/Grandeur Sun

24. Ambrosia Billings and Nick Spann, Aug. 22, 2009, Lucerne Inn

25. Gaylen Clarke and Christopher Jones, September 5, 2009, Children's Chapel/MV Monhegan

26. Derek Wood and Laurie Martin, Sept. 12, 2009, Lucerne Inn

27. Monica Higgins and Jeffrey Paul, Nov. 6-7, 2009, First Congregational Church in Brewer/Spectacular Events Center

28. Flo McCartney and David Hannan, April 17, 2010, Lucerne Inn

29. Katie Nadeau and Wade Schwanda, May 23, 2010, Orono UMC/Camp Jefferson

30. Susan Moore and Christopher Cerini, May 29, 2010, Union Street Brick Church/Jeff's Catering

31. Sheri Butler and Craig Worcester, July 16, 2010, Hammond Street Baptist Church/PVCC

32. Vicky Davis and Deron Smith, August 6, 2010, Lucerne Inn

33. Sarah McDarby and Christopher Osgood, August 9, 2010, Portland Head Light/Holiday Inn Express

34. Ashley Alley and Drew Stapelman, August 14, 2010, Isleford

35. Anne McGreevy and Jim Tyler, August 21, 2010, North Brewer/Eddington UMC/couple's camp in Clifton

36. Hillary Roberts and Michael Johnson, September 4, 2010, YMCA Camp of Maine

37. Mary Catherine Healey and Jim Christiano, September 25, 2010, St. Peter's in Southwest Harbor/Atlantic Oceanside

38. Darren Nadeau and RoAnne Brown, November 27, 2010, Lucerne Inn

39. Sarah Wallace and Adam Canales, July 2, 2011, Houlton church/Hogdon Elementary School

40. William Jewell and Cindy Nguyen, July 16, 2011, Seventh Day Adventist Church/Muddy Rudder

41. Elisabeth Stuckey and James Jecker, July 29, 2011, Catholic Church/Castine Golf Club

42. Katie McGary and Kevin Mania, August 6, 2011, family home/Shiretown Motor Inn

43. Erin Quimby and Greg Knerr, August 13, 2011, Lucerne Inn

44. Erika Stratton and Mark "Strate" Richardson, September 23, 2011, Cascade Park (ceremony only)

45. Jennifer Case and Mitch Munson, September 30, 2011, Schooner in Bar Harbor

46. Sasha Bogdan and Jeremy Miller, October 1, 2011, Lucerne Inn

47. Eileen Broderick and Reg Arnold, October 8, 2011, Lucerne Inn

48. Sharon and Wayne, May 12, 2012, Sea Dog (reception only)

49. Emily Shalhoob and Joe Britelli, May 26, 2011, St. Mary's Catholic Church/PVCC

50. WHO WILL BE NUMBER 50?!

Want more information? Make sure you contact me and we'll chat about your needs and develop a package perfect for you!

Warmly!

Deb Bell, owner

Today I started a journey that I believe was put in front of me by the Lord. I started reading a fellow photographer's brand new book "Prosper". This book, guided by a divine hand, has inspired me to look deeper within myself and to develop my faith further. (Want to know more about this book? Visit here: http://www.prospercommunity.com)

When I was younger, as I was starting to get excited about the world of photography, I had a welcoming and supportive church family. They didn't care about politics and what I could do for them. In my United Methodist Church, they wanted to do what could help me grow. I wish I could transplant them here in the Bangor area. I miss the family I grew up with.

That's part of growing up.

Whenever I work with a client, especially a wedding client, I like to know what church (if there is one) that they'll be getting married in. I feel blessed that even though I'm working, I can follow along in prayer and I truly believe that my faith has drawn me to weddings because of the closeness with God.

My relationship with Him, though, doesn't require that I go to a building to believe. While I loved my church family, I love the fact that the institution doesn't make the relationship. Daily thoughtfulness and faith does.

I was pushed to write this blog as part of my "Prosper" Journey. I was nervous about doing it because my relationship with Him is so personal. It cannot be shaken by those who feel that if you don't go to church every Sunday, you're not a "real" Christian; They're entitled to that belief.

However, I believe that a spiritual relationship is more than just found in an institution. It's about love. It's about knowing there is support, even when it doesn't seem like it.

But most of all, it's about Beauty.

We are blessed in Maine to be surrounded by beauty. It's found in the ocean. It's found in the trees. It's found in the beautiful colors year round.

And it's in the people who make up this state.

I believe that there is something larger than myself. He is guiding me through my career and helping me push my photography business further. He has provided me with friends and colleagues who believe. He has provided me with a talent and an intelligence that makes me grateful to be able to help bring beauty home to my clients and their families.

He is going to help me "Prosper".

And for that, I am grateful.

The 2011 wedding season has flown by and I want to thank all of my wonderful couples for allowing me, and Jess, to share in your Big Day.

Thank you to:

Adam and Sarah Canales, Houlton

William and Cindy Jewell, Bangor/Brewer

Jim and Lisa Jecker, Castine

Kevin and Katie Mania, Houlton

Erin and Greg Knerr, Lucerne-in-Maine

Jenny and Mitch Munson, Bar Harbor

Erika and Mark "Strate" Richardson, Bangor

Sasha and Jeremy Miller, Lucerne-in-Maine

Reg and Eileen Arnold, Lucerne-in-Maine

May all of you be blessed with the Happily Ever After that you deserve!