I'm taking a little break from blogging weddings this week to share a unique family session I had the wonderful opportunity of photographing. When a friend of mine (who also happens to be a wedding photographer) asked me to photograph her family's trip to the Polar Express in Portland, Maine, I was so excited! I've never had the opportunity to experience such a ride and I'm very glad she chose me to document this special Christmas occasion.

As for the back story, Cassandra and I met through a local photography group and have photographed a couple weddings together. Being in Portland brought back memories of our last experience photographing a wedding together — one which we'll likely not soon forget (but that story is for another day).

The Polar Express train ride departed from the Ocean Gateway in Portland, Maine. The lobby was decorated in Polar Express decor and I watched as all of the families that were to ride the train arrived. The kids wore their pajamas as to mimic the movie. It was also very nice that the train conductor stopped to take pictures with all of the kids.

The train soon arrived and we all got on board. The conductor went around to all of the train cars and punched the tickets of all of the children. Next, the chefs arrived and served hot chocolate and cookies while the music from the movie's soundtrack played in the background. The chefs read the entire Polar Express book while holding up the books so the kids could look at the pictures. The train then came to a stop and when we looked out the windows, we saw houses lit up for Christmas and Santa's sleigh. Santa came onto the train and greeted all of the kids. They were so excited!

The first gift of Christmas was announced and all the kids got a shiny silver bell (which only they could hear, of course). I am very glad I got to photograph this wonderful occasion. A big congratulations to Cassandra and Derek on their Engagement!