Ashley & Kevin's Wedding

"TOGETHER WE CAN FACE ANY CHALLENGES
AS DEEP AS THE OCEAN
AND AS HIGH AS THE SKY."
–Sonia Gandhi

The royal wedding wasn’t the only beautiful event that took place today! On this rainy Saturday, I had the opportunity to photograph the most perfect Newport wedding for the sweetest couple. I was thrilled when Ashley & Kevin contacted me for their wedding photography last year. From the details that they shared with me, their wedding day sounded like it would be beautiful and I was honored to capture these special memories for them.

Their venue was the absolutely gorgeous Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island. Once you cross the bridge onto Goat Island, it’s like you’ve entered into a dream destination. This Newport venue has everything: A perfect seaside location, an impressive event space with massive windows overlooking the ocean, beautifully manicured grounds, and the most spectacular view of the Newport bridge on the horizon. Unfortunately, for the second weekend in a row we’ve had to battle the rain and wind to photograph our beautiful couples. I take the rain as a welcomed challenge and “necessary evil” of wedding photography. You can plan literally everything on your wedding day, but the one thing that’s left to chance is the weather. I’ve photographed 85° weddings in the Fall and 60° weddings in the Summer. One of my biggest tips to brides & grooms is to always have a backup plan!
 
Regardless of the rain clouds above, Ashley & Kevin couldn’t wait to finally tie the knot! We started our day with some getting ready pictures–Since the men were all at Gurney’s Newport Resort, that’s where we decided to meet. Although it was a little foggy and sprinkling, Kevin and his groomsmen were on board for outdoor portraits. The guys lined up for photos as the seagulls flew overhead and sailboats sailed by. I could not get over how perfect this location was for pictures–It really is a photographer’s dream! Afterwards, it was time to photograph the girls getting ready at a vacation home nearby. Ashley’s details were in beautiful blush, pink, and ivory tones. Her bouquet was absolutely gorgeous; filled with large wildflowers that complimented her lace gown perfectly. The girls helped Ashley into her dress while everyone gazed in awe–She made such a gorgeous bride!
 
After everyone was ready.. And maybe after a glass of champagne and some laughter, we were finally on our way to Belle Mer.  I was so impressed with their bridal suite– It was large, elegant, and perfect for portraits (considering it was pouring rain by this point). When Kevin arrived at the venue we realized that this might be our only chance to brave the weather and photograph some outdoor portraits. We only had about 15 minutes outside, but I’m so glad that I convinced Ashley & Kevin to make the most of the grounds at Belle Mer. We stationed Kevin in the courtyard with his back turned, as Ashley eagerly approached. Her groom turned and lit up as he finally saw how beautiful his soon-to-be-wife looked. After a few portraits outside, with the fog covering the Newport bridge in the distance, it was only minutes until their vows. Guests poured in (no pun intended) as Ashley & Kevin waited anxiously to say ‘we do’. Their night was filled with gorgeous floral arrangements, impeccable decor, and even a live band to dance the night away.
 
It was such an honor to photograph these moments for this perfect couple. I’m so lucky to travel throughout New England and capture brides, grooms, and their families as they celebrate two people spending their lives together.