Angela & Shawn
Hotel Viking, Newport, Rhode Island
April 16th, 2016*
I love Newport. It's one of the most unique places to visit in that it's only about eight miles of land but, in that eight miles, there's such a rich and vibrant community that it feels much more grand in scope that its sheer size would lead you to believe.
What I love the most about Newport, though, is the rich character it has that you don't get anywhere else. Depending upon WHERE in Newport you're visiting, your experience changes entirely.
For such a small city to have such a grand feel, it's no wonder people are drawn to it from around the world for weddings and Angela and Shawn's April 2016 wedding was a perfect example of that.
Because, more than anything, these two had character and their wedding was a great chance to show that character off.
Angela and Shawn got married at the Hotel Viking, deep in the heart of the city by the sea. As longtime viewers of this blog will note, I absolutely adore the Hotel Viking and, in particular, the adjourning Kay Chapel that couples at the venue usually use for their ceremony.
It was the perfect backdrop for this wedding as the small, intimate setting perfectly captured what this day was all about: the bride, the groom and their love of each other.
What I especially loved about Angela and Shawn's big day was how excited Angela was to share some of the surprise details (such as the fire truck above and her father-daughter dance routine later) with her new husband and their guests. I love seeing excitement from a bride when she knows her year or so of planning has paid off and, boy, did this planning ever do just that.
I loved the little details in Angela and Shawn's big day and, without a doubt, one of the things that struck me the most was the incredible cake the two picked out. But that was just one of the things I'll remember from this day.
I'll also remember the dancing. Man, there was a lot of dancing.
For a Sunday afternoon wedding in the beginning of spring, Angela and Shawn sure threw a heck of a party.
Whether it was the aforementioned father and daughter dance, which turned into a dance medley, or the ring bearer/bride's song rocking out to the "Whip/Nae Nae," there were tons of great moments on the dance floor in this event that felt more like a summer party than a spring celebration of love. And, judging by the bride's constant smiling, that's exactly what the newlyweds were going for.
Angela and Shawn had all of the traditional beats of a wedding reception but set with the beautiful and sun-lit backdrop that was the Hotel Viking, all of it just had a slightly more special vibe to it.
There was just something fun about this wedding as everyone in attendance seemed relaxed and there for a good time. And, at the end of the day, that's exactly what a wedding should be like.
By the time Angela and Shawn started to wind down their big day with the classic bouquet and garter toss, it was clear this was a wedding that went exactly as they had hoped and everyone in attendance seemed genuinely happy to have helped share in the memories made.
All in all, Angela and Shawn's April wedding in Newport was a great example of why the City by the Sea is such a vibrant place to have your wedding. While many people who come to the area may be looking for a lavish party at a rich country club or beachfront setting, there are countless hotels and venues that also cater to smaller, more intimate gatherings.
It's this reason why I always smile when I get booked for a wedding on the island. No matter how many times you make the trip, each wedding in Newport always feels just a little bit different and makes you appreciate something else about the city.
Angela and Shawn had a blast on their big wedding day and so did I.
-PJS
* These photos were taken as part of my work for George Street Photography and are presented here strictly for portfolio/display purposes.