THE STORY BEHIND THE STORIES
- YET ANOTHER PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG -
Have you ever had a moment where something funny or unpredictable happened and you thought to yourself "Man, I'm going to remember that for a long time?" As a Rhode Island wedding photographer, I have more of these moments every year than I could even imagine trying to count.
Weddings are the ultimate thrill ride for me. A once-in-a-lifetime day full of special moments and memories that I know my brides and grooms will cherish for a lifetime. With that typically comes a timeline full of things to do, a unrelenting stress for everything to go perfect and, eventually, enough alcohol to wipe away any inhibitions if things don't go exactly how you envisioned them.
Back in the fall of 2014, when I was just starting my career as a wedding photographer, I thought it would be a good idea to do what everyone on the internet was doing back then: write a blog. The problem, I would discover, was I had nothing of note to say. So I did what any good photographer does: Let the photos speak for themselves.
It took me a while to find my voice as a blog writer but I'm so glad I did as I genuinely believe my blog writing has become a key part of documenting a wedding for my couples. These are the inside stories behind the stories of the wedding days that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Whether you're planning your own wedding or you just like looking at cool wedding photos and finding out more behind them, I hope you genuinely enjoy these articles. Going forward I will continue writing separate blog entries for each wedding and engagement session I shot and, soon, I will start adding some exciting wedding-related articles I hope help brides and grooms in their quest to plan the perfect day.
For now, though, enjoy a stroll back through my favorite stories and images of recent assignments and, as always, thanks for reading.
MY LATEST BLOG POSTS
Something Special
Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, Cranston, Rhode Island
Date: October 13th, 2024
You can tell a lot about a couple by how much time and effort they put into the little things revolving around their wedding and that's why, when I walked into Rhodes on the Pawtuxet back in October for Denis and Larry's special day, I knew this would be a good one.
Why? Well, for one, the pair spent a year collecting miscellaneous glassware for one-of-a-kind gifts for their guests. For another, they had fully-decked out matching kilts that were insanely detailed. But that tracks. Because, above all, this wedding was all about the little things, which you can see for yourself by clicking here.
Five Bridge Inn, Rehoboth, Massachusetts
Date: October 12th, 2024
They say patience is a virtue but, for some brides and grooms, I think too much patience can be a bad thing. At least that was my worry for Tanya and Stephen before their October wedding that was 20 years in the making ... and two years later than planned.
But good things often come to those who wait and Tanya and Stephen's day proved that as all the moments and memories they waited a lifetime for were just as sweet as ever and it was the exact day of their dreams. How can I be so sure? Check out how much this day meant for them, and for me, by clicking here.
Crystal Lake Golf Club, Mapleville, Rhode Island
Date: October 5th, 2024
There are a lot of similarities between shooting weddings and sports and I think the most glaring is how the "season" is structured. No matter how many weddings I shoot in any given year, once the calendar turns to October, it feels like a different thing altgoether and it's really time to come through in the clutch.
This was especially true this year as my first wedding of my favorite month was Amy and Ian, a couple whose big day I was looking forward to for MONTHS And the result? Well, let's just said they didn't disappoint. Check it out for yourself by clicking here.
Private Residence, Westfield, Massachusetts
Date: September 28th, 2024
I love a good wedding ceremony but, sometimes, I find out from my couples that they've already had theirs by the time it's time for me to shoot their wedding day.
While that seems like a contradiction, typically what this means is a couple needed to elope earlier than planned. In these situations, I know I'm still in for an amazing time as long as: The couple is fun, they still want to have all the other moments of a wedding day and they're planning to dance. Kaitlin and Adam are the perfect example of why I feel this way and you can see their special day by clicking here.
Bournedale Function Facility, Plymouth, Mass.
Date: September 27th, 2024
You can tell a lot about how a couple is feeling based on the way they walk down the aisle at the end of their wedding ceremony. Take for instance, Matt and Chelsea. Moments after these two said "I do" at the Bournedale Function Facility in Plymouth, Massachusetts, they danced their way all the way up the aisle in celebration.
I can't say I blame them: You'd dance too if you had a day as sweet and fun as these two had. Matt and Chelsea had one of my favorite weddings of 2024 and you can see why for yourself by clicking here.
Private Residence, Bradford, Rhode Island
Date: September 21st, 2024
One of the many reasons I love Rhode Island is it's one of the only states in America where you can see pockets of ALL America within a short drive.
While you might not think of Rhode Island as "Country," there's plenty of areas in the Ocean State where the vibes are rural and farm area and I always know if I get booked for a wedding way out that way, that it's going to be a party. But even I wasn't prepared for the party Paige and Andrew had during their backyard wedding in September. Want to see what I mean? Check it our for yourself by clicking here.
Highfields Country Club, Grafton, Massachusetts
Date: September 20th, 2024
You can tell a lot about a bride and groom based on how they act in the hour or so before their wedding ceremony and that's why I knew Jocelyn and Corey were about to have the best day of their lives back in September because instead of any stress or worry, it was laughs, jokes and a little bit of Flo Rida music.
And, honestly? That just felt right for a couple whose love language is making each other crack up.
The result? One of the most fun wedding days I've had all year and a day I know they'll never forget. Why? See for yourself by clicking here.
Webb Memorial State Park, Weymouth, Mass.
Date: September 16th, 2024
One of the many reasons I really enjoy shooting engagement sessions is they're a chance to get to know a bride and groom before their big day and, in many cases, what you learn is invaluable.
Take Meaghan and Daniel, for example. In our two plus hours together back in September, I learned a very important thing: That this couple is awesome and their 2025 wedding is going to be one of my favorites of the entire year. Why? Well, check out their super fun engagement session at Webb Memorial State Park for yourself by clicking here.
The Adam's Pub, Quincy, Massachusetts
Date: September 15th, 2024
I love whenever a couple tells me they've been together for a decade or more before getting married. In my experience, these weddings are among the most relaxed, fun days and the couples themselves are typically not too worried about the ins and outs of the "perfect wedding."
Take Dallas and Kerry, who got married back in September. These two had been together for 14 years before walking down the aisle and, all day, the entire wedding day, showed why waiting for the perfect day to say "I do" was well worth it. Why? Check it out here.
Southwick's Zoo, Mendon, Massachusetts
Date: September 14th, 2024
I've never been the biggest fan of Saturday morning weddings. As much as I adore couples who do things a little bit different, I've always found the best weddings are the ones timed for times people traditionally dance and party.
But then there are exceptions, like Kelly and Michael's big day at Southwick's Zoo. Maybe it was the beauty of early fall. Maybe it was the amazing brunch food. Either way, this party was one that didn't disappoint and it was just one of many reasons I adored this wedding so much. Check it out here.
Colt State Park & The Waypoint Event Center
Date: August 31st, 2024
Have you ever heard the expression "the eyes are the windows to the soul?" In my experience, on a wedding day, the eyes only reveal so much. That's why I look to the cheeks for the real truth. More specifically, the way a bride or groom smiles on their special day tells the real story and, in that way, Lauren and Matt said so much when they tied the knot back in August.
At nearly every major moment in Lauren and Matt's wedding day, the two were making each other crack big smiles or laughs and, honestly, it's hard to blame them because their day was perfect. See why.here.
Five Bridge Inn, Rehoboth, Massachusetts
Date: August 8th, 2024
In wedding photography, the little moments of a bride and groom's day ARE the big moments and if you know where to look, you'll capture something special.
Take, for instance, Jenna and Ryan's August wedding where, in the middle of her bridal prep, Jenna stopped what she was doing to help Ryan fix his hair.
Most brides don't want to see their soon-to-be husband before their first look or ceremony but Jenna? She cared more about helping her husband than any weird superstitions and that moment said so much about this day. Why? Check it out for yourself here.
Lake of Isles, North Stonington, Connecticut
Date: July 27th, 2024
Anytime I get asked by a fellow photographer to shoot something, there's a little extra pressure because I know that THEY know what good photos looks like.
You can imagine my nerves, then, when a wedding photographer I've worked with before asked me to shoot his big day, as happened back in July when Derek and Shannon tied the knot.
Turns out I didn't need to worry though. Why? Because this couple knew exactly what they wanted for their wedding and knocked it out of the park. Want to see what I mean? Check it out for yourself here.
Crystal Lake Golf Club, Mapleville, Rhode Island
Date: July 20th, 2024
I am far from a morning person. In fact, I'm far more likely to get up after noon than before it. But every now and again, I'm asked to photograph a morning wedding and when that happens, I normally let out a sigh knowing that it's going to be a challenging day.
Unless it's at Crystal Lake Golf Club, one of the only venues I don't mind getting up early to work at and that's why I knew on the morning of Amy and Ben's, we were in for a great day.
Why to see why? Check it out for yourself by clicking here.
Kilburn Mill, New Bedford, Massachusetts
Date: July 19th, 2024
I always love when I hear a song for the first time at a wedding and it then becomes hugely popular because every time I hear it, I immediately think of that first couple and the fun wedding they no doubt had.
That's why I will always smile and think of Emily and Ingrid's July wedding when I hear "Hot to go!" by Chappell Roan.
Not that I needed a reminder of this wedding of course. No, these two brides had a beautiful day that was so much fun I can't imagine forgetting it anytime soon. Want to see why? Check it out by clicking here.
Parish of St. John the Baptist & Tupper Manor
Date: June 30th, 2024
I've said it before and I'll say it again. When you're second shooting a wedding, the biggest key to having a successful day is connecting with a couple moments into meeting them.
In that regard, I couldn't have had a better time with Belinda and Daniel on the day of their June wedding as, moments after I arrived for groom prep, I felt like I knew Daniel and his guys for years.
The result? Some of my favorite groom prep photos all year but, more importantly, a beautiful wedding day from start to finish. See if for yourself by clicking here.
Blue Ocean Music Hall, Salisbury, Massachusetts
Date: June 28th, 2024
If you want to get a real feel for how a bride and groom are around each other, the only true way to do that on a wedding day is to sneak away with them, long after the formalities of the day are over, for some sunset couple portraits.
That's how I got to see Julia and Sean finally let their hair down on the evening of their June wedding at Blue Ocean Music Hall as they frolicked on the beach and, yes, it was absolutely adorable.
But, so too, was their entire wedding day, which you can see for yourself by clicking here.
Oglebay Resort, Wheeling, West Virginia
Date: June 15th, 2024
I'm a big believer that the universe puts you where you're meant to be but I'll be honest: When Cassi and Bryan initially reached out to me to photograph their June wedding in Wheeling, West Virginia, my first reaction was 'West Virginia? Really"
Turns out the universe knew what it was doing as my first visit to the Mountain State was one of the best experiences I've ever had as a wedding photographer.
Why? Well. it was the perfect day and the perfect couple and, if you want to see why I feel that way, check it out for yourself by clicking here.
Colt State Park, Bristol, Rhode Island
Date: June 9th, 2024
It's almost a joke at this point but I know I'm having too much fun on an engagement session when the very idea of saying "OK, one more pose?" turns into an inside joke with me and a couple because I keep repeating it so often. But that's how I know I'm photographing something special and that was the case during Amanda and Steven's engagement session.
And how special was it? Not even having lost my voice could stop me from working with this bride and groom. What do I mean? Well, check it out for yourself by clicking here.
Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill, Middletown, CT.
Date: June 2nd, 2024
One of the nice benefits of being a wedding photographer is getting to experience different cultures and the way their brides and grooms tie the knot. Anytime I can do this as a second shooter, it's a bonus as I get to sit back, take in all the special moments and focus exclusively on being as creative as possible.
I think that's one of the reasons Naomi and Evan's June wedding at the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill was so fun to shoot back in June. The others? Well, it was a stunningly fun day of beauty and love. See if for yourself by clicking here.
Whiteface Hollow, South Tamworth, New Hampshire
Date: June 1st, 2024
I've always believed that you don't marry the person you can live with. You marry the person you can't live without. In many ways, the same is true for wedding photographers. You're not hiring someone who can capture the moments of your wedding day. You're hiring someone who can capture YOU on your wedding day.
That's why Sarah and Dennis had one of my favorite weddings ever back in June. Because as beautiful as the big moments of their wedding day were, it was the little ones that mattered even more. What do I mean? See for yourself by clicking here.
The Derryfield Restaurant, Manchester, NH
Date: May 26th, 2024
You can learn a lot about a bride and groom by looking and listening during their wedding ceremony and, for Shaniques-Lana and Adam, I learned during their May wedding ceremony that they were made for one another.
Now, I know what you're thinking: Obviously they're made for each other, they're getting married. But that's not always the case. I love when you can see the genuine excitement and love a bride and groom have for one another and it was on display in spades on this beautiful day. Why? See for yourself by clicking here.
Five Bridge Inn, Rehoboth, Massachusetts
Date: May 24th, 2024
Above all, the thing I want to see in a bride and groom the most on their wedding day is a real sense that they are living in EVERY moment. From the very beginning of bride and groom prep until the final song of the night, if you're getting married, you should be present and savoring every second of the day.
Because of this, I can say without a doubt that Mary and Tommy's wedding was a success because, for this bride and groom, every second mattered and they loved it all so, so very much. And, honestly? I can't blame them. Why? See for yourself by clicking here.
Crescent Park, Riverside, Rhode Island
Date: May 19th, 2024
Every once in a while, I get deja vu at the start of a photo session. Typically, it's a vague recollection of the couple I'm about to work with or a memory I can't quite place associated with the time of year we're shooting in but, in the case of Kayla and Scott's engagement session back in May, it was all because of the location.
Kayla and Scott chose Crescent Park in Riverside for their engagement session, a place I hadn't been to in well over a decade but, immediately, memories sprang forward. And why was that so important? Well, because this park, and this couple, were quite amazing.
First Christian Congregational & The Liberal Club
Date: May 18th, 2024
A lot of couples say their wedding was years in the making but, for Elizabeth and Steve, it's quite literally true. The pair were set to tie the knot in a big way back in May of 2020 but, thanks to a global pandemic, settled for a small backyard elopement instead.
It was the first wedding I had that was impacted by COVID and, honestly, I never forgot it and I think that's why I was so glad to finally see these two get the day they deserved so much four years later as they re-tied the knot in a day that absolutely was worth the wait. Why? See for yourself by clicking here.
Various locations, Providence, Rhode Island
Date: May 13th, 2024
One of the reasons I like engagement sessions is, typically, I have lots of time to work with clients. It's not uncommon for an engagement session to go over two hours and, many times, I could work with a bride and groom for even more than that if their schedule allows.
I find having that kind of time helps me figure out how a couple poses best but, sometimes, it's even more helpful ... as in the case of Matt and Lauren's engagement session when it gave us the option to hit a secondary location in a nice, shady area.
Why was that so important? Well, check it out here.
Goddard Park, East Greenwich, Rhode Island
Date: May 7th, 2024
The surest sign that I'm having a lot of fun on an engagement session is when I think I've wrapped up the session and keep saying "OK, what about one more?" instead.
And nowhere was that more apparent than during Meg and Tim's May engagement session at Goddard Park in East Greenwich.
To be fair, however, I don't think you can really blame me. Not only were Meg and Tim one of the most fun couples I've worked with this year but the day was stunningly beautiful. Why? Well, check it out here.
Knights of Columbus, Mattapoisett, Massachusetts
Date: May 4th, 2024
Every now and again, I'll hear someone who is "anti wedding" talk about how they'd never get married because weddings are "too fake" or "too expensive" or "too much of a show."
Whenever I hear this, I can't help but roll my eyes and think about weddings like Cynthia and Josh's back in May as this bride and groom had the most low key and casual wedding I've shot this year and did it their way without any unnecessary pomp or circumstance. And you know what? It was still beautiful.
The Spa at Norwich Inn, Norwich, Connecticut
Date: April 27th, 2024
As much as I love working with my clients and shooting beautiful weddings, sometimes it's nice to sit back and work as a second shooter for another photographer. With no pressure to shoot anything in particular and nearly no responsibilities over the timeline of the day, second shooting is the ultimate tool for creative freedom for a wedding photographer.
And, thankfully, I always seem to work with amazing clients when I second shoot. Case in point: Elizabeth and Kevin's spring wedding at the Spa at Norwich Inn. Check it out for yourself by clicking here.
Atkinson Country Club, Atkinson, New Hampshire
Date: April 21st, 2024
There are few better feelings as a photographer than leaving a wedding knowing the event you just shot was exactly what your couple dreamed of and that's why Helen and Brandon's April wedding at Atkinson Country Club in Atkinson, New Hampshire is already in contention as one of my favorite weddings of 2024.
Helen and Brandon went out of their way to plan every little bit of their wedding exactly as they always wanted it and whether it was a two-minute ceremony or a night of laughs, I know they left their big day with no regrets. Why? Check it out for yourself by clicking here.
The Barn at Blackstone National, Sutton, Mass.
Date: April 20th, 2024
Life is all about timing and, when it comes to wedding days, that's twice as true.
That's why the moment after Jessica and Daniel's first dance, when a random guest came running up to me to tell me there was a beautiful rainbow outside, I knew we had to scrap all our plans and run out to try to capture it.
We ended up nailing it and, honestly, that shouldn't be a surprise because everything about Jessica and Daniel's wedding day was perfect. Why? Check it out for yourself by clicking here.
Grupo Amigos Da Terceira, Pawtucket, RI
Date: March 16th, 2024
There's a certain level of joy I get when I can see a bride and groom are clearly having fun on their wedding day. After all, if you're not having fun making a lifelong commitment to the person you love the most, why not just elope, right?
In all the weddings I've shot recently, though, I'm not sure anyone had as much fun as Will and Linda did back in March. I mean, when your officiant breaks into a Macho Man voice midway through your ceremony, you know you're doing special. Why? Check it out for yourself by clicking here.
White's of Westport, Westport, Massachusetts
Date: March 9th, 2024
Whenever I'm shooting bride or groom prep, I'm always looking for the story inside of the story of a wedding day. Sometimes, it's hard to see and doesn't become clear until later in the afternoon. Other times, it's apparent from the moment I take the first photo.
Alyssa and Devon's wedding was the latter and I knew just from the fact that we were in Alyssa's childhood home to start her wedding day, that this would be one that had quite the story to tell. And it sure did. Want to see why? Check it out for yourself by clicking here.
Downtown Providence, Providence, Rhode Island
Date: February 24th, 2024
Winter engagement sessions can be tricky. While, in theory, a snowy photo session to show off your love ahead of your wedding sounds great, more likely than not lately, there won't be snow but there will be plenty of cold and plenty of chilly wind.
Still, I couldn't help but look forward to Tanya and Stephen's engagement session back in February the way I would any summer or fall shoot because these two are so sweet and so much fun to work with. And the photos? Well, we may not have had snow but there sure was a lot of winter beauty on this day.
The Barn at Wight Farm, Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Date: February 17th, 2024
With how much time I spend thinking about weddings, it's amazing that I only really have one goal for my brides and grooms: That their wedding is fun.
It's a lofty goal but a good one and, every now and again, I come across a couple who I know will not only meet that goal but exceed it.
Emily and Edward were one of those couples and I knew that, despite it taking place in the middle of February, their wedding would feel like a giant summer party. I was wrong. It was so much better. Why? Check it out for yourself by clicking here.
Castleton Banquet & Conference Center
Date: January 27th, 2024
I'm a big believer that my first wedding of the year will set the tone for how a wedding season is going to go and, in that regard, I couldn't have asked for a better start to 2024 than working with Denise and Lawrence.
Not only was Denise and Larry's wedding a ton of fun to photograph but, because it was taking place in January, I had the lovely pleasure of capturing a wedding with beautiful winter vibes and, honestly, I think I need to do that more often.
Why did I love it so much? Check out Denise and Lawrence's big day for yourself by clicking here.
Enrico Caruso Society, Manville, Rhode Island
Date: December 31st, 2023
By the time we reach the end of a year, I am always in desperate need of time off and lots and lots of sleep.
I love what I do but the grind wears on you and that's why I was worried before agreeing to shoot Nicole and Josh's New Years Eve wedding. If I'm typically wiped in mid November, how will I find the motivation to shoot a wedding on the literal last day of the year?
Turns out I didn't need to find anything because this couple was so much fun to work with, I forgot I was supposed to be burned out. Why? Check out Nicole and Josh's big day for yourself by clicking here.
Private Residence, Newport, Rhode Island
Date: November 19th, 2023
I never know when it's going to happen but there's always a moment each year when the weather turns and suddenly fall feels like winter in an instant.
Whenever this happens, I know the next shoot I have outdoors is going to be rough. Thankfully, this year that was not the case as I got to work with Jessica and Matthew during their November engagement session right as the weather turned.
Sure, it was cold. But these two? You could tell there was nowhere else they'd rather be and that's why we had so much fun capturing some truly beautiful photos.
Renaissance Country Club, Haverhill, Mass.
Date: November 11th, 2023
I tell every bride and groom I work with that they should always be themselves on their wedding day.
I think Virginia and Patrick might have taken this message to heart most. Why? Well, Virginia spent large chunks of bridal prep singing show tunes. And during formal photos, she licked Patrick's nose in the middle of a sweet, romantic photo. And don't get me started on the lightsabers.
Virginia and Patrick had one of the most authentic wedding days I shot this year and I'm so excited to show it off so. Check it out for yourself by clicking here.
Grace Church & Oceancliff Hotel
Date: November 10th, 2023
There is a moment every wedding season where things line up so perfectly that I can't help but stop for a second, look around and know I'm photographing something special.
That moment couldn't have come at a better time for me in 2023 than on the evening of Gianna and Nick's November wedding as these two were already two of my favorite clients ever and a stunning sunset only served as the cherry on top of a stunningly perfectly wedding day. What do I mean? Well, check it out for yourself by clicking here.
Independence Harbor, Assonet, Mass.
Date: November 4th, 2023
Whenever I hear about a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary together, I always wonder how much different life must have been when they got married young and how things changed over the years.
I think that's why I have a special place in my heart for the youngest couples I work with. It's heartwarming to think that, hopefully, their decision to say "I do" so early in life will mean more years spent with the one they love and that's what I thought during Juniper and Aaron's wedding back in November because this was one wedding as timeless as young love gets.
Crystal Lake Golf Club, Mapleville, Rhode Island
Date: October 28th, 2023
I want every bride and groom that I work with to have the wedding of their dreams but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that some weddings come with higher stakes than others. That's how I felt heading into Emily and Jacob's wedding as I've known the groom for years and felt extra pressure to make sure everything came out exactly as planned. In the end, it came out better.
In a fall season where seemingly nothing could go right in terms of weather, Emily and Jacob not only had a beautiful sunny wedding day, they had the day of their dreams. Check it out for yourself by clicking here.
Scituate Harbor Community Center, Scituate, Mass.
Date: October 27th, 2023
If there's one thing I look for from all my wedding clients, it's the right "vibe." While I sometimes cringe at using that word, it's such a perfect way to describe my attitude and energy toward the people I work with.
In this regard, few have ever had a vibe that made me smile more than Mary and Chelsea, so much so that I knew I wanted to shoot their wedding day within moments of meeting them.
What kind of vibe did they have? One full of love, joy and pure happiness. And I can think of no better way to describe their beautiful October wedding day.