Chris & Kayla
Various locations in Newport, Rhode Island
January 19th, 2019
By the time January rolls around, all I want to do is sit on my couch and recover from the craziness that was wedding season but, every once in a while, I'll get a couple that wants to start the new year off with a winter engagement session. And though I dread heading out into the cold for what should be my winter break, these sessions almost always prove to be the most fun, relaxed and sweet sessions imaginable.
And that's exactly why I didn't mind spending a chilly Saturday afternoon in Newport with Chris and Kayla on my first wedding-related shoot of 2019.
Chris and Kayla will be getting married in August in Rehoboth and, if my experience with that month is any indication, it won't be anywhere near the 30 or so degrees we dealt with for their engagement session. One thing I hope is the same, though, is just how much fun this bride and groom were as we strolled through the City by the Sea.
Chris and Kayla chose Newport as the site of their engagement session as the city holds a special place in their heart and relationship. It's only natural then, that we started their session in front of the Red Parrot Restaurant, site of their first date.
From there, the three of us spent an hour or so walking around Thames Street, which is pretty much the central hub for that part of the city and a must-visit site if you've never been. I love the character of downtown Newport and not just because it's one of the first places my wife and I went when we were dating either.
One of the things I love the most about Newport is how many cool spots they are and though I could have spent the entirety of Chris and Kayla's shoot with them walking the streets of downtown, I was happy they agreed to explore the area a little more and head to King's Park and Fort Adams before we called it a day.
I especially loved the Fort Adams shots as I could see this pair really enjoying themselves after they popped a bottle of champagne and let it relax themselves a bit.
I especially couldn't help but chuckle at how much fun Kayla herself was having when she made the brave decision to take her pants off and jump into a special dress she had purchased a while back for this shoot.
Considering how cold and windy it was, I didn't expect to get but maybe one or two photos of her with Chris in this outfit but she toughed it out and it was the perfect way to cap a great session.
By the time Chris, Kayla and I called it a day on our Newport adventure, the snow began to fall and we could tell winter was about to hit the area in a big way. Still, I can't help but be thankful these two were such troopers and willing to brave the low temperatures for this shoot as it really was a great way for me to kickstart my 2019 season.
And though their wedding is still half a year away, I know just by working with them on this chilly January afternoon that we're in for a great summer evening when they say "I do."
-PJS
Tags: Winter Engagement Sessions, Rhode Island Engagement Sessions, Newport, Paul J. Spetrini Photography