Josh & Kim
Private Residence, Coventry, Rhode Island (Ceremony & Reception)
September 8th, 2018
One of the most important skills any wedding photographer can have is simply an ability to listen.
It can a challenge when a bride or groom tells you what they want from their wedding day, especially when it's much different than what you're used to as a person who regularly attends weddings. At the end of the day, however, if you can listen, you're much more likely to capture their day the way they truly intended.
And that's why I love couples like Josh and Kim.
When I first met Josh and Kim, I could tell they had a laser-focused idea of what they wanted their wedding day to be. They didn't have a wedding cake, there was no bridal party, they had no toasts. But though it may have been different than most of the weddings I've shot this year, Josh and Kim's wedding day was simple and their refusal to conform to the standard beats of what you'd expect a wedding to be made it a day full of laughter, love and unique perspective on what matters the most.
And it was fun.
Oh boy, was it fun.
My coverage of Josh and Kim's wedding day began with a brief introduction to Kim's family and immediately went right into the first look between the soon-to-be newlyweds.
I loved Josh and Kim's first look, not only because their family did a hilariously bad job of trying to hide near where it took place but because Josh's reaction to seeing Kim for the first time was everything you can ask for in a first look and so much more.
The moment this first look was over, I knew exactly what kind of day we were going to have as this bride and groom showed absolutely no signs of nervousness and were laughing, joking and playing around with their closest family members during a really fun formal photo session.
And, if that wasn't enough proof, the 15 minutes I had with the bride and groom to do their individual portraits proved it beyond a shadow of a doubt.
I love how much fun Josh and Kim had during their formals, particularly in the photo above as I told the two to feel free to make a funny face for one of their shots and, boy, did they ever deliver.
Seriously. I have a hard time believing that shot WON'T be in my portfolio at the end of the year.
Following their ceremony, we made our way to Josh and Kim's house, which is where they would say "I do" in front of a small group of friends and family members in one of the most laid back wedding ceremonies I've seen.
Josh and Kim's ceremony was absolutely perfect and the fact that it was set in their backyard was truly poetic.
These two aren't an extravagant couple and they played their wedding the way they always meant to: Low key, unassuming and just fun.
I think that's what I loved about their decorations too. Everything was simple, had a purpose and fit the theme of the day perfectly.
And that was true for everything on this day, including their first dance, which was set to "From the Ground Up" by Dan & Shay.
I adored the way Josh and Kim looked at each other during their first dance. For a couple that wanted to toss aside as many of the traditional wedding items as possible, it was nice to see such a special moment between them ... even if their dog decided to crash the dance.
Speaking of special moments, I knew the overall point of this day was a celebration but, I've got to be honest, I'm so glad Josh and Kim stuck with the traditional father-daughter dance, mother son dance and bouquet/garter tossing as they made for great photos.
Speaking of things that made great photos, I don't know if I've seen a better-lit reception than Josh and Kim's.
This bride and groom had a tent put in their backyard and they obviously spent a bit of time deciding on how it would all look as it was STUNNING.
I adored the decorations inside and outside this tent and they helped set the tone perfectly right from the start as it didn't take long for this party to get started.
I love when a bride and groom are heavily involved in the dancing that goes on at their reception and Josh and Kim were almost always on the floor getting down.
And, if they weren't, it's because they were shotgunning beers but, you know, we don't speak of that ...
What I loved the most about this party was Josh and Kim never strayed too far from one another and it made for some of my favorite candids of a bride and groom this year.
I adored the way these two capped the night in each other's arms. It was a beautiful reminder of what this moment meant to them and what they were signing on for going forward.
Before I could leave Josh and Kim's wedding, we still had a sparkler exit to organize and pull off and, much like the rest of the evening, it went off without a hitch.
Not that there was ever a chance it wouldn't. With this bride and groom, when there's an idea to be had, they find a way to get it done and get it done perfectly.
So, congratulations Josh and Kim. Your wedding day was everything I dream of when I hear clients say they want a "small wedding" and I know you enjoyed your day as much as I did because I can see it in your eyes anytime I look at the photos we captured.
I hope your marriage is as fun as your wedding day was and you never forget all the things that made you smile under that tent in your backyard on a chilly and truly wonderful September evening.
-PJS
The Vendor List
Photographer: Paul J. Spetrini, Paul J. Spetrini Photography; Bride's Hair & Make-up: Lindsay Horner of Maurice Jeffery Salon, East Greenwich, RI; Bride's Dress: David's Bridal; Officiant: Kristy Mccumiskey; DJ: AnamCara Music;
Check out more of my most recent wedding blogs:
Lizzy & Gabe
Crystal Lake Golf Club,
Mapleville, Rhode Island
Date: September 2nd, 2018
Patrick & Courtney
St. Paul Church, Cranston, Rhode Island & Valley Country Club, Warwick, Rhode Island
Date: September 1st, 2018
Mike & Selah
The Rotunda Ballroom at Easton's Beach., Newport, Rhode Island
Date: August 31st, 2018
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