Blog— Weddings — Rhode Island — 2022 —
Crystal Lake Golf Club Wedding Photos
Megan & Louis
Crystal Lake Golf Club, Mapleville, Rhode Island
July 23rd, 2022
I've always said that as much as wedding days are about the big moments — be it exchanging vows, giving each other rings, the first kiss or the first dance — the truest story of a couple's big day is in the little moments almost no one else notices.
Megan and Louis were the picture perfect example of this back during their July wedding at Crystal Lake Golf Club in Mapleville, Rhode Island. Because every time the focus was on something or someone else, and these two had a second to let their guard down, they couldn't stop laughing and smiling.
If you know me, you know I love a couple that truly looks like they are enjoying themselves and there was simply no denying just how much fun Megan and Louis had on the afternoon they became husband and wife.
I could tell from the moment I walked into Crystal Lake Golf Club that Megan and Louis' wedding day would be a lot more relaxed than most. Even though the bride arrived a bit later than expected, she had no stress about timing at all and I loved that about her.
Megan took her time getting dressed in the Crystal Lake bridal suite while Louis finished his getting ready process down in the men's locker room and both had a very casual air about them.
I especially loved the way they each smiled and cracked jokes as the ceremony got closer. You could tell they were both in good spirits and it set a strong tone for their big day.
In fact, there was really only one part of Megan and Louis' wedding that felt serious: Their wedding ceremony. But even that was less serious than it was respected as the bride and groom very clearly viewed this moment where they became husband and wife as a monumental one and let the emotions inside them come out appropriately.
I especially loved the nervous way Louis bit his lip when he first saw his bride. That little look of love said so much more than words ever could.
Megan and Louis' ceremony was short, sweet but full of tender moments. And, in fitting fashion, the two managed to make each other laugh a few times, even so far as cracking up during their first kiss.
I adored this about their ceremony as, yes, it was respectful of the serious commitment they were making but, at the same time, it was totally THEM. I think that's important and love that they stayed true to their relationship in even the most important of moments.
With their ceremony in the books, Megan and Louis transitioned to the formal photo portion of their day and this is where their true personalities shined brightest. I loved this part of their day as, while we were busy and trying to knock out about a dozen things all at once, the vibe stayed fun and relaxed as we quickly cycled through poses for the newlyweds before getting them over to cocktail hour.
And, with the way the lighting was on this particular summer afternoon, it would be really tough for me to complain about anything. This was simply perfect.
With formal photos out of the way, Megan and Louis headed over to the other side of the lake for their wedding reception and I could tell within moments we were in for a great night.
But, first, I simple had to share the simple but super cool ways in which this bride and groom decorated their wedding.
Right from the second Megan and Louis walked into their reception, it was clear they were ready for a good night. The pair opened the festivities with a sweet and emotional first dance set to “In Case You Didn't Know” by Brett Young and the timing of the dance with the slowly setting sun in the distance really made their first dance photos stand out.
I've shot a bunch of weddings at Crystal Lake but this first dance might be my favorite in terms of how the photos came out. You can feel the way these two love each other just by looking at how they shared this dance floor on this special night.
Following their first dance, Megan and Louis had one toast — given by the bride's mother — and it was time for us to quickly run outside for some sunset photos before the light was gone.
And, boy, am I glad we did as the Crystal Lake dock looked stunning on this picture perfect summer evening.
Following dinner, Megan and Louis had a cake cutting and two formal dances. The first took place between Megan and her brother. The second between Louis and his mother.
Both walked the line between fun and serious and while I could tell both the bride and groom were touched by the significance of the moment they were sharing with a close loved one, it never felt overly serious or affected the overall tone of the evening.
And that's great because that casual but carefree approach played out the rest of the evening once the dance floor opened.
Megan and Louis spent a large chunk of their reception going table to table thanking their guests for coming and spending time with those closest to them but they also made time to hit the dance floor for what I'd say is a pretty balanced wedding on their part.
As I packed my bags and headed out of Megan and Louis' reception, I couldn't help but think back to earlier in the afternoon when the bride made the groom burst out laughing during formal photos by sticking her tongue out right back his ear.
That moment summed up Megan and Louis' personalities so well and was my favorite moment of their wedding day. I love couples that clearly love each other and you don't know to be a rocket scientist to see that's the case here.
So, congratulations Megan and Louis on an amazingly fun wedding day and best of luck as you start your next chapter together as husband and wife.
-Paul J. Spetrini
Check out more of my most recent wedding blogs:
The Vendor List:
Photographer: Paul J. Spetrini, Paul J. Spetrini Photography; Bride's Hair: Alter Ego, Cranston, Rhode Island; Bride's Dress: David’s Bridal; Groom's Suit: Carl Anthony Tuxedo; Florist: Atwood Florist; Ceremony & Reception: Crystal Lake Golf Club, Mapleville, Rhode Island; DJ: All That Events; Cake: Wright's Dairy Farm.