Lu & Lulu
Waterplace Park in Providence, Rhode Island (Ceremony) &
Al's Waterfront Restaurant in East Providence, Rhode Island (Reception)
June 17th, 2017
If you're around them long enough, eventually you start to realize that, much like every couple themselves, every wedding has its own personality and that personality reflects the characteristics of the individuals getting married.
I say this because every now and again, I come across a wedding that so perfectly sums up a bride and groom that it's hard not to see the correlation. Case in point: Lucelene and Luis' June wedding at Waterplace Park in Providence, Rhode Island.
I first met Lucelene and Luis, or Lu and Lulu as they prefer to be called, about a year ago when a longtime high school friend of mine reached out to me to inquire about my wedding photography services. And, boy, am I glad she did.
Lu and Lulu are the type of couple you think of when you strive to define the ideals of marriage. So perfectly in sync with one another, it's impossible not to fall in love with their story and their personalities, which were reflected so well in their Providence engagement session a few weeks before their wedding date.
When we first sat to talk about their wedding day, it sounded amazing. A downtown Providence ceremony deep in the heart of one of the most vibrant cities in America? A gondola ride around the base of said city? A crazy fun wedding reception? It had all the makings of a great day.
And it was. It was even better than we could have imagined.
Because much like the couple at the center of this day, this wedding had charm. It had laughs. It had tears. It had a beautiful story.
But, most of all, it had personality.
My coverage of Lu and Lulu's wedding day began in downtown Providence awaiting the bride-to-be. And I could tell the moment Lucelene walked out of the limo that this was going to be a wonderful day.
Lu looked STUNNING in her beautiful white dress and not only did she have one of the nicest bouquets I've seen this year, she was wearing an amazingly detailed headpiece that made her look like a princess.
As we shot bridal portraits near Memorial Boulevard, it was obvious Lu was excited to start the day and I can't blame her. What none of us knew at the time, though, was that her husband-to-be was patiently waiting for her to arrive by gondola so he could sing to her in front of all his friends and family members.
It's almost not fair how beautiful this moment was. I don't think there was a dry eye at the ceremony site, photographer included.
Lulu's beautiful performance was the perfect start to an awesome ceremony.
I loved watching these two interact and, boy, did they chose a unique setting: Downtown Providence on the night of Rhode Island pride.
Their ceremony site, located at the base of the Providence Place Mall, attracted dozens of onlookers and I can't say I blame them for stopping by. Not only did Lu and Lulu had beautiful words for each other, they had touching moments where both got emotional and a crowd of excited friends and family members who had obviously spent years picturing this moment. I'd say it delivered.
Following Lu and Lulu's ceremony, it was time for the bride and groom to take photos in downtown Providence. Considering we had just done this very thing only a month earlier, they were practically pros and while the weather was hot, the cloud cover made the lighting picture perfect.
This was also the time of day I was looking forward to the most as one of the things Lu and Lulu were most excited about doing on their wedding day was riding a gondola through the downtown area.
It was nice to watch them experience that together and watch them finally have a moment just for each other.
After their formal photos, Lu, Lulu and I headed over to Al's Waterfront Restaurant for their wedding ceremony.
I didn't really know what to expect from Lu and Lulu's reception until I walked in but, man, the moment I did I knew I was in for a great night.
Lu and Lulu had impeccable taste and set a fantastic scene at the small and intimate restaurant.
I LOVED the details this bride and groom chose for their day, especially the pink uplighting behind their sweetheart table which meshed perfectly with Lu's bouquet and gave everything an elegant feeling as the night went on.
If I had to pick a favorite moment from Lu and Lulu's reception, and believe me that would be difficult, it would probably be their first dance.
I loved watching this bride and groom move as one as their friends and family members looked on.
More importantly, though, I loved the way the dance went from a well-orchestrated and fun/lighthearted affair to a more emotional moment as the bride and groom let the gravity of the experience settle in.
Following their first dance, Lu and Lulu spent the next few hours of their reception walking table to table and thanking all of their friends and family members for coming to their special day.
After dinner, I could tell the bride and groom were getting anxious to start the party, however, and I can't blame them as their guests knew how to light a dance floor on fire quickly. It was, without question, an absolute blast.
It took me quite some time to exit Lu and Lulu's big day as nearly everyone wanted to grab end-of-the-night photos with the bride and groom and I can't blame them.
The excitement for this couple, and this beautiful night in general, was palpable and I don't think I saw a single person who wasn't enjoying the evening, both on and off the jam-packed dance floor.
But that's just what happens when you plan a perfect wedding that fits your personality so well.
I'll photograph a lot of weddings this year but I don't know if I'll shoot one that so closely resembles a bride and groom.
This was a remarkable day and a wonderful start to a marriage I have no doubt will be as charming, romantic and elegant as the two people who said "I do."
So congratulations Lu and Lulu! I hope it was everything you hoped it would be and much more.
It sure was for me.
-PJS
Tags: Waterplace Park, Al's Waterfront Restaurant, Rhode Island Weddings, Outdoor Weddings, Providence, Paul J. Spetrini Photography
The Vendor List
Photographer: Paul J. Spetrini (Paul J. Spetrini Photography); Hair: Nadine Ramos; Makeup: Stephanie Gomes of Makeup By StephG; Lu's Dress: David's Bridal; Lu's Shoes: TBDress; Lulu's Suit: Our Place Tuxedos & Uniforms; Ceremony Location: Waterplace Park in Providence, Rhode Island; Reception Venue: Al's Waterfront Restaurant in East Providence, Rhode Island; DJ: DJ Sabura; Photo Booth: An Amazing Day; Officiant who trained Lu's sister and filed the wedding: James of An Amazing Day.
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