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BlogWeddingsRhode Island — 2019

Quonset 'O' Club Wedding

Quonset 'O' Club Wedding Photography, Bride and Groom Formal Photos

Becky & Doug

     One of the toughest parts of being a wedding photographer is learning to be patient, particularly when you have an amazing couple that you're excited to work with but you book them a year or more before their wedding day.

     It's even more difficult when you've known that couple for YEARS before booking them and have even more time to envision their big day.
     Becky and Doug were this couple for me and, much like the rest of their friends and family, we all patiently waited for a very long time to see them walk down the aisle and say "I do."

     But despite the long wait, when their wedding day finally came, it was even better than we could have imagined and easily one of my favorite this year.

     To say it was worth the wait is a massive understatement.

TownPlace Suites North Kingstown Wedding Photography, Bridal Prep Photos
TownPlace Suites North Kingstown Wedding Photography, Bridal Prep Photos
TownPlace Suites North Kingstown Wedding Photography, Bridal Prep Photos
Bridal Prep

     Becky and Doug chose to get married at the Quonset "O" Club in North Kingstown. As such, I knew my time with them was likely to start at the nearby TownPlace Suites by Marriott hotel, which was just a few minutes away from the venue. 

     I've been to this hotel a few times for South County-based weddings and it never fails to impress. 

Becky's bridal prep session was a super fun, casual time as both she and her bridesmaids were completely relaxed and ready to party hours before the big ceremony. 

TownPlace Suites North Kingstown Wedding Photography, Bridal Prep Photos
TownPlace Suites North Kingstown Wedding Photography, Bridal Prep Photos
TownPlace Suites North Kingstown Wedding Photography, Bridal Prep Photos
TownPlace Suites North Kingstown Wedding Photography, Bridal Prep Photos

     I had a lot of goals for Becky and Doug's wedding day but, without question, one of the most important ones for me personally was to pay respect to Becky's mother, who had passed away a few years ago but whose presence was undeniable on the day itself. 

     That's why one of my favorite photos on Becky's wedding day was a simple Pinterest-inspired shot of her mother's wedding dress with the soon-to-be bride in the background. It's little touches like this that can mean so much to so many and I'm glad we were able to take the time to make it happen.

TownPlace Suites North Kingstown Wedding Photography, Bridal Prep Photos
TownPlace Suites North Kingstown Wedding Photography, Bridal Prep Photos
TownPlace Suites North Kingstown Wedding Photography, Bridal Prep Photos

     Speaking of time, we had LOTS of it before Becky and Doug's ceremony. So much so, in fact, that we were able to knock out bridal portraits and shots of Becky with each of her bridesmaids prior to anyone else arrived to the "O" Club. I love when this happens as it makes my job that much easier later on and I could tell Becky was in good spirits as we prepared for the big events of the afternoon.

Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Bridal Prep Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Bridal Prep Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Bridal Prep Photos

     The first of the big events of the day, and perhaps the most meaningful outside of the actual wedding ceremony itself, was a planned first look for Becky and her father.

     I've known Becky's dad for most of my adult life and I knew how special this moment was going to be to him. Secretly, I had hoped he would cry like a baby but his reaction of genuine happiness was so much more heartwarming than I could have anticipated. 

     I've done a lot of first looks, both this year and in general, but I don't know if one ever felt as powerful as this one did on this warm summer afternoon in North Kingstown.

Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Bridal Prep Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Bridal Prep Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Bridal Prep Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Bridal Prep Photos
The Wedding Ceremony

     Becky and her father's first look was beautiful and poignant. It was also, largely, the last overly serious of the day.

     I knew the moment Doug smiled big and bright as he saw Becky walk down the aisle that the rest of this day would be a massive party and these two did not let me down.

     Becky and Doug's wedding ceremony, which took place under a massive tree at the "O" Club was a ton of fun and made SEVERAL mentions to how long it took this bride and groom to get here but the humor was perfect for the two people pledging their lives to one another and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Ceremony Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Ceremony Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Ceremony Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Ceremony Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Ceremony Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Ceremony Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Bride and Groom Formal Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Bride and Groom Formal Photos
Bride & Groom Portraits

     Following Becky and Doug's wedding ceremony, I knew I had my hands full as their wedding party was a rowdy bunch but I'm glad because it led to one of my favorite shots of a wedding party ever -- the champagne pop that led this blog off. 

     I also knew, given my experience working with this couple during their engagement session, that we weren't likely to have a TON of time with their bride and groom portraits because they just wanted to party.

     But sometimes that's OK and, even though I could have worked with them for another hour, I think we got some beautiful photos of the newlyweds, including one of my favorite shots of the year featuring them under a sunlit tree at the bottom of this post.

Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Bride and Groom Formal Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Bride and Groom Formal Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Bride and Groom Formal Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Bride and Groom Formal Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Bride and Groom Formal Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Bride and Groom Formal Photos
The Details

     As much as I wish I had more time with Becky and Doug for their formal photos, I won't lie: I was as excited to get to their reception as they were. 

     Becky and Doug put a lot of work into planning their wedding and the "O" Club was the perfect venue as the uplighting from their DJ (Ramu and the Crew) was top notch and the rest of the details followed suit.

Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Detail Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Detail Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Detail Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Detail Photos
The Wedding Reception

     Although I didn't need proof of how great this reception would be, Becky and Doug supplied it right from the get-go as their first dance, set to “Better together” by Jack Johnson, set the tone for the evening perfectly.

Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos

     Becky and Doug's first dance was the first of many beautiful formal moments during their wedding reception. 

     Not only did the pair have two beautiful speeches from their maid of honor and best man, respectively, but Becky's dad gave a lovely blessing which led into one of the best buffet dinners I've ever seen at a wedding.

     Afterward, the pair kick-started the back half of their night off with a truly fun cake cutting, though I don't know if more cake ended up in their mouth or smashed on their face.

Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos

     Without a doubt, my favorite part of Becky and Doug's wedding reception were their parent dances. 

     I loved how traditional Doug's dance with his mom was and the way in which she tried to hold back her emotions but still got a little bit teary-eyed. 

     Becky's dance with her father, meanwhile, caught EVERYONE off guard and stole the night. 

     I can honestly say I did expect them to go the "fun" route for their moment but it totally fit and led to some of the funniest photos I've taken in quite some time at a wedding. 

     More importantly, though, the love each had in their eyes for the other during this big life event was truly touching.

Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos

     With the formalities of the evening wrapped up, Becky and Doug made sure this wedding reception would be a night neither would ever forget. 

     To say this party never stopped would be an understatement and the dance floor rocked from the first to final song.

     More impressively, the bride and groom themselves were right in the thick of the madness the entire time, something I can't help but commend them for.

Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos
Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Wedding Reception Photos

     By the time I packed my gear up and headed for the exit, I couldn't help but think about how perfect Becky and Doug's wedding day really was. This is a bride and groom who I have known for years and, in that time, I don't think I've ever seen them as happy as they were on this day.

     Waiting a long time for your wedding can be stressful. It can add unrealistic expectations for what the day will entail and make it hard to live up to when it really happens. But not for this bride and groom.

     Becky and Doug had the wedding of their dreams and it was perfect in every way, shape and form.

     So, congratulations Becky and Doug. I would say I hope this wedding was everything you dreamed of and more but I already know that to be true.

-Paul J. Spetrini

Quonset ‘O’ Club Wedding Photography, Bride and Groom Formal Photos
The Vendor List

Check out more of my most recent wedding blogs:

Quidnessett Country Club Wedding Photography from Josh & Jill’s 2019 wedding.

St. Robert Bellarmine Parish &

Quidnessett Country Club

June 1st, 2019

Rhodes on the Pawtuxet Wedding Photography from Andrew & Tais’ 2019 wedding.

Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, 

Cranston, Rhode Island

May 26th, 2019

Granite Links Golf Club Wedding Photography from Jennifer & John’s 2019 wedding.

Granite Links Golf Club,

Quincy, Massachusetts

May 25th, 2019

The Vendor List:

     Photographer: Paul J. Spetrini, Paul J. Spetrini Photography; Bride's Makeup and hair: Make Me Up by Christina Kaian; Flowers: Elaine’s Flowers; Cake: Wright’s Dairy Farm; Dress: Alexandra’s Boutique; Suits: Men’s Wearhouse; Ceremony & Reception Location: The Quonset 'O' Club, North Kingstown, Rhode Island; DJ: Ramu and the Crew.

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