Blog— Weddings — Rhode Island — 2023 —
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center Wedding Photos
Bryana & Jason
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center,
Providence, Rhode Island (Ceremony & Reception)
September 23rd, 2023
Perhaps more this year than ever before, I'm really starting to appreciate when couples book their wedding at a place that looks beautiful both inside and out.
On a season where I've already had THIRTEEN weddings affected by rainy weather (including five consecutive Saturdays), 2023 has proven that one of the smartest things a bride and groom can do before walking down the aisle is plan for what happens if they can't say "I do" outside.
And it's hard to think of anyone who had a better plan in place than Bryana and Jason, who were married back in September at the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, aka my favorite place for an indoor wedding ceremony.
I love everything about shooting inside of the Botanical Center but Bryana and Jason's wedding day would have been beautiful regardless of where it took place as these two sweet souls had one of my favorite weddings of 2023 that was full of laughter, love and tons and tons of fun dancing.
I knew from the moment I pulled into the parking lot of the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center that we likely were't going to be spending much, if any, time outdoors on this rainy Saturday afternoon. But, to be honest, that was OK with me as the Botanical Center is where you go to for a wedding that feels one with nature and even indoors, it felt like we WERE outdoors.
I arrived a bit earlier than anticipated because I wanted to check out how Bryana and Jason set the Botanical Center up and I wasn't disappointed as they did a wonderful job with all the little details that made their day fit the vibe of the room perfectly.
I also knew from the moment I started my coverage of Bryana and Jason's wedding that it would be an emotional day, especially at the start as Bryana asked for a special moment with her and one of her sons for a first look that delivered an exceptionally adorable reaction. Talk about a special moment.
Bryana and Jason's wedding ceremony spoke volumes about who they are as people as neither of them were big on being the center of attention. What I didn't know was just how quick their ceremony would go — in truth, it lasted a mere three minutes — but the length didn't matter half as much as the feelings and I could tell looking at this bride and groom that they were locked in on this moment and it meant the world to them.
With their ceremony in the books, Bryana and Jason repurposed their ceremony site as a backdrop for their wedding party and family formals and, I've got to be honest, it's not often that a "back up plan" for a couple's formal photos looks this good.
I wish all my backgrounds for big group shots looked this cool.
As much fun as Bryana and Jason had taking photos with their friends and family members, the part of the day I was looking most forward to was seeing what we could do with their hands tied in terms of locations for their bride and groom formals. Thankfully, the Botanical Center is an ideal place for couples' portraits and I loved all the greenery and nature in these shots between the bride and groom.
I especially loved the greenhouse photos we took on a whim after I saw how cool the room looked during Bryana's first look with her son.
This part of Bryana and Jason's wedding day may not have taken long as we were pressed up against the clock to get them to their reception but I loved what we got with limited time and with no place to really move.
Without question, though, when I walked into the Botanical Center for Bryana and Jason's wedding day, I was looking forward to their reception the most.
For some reason, Roger Williams Park's Botanical Center is a venue I have had a LOT of success in and there was no limit to my excitement as we made our way over to the Center's main ballroom/dining area for Bryana and Jason's first dance.
What I didn't know at the time was it would be one of my favorites of the year. Set to "One Thing Right" by Kane Brown, Bryana and Jason danced in absolutely crisp, perfect light and I couldn't take enough awesome photos of this amazing moment for these two newlyweds. I absolutely LOVE these photos and I know, without question, this first dance will be on my mind when it comes time to update my portfolio in 2024.
One of the great things about Bryana and Jason's wedding day was, almost from the exact moment we walked into their reception, the mood of the day shifted and everything took on a (slightly) more serious tone. I always love when this happens at a wedding as you can see real emotions and real feelings from the people closest to the couple and nowhere was this more evident than in the three absolutely beautiful toasts the couple had from their maid of honor, their daughter and the best man.
I've seen a lot of toasts in my time but the three celebrating Bryana and Jason's love really stood out and did a great job of showcasing how these two fell for one another and what this day meant to them and those around them.
The same can be said for Bryana and Jason's individual parent dances with their father and mother, respectively. I loved watching how much fun Bryana and her dad had with some pretty sweet dance moves in their half serious/half playful dance and by the time Jason hugged his mom at the end of their dance together, it was clear that was a moment neither would forget either.
Following their parent dances, there was only one formality left for Bryana and Jason: A simple cake cutting. And then it was time to party.
And party they did.
Bryana and Jason's wedding reception was easily one of the best I've shot this year and not just because the dance floor was popping all night long.
I loved this party for a ton of reasons but especially for the amazing lighting in this venue and, more importantly, for just how much fun the bride was having in the middle of all of the action.
I've shot a lot of wedding receptions this year but I don't know of many that had as active a dance floor as Bryana did for their entire event. I especially loved seeing how it didn't matter how old you were or what your dance style was ... there was room for EVERYONE in attendance on this amazing night of partying.
As I walked out of the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center and put my gear back into my car, I was once again greeted with a steady downpour of rain. But, on this evening at least, Mother Nature couldn't wipe the smile from my face as Bryana and Jason's wedding was everything I wanted and so much more.
I loved this wedding for so many reasons but the main one is just how sweet and caring this bride and groom were with one another all day long and how much they did not care one iota that the skies had rained on their parade.
There's something to be said for that being a great omen for this pair moving forward and I hope it is so congratulations Bryana and Jason on an amazing wedding day and best of luck in this new chapter of your lives 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: Marisa Brown; Bride's Make-Up: Karen Croce; Bride's Dress: Spark Bridal Boutique; Groom's Suit: Carl Anthony Tuxedo; Florist: A Touch of Vermont Florist, Cranston, Rhode Island; Ceremony & Reception Venue: Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, Providence, Rhode Island; DJ: Paul Araujo, Xtreme Soundz DJ; Cake: Le Favorite Bakery, Warwick, Rhode Island.