Blog— Weddings — Rhode Island — 2023 —
The Lobster Bar Wedding Photos
Lindsey & Evan
The Lobster Bar, Newport, Rhode Island
April 29th, 2023
Long before a bride and groom ever walk down the aisle, they envision what their wedding day might someday look like. For some couples, the focus is on a beautiful beachside ceremony or exchanging rings in their historic church. For others, maybe it's a small ceremony in a town hall or an intimate, candlelit dinner at their favorite restaurant.
For Lindsey and Evan, who tied the knot at the Lobster Bar in Newport, Rhode Island, there was only way this day was ever going to end: The two of them, hand in hand, rocking out to great live music in a sea of people they call family and friends.
In what I can only describe as a wedding reception turned rock concert, Lindsey and Evan said "I do" back in April on a wet and rainy Saturday afternoon were the weather didn't matter, the couple never stress and everyone in attendance left knowing it was a party they'd never forget.
When I first met Lindsey and Evan, they described to me what I call the perfect Newport wedding. The pair were going to get married on the island, before the summer tourist season began, and wanted that unique spirit that only the City by the Sea can bring.
I felt that the moment I walked into Level Beauty Collective, the place where Lindsey was finishing up her hair and make-up and I could tell immediately the bride was in good spirits and this would be a pretty relaxed day overall.
I always worry a bit about Newport weddings because getting around can be a challenge but, luckily, Lindsey and Evan structured their day in a way that we didn't to move too much and I'm grateful because it let me focus on just letting the moments breathe and capturing the overall spirit of a low-key prep session before Lindsey got into her dress.
I'll be honest. My biggest worry on Lindsey and Evan's wedding day was the weather as, so far, the 2023 wedding season has been the rainiest I've ever had and the forecast did little to ease my concerns.
I'm a guy who will take what he can get, though, she when the rain held off during Lindsey and Evan's first look, I took that as a sign to power through for bride and groom formals and I'm glad I did because the lighting was perfect and so, too, were the couple.
I knew from working with Evan for years at local newspapers in Southern Rhode Island that he wasn't going to be the type of groom to love a lot of the "standard" wedding poses and Lindsey was much the same so rather than subject them to a bunch of shots I knew they wouldn't love, the three of us kept their bride and groom portraits easy and simple.
I love these shots not only because of how quickly we got them or how perfect the lighting was but because I think they do a great job of showing Lindsey and Evan's relationship and the fun they have when they're in each other's arms.
Following bride and groom portraits, Lindsey, Evan and I flew through family and wedding party formals and got prepared for their ceremony.
I didn't know what to expect from Lindsey and Evan's wedding ceremony. The only thing I knew was that this particular venue had a VERY tight space to get married in — the ceremony essentially took place on a back deck — and though it was a bit of a challenge with as many guests as this bride and groom had to watch them say "I do," in a way I'm glad the space was smaller than I'm used to because it felt super intimate and personal when both Lindsey and Evan walked down the aisle.
Without question, the hardest part of shooting Lindsey and Evan's wedding ceremony was dealing with the super bright backlighting directly behind the ceremony itself but that didn't stop me from loving every moment of seeing these two tie the knot.
Lindsey and Evan's ceremony was far more emotional than I expected but was such a beautiful insight into their love and relationship and, by the end of it, I don't know if there was a dry eye in the house.
As emotional and touching as Lindsey and Evan's wedding ceremony was, the moment it was over, I could feel the entire vibe of the day shifting. In the best way.
Lindsey and Evan are a fun bride and groom and, having photographed a couple of weddings for their friends in the past, I knew their reception was likely to be one big party. What I didn't know was it was going to be one of the biggest parties I've ever seen and it all started the moment they were introduced for their first dance, set to "Raspberry Beret" by Prince.
What made Lindsey and Evan's reception so fun was not only was the crowd SUPER into it but they hired one of the best live bands I've ever seen at ANY wedding in Take It To The Bridge. This group absolutely killed it and the first dance alone let everyone know this would be a night the dance floor never stood empty.
With their first dance in the books, Lindsey and Evan took their seats for a pair of super sweet and personal toasts from their maid of honor and best man, respectively, and they were both the perfect way to kick off a relaxed night of fun before dinner.
Following dinner, the newlyweds only had one thing planned: a combined parent dance with their mother and father. I always find the choice for a couple to do a combined parent dance interesting and, in this case, it led to some sweet moments between Lindsey and her father and Evan and his mother. And, despite having just one dance, both the bride and groom had little moments during the dance that I could tell meant a lot to them.
If there was any doubt what this night would be defined by, however, it was quickly gone the very MOMENT the live band kicked off the dance floor portion of the evening.
Right from the first song and continuing until the music stopped, Lindsey and Evan's dance floor was jam-packed. Seriously. I've never seen a venue struggle to hold a dance floor as much as the Lobster Bar did here and that's not a knock on this venue at all. This crowd was WILD.
What I loved the most about Lindsey and Evan's reception was the bride and groom were right there, in the middle of it all. It felt like each and every time I turned around, Lindsey and Evan were rocking out, or playing the tambourine or singing loudly.
These two were living for this moment and I can't blame them one bit.
Lindsey and Evan's reception was unlike any I've seen before in the sense that I truly believe it could have gone until the sun came up and no one would have minded one bit. The pair even requested the band replay their first dance song and the crowd rocked along so hard Lindsey herself had to wipe away tears.
As the party came to an end, you could see how much this night meant to the bride and groom as they ran around the dance floor thanking their guests and getting emotional in what I can only describe as a full circle of love.
As Lindsey and Evan's wedding reception came to an end and I packed up, I could tell I was in for quite the journey as my car was a full seven or so minute walk away from the venue and it was POURING rain. Why do I mention that? Because even though I got drenched and it was a miserable walk, I did so with a giant smile on my face the entire time.
Lindsey and Evan's wedding day, and more specifically their reception, was the kind of party you don't see often and, when you do, you can't help but appreciate being a part of it.
I know these two will have a LOT of memories of the day they became husband and wife but I don't know if any of those memories will be more meaningful or impactful than listening to an incredible live band and having everyone they know and love singing and dancing along. I can think of no more fitting tribute to these two and to the night I know they'll never forget. Because I know I won't. Congrats Lindsey and Evan and best of luck.
-Paul J. Spetrini
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The Vendor List:
Photographer: Paul J. Spetrini, Paul J. Spetrini Photography; Bride's Hair: Kelsey Morgan of Level Beauty Collective; Bride's Make-up: Jessica Puleo; Bride's Dress: The Bridal Garden; Groom's Suit: Jos A. Bank; Florist: Wild Season Florals; Ceremony & Reception: The Lobster Bar, Newport, Rhode Island; Live Band: Take it to the Bridge; Cake: Isis Cakes.