Blog— Weddings — Rhode Island — 2021 —
The Towers Wedding Photos
Becca & Ryan*
The Towers, Narragansett, Rhode Island
May 16th, 2021
One of the nice things about coming out of a global pandemic is it really does feel like a reset of sorts. If you had bad habits, you could use the post COVID-19 world as a chance to kick them to the curb for good and have a fresh start. And if, like me, you want to pick up something you haven't done in a while, this initial step back into the real world is a great opportunity to do so.
Because of this, I decided a few months ago that I would open up my 2021 calendar and accept bookings as a second photographer, something I hadn't done since late in 2018.
I really couldn't have asked for a better start to my venture back into second shooting, however, as I had the honor and privilege back in May to photograph Becca and Ryan's spring wedding at the Towers in Narragansett for Pretty Nerdy Photography, a photo company run by one of my favorite people in wedding photography: Becky MacDonald.
Becky runs a super fun and quirky photography company and she and I have similar taste in clients so when she offered me the chance to tag along and help her document the day, I just had to say yes. And what a day it was as Becca and Ryan were a blast to work with and never stopped smiling and laughing all the way to "I do."
* These photos were taken as part of my work as a second photographer for Pretty Nerdy Photography
and are presented here strictly for portfolio/display purposes.
My time with Becca and Ryan began with the last few minutes of Ryan's groom prep and rolled right into their first look on the rocky ocean path underneath the Towers. While moving around that location is quite treacherous, it's ALWAYS worth it for the fun photos you can capture.
The only thing better than the ocean outside of the Towers is the Towers itself and Becca and Ryan exchanged their vows and became husband and wife in an intimate ceremony right against the venue's patio door. I always like shooting ceremonies at this location, despite the lack of space to move around, because the string lights that illuminate the bride's path down the aisle give the moment that extra special oomph that never fails to make me smile.
After their ceremony, I was all too happy to follow Becky around and get alternate angles on some of the newlyweds' first official portraits as husband and wife and I could tell by talking to Becca and Ryan that they were having a great time despite our many requests for poses and photos. They truly lived in the moment and enjoyed one of the most special days of their lives.
I also love the simplicity Becca and Ryan chose for their wedding theme. I love a good rustic wedding and this one sure delivered. Look at that cake. Tell me that doesn't look amazing.
Becca and Ryan chose the absolute perfect venue for their big day, especially as it was one of the more intimate weddings I've seen this year. I adored capturing the start of their reception, particularly their first dance with the always reliable lights behind them.
Talk about setting a scene.
As my time with Becca and Ryan came to an end, I walked through arguably the busiest part of South County with a huge smile on my face, second only I imagine to the one the bride and groom sported all day long. If there's anything the year 2020 taught me, it's to appreciate what I do for a living and the couples whose day I get to play a small part in.
And even though I only met the bride and groom that day, and will likely never run into them again, I'm so glad I was there for the moments Becca and Ryan had on their big day together. If their wedding is any indication of the type of weddings I'll get to second shoot this year, I'm so looking forward to playing that role as often as I possibly can.
-Paul J. Spetrini
