A Summer Wedding in Newport

Jackie and Michael won the wedding lottery with the perfect late-summer wedding day in Newport, RI. We awoke to dark skies and straight up downpours the morning of their wedding day, but they gave way to the most beautiful blue skies and sun to usher in this exciting day.

I had the privilege of photographing Jackie’s sister’s wedding at Natirar in New Jersey last year, and I was thrilled when Jackie asked me to photograph her special day in Newport. Jackie and Michael met in Rhode Island, so naturally it was the perfect location to bring all their family and friends together for this momentous day. Newport is special to me, as well – my husband and I traveled there on our honeymoon and returned nearly every summer since. There is something so special and obviously sentimental that I think Jackie and Michael can relate to. I absolutely love Jackie and Michael’s venue, Belle Mer, and was so excited when they asked me to take their pictures at The Elms, one of Newport’s most beautiful summer “cottages.”

The day began with an array of beautiful details as Jackie and Michael got ready. I always love the exchange of sentimental items and special mementos that takes place early on a wedding day. Jackie and Michael kept a cool vibe, suspenders and hidden tuxedo buttons, in keeping with their glorious summer day. Michael’s father, who also acted as “Best Man,” was hesitant about the latest fashion of no socks and shorter tuxedo pants. I believe he mentioned in his toast that he actually asked Michael if he could wear his own tuxedo.

Jackie loves Newport and chose Belle Mer for it’s amazing waterscape views, but equally loves greenery. She and Michael chose the Elms gardens for portraits. It was the perfect juxtaposition of sophisticated gardens and gilded age charm that Newport has to offer. Jackie approached Michael down the sweeping staircase of the western summerhouse (one of a set of two), set amid The Elms’ formal gardens, modeled on those found in France in the 18^th century. The setting is stunning, and Jackie brings it alive, with her brilliant smile and elegant dress. The Elms offers endless options, and the hour we had allocated for pictures raced by quickly! Jackie and Michael made our jobs easy, from fun and whimsical photos, to entertaining my ideas that channeled a more modern vogue look and everything in between.

The ceremony and reception took place at Belle Mer, another location with stunning visual impact. Views of the ocean and Newport’s iconic Pell Bridge provided the perfect backdrop to wedding party portraits, complete with sailboats gliding silently in the background. Belle Mer is outstanding, and the venue has wisely chosen to keep details simple and high-quality, allowing the setting to speak for itself. Be sure to pause over the ceremony pictures to appreciate Jackie and Michael bathed in the golden afternoon light reflecting off the silvery waters of Newport Harbor. Although the sun may have been a little intense for their guests, a giant cloud graced their loved ones just as they said their “I dos” and exchanged rings. The perfect moment for them to take it all in!

Jackie and Michael’s reception was the perfect summer evening fete. Details of blue and golden candles set the mood, and an evening full of love, bright smiles and dancing were underway. I still managed to sneak the couple away for a few photographs outside the ballroom, before the sun sank completely behind the mainland in the distance. With the evening coming to a close, we photographed the most stalwart partygoers one last time, with the beautifully light Pell Bridge in the background, and dropped the curtain on a perfect late-summer wedding day.

Jackie and Michael, thank you so much for sharing your special day with us! It was outstandingly beautiful and full of so much joy. I wish you both absolute happiness in your new life together.

Venue | Belle Mer, Newport, RI

Photographer | Lauren Kearns Photography

Florist | Sayles Livingston Design

Makeup | Here for the Glam

Hair | Romina Hairstyles

Rings | The Ring Woman

Rentals | Peak Event Services

Videographer | Willow Tree Films

Entertainment | DJ Valentina