A couple of weeks ago I was delighted to be back at my favorite venue in all of New England, Belle Mer, for Nate and Michelle’s beautiful and sophisticated black tie wedding. Not only that, but I was excited to work with some of my very favorite colleagues for this wedding, including Jennie Kay Beauty, Mimosa Fresh Flower Design, DJ Seth Isaacs, amazing videographer McKenzie Miller, and the fabulous Reverend Victoria Burdick. It’s quite a treat when your clients trust all of your recommendations!

It was a funny old day in Rhode Island. We woke to thick fog, and the news that Boston had been pretty much shut down, thanks to the hunt for the second marathon bomber. We all agreed not to discuss the news all day, and I made a promise to myself not to fret about the weather – of course it would burn off into a beautiful afternoon, right? Ha. Anyway, apart from the crazy news and the thick fog, my day started as usual, with some getting ready photos on both sides. I was pretty excited about this photo of Michelle doing her makeup when I took it, and I love it now in black and white:

I love Michelle’s style – rocking sky-high black Louboutins and a perfectly fluttery Vera Wang gown. And although she and Nate chose not to have a wedding party, I loved that her closest friends (and one of their moms) were there watching her get ready:

Michelle must be channelling SJP in the photo above … and here’s that gorgeous Vera Wang stunner – ah!

Oh! And there’s a groom too – love this photo of Nate putting the final touches to his outfit. All while chilling out to Pink Floyd’s Pulse (that took me back!)

We held the first look just inside the entrance to Belle Mer. Both Michelle and Nate looked incredible, and it was a really cute first look to boot.

The wind was beginning to pick up at this point, but we decided to head out to our portrait spot on the rocks in Jamestown despite the ominous weather.

Nate had picked out this amazing spot in Jamestown, with huge dark rocks, crashing waves, and a sweet lighthouse (he proposed to Michelle at a lighthouse). I kind of liked this location even more with the crazy wind and rain that had set in by this point, although I won’t pretend we weren’t a little distressed about what the wind was doing to everyone’s hair … Jennie Kay, fabulous hair stylist: if you’re reading this, you should stop right now, or you might cry!

Champagne never tasted sweeter than right there on the bluff, getting pelted with rain and almost blown off into the sea … right? I LOVE that these guys just laughed and carried on.

Back inside, and after an inspection of the setup at Belle Mer … it was, of course, beautiful.

The ceremony was held inside, early evening. I had a hard time choosing photos because there were so many sweet moments (including Nate walking up the aisle with his father and grandfather) … but this little glance from father to daughter as he escorted her down the aisle was maybe my favorite. Thanks to my fab second shooter Leah for the shot of Nate on the left.

Victoria Burdick is such a wonderful officiant. The first time I worked with her, I thought she was a close friend of the couple, her knowledge of them was so intimate. This time I knew better, but her rich, emotional, and entertaining story of Nate and Michelle’s relationship was just as beautiful.

Love this moment during the ring exchange!

Michelle and Nate met at culinary school, and Nate is now a chef at TW Foods in Cambridge (if you haven’t been – go! And be sure to make a reservation. It’s a hidden gem!) So of course the food was going to be excellent:

The decor was fabulous too. DJ Seth Isaacs also offers uplighting, and I love the colors that were chosen for the evening. Red rocks!

Dinner was broken up with a number of toasts, and the first dance and parent dances.

I love how Nate is holding his mom here, during the mother son dance:

The party continued with a ton of dancing, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and a photobooth. Perfect!

Thank you both so much for an awesome day, and for braving the nasty weather for your portraits. I hope you’ve enjoyed these teasers – I’ll be sharing the full set in the next week or two, and can’t wait for you to see them! PS If you’d like to see McKenzie’s amazing wedding trailer, click right here. I love it! And finally, for more Belle Mer wedding photos, click here.