Vibrant color, bucketloads of emotion, the sweetest pup, and an absolutely killer team of vendors is how I shall forever remember this beautiful wedding day with Jeremy & Jess. It was my first ever Newport Vineyards wedding, and I’m already dying to go back!

My day started at the hotel with Jess, her girls, her mom and “bonus mom” (love this). While the girls finished up hair and makeup, I started photographing the details. Elaina of Revel & Joy Events has been an absolute dream to work with throughout the planning, and she went the extra 100 miles day-of to style Jess’ gorgeous details for me. What a treat! I can take no credit for these photos aside from pointing my camera at the perfect flatlays. 🙂

Once Jess was ready to go, there were a number of amazing first looks. The first was her maid of honor seeing her for the first time while she was getting dressed. I LOVE her reaction! Then, the moms met her at the bottom of the stairs and that was pretty emotional. Her dad’s first look was classic and so lovely … but my absolute favorite was with her three brothers who were both hilarious and surprisingly emotional. I really adore these photos!

I also spent a little time in the guys’ suite and my favorite moment there was Jeremy totally choking up reading Jess’ letter – there were some really great letters passed at this wedding.

Jeremy & Jess’ first look was at a beach just down the road that they had found. I was worried about crowding as it was the first truly warm Saturday of the season, but the spot they’d found was absolutely perfect – almost deserted, with lovely greenery, interesting rocks and pebbles, and the most wonderful scraggly trees that I had to include in a couple of portraits. We also lucked out with a little cloud cover for the first look.

After family and wedding party photos at Newport Vineyards, their sweet dog Chesney joined for a few photos. I later asked Jess what her favorite moment of the day was, knowing that she would say “seeing Chesney”. I laughed as it’s exactly what I would say too. My pups are my world as Chesney is their world.

Pre-ceremony, guests were served Champagne and Del’s lemonade (the best!) then everyone filed down to the vines for a sweet ceremony. Jess and her dad arrived in style in a vintage car – what a great way to make an entrance. I was happy to catch a couple of tears during the ceremony (from Jess’ mom, and the bridesmaid that had originally set the couple up on a (secret) blind date) as well as a couple of photos of Chesney that I love.

Cocktail hour was mostly outdoors on the deck, but I was mostly busy inside photographing the many GORGEOUS details. The design was beyond (thanks to Elaina, and Molly at Fleur for realizing it). When Jeremy & Jess walked in they both teared up which was pretty special.

Some favorite evening moments included the toasts (always), sunset photos among the baby vines, and some fun portraits in the barrel room. I also grabbed a few photos of guests at tables using my stealthy Leica Q2, a new addition to this year’s lineup, and I am quickly falling for the Q2 as an addition to my wedding kit. It is tiny and casual, and after every photo I take with it I’m struck by how unaware of my presence people are.

My evening ended shortly after the glow sticks came out, but the dance party was already well underway, with fantastic music by The 1999 Band. Thank you Jess & Jeremy for trusting me to document your day; I loved working with you and hope you enjoy these highlights!

PS A final quick thanks to Elaina and her team, and the wonderful video team (especially Rachel) for being so fun and kind and also for really helping me out when I had a nasty accident and pulled a calf muscle at the end of the ceremony(!) – I’m finally almost completely healed and it is a relief to know that even a pretty epic fall doesn’t impact how I photograph the day.

Wedding Planner & Designer: Elaina Crugnale – Revel & Joy Events | Florals: Molly McGill – Fleur Events | Band: The 1999 Band | Transportation: Limousines of Newport & Providence & Classic Car – Lou DiRienzo | Ceremony & Reception: Newport Vineyards | Cinematography: Olive Ewe Productions | Favors: Sweet Caroline Confections | Decor & Lighting: Ryan Designs | Officiant: Steve Martins JP | Wedding Day Dresser: Lindsay – Boston Bridal Stylist | Pet Care: Lucky Dog Resort | Cake: TBC | Rentals: Peak Event Services | Stationery: Gus & Ruby Letterpress