I rarely accept NYE weddings – but when they take place at Rosecliff in Newport, RI I can’t resist! I have been dying to photograph at this gorgeous historic mansion for many years and I finally had my chance this winter. What an absolute treat!

I started my day with Emma and her large bridal party. I captured the very end of hair and makeup, took some time to photograph the details, then it was time for Emma to get dressed. Her best friend and mom were on hand to help and I loved photographing these smart, strong, beautiful women.

Because she and Dan opted not to have a first look, I suggested that we try to take some bridal portraits of Emma in the grounds at Rosecliff so that they could have some photos during daylight (the sun had set by 4:30pm that day). I’m so glad we did this, as the building is so iconic, and it looks very different at night – still gorgeous, but more glam and less romantic. Everyone was so great about taking photos outside on this bitterly cold day, and the staff at Rosecliff was very accommodating, letting the group warm up inside despite us being on site earlier than is usually allowed.

After we wrapped up family and bridal party portraits, I headed over to Kay Chapel at Hotel Viking to grab a few quick shots of Dan and his groomsmen. We also took his family photos in the chapel, and the florals made it almost as enchanting as Rosecliff! Shout-out to Fleur for the stunning arrangements! I just adore their work.

The ceremony was performed by Emma’s great uncle, who had previously married her parents. There were some very sweet and funny moments during the ceremony, but my favorite was the walk back down the aisle as a married couple – and the now-obligatory mid-recessional kiss.

Back at Rosecliff, I zoomed around the cocktail hour space and captured the details, before meeting with the wedding party and families for the large group photos. These, of course, were taken on the iconic heart shaped staircase at Rosecliff. I have recently started bringing a 25mm lens with me to weddings and thank goodness because I just managed to squeeze in the full staircase with this very wide lens! We continued with a few portraits of Emma and Dan while everyone else joined cocktail hour. We stopped in to the ballroom for a few photos – I love capturing the couple in the space before it becomes filled with guests and jackets and purses. It looked absolutely spectacular.

During dinner, Emma’s parents gave a lovely welcome toast, then Emma and Dan’s best friends gave toasts. The belly-laughter during the best man’s toast is my very favorite! We also snuck out to the front entrance for some more couples portraits while guests were finishing up their dinner. I suggested we bring out the special midnight cocktails for these – I love a prop, and I also was only booked until 10:30pm, so I would have missed capturing the special drink otherwise.

After dinner, there was a very quick shared parent dance (just a minute long!) and tons of very fun dancing to Beantown Band. Thank you Dan & Emma (and Mary & Greg) for trusting me to document this beautiful day for you; I hope you enjoy these highlights! And if you found these photos while researching Rosecliff weddings, or Newport mansion weddings in general – please be in touch! I’d love to chat with you.