Hello, hello, hello. How is it fall already?!?! Where did the summer go? I just spent a day hauling in the kayaks and yard furniture in Maine and it seems too soon. So let's cast our minds back to earlier this summer when Kaylee and Casey had the most beautiful wedding at Belle Mer in Newport, RI.
I started my day with Kaylee and the girls at the Newport Marriott. All of Kaylee's friends and family had written personal letters with favorite memories and wishes, hopes and advice for her and Casey and they'd been bound in a beautiful binder. Love this idea.
Audrey was just down the corridor with Casey and the guys who figured they'd better get the party started.
Back in Kaylee's suite, hair and make up was happening and then it was all hands on deck to help Kaylee into her stunning wedding dress.
Kaylee is super close to her mom and it was so lovely to be able to capture Pam's reaction to seeing Kaylee as a bride for the first time:
Kaylee and Casey exchanged cards and gifts:
Kaylee and Casey wanted to enjoy cocktail hour with their friends and family so they chose to do a first look. I rode with Kaylee on the trolley over to Belle Mer to meet Casey:
One of the things that struck me about Kaylee and Casey (at their engagement shoot, when we met to go over the timeline and obviously at the wedding) was just how much they love being around each other. There were so many little glances between them and they looked so joyful to be getting married.
We were joined by the wedding party and made our way to the rocky cliffs of Newport.
Can we just take a minute to admire these flowers and coordinating but non-identical bridesmaid dresses. I love bouquets with ribbons.
A few more pictures of the almost newlyweds:
Back at Belle Mer (let's have a shout out to the shaded green leafy wall! You'd be amazed how many wedding venues have no locations for outdoor pictures - a small gazebo in the blazing sun with everyone squinting is not a picture location), we took some relaxed family pictures. One of the bonus points of doing a first look is that everyone's hair and make up is perfect for pictures (not always the case after a windy or hot sunny outdoor ceremony).
And just like that, it was time for a wedding ceremony. Sometimes couples ask me if a first look takes away from the emotion/surprise of the walking down the aisle part of the ceremony. I give you exhibit A, Casey could not have looked more delighted to see Kaylee walking down the aisle with her mom. Here's my theory - even if you've seen each other and taken pictures, there's something really special about seeing your future intended standing at the top of the aisle/walking down the aisle. You know that you'll only really be doing it once, surrounded by your friends and family and if you've seen each other, it doesn't change the significance of this moment.
Belle Mer is such a beautiful outdoor Newport, RI wedding venue, the sound of the ocean, the occasional squawk of a seagull and the backdrop of the bridge. Kaylee and Casey were all giggles, tears, smiles and hand-holding throughout the beautiful personalized ceremony officiated by Kaylee's sister Kristen:
Guests made their way indoors to enjoy champagne, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres along with piano music by Casey's grandfather John. First, time to pick up an escort card:
Belle Mer is a stunning blank canvas as a Newport wedding venue with billowing white curtains and a grand staircase and fireplace. You can incorporate your own wedding colors and theme and design and not have to worry about clashing with existing carpets/drapes etc.
Kaylee and Casey entered the ballroom to the whoops and cheers of their friends and family and went into their first dance as husband and wife:
Casey's father Jim welcomed everyone to the wedding before MOH Kate and best man Jamie brought the house down with their toasts:
Parent dances were next:
Kaylee and Casey cut their wedding cake:
And then the dancefloor was declared well and truly open. Nightshift Entertainment were the band, I've worked with Nightshift upwards of 10-20 weddings at this point and they never disappoint. The dancefloor is always packed, their energy is off the charts, and they sound AMAZING.
We snuck outside for a minute at twilight and you can just make out the bridge in the background:
The party continued into the wee hours and Kaylee and Casey couldn't have looked happier.
Kaylee & Casey - thank you SO much for choosing me as your wedding photographer. From the chilly mountain tops of Acadia to sushi rolls at Empire and then to the most amazing wedding day at Belle Mer, it's been an honor and a pleasure!
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