A Summer Wedding in Newport RI

Jen and Nick were married in King’s Park, Newport last weekend — a warm summer day that threatened thunderstorms all day. But we dodged the rain up until the last images were made and were rewarded with wonderfully grey cloudy skies that made an awesome backdrop to the harbor.

I’ve known Jen for about 20 years. She and my kids grew up together. Lasting memories of pre teenagers, soccer games (until Jen blew a knee I really thought she had a chance at competitive sports), high school shenanigans. Watching the kids grow up together and being able to celebrate her wedding day been a joy.

Jen began the day at the Providence Biltmore with her bridesmaids and Moms sharing a great suite — lots of room for the youngest ones to run around it, and lots of room for the older girls to spread out.

A gawky teenager (you will forgive me, won’t you Gerow??) has become an absolutely stunning bride.

It was a day of First Looks, beginning with Dad’s introduction on the fabulous staircase at the Biltmore.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

and then from Providence to King’s Park, Newport where we did Nick’s first look. Grey skies, fishermen, boats waiting to launch. That’s what the summer is all about in Newport. I love it.

 Nick was so relaxed and it was kinda easy to make him laugh. He caught the excitement in my eyes as Jen tapped him.

Then the short walk to the gazebo.

Sara Seney has known Jen for even longer than I have and she made the  ceremony touching and very personal — I love the way she welcomed Nick into the family, officially. I guess  years of Sunday football games at the Seney house must have been a test

After the family formals it was onto Tiverton to the Boat House for a cocktail reception.

I love Jen’s casual invitation she extended to the owner of a local restaurant where she and Nick had their first formal introduction.

The flowers from the Sunshine Shop were beautiful — and smelled heavenly.  I stuck my nose into the bridal bouquet more than once.

After the reception we did a few more bridal party pictures at the pier at the Boat House. Beating the rain and lightening by minutes.

The girls were so much fun. That my daughter was one of them, and 2 others very close friends had nothing to do with it. And that I only got ‘aww Ma’ or ‘awww Karen’ a couple times was a record for this bunch.

I don’t know what secrets Jen and Jen were passing. I don’t think I want to know. But I’m not sure I’ve ever seen them laugh so hard.

And all I could think of was Mary Tyler Moore when the girls tossed their bouquets.

The guy’s expressions as they looked at Nick’s ring was priceless.

An all time favorite. I was sure at least one of the girls was going to fall into the water. Either getting up on the railing, holding still while I took 2 pictures, or when they were getting off and their heels stuck.

Or maybe when the lightening and thunder started behind them.

They were all troupers.

and from the beginning of the day. Jen and Nick together at last.

Thank you for years of friendship. And for letting me be a part of the unforgettable day.

Be sure to leave some love for Jen and Nick below.

Google+