Add a raging blizzard that shuts down most of the Eastern Seaboard to that quaint image, along with the boundless energy of Caroline and Mark… and you get a truly unique, once in a lifetime, storybook wedding that retains all the grace of traditional Newport… and all the fun of an incredible party with a hundred of your favorite snowbound friends and family.

Engagement ring on her right hand, Caroline & Mark instinctually reach out to hold hands during the mass.

Caroline and Mark were featured on our blog last April (link here) when I flew down to Washington DC for a photo shoot amongst the cherry blossoms.  I instantly liked spending time with them, and as I reported upon return, their infectious enthusiasm turned a two hour long engagement photo shoot into a 6+ hour walking tour of DC.  Most of the time was spent laughing, having fun and getting them some amazing photographs almost effortlessly.

Just gorgeous…

Caroline’s Dad sees her for the first time as she wipes away a tear upon seeing him.

Her dad practices lifting her veil… you can sense the emotion in the room as they are just moments from leaving for the ceremony.

Caroline and Mark’s winter wedding was everything they dreamed of.  They were EXCITED about the blizzard, and they weren’t daunted for a moment by the cold, the wet or the logistical difficulties of the day.  One of my favorite moments was watching Caroline tip toe through 6 inches of slushy frozen snow in clean white shoes, strapless wedding gown, bouquet in hand and leaning into a 30 knot sub zero arctic breeze… with a GIANT smile on her face.  She saw me photographing her and just looked up and started laughing.

Husband and Wife.

Look at these two… they’re SO HAPPY!

Off to the New York Yacht Club!

“Living on a Prayer” never looked so good!  Bon Jovi has nothing on this group.

The ring bearer was adorable… and an incredible dancer.

Mark, sharing his vocal talents with the band!

The sparkler departure.

The absolute key to a winter wedding (and any wedding) in my opinion, is to have fun with whatever the weather or circumstances bring to you.  If it’s a blizzard, a power outage or a rain storm… the most important element is how you embrace it.  Mark & Caroline’s wedding was freezing cold, had at times blinding snow, required constant use of 4 wheel drive and it honestly didn’t hamper the party one bit.

Caroline and Mark never lost sight of the fact that they were there to celebrate, to have fun and to enjoy their friends and family.  We were so impressed by how gracious and welcoming everyone was… and felt lucky to help document the beauty of their wedding!  THANK YOU FOR HAVING US!!!

Want to see the COMPLETE wedding photos?  They’re all right here.

Vendors:

Band: “Night Shift” (Amazing, fun and super talented)… they’re out of Boston and they were truly incredible.

Reception: New York Yacht Club (the events coordinator Julie could not have been a nicer, more professional, easy going host.  Thank you Julie, we can’t wait to come back!)

Ceremony Site: St. Mary’s Church, Newport, RI

After Party: Cooke House, Bannister’s Wharf, Newport, RI

Hair:  Jane Sincere

Bride’s Hair: Blaine Rice

Makeup: Christina Squier

Florist: Sayles Livingston Flowers

Cake: Confectionery Designs (Mark Soliday)

Nicole and Garrett’s amazing wedding at The Oheka Castle, just outside New York City this past week was a study in beautiful contrasts.  Exquisite details, thoughtful preparation and incredibly high quality were contrasted with a bride and groom who were laid back, and simply delighting in the excitement of their celebration.  Their wedding was a true union of souls, of families and of friends.

The details were everywhere.  Her ring is inscribed with “forever”… his reads “and ever”

The anticipation builds…

A creative and unique perspective on Nicole being walked down the aisle by her dad.  Christine and I planned this shot (and a series of others) so that we could silently, seamlessly capture photos while staying out of each other’s way.  Easier said than done… but it worked!

Nicole & her dad, silhouetted with the castle in the background sets the scene.

Another scene setter showing the elaborate gardens, the exquisite day.  Notice how at the exact moment that I’m photographing the image above, Christine is shooting this one… yet I’m not in her photo.

I’ve always loved watching the groom’s reactions, and though we always get the shots of the bride walking down the aisle, we also try for the groom.  Because I’m so tall, I have an opportunity to shoot over the shoulder/heads of Nicole and her dad and capture this important moment of the day.

The chuppah was gorgeous, the rose petals on the aisle, the pumpkins… the flowers… it was beautiful.

A great series of natural moments.  So genuine, so real.

Rose petals tossed as they walk down the aisle.

Garrett turned and looked at his wife for the first time after the ceremony concluded just as they finished walking down the aisle.  His glance to her is timeless, sincere and loving.

Their walk through the Oheka Castle’s gardens.

First dance…

Another really touching moment: Nicole’s dad turns to address the couple directly during his toast.  There wasn’t a dry eye left in the house.

The chair dance… Garrett was all over it.  Nicole (intelligently) held on for dear life.

One of my favorite images of the day:  here Garrett is tearing it up solo on the dance floor.  But find Nicole (in the white dress) shielding her eyes.  Classic!

It was a joy to support Nicole and Garrett.  Amidst the exquisite details, the grandeur of Oheka Castle, and the hundreds of people present… they managed to create a wedding that was intimate, fun, and most of all genuine.

There are hundreds (if not thousands) of talented photographers in the New York City area, and when I asked Garrett and Nicole why they chose to bring Christine and I in from Maine after conducting an exhaustive search… Garrett said “because your photos just seem so genuine, so natural, that people are having fun and the images magically become beautiful.”  What a wonderful compliment… but that “magic” resides in the fantastic people we are lucky enough to support on one of the biggest days of their lives.

It was a true honor to share in your celebration!!  Thank you!

Want to see the complete wedding photos?  They’re all right HERE.

Vendors information coming soon:

Wedding location: Oheka Castle