Gallery Post: The Perfect Rhode Island Wedding at NYLO Hotel

A Classic Summer New England Wedding

When A + J first approached me about photographing their wedding, I was so excited to be working with the epitome of Rhode Island romance— a whirlwind love story from friends to sweethearts to husband and wife. Their wedding day was to die for, but it didn’t start out as picturesque as we had planned. On my way to the wedding, a huge summer storm hit, and a tornado was rampaging down the highway. If you’re from Rhode Island, or live nearby, you’re probably thinking… a tornado? Absolutely not.

But yes, it was in fact a tornado. The winds got heavier as I got closer to NYLO (more on that amazing space later), and right as I was walking in, the downpour of rain hit. Now I know a lot of you have seen summer storms before, but this one was out of this world. Thunder and lightning were ringing through the hotel halls as I got closer to the bridal suite, and when I came in, I saw A staring at the window with that look on her face. You know the one I’m talking about, right? The I-can’t-believe-it’s-raining-on-my-day look.

But as quickly as it came, it went and we were left with what could only be described as a magical day. I’m talking rainbows and golden light, fresh white roses, and cool summer air. It really is true that rain on your wedding day can be the best of luck sometimes.

Getting Prepped and Ready

After greeting the excited bride and all her friends and family, I took a walk around NYLO, a gorgeous Rhode Island venue sitting right along a river, with an insane backyard that screams romance. The hotel itself, a great place for wedding guests, has a sleek and modern design with stunning concrete floors and huge glass windows the size of the building. Even though I had been there before, seeing it in action for a wedding was something else. A+J had gone for fully white florals that meshed perfectly with the design of the hotel, and as the rain finally stopped, hotel staff mobilised to turn the back patio from tornado turf to picture-perfect paradise.

After scoping out the hotel and meeting all of the super friendly coordinators for the day, I headed back up to the bridal suite to document the details of the getting-ready process. Champagne popping, unbridled laughter, and definitely some joyful tears—getting ready is one of my favourite parts of the day.

Sunny Bridal and Grooms Portraits

Another fave moment of mine is taking the bride and groom separately through their venue to do their individual portraits. A was in her element in front of the camera, and she SLAYED! I had such a fun time dodging wedding guests (and yeah, the groom too) and finding back exits with her so we could get the perfect set of portraits without giving away some of the best kept secrets of the day—the dress, the veil, and of course, how insanely gorgeous the bride looked!

The weather at this point was fresh and sunny, so we got some killer portraits with the Pawtuxet River in the background.

The Ceremony

There is no wedding ceremony without some tearful moments and heartfelt words. The couple wrote their own vows, which they shared with each other in front of their close friends and family, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Even better, a close family friend was their officiant, making the ceremony that much better. He told personal stories from the couples first meeting, and made everyone in the audience laugh with the couple over the twists and turns of their relationship through the years. It was short and super sweet, and ended with one of the greatest walks back down the aisle together I’ve ever seen. I’m talking EPIC dip!

After the ceremony and family formals, the couple and I escaped for a bit to take advantage of the setting sun. These two were SO happy I could’ve cried. I know I keep saying this, but it’s true that this really is one of the best moments of the day for me— when bride and groom, now husband and wife, have a few moments to themselves (and yes, me) to be with one another after saying ‘I do.’ A+J were so full of giggles and joy, and it was contagious for the rest of the day. I swear they inspired the bubblegum skies to come out during sunset…

The Reception

What’s a wedding without a party to celebrate?? From first dances as a couple to father/daughter and mother/son dances, to getting low on the dance floor with friends, this wedding reception was nothing short of a true celebration. The amazing team of vendors, from florists to DJ to caterer—everyone was in full swing and pulling off a stunning and magical evening.

This night will go down in history as one of the best Rhode Island weddings I’ve photographed—I couldn’t be more grateful to A+J for choosing me as their photographer for such a special night and I definitely can’t wait to get back to NYLO for another flawlessly planned day.

If you like what you see and happen to be on the lookout for a wedding photographer, whether it be in Rhode Island, New England, or beyond (oh yes, I travel), get in touch with me so we can start planning your dream day together!