Belle Mer Wedding

Photographing Elizabeth and Joe on their big day meant taking a break from the hustle and bustle of NYC to breathe in the salty Rhode Island air and enjoy the gorgeous surroundings of Belle Mer, one of Newport’s best wedding venues.  With its contemporary and glam aura, this is a fantastic spot for anyone dreaming of an outdoor wedding, and I couldn’t have been happier that Elizabeth and Joe chose this sun-kissed location for their wedding. 

Elizabeth and Joe met through a mutual friend, who was also Joe’s best man at the wedding. They met at the Half Moon Lounge Bar at the Westin Jersey City where Elizabeth used to work. While chatting over drinks, she found out that Joe was with the Jersey City Police Department. Elizabeth, who also worked for Maritime Parc, suggested that the police department check out that space event for their holiday party. She and Joe exchanged phone numbers and met the following week. I'm not sure whether the police deptartment actually hosted the party at the venue, but what I know is that Joe asked Elizabeth out that day, and the rest is history. 

Belle Mer offered an upscale and romantic ambiance, mixing timeless elegance with old Hollywood glamour. The couple said “I do” on the gorgeous Ocean Lawn surrounded by lush vegetation (an emotional and beautiful ceremony, where bridesmaids and groomsmen alike shed tears during the vows), then danced the night away at the elegant Water Salon, with its classy crystal chandeliers, dreamy sheer white drapes and elegant sliding glass walls. The day was filled with events: some pre-planned surprises (like Elizabeth gifting Joe a new puppy during the reception), some not (the party got so wild at some point that the groom accidentally broke his friend’s nose during the dancing). Then there was a highly emotional moment when Joe danced with his daughter, and the warm embrace and sweet father-daughter dance Elizabeth shared with her dad that I loved shooting.

Thanks to their raw beauty, colors and interesting light, Newport beaches offer wedding photographers a number of fantastic opportunities. For me the day was perfect. Shooting Elizabeth and Joe was a joy, and while the surroundings were magnificent, what I focused on most was the couple, their happiness and the sparkle in their eyes.  Elizabeth, I feel so grateful that we remained friends over the years, and so darn happy that you and Joe have found each other!