They met at work. He was a workplace veteran. She was the new employee. They started talking. She loves being outdoors. So does he. She loves traveling. So does he. It didn’t take long for either one of them to figure out that there was something more to their relationship. Something that went well beyond the walls of their workplace. They were in love.

While on a trip in Maine one fall, Cindy and Mike hiked Mt. Moosilauke together. It was here that Mike would ask Cindy to stay with him forever. It was here where where Cindy would say yes.

Cindy and Mike were married this past weekend at the beautiful OceanCliff in Newport, RI. George and I were privileged to photograph the event for them.

We arrived at one of the most unique hotels I’ve ever seen. Rather than one massive brick/stone building, Pearls in Newport, RI, is a series of homes and a beautiful back yard garden/patio area. Cindy and the ladies occupied one whole house. The make-up artist and hair stylist shared the kitchen. Bridesmaids were scattered throughout. I greeted Cindy with a hug and was immediately introduced to her mom Linda who also greeted George and I warmly.

Cindy’s room had a strong French-country theme. The amazing natural light and antique furniture gave us the perfect space to photograph her gorgeous Maggie Sottero dress.

George soon left to meet the Mike and his groomsmen at OceanCliff. I stayed with the ladies as they continued their preparations. Once Cindy was dressed, her mother presented her with an heirloom handkerchief that has been used three times previously on family wedding days.

We all climbed into the awaiting limo and headed to OceanCliff. I texted George to let him know we were on the way. "Sweet" was his response as usual. We were running a bit behind so this was definitely good news for Mike.

The ceremony started just a few minutes after we arrived. Mike held back the tears as Cindy and her dad Mickey strolled down the grassy aisle amidst the smiles and tears of their guests. As soon as she gave her dad a kiss, she turned to Mike and said, "Sorry I’m late." He laughed.

At the end of the ceremony, we took all the guests out to the front lawn for an "everyone" photo. We then worked quickly to finish the formals as we had some lost time to make-up. The good news was that we knew we would have an hour at the end of the day to shoot with Cindy and Mike.

We finished the formals and Corey of MCO Productions quickly got the family and wedding party lined up and ready to start the party. Michael O’Neill was standing at the ready to announce everyone into the room. Once everyone was in, Cindy and Mike went right into their first dance. This was followed by toasts from the maid of honor and best man. A little later, Cindy and Mike cut their cake and then moved into their parent dances. After that, Michael cranked up the music and got the party rolling.

It was wonderful to see some familiar faces throughout the day. In January of 2009, we shot Mike’s sister’s wedding. You may remember Jen and Dan from my earlier blog. It was fun to see them all and catch up on life, including meeting a new family member for Jen and Dan – Madeleine. George snapped a great family portrait of the three of them.

One of the highlights of the day (photographically at least) was the end of the day. Cindy and Mike departed OceanCliff and their guests at 5 p.m. to an awaiting vintage Bentley. The next hour was an opportunity to work with Cindy, Mike and the car. Our first stop were some ocean-side cliffs. We took Cindy and Mike right to the edge. Our second stop was one of Newport’s beaches. Cindy and Mike took off their shoes and played at the ocean’s edge, laughing, smiling, celebrating the whole time. We finished the hour with some shots of them by the car. I only wish we had an hour to work with every couple on their wedding day. What an amazing opportunity!

Cindy and Mike – we had a wonderful time celebrating with you and your families! Thank you for giving us the opportunity. We know that the journey ahead will have beautiful views, steep slopes and even some valleys. No matter what you encounter, we hope your journey ends where it began – atop the mountain.

Vendors:

Dress: Maggie Sottero

Hotel: Pearls – Newport, RI

Venue: OceanCliff – Newport, RI

DJ: Michael O’Neill & Corey Rateau – MCO Productions – Boston, MA

 

 Cindy’s Dress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I wish I had light this good for every photo all the time!

 

 

 George’s shot of the guys!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I really like the perspective of the bridesmaids watching.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 That’s Cindy’s parents in the foreground…a new fav of mine.

 

 

 Awesome ring shot!

 

 

 Cindy & Mike’s niece Lily.  She was the flower girl.

 

 

 Clearly having a good time!

 

 

 

 

 

 Gorgeous couple & gorgeous location

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 George takes the prize for the shot of the day.  Simply amazing!

 

 

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