Happy Anniversary Mirissa & Ryan!
What a beautiful day for a wedding! Mirissa and Ryan could not have asked for better weather for their special day. I was so happy for them. The happy couple and their family have come to feel like my own family!
On the big day, I met at Mirissa at the bridal suite at OceanCliff in Newport, Rhode Island, where she got ready. It was here that her Dad, Gus, saw her for the first time. It was a very sweet and sentimental moment, which I’m sure will be a memory that Mirissa will carry with her. The sentimentality was balanced with some comical stuff, too!
Funny story: Mirissa did a Red Boot Boudoir Session with us, which comes with a Secret Red Boot Book. Mirissa gave it to her ring bearer to present to her groom the morning of the wedding – when she gave it to the little guy, she told him not to open it! Ryan, however, opened it in front of him, and once he got a glimpse of the contents, he quickly shut it! 😉
The ceremony was lovely, and very sweet, with Mirissa’s Aunt (and godmother) officiating. What a gorgeous spot, right on the lawn of OceanCliff overlooking the water…Simply stunning.
After the ceremony, guests gathered on the outside on the deck for cocktail hour, while we took pictures of the bridal party. We did sneak out later in the day to do some fun sunset shots 🙂
ProTip: If you’re getting married during the day, sometimes the sun is too harsh during the time to do formals. Think about doing formals later during the reception while guests are eating. It doesn’t have to take long. You could also just sneak out for 10 minutes to get some different lighting.
This bridal party photo shoot was so much fun – and well organized! The joke was that Mirissa had sent out ”the memo” ahead of time. She had pulled a bunch of our work from our blog and told the bridal party, “We’ll be doing these photos. Get ready!“ As well organized as Mirissa was with the photos she wanted, it was still spontaneous; because she was such a good planner, we got those shots – as well as some other fun variations!
The reception was beautiful and celebratory, with lots of dancing! Mirissa and Ryan’s first dance as husband and wife was so romantic. And Mirissa’s dance with her dad was so sweet! Guest enjoyed the lawn during the reception, as well. Just a perfect location!
From the reception, everyone headed to the after party at The Safari Room at Ocean Cliff. Mirissa changed into the cutest dress for the after party – short and cocktail-like with feathers! So fun!
The after party also featured the PhotoBooth, which we brought over from the reception. Guests had a field day with it all night!
Working with Mirissa and Ryan throughout the year has really allowed me to get to know them – and their family! I feel blessed to have been a part of this day – this family has a special place in my heart. 🙂 We also had the honor of photographing her sister (and maid of honor)’s wedding in December. Boy was their father and mother busy this year – marrying off two girls! 🙂
Wedding Song – “Have I Told You Lately”, by Van Morrison
Ocean Cliff Hotel | Rob Ranney Videography | DJ – Dave from Good Times Unlimited, inc |Florist – Danielson | Brilliant Ice Sculptures | Dad had a cigar lounge that he did himself
