Oh, these two are so cute – and such a joy to work with! When they came to the studio for our first meeting, I just knew we would work together. Dina and Emmanuel called shortly after they left the studio, and booked their engagement session and wedding with us – I was so happy, and thrilled to be photographing this gorgeous, smitten couple. 🙂

We had their engagement session last fall at Roger Williams Park. The thing that stands out to me is the deep love between these two. They’re also very sweet and playful, and appreciative of each other. According to Emmanuel, Dina is “God’s Gift to the World”. 🙂 Their story is sweet – they met at church, and he pursued her, while she turned him down because of their slight age difference. One day, they played musical chairs at church, and he playfully bumped her off of her chair with a flirty love tap – and that was it!

Just look at these photos – can’t you feel the love? 🙂

The Big Day

I met Dina at a hotel down the road from Kirkbrae, where we spent some time getting some pre-wedding photographs before heading to Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln Rhode Island for the main event! We made sure to capture images of Dina’s family bible, which had the rings tied to it in navy ribbon.

We headed to Kirkbrae Country Club for the beautiful ceremony outside in the tent, where Dina’s aunt sang and the happy couple exchanged vows. I saw the same thing I saw at the engagement session – these two were SO excited to get married, and they are very spiritual, so the whole day was very meaningful to them.

The Emmanuel wore his military uniform, and the Dina was stunning in her lace/ivory gown. They incorporated a knot-tying ceremony to symbolize their coming together as one during their ceremony…. So romantic. 🙂

Their families played a big part in the day, as well. Emmanuel’s twin brother served as best man, while Dina’s two cousins were co-maids of honor. On the way down the aisle, their mothers were doing “pageant waves” and then once they got to the end of the aisle they broke out in a quick dance. So funny!

After the ceremony, we gathered the families and bridal party for formal photographs, and then sent them off to the cocktail party while Dina and Emmanuel stayed behind for some more personal photos. I got some really sweet images, just like at the engagement session!

Pro Tip: Get some alone time with your photographer! Ask them to get your bridal party and family photos taken care of first, and stick around for some private moments alone with your photographer. We find it’s so much easier for a couple to let loose when they are alone. 🙂

Special Touches

Dina incorporated the color navy into her day by wearing navy flats, a navy ribbon on her bible, and providing navy ribbons with bells on them for the guests at the favors. So cute – the guests were waving their ribbons when the bride and groom entered the reception as husband and wife! They were waiting “with bells on”! 🙂

It’s always fun to see what different couples decide on for entertainment at their celebration. Dina and Emmanuel provided such fun entertainment! After the couple’s first dance, and the father/daughter and mother/son dance, guests were treated to a karaoke (even a karaoke dance-off that was super fun!), and a Newlywed Game! It was important to Dina and Emmanuel that their special day was about love, the meal, conversation, and simply being together. 🙂

When the reception ended, they had an after party at a family member’s house. Dina changed clothes, and she was so adorable in her tank top that said, “Just Married”. 🙂 I love those cute touches!

Wishing you both many years of happiness and love!

Wedding Song: I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz

Vendors
Cake: Sweet Tooth
Flowers: Golden Gate Studios

Purchased from Sara Zarrella Photography
Storybook album
Save the dates
Engagement session
Portraits