Late October 2020, I photographed a lovely fall wedding at the Newport Vineyards. This was my first time photographing a wedding at that venue and it was definitely a fun experience for me. The Newport Vineyards is actually located in Middletown, RI. Located at 909 E Main St, Middletown RI, this venue has an ACTUAL vineyard on the premises. I have to say I’m beginning to think there’s nothing my little state of Rhode Island doesn’t actually have to offer. Although it’s technically outside of Newport, I consider The Newport Vineyards one of the Newport Venues you should definitely consider for your wedding. It’s close enough to Newport and it’s beaches, that you don’t feel like you’re out of the way. Should your wedding guests choose to make a weekend trip of your day, there’s plenty for them to do and see, just 5 minutes away.
I photographed the couple getting ready in their respective rooms at the East Island Reserve Hotel in Middletown, RI. The couple rented two cottages from the hotel, which were in walking distance from their venue. This was an incredibly convenient location for the couple, their bridal party and their families. Their florist, Chaves Gardens is right across the way as well. The Newport Vineyards venue is very unique in that it’s based in a working vineyard. There’s a shop that sells the wines they make and there’s a restaurant and bar area for dining patrons. One would think that with all the activity going on, holding a wedding at this venue would be somewhat chaotic and impersonal. Nothing could be far from the truth. Tucked away in this venue are separate spaces that allow for celebrants and their guests to enjoy without having to deal with the prying eyes of the regular restaurant patrons. The couple’s ceremony was held on the top floor of the venue, against windows that overlooked their receptions space and the large wine barrels filled with aging wines. It was my hope that I could make some images of these two in the area with the barrels, unfortunately given the restrictions of the covid pandemic, that area was not accessible.
Given the finicky nature of New England weather, a first look was arranged at the Newport Art Museum, which was just a short ride away in downtown Newport. This visit to the museum was another first for me. What a great space it was to photograph in. The Museum boasts a majestic staircase that is open from the ground floor to the third floor and it was the perfect location to have the couples’ first look. We then had our run of all the rooms to photograph their portraits in. Given that we had limited time, we settled on just three spaces but I could’ve been there for HOURS.
I especially enjoyed working with the folks at the Newport Art Museum. They were incredibly accommodating and afforded as much time and space as they could. This was particurlay appreciated, given the number of people we had with us AND considering that the museum itself was open to the public as well.