Blog— 2022 —
Newport Engagement Photos
Catie & John
Various Locations, Newport, Rhode Island
August 7th, 2022
One of the reasons I love photographing engagement sessions is it gives me a chance to get to know a bride and groom long before their wedding day in a way I otherwise wouldn't.
Now, while I pride myself on being able to quickly make any couple I work with comfortable, I do love being able to break that ice long before a wedding and for Catie and John, whose engagement session I shot in Newport back in August, this was especially important as the next time I see them, it'll be to photograph their wedding next spring in Columbus, Ohio.
There, I'm on their home turf and I'm the visitor but on this beautiful summer afternoon, this bride and groom wanted the full Rhode Island experience and nothing says Rhode Island engagement session like a trip to Newport.
Catie and John chose to have their engagement photos taken in Newport and if that doesn't sound specific, well, it's because it's not. While the three of us decided to meet up at Forty Steps, one of the city's best and most popular attractions, at no point did we know where else the day would take us and I loved that. I also loved how much fun this bride and groom were and how perfectly they fit with each other.
Now, as you might expect, an oceanside engagement session in Newport does tend to have some issues with the elements but I actually really loved how windy it was on this particular afternoon as it gave Catie's hair a 'day on the beach' vibe and the sky couldn't have been more beautiful.
Catie, John and I chose to start on a slightly hidden area next to the steps but once we got some time in the actual Forty Steps location, and the rocks on the side of it, I could see these two really light up and their personalities shine through in all the photos.
The fun part about shooting in Newport in the summer is you really have no limit to where you can go and what you can do. My favorite photos of Catie and John's engagement photos were completely unplanned as I saw a beautiful iron gate on our way back to our vehicles to head to their actual second location.
Sometimes nature gives you gifts and you just have to say thanks.
I was especially thankful because this was one of the few shady spots we found this entire day.
I've long said no trip to Newport is complete without a stop along Ocean Drive and so, of course, that's where we all headed. I'm glad, too, as while this lovely spot on the side of the road down Ocean Drive was windy, it was also super scenic and a beautiful spot to take in all the best the City by the Sea has to offer in terms of locations.
As the sun slowly started to set on Catie, John and my time together, I couldn't help but feel thankful we carved out a bit of time on their trip up north to see Catie's family and that I could make an engagement session work on a Sunday right in the middle of busy season.
Catie and John's engagement session was a great chance to get to know them and to understand their vision for their upcoming wedding.
While their big day couldn't BE much more different than ocean views of Newport — their venue in Ohio is very urban and rustic — it promises to be one heck of a time and I can't wait to get out there in the spring.
So, until then thanks Catie and John for a lovely session together. I look forward to running it back in 2023. :)
-Paul J. Spetrini
