Newport Engagement Photos
Jessica & Matthew
Private Residence, Newport, Rhode Island
November 19th, 2023
When it comes to locations for engagement photos, there are few combinations that scare me more than Newport, by the water, on a cold day. Let's face it, no one wants to be shivering during their engagement pictures but, for Jessica and Matthew, the possibility of being a bit chilly was less important than staying true to themselves and the City by the Sea they love so much they're getting married in it in 2024.
Honestly, my top rule as a wedding photographer is if a couple is down for it, so am I.
Jessica and Matthew's engagement session at a private residence by the water in Newport was one of my last shoots of 2023 and easily one of my best as this couple was super chill (no pun intended), down for hiking wherever inspiration took us and super cute from start to finish.
And who can ask for more?
I knew from the SECOND I arrived at the location for Jessica and Matthew's engagement session that this was going to be a bit of a different shoot than I'm used to.
For one, I met the couple and had to jump in their truck because we were going off-roading. For a second, the first spot they wanted to go to was up on the rocks and required us to really brave the elements of bright sunshine, bitter wind and a chill in the air.
But once we got to the top of these rocks, it was hard to blame Jessica and Matthew for wanting to use this location. It was beautiful.
It didn't take Jessica and Matthew long to get comfortable in front of the camera but what I loved the most about their shoot was how much they trusted me as we journeyed around the property they chose for their photos.
In fact, some of my favorite photos were partly inspired by wanting a second to catch my breath while hiking between spots and seeing a cool tree I thought would make for a great background to use.
It might seem counterproductive to take a bride and groom into the shade on a cold afternoon but the minute I was able to get Jessica and Matthew into a nice, flat, shady area overlooking the water, I could feel the shots get better and better.
Maybe I'm partial as I didn't have to worry about them squinting anymore but these photos with the nice, (finally) evenly lit backdrop are some of my favorites of the day. It could also be that the sun finally made its mind up between hiding behind clouds and brightly shining on us. Either way, I was thrilled.
Jessica and Matthew were great sports in dealing with the temperature and conditions for as long as they did but once the cold really took over and we could feel it in the air, I knew our time was quickly wrapping up.
Thankfully, these two soon-to-be newlyweds gave me another outfit change and stuck it out for one last location when I saw some beautiful tall grass I knew I wanted to take us to. These photos were easily my favorite of the entire day and capped this session off perfectly.
By the time I called it a wrap with Jessica and Matthew and headed back to my car, I was slightly shivering and eagerly looking forward to getting into the heat and comfort of some warm long johns and a blanket at home. That didn't change the fact that I'm so glad I spent this chilly but beautiful November afternoon with this great bride and groom though.
Jessica and Matthew were so much fun to work with and I know the best is yet to come as they walk down the aisle in 2024. Hopefully, it's a bit warmer but, hey, at least I know they're game for whatever conditions come our way.
So thanks Jessica and Matthew for a wonderful afternoon and I'll see you on your special day next year! :)
-Paul J. Spetrini
