Fall in Newport is always a gorgeous time of year. The leaves are changing, there is a crispness to the air, and the craziness of the tourist season is coming to a close…what better time of year to get married here? That is exactly what Laurie and Mike LaPorte did this past October 18th, 2014. I had the pleasure of meeting this lovely couple through my former 2nd photographer, Ron Stella.
On this warm and sunny day I headed out the trendy boutique hotel the Atwater to capture the girls getting ready. Laurie looked amazing in her drop waist strapless ball gown, and I kept telling her how much she reminded me of Kate Hudson. Her bridal party wore short navy dresses, a compliment to Mike’s Army uniform, with splashes of yellow both with their shawls and bouquets. Meanwhile, my assistant Sean went to the Newport Harbor Hotel to photograph Mike and his groomsmen, and then joined them downtown at SpeakEasy Bar & Grill for some more fun shots.
The ceremony took place at nearby Kay Chapel. The couple said their “I do’s” and then exited through a Saber Arch. None of the finely dressed army fellows let the duo through the arch without kissing first. The entire bridal party then walked to the iconic Queen Anne Square, which was wonderfully filled with pumpkins, for some portraits. Short on time, we only got a few photos and then headed to the Newport Yachting center for the reception. This tented indoor/outdoor venue, is located in the heart of downtown on a wharf with expansive water views! It was the perfect place for this couples Newport Theme to flourish. It was a high energy evening not without surprises. Mike unveiled a Hawaiian shirt to his bride, secreted beneath his uniform the whole time, a nod to the couples move to Hawaii where Mike is now stationed.
Since our wedding day portrait photos were rushed Laurie and Mike scheduled additional time with me the following day. The re-dolled up couple bounced around to their favorite Newport spots, including the Goat Island Lighthouse, Seaman’s Church Institute, Bowen’s Wharf, the downtown area, and Brenton Point. My favorite shots of the day were at that last spot with the backdrop of the ocean and cliffs. It was so great to meet this gorgeous couple and I wish them well in our 50th state!
