brad smith photography

Sara and Shawn were married a couple weeks back, on a very rainy and windy evening in Newport, RI. Some brides would be upset at the weather, but Sara was upbeat as ever, regardless of the weather. I met her while she was getting ready at 41 North, then went over to Kay Chapel for the intimate ceremony. Back at cozy 41 North, Sara and Shawn shared their first dance and enjoyed greeting their guests before sitting down for dinner. We popped out of their reception for a few minutes to explore the space upstairs at 41 North, which made for some terrific opportunities for a few portraits of just Sara and Shawn. Of all the venues we could have been at that night, 41 North was probably one of the best in the area with all the (good-looking) indoor space they have available for pictures.

The guests were treated to Manny’s Montage, a terrific jazz band based out of Boston. A fantastic choice of reception music! Sara and Shawn cut their cake and dancing begun shortly after. I was even treated to a piece of their wedding cake! (Thanks, Sara, for remembering that your big day was also my birthday – the cake was delicious!)

It was a great evening – regardless of the nasty weather! Thanks for sending my 2011 season out on a high note!

Jillian and Ryan were married last week in the Old Buttonwoods section of Warwick. The fabulous weather, great people and cozy location of Buttonwoods in Warwick made for some fantastic images!  From getting ready to the reception’s end, the energy was high.  The high point was the purpose of the day; the wedding!  The bridal party’s entrance to Coldplay set the tone for the highly spiritual experience for guests and the happy couple alike.  After the nuptials, we made our way down to the water overlooking the bay.  We got some great images of the wedding party amidst the ocean breeze and ultra green grass then we moved on to the reception at the Casino.  Dancing, indoor bowling and that old New England charm that Old Buttonwoods embodies, made for great images and a great night!  Thanks Jillian and Ryan – these are some of my many favorites from your big day!

Joan and Mike were married on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon a few weeks back in one of RI’s best spots, Newport. It was a perfectly sunny day after most of the crowds had returned home, which is the best time to visit Newport in my opinion. Joan and Mike got ready at their Middletown home before heading down to Third Beach for some portraits. Then it was over to the Atlantic Beach Club for the ceremony, cocktails, and reception. These are a few of my favorites from the afternoon. Thanks Joan and Mike for having me at your wedding!

It felt like just the other day that I spent some time with Traci & Tip shooting their engagement session.

Traci & Tip were married a few weeks back in Norwich, CT. They started their day back at Foxwoods, just a few floors apart. When I met Traci that morning, the suite was buzzing with activity – hair, makeup, dresses, champagne – it was all there. My second shooter, Robyn, spent some time with the guys capturing the antics on their floor. Once everyone was ready, they boarded the trolley headed towards the Cathedral of St. Patrick. The service was grand and the cathedral was immense. Traci & Tip greeted their guests outside afterwards then headed back to start pictures and their reception at Lake of Isles Golf Course at Foxwoods.

It was my second time photographing at Lake of Isles; I hope I’m able to shoot there more because it’s a wonderful place to photograph. After formals and cocktails, we went inside for dinner and dancing with music by the Newport, RI based band, Those Guys. It was a fantastic evening – and I was thrilled to be a part of it. Thanks, guys! Enjoy the teasers, your gallery will be up soon!

Nothing like some romantic portraits in the downstairs bar area!

Above: Taken by my second shooter, Mike, from the catwalk above the dance floor. Sweet shot!

Erin & Dan were married a few weeks ago in nearby Uxbridge, Massachusetts. It wasn’t the best of days weather-wise, but the weather didn’t seem to bring Erin and Dan down in the least. It was a day full of love and celebration that no amount of rain could have brought down this party!

I had such a fun time hanging out with them on their wedding day – I love brides that don’t let a little rain get them down. These are a few of my favorites from their wedding day – Enjoy!

Catherine and Dan were married last weekend at the Dunes Club in Narragansett, RI. It was a gorgeous late summer day with shining sun and just the right temperature in the air. The ceremony was outside in the yard of the club overlooking Narragansett Bay. There were plenty of gawkers walking along the water just stopping to watch the wedding above them. Catherine and Dan moved inside for lunch, toasts, and cake after the ceremony. It was a fun day! Lots of kids running around and people genuinely happy to see each other were everywhere. These are just a few of my favorites from the day.

Last week I had the pleasure of being one of about 25 people in attendance at the marriage of Celeste and Jay at the Roger Williams Park Rose Gardens. It was a very intimate ceremony with only close family and a few friends surrounding them as they tied the knot. Their daughters stood up next to them at the altar as they were wed.

From the park, Celeste and Jay went on to enjoy dinner and drinks at Spain Restaurant in Cranston. Thanks, guys, for inviting me to share in your big day!

Lindsay and Joe were married at Lindsay’s childhood home in Narragansett, Rhode Island a couple of weeks ago. I first met Lindsay and Joe at Kara & Nick’s wedding last November at the Towers where Lindsay was a bridesmaid.

Lindsay and Joe opted to do a First Look – which really helped the day flow nicely. We were able to get the formals done before the ceremony and Lindsay and Joe were able to enjoy the entire cocktail hour with their guests. I first met the guys on Ocean Road at the Atlantic Inn where typical male antics ensued. (below is a picture of one of those antics) I then made my way over to Lindsay’s home and took some pictures as Lindsay prepared with her girls. They had their first look and we rolled right into formals from there. We took a quick ride around to take advantage of some quintessential Narragansett backgrounds, mainly the rocky coastline. They held their ceremony in the front yard of the family home, then made their way out back for cocktails and dinner.

It was a simply perfect day! I was thrilled to be working alongside Jaime Nelson of Eventfully Planned again – as she made the whole day flow very smoothly. Another local favorite of mine, Flowerthyme, provided the colorful flowers.

Lindsay & Joe – thanks for putting together such a great day! And thanks for inviting me to be a part of it. These are just a few of my favorites – more to come!

(above: these two were all smiles, the whole day)

(above: I love all the different things going on in this shot!)

Jesse and Ben were recently married at Kinney Bungalow in Narragansett on what started as very rainy day. It ultimately ended up being clear but still very humid, complete with heavy fog rolling in towards the end of the reception which made for some killer pictures!

I really love working with this extended family – as a matter of fact, I photographed Jesse’s cousin, Sarah this past winter on her wedding day!

This was my first time photographing at Kinney Bungalow – what a great place to hold a wedding! It’s got a very neat vibe to the whole place. The directional light is gorgeous and the woodwork inside makes everything feel rich and luxurious. Add to that two people who are very much in love and hugely supportive families and you get a celebration that goes strong until the last note of the last song is played.

What a great day! Thanks Jesse and Ben for having me at your wedding!