A Summer Rhode Island Wedding

I fell in love with Glen Manor House in Portsmouth, Rhode Island the second I drove down the path for the first time, but my love kept growing with every new little corner and view I saw every time I’ve photographed an engagement session or wedding at the estate or on the grounds. This historic New England mansion situated on the water outside of Newport was the most perfect selection of a venue for this couple. The grounds and building are complete with the most grand entrance - a wide open space to walk up to see the building for the first time and a beautifully craft large wooden door to greet all of its guests. I swear I sing “be our guest, be our guest” every time I put my hand on the doorknob. It’s the kind of entrance that photographer’s dreams are made of. 

Erika is a lover of all things vintage, but especially jewelry. She has such incredible taste and their personalities as individuals and a unified couple made so much sense against the backdrop of this venue. From the blush veil Erika wore with bold navy heels to the antique pocket watch Joel carried - every detail of this Glen Manor House Wedding was in line with creating the most perfect French-chateau-inspired day. One of the sweetest (literally) memories from the whole day was probably the specially delivered cupcake to the bride from the groom during getting ready.

Erika is actually the sister of a previous groom I photographed at Smith Farm Gardens (you can check that out here) and above all, what I will always remember about this day and this family is the way they prioritize their time together. It’s beautiful to have watched Erika take the time to write out a thoughtful message to her father on the wedding day as she got ready for her First Look and to see the little and big interactions between both families. At one point Erika stepped away to speak with a loved one on the phone and I remember thinking how loved that person must have felt to be considered and thought of on such a meaningful, and also busy, day of her life.

I also really appreciate when my couples are able to find the balance of celebrating with their guests while at the same time taking the opportunity to step away just the two of them to pause and sit in the knowing of this being the first day of their best beginning and biggest chapter. Joel and Erika were all in on walking down to the dock at Glen Manor and the light was so soft - it was also a wonderful break from the heat of this day. Thank you Rhode Island summer. They also shared a simple bite of ice cream together to conclude their day. Seeing memorable moments like this happen organically throughout the day that I have the honor of capturing means everything.

CREATIVE TEAM

Venue - Glen Manor
Entertainment - Mystic River Entertainment
Catering - Pranzi Weddings

Cora is a wedding photographer based near Mystic, Connecticut, photographing love stories throughout New England (and beyond). Cora is a wife, mom and photographer and finds joy in relationships - with her husband, her daughter, family, friends, and couples. Her photographic style emphasizes warmth and romance experienced by genuine people in classic New England places. When on the road or in the air you will likely find her exploring Boston, Massachusets; New Haven, Connecticut; Block Island, Rhode Island; Hudson Valley, New York; or New York City, New York. Learn More