Alyson and Dan say “I Do” despite the storm in Warwick, Rhode Island

Our last wedding of the 2021 season was with Alyson and Dan on November 13th at Warwick Country Club. While early November in Rhode Island has been relatively mild the last few years, this crazy day started mild and sunny and ended with wind gusts and tons of rain… some areas even had hail! Luckily, Alyson and Dan’s wedding day was not delayed by our bipolar New England weather, and we were even able to take advantage of the beautiful Narragansett Bay views and get some formal photos outside!

winter wedding photos at Warwick Country Club
Trinity church wedding Cranston RI
black and white wedding photos in trinity church Cranston ri
interior space at Trinity church Cranston ri

With a forecast such as we had, lots of couples would completely stress out – but not Alyson and Dan! They were so laid back a bunch of wind and rain did not stop them from having the time of their lives. Despite the storm outside, they and their guest danced the night away with DJ Matty from Luke Renchan Entertainment; They even had glow sticks!

Trinity Church Cranston RI wedding ceremony photos
bridal party wedding photos at Warwick Country Club

Want to know more about Alyson and Dan? Read on!

How did you meet?

Well, we have always known about each other. Alyson’s family owns a travel agency and Dan’s parents have leveraged their expertise since before he was born. Growing up they would occasionally hear about one another, and in the era of social media they became connected in high school. They had a mutual friend, Sam, and both attended her Sweet 16 party but did not cross paths. It wasn’t until a Bruins playoff game in 2013 that Alyson and her friend drove to Patriot Place to watch (because Dan was there), and Dan came by to say hi and buy them a beer. In July of 2013, Alyson took a trip to Boston to visit a friend; we met again and went on our first date, July 13th (we now call it Cactus Club Day). We have been together ever since!

Where was your first date?

A walking tour of Boston, which included bar hopping around Fenway and a classic Mexican dinner at Cactus Club (which no longer exists)!

How did you get engaged?

I had the proposal planned for a few years; Dan just needed to act on it LOL On December 13th (we call it Swiftmas), we took a walk through Slater Park’s “Winter Wonderland” with family and friends. It was apparently going to happen in front of the park Christmas tree in the gazebo but thankfully it did not. Once we got home, we turned on all the Christmas lights and then Dan put on “Lover” by Taylor Swift and pulled me over to the Christmas tree and knelt and popped the question. It was exactly how I wanted it - at home in front of my Christmas tree!

What advice can you give engaged couples looking to hire a wedding photographer?

Hire a photographer who is personable and professional!

bride and groom outside Warwick country club


If you had to describe your wedding vibe or theme, what would you say?

Purple, Pixar, “Swiftmas”

What was the favorite part of your ceremony and / or reception?

Bride: Seeing Dan as I turned the corner walking down the aisle.

Groom: When Alyson turned the corner to make her way down the aisle.

What made you want to hire us for your wedding?

You were the most personable and your work was amazing!

close up photo of bride and groom wedding rings on balloons

What was your favorite part about working with us?

Dan would say hanging out with Paul! We both think you are so professional yet fun to be around. You were on top of every picture, and I could see you capturing moments that I didn’t even know I wanted!

bride groom wedding first dance

Did we help solve any unexpected wedding day problems that may have come up during the day? If so, describe here:

You relocated group photos to avoid as much wind as possible while still getting that water backdrop!

What was it like planning a wedding during COVID?

Not as bad as we expected. Luckily COVID calmed a bit during the planning process, and we just did not let it get in the way of our special day!! Yay vaccines!

VENDORS:

Venue: Warwick Country Club
Church: Trinity Episcopal Church
Officiant: Melody Shobe
Photographer: Nicole Gesmondi Photographer, LLC
Florist: Golden Gate Studios
Entertainment: DJ Matty from Luke Renchan Entertainment
Hair and Make Up: Secret Beauty Salon
Bridal Gown: : Ve’Lace Bridal
Cake: Bella Confections

Interested in learning more about our wedding photography packages for your RI wedding? Shoot us a message, we'd love to chat!