By Mariah Ashley

The snappers do love themselves a winter soiree so we waited patiently all year for Bethany and Josh’s December Ocean House Wedding.

When I first chatted with Bethany, she shared her vision for her day. She described; candlelight, greenery, white flowers, a sparkly dress, simply put… winter elegance. She was excited about the Ocean House because they decorate so beautifully for the holidays. Bethany painted a picture for me that made me want to un-burrow myself from my cozy hibernation on the couch and venture out to wintery Westerly to be a part of the festivities.

What a treat it was! There was candlelight aplenty, pine boughs and lambs ear and mistletoe dripped from every surface, lovely white hydrangea, peony, gardenia, and anemone blossoms in the florals created by Sayles Livingston, and that dress!

Enough cannot be said about Bethany’s glamorous gown. Isn’t the detail on the sleeves and back amazing?! Gown by BHLDN.

I love photographing the rings, it’s one of the first things we do when we arrive for the getting ready photos. It’s fun to find an interesting surface to arrange them on. This decorative plate hints at the lovely ocean blues of the Ocean House.Family heirlooms and traditions are another must -document. Bethany’s mother was given the hanky and the sixpence for her wedding by her father, Bethany’s grandfather. Now it’s been carried by three generations of women in Bethany’s family. Mistletoe keeps popping up! Lucky for everyone who might like a kiss! {left}. It’s a beautiful day for a wedding at The Ocean House, just look at that view from the penthouse! {right}.Bethany having her makeup done by Sassafrass. {left}. The bridesmaids put on the finishing touches. {right}.Meanwhile, in a room nearby Josh and his brother get ready for the first look.Adorable and Handsome. Which is which? They are interchangeable I think!We like to do a portrait of the bride before she leaves for the first look. It’s such an exciting time and nerves are running high! Sometimes it’s nice to take a little break from the action for a quiet moment. Bethany looks contemplative here. I wonder what she’s thinking?

I LOVE reflections, two Bethanys are better than one! I also love that her sister was caught in the reflection on the right.Bethany’s bouquet was luscious and smelled heavenly thanks to the gardenia and her florist, Sayles Livingston. {left}.

Bethany was hesitant about the veil, but her mother and I kind of insisted she wear it for the first look. She thought it might be too intense, but since when is intensity a bad thing? Bethany, you rock that veil! {right}.It was December, and a little cold but Josh and Bethany were up for doing their first look on the impressive porch of the Ocean House.Reason number one and reason number two for an over the face veil. Case rested. Cuteness established.In the summer this spot would be riddled with hotel guests, another mark in the category of win for winter weddings.

The thing I love second best to reflections? Shadows.What’s not to love about this iconic building?Family formals indoors complete with fireplace and Christmas tree. The photo on the left may be the most perfect family photo I’ve ever taken. Look at everyone’s expressions, especially our ring bearer!The bridal party was also up for photos outside. Look at that lovely strip of blue water in the background!In LOVE with the soft color of these dresses, a perfect shade for winter.Big Men, Little Man.Bethany snuggling with her girls in the lobby.Man time at the bar with Josh.Josh and his brother, the best man striking a very GQ pose.Sayles made sure every surface of the Ocean House was covered in winter flora and fauna, from striking centerpieces to petite wreaths.Josh waiting for Bethany, no problem reading that expression. Pure Joy.How insanely gorgeous is this room at the Ocean House for the ceremony? I had never been in this room before and was so happy to discover it! It’s almost like it was made for Bethany and Josh’s wedding. I am drooling over those art-deco lighting fixtures.Sweet vows.So happy!Mr and Mrs!Sneaking a smooch right after the processional in the lobby of the Ocean House.Well wishes and important signatures make it official.The difference between boys and girls. The story is in the little moments isn’t it? Seth Rogan agrees.Okay, this one is the framer. There’s always one shot that screams, “Frame me and hang me on the wall for all to admire!”  This be the one.

Q: How’d we do it? A: Long lens and shooting through a Christmas tree. Result: Romantical magic!

I want to swim around in this photo.Mistletoe again, at each place setting. I think there’s going to be a lot of kissing at dinner.Festive and Sparkly, just like Bethany’s vision.Pretty cake waiting patiently to be cut.Bethany and Josh share a warm first dance in the dining room, while the cold wind howls outside.Bethany’s dad is quite the cut up. He likes to give toasts that make everyone laugh.On the flip side, Josh’s brother got us all teared up.It’s your turn for the spotlight cake! But we brought along some friends too, cookies! The more the sweeter.I wonder who Bethany gets her sense of humor from? #peasinapodThe infamous last photo of the evening, with what else?

Bethany and Josh’s theme:

Meet Me Under The Mistletoe.

{For the rest of our lives}.