By Mariah Ashley

Q: What do we love more than a Castle Hill wedding in Newport RI? A: Miniature dress and miniature shoes at a Castle Hill Wedding in Newport RI. The a fore mentioned cute as a button dress and shoes belong to the show stealing baby of the day, Norah… Cate and Jeff’s beautiful little daughter. Norah was the picture of a perfectly happy baby all day long watching her mom and dad tie the knot under the sunny blue skies at Castle Hill. She was quite happy being carried around by her uncles, doted on by her grandparents, and smooched and squeezed by her parents {especially Jeff, Norah is a MAJOR daddy’s girl!}

We really can’t say enough about how wonderful it is at Castle Hill. My favorite moment of the day was photographing Cate and Jeff on the lawn by the Adirondack chairs, it just doesn’t get more “castle hill wedding” than that. After we took that shot, a kind couple sitting nearby sent over drinks for Cate and Jeff to enjoy. They sat for a few minutes sipping and refreshing, holding hands and looking out over the gorgeous view. It was just a few moments for themselves… a rare gift during a whirlwind day never mind the life of new parents. I’m sure it will stand out in their minds as one of the nicest moments of the day for them as well. Plus, that Blueberry Lemonade drink they make at Castle Hill is to die for! Yum!

Cate was sparkly and stunning and made even more glamorous by the team of Jennie Kay Beauty {LOVE her “flowing yet swept to the side” hair, I’ve never seen that before so feminine!}. Joy at Flower Thyme provided the vintage-pretty bouquets and centerpieces. As the evening went on, Beat Train Productions kept everyone on the dance floor including Norah! Best party photo? Norah’s little sock stuck to the beading on Cate’s dress- it was a classic mom moment!

BEHIND THE SNAPS!

I’m kind of known for being perched precariously and crouched uncomfortably… but in my defense you should not be taking every photo from eye level! That is B-O-R-I-N-G! One of the best tools in our bag of tricks? A super lightweight aluminum step ladder. We always bring it… we don’t always use it… but it’s perfect when it’s perfect. I use my ladder for gaining more water in the water view, creating a flattering angle that defies any chin to double, and getting a birds perspective on the action.

Sometimes I need less height and more low. This is not as “low as I can go,” but it’s close. More sky!

Trish is so helpful, always there to lend a hand, steal hold a drink… mmm, blueberry vodka and lemonade….a Castle Hill classic.