By Mariah Ashley

There was no question that Jena would get married in Newport RI, after all her mother and two of her sisters were married there. But where? What venue would be right for a down to earth, casual, fun loving, family oriented girl marrying her middle school sweetheart? A Fort Adams Wedding? Yes! Perfect!

We were very excited when Jena chose us to be her photographers, as we’d never had a chance to shoot a wedding at Fort Adams. Jena visited us with her mother Paula and described a wedding that would be a celebration more than an “event”. She would forgo all of the wedding “traditions” such as the first dance and the cake cutting etc, instead choosing to focus on chatting and dancing with her friends and enjoying everyone’s company.

Jena’s fun hand drawn map of Newport set the tone for the casual fun filled, homespun day.

Jena comes from a big family. She’s got three sisters and a brother and a ton of nieces and nephews, who were ALL included in the wedding. Jena wouldn’t have it any other way, that’s just how she rolls. Plus, she’s got a built in little fan club!

Kim of Green Lion created the beautiful earthy florals for Jena and Billy. No easy task being the florist for a family that owns a nursery {they know a thing or two about plants}!

A rustic setting for the ceremony was perfectly accented with hand painted signs and long wooden benches.

Giggle fit. Cousins are the best.

Jena and Billy were sweethearts in middle school- how cute is that?

On joyful days like this, there can also be sadness for the people that can’t be with us. Unfortunately Jena’s dad has passed away. I love that he picked out this veil for Jena’s sister and now Jena is wearing it at her wedding. This is such a sweet way to honor and remember her father. The veil had a mind of it’s own and was blowing around beautifully all day! Maybe a little wave from Ernie? It’s nice to think so.

Jena’s sisters said that her father would have loved this Fort Adams Wedding. Although Jena couldn’t remember, they told us that she rolled around on the grass here as a little girl when her father took them all to the Newport Folk Festival to hear Dizzie Gillespie.

Married!

The groom is pumped.

This scenario was as crazy as it looks! We managed to get a photo of all the kids smiling at the camera, but I like this out take photo better.

It’s more like real life. I especially like Jena’s sister doing the “baby drop and run” maneuver. Been there, done that. Ha ha.

I love seeing Jena and Billy so relaxed and having fun in the pretty afternoon light.

Taking a little stroll behind the Fort.

Meanwhile Green Lion has transformed the tent into a floral wonderland.

Such rustic lovely details.

Jena and Billy make their way to the tent…

…with a pit stop at the sunset.

Our matriarch Paula welcomes everyone to the party.

Billy shares a dance with his mom, while outside we spotted a Super Moon!

Billy and Jena are all about having an awesome party, so naturally they had Beantown Band.

Naturally.

The dancing was epic.

And then there were fireworks. The hits just keep coming!

Jena and Billy, thank you for such a fun, fantastic time with you and your families! We loved being a part of your Fort Adams wedding! XO Mariah and Trish

BEHIND THE SNAPS

Trish gives Jena and Billy some photo direction to create that great “Fort Strolling” shot above, meanwhile I take the shot from my favorite angle, prone! Our good friend and videographer extraordinaire Meg Simone documents the action too.