By Mariah Ashley

Being wedding photographers in RI affords us certain perks including the opportunity to photograph the beautiful styled shoot for Bliss Celebrations 2014 issue. Bliss is the guide for planning fresh, modern and spectacular events! According to Bliss, the inspiration behind this shoot at Hotel Providence’s park-like courtyard was a family reunion gathering generations to reconnect and enjoy a delicious Tuscan feast. Mmmm… sign us up!

Hotel Providence’s catering team created a fabulous menu of family favorites. Sayles Livingston adorned the feast with her rich floral arrangements. The adorable invitation was provided by Sweet Tree Studio. Rentals were by Peterson Party Center. Market lights from the Exquisite Event team really cinched the European street party theme. EE also provided the rustic wood table used to display the desserts provided by The Hotel Providence.

After we photographed the beautiful table it was time for our models to sit down and enjoy their just desserts…figs, cheeses, olives and cured meats, pizza topped with goat cheese and prosciutto, as well as radicchio and pear salad. As if there was still room, an espresso bar featuring panna cottaa, fig and berry tart, tiramisu and more was waiting for after dinner enjoyment. The courtyard and second floor tented terrace of the Hotel Providence is perfect for anything from a brunch to a small wedding reception. Consider this magical spot for a rehearsal dinner, wedding shower, engagement party, or intimate wedding reception.

It was so fun to snap this sumptuous setting, and absolutely thrilling to see our photos grace the cover of the beautiful Bliss book. Anytime a styled shoot for Bliss Celebrations come up, it is a feast to behold and delicious to photograph!

Last but not least, the photo team… on the left our friend Erin McGinn ( a fabulous photographer in her own right) but serving as designer, organizer and model for our shoot. That’s me in the center getting nice and close to the desserts. On the right we have Trish, giving our models instruction for the big overview shot.