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A collection of articles we’ve written about wedding and engagement photography
Family Formal Cheat Sheet
It happens: your wedding photographer asks you for your “family formal list,” and suddenly you can’t remember any of your family members. “Me and my parents and… who else?” To avoid leaving out crucial people, use this cheat sheet to jumpstart your list and ensure you don’t forget any important family members.
Immediate Family Formals
A basic list of family groupings to include parents and siblings. Adjust as necessary to include nieces, nephews, and significant others.
Partner A + B with Partner A’s parents
Partner A with parents
Partner A with individual parents
Partner A with individual siblings
Partner A with siblings
Partner A with siblings + parents
Partner A + B with Partner A’s siblings + parents
Partner A + B with both sets of parents + siblings
Partner A’s family dismissed
Partner A + B with Partner B’s parents
Partner B with parents
Partner B with individual parents
Partner B with individual siblings
Partner B with siblings
Partner B with siblings + parents
Partner A + B with Partner B’s siblings + parents
All family dismissed
Extended Family Formals
A longer list to include grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, and siblings. Adjust as necessary to include additional members/groups.
Partner A + B with Partner A’s grandparents, parents, siblings
Partner A + B with Partner A’s grandparents, parents
Partner A + B with Partner A’s grandparents
Partner A with grandparents
Partner A + B with Partner A’s siblings, parents, and first side of family
Partner A + B with Partner A’s siblings, parents, and second side of family
Partner A’s grandparents dismissed
Partner A + B with Partner A’s parents
Partner A with parents
Partner A with individual parents
Partner A with individual siblings
Partner A with siblings
Partner A with siblings + parents
Partner A + B with siblings + parents
Partner A + B with both sets of siblings + parents
Partner A’s family dismissed
Partner A + B with Partner B’s grandparents, parents
Partner A + B with Partner B’s grandparents
Partner B with grandparents
Partner A + B with Partner B’s siblings, parents, and first side of family
Partner A + B with Partner B’s siblings, parents, and second side of family
Partner B’s grandparents dismissed
Partner A + B with Partner B’s parents
Partner B with parents
Partner B with individual parents
Partner B with individual siblings
Partner B with siblings
Partner B with siblings + parents
All family dismissed
Want more tips? Plan out your photography timeline next!
Sample Wedding Photography Timelines
While some venues put together detailed timelines for their clients, not everyone has the same experience. If your makeup artist is asking you for your wedding timeline and you aren’t sure where to start, these sample timelines will give you an idea.
10 Hour Timeline with a First Look
Multiple locations, 5:30pm ceremony time
12:00pm photographer arrival at getting ready location
12:15pm getting ready photos: candids, details, HMU, etc
2:30pm travel to first look location
3:00pm first look + couples’ portraits
3:45pm travel to reception venue
4:00pm wedding party photos
4:30pm immediate family photos
5:00pm ceremony prep: decor, guests arriving, etc
5:30pm ceremony
6:00pm cocktail hour: candids, group photos, etc
7:00pm reception start: intros, first dance, toasts/speeches
8:00pm cake cutting + parent dances
8:15pm dancefloor opens
10:00 photographer departure
10 Hour Timeline with no First Look
Multiple locations, 3:00pm ceremony time
12:00pm photographer arrival at getting ready location
12:15pm getting ready photos: candids, details, HMU, etc
2:30pm travel to church
3:00pm ceremony
4:00pm immediate family photos at church
4:15pm travel to photo location
4:30pm wedding party photos + couples’ photos
5:30pm travel to reception venue
6:00pm cocktail hour: candids, group photos, etc
7:00pm reception start: intros, first dance, toasts/speeches
8:00pm cake cutting + parent dances
8:15pm dancefloor opens
10:00 photographer departure
8 Hour Timeline with a First Look
Everything on site, 4:30pm ceremony time
12:30pm photographer arrival
12:45pm getting ready photos: candids, details, HMU, etc
2:00pm first look
2:15pm couples’ portraits
2:45pm wedding party photos
3:15pm immediate family photos
4:15pm ceremony prep: decor, details, guests arriving, etc
4:30pm ceremony
5:00pm cocktail hour: candids, group photos, sunset portraits if applicable
6:00pm reception start: intros, first dance, toasts/speeches
7:00pm cake cutting + parent dances
7:15pm dancefloor opens
8:45pm photographer departure
8 Hour Timeline with No First Look
Multiple locations, 2:30pm ceremony time
12:30pm photographer arrival at getting ready location
12:45pm getting ready photos: candids, details, HMU, etc
1:30pm travel to church
2:00pm ceremony
3:00pm immediate family photos at church
3:15pm travel to photo location
3:30pm wedding party photos + couples’ photos
4:30pm travel to reception venue
5:00pm cocktail hour: candids, group photos, etc
6:00pm reception start: intros, first dance, toasts/speeches
7:00pm cake cutting + parent dances
7:15pm dancefloor opens
8:45pm photographer departure
6 Hour Timeline with a First Look
Everything on site, 5:00pm ceremony time
2:30pm photographer arrival
2:45pm getting ready photos: candids, details, HMU, etc
4:00pm first look + couples’ portraits
4:45pm ceremony prep: decor, guests arriving, etc
5:00pm ceremony
5:30pm cocktail hour: wedding party photos, family photos, candids
6:30pm reception start: intros, first dance
7:30pm cake cutting + parent dances
7:45pm dancefloor opens
8:45pm photographer departure
6 Hour Timeline with no First Look
Everything on site, 5:00pm ceremony time
3:30pm photographer arrival
3:45pm getting ready photos: candids, details, HMU, etc
4:45pm ceremony prep: decor, guests arriving, etc
5:00pm ceremony
5:30pm cocktail hour: wedding party photos, family photos, couples’ portraits
6:30pm reception start: intros, first dance
7:30pm cake cutting + parent dances
7:45pm dancefloor opens
9:30pm photographer departure
Want more tips? Check out our family formal cheat sheet!
Hidden Gem Wedding Venues in Rhode Island
Engaged couples in Rhode Island have a lot to choose from when it comes to wedding venues. But with rising costs and high expectations, many have had to get creative when choosing where to host their nuptials. Backyard weddings, campground weddings, and other nontraditional wedding venues are more popular than ever, and for good reason. However, if a DIY affair isn’t your vibe, check out these hidden gem venues in Rhode Island that may surprise you with their style and affordability.
Hope Events on Main
Pawtucket Wedding Venue
Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography
This budget-friendly venue is located on Main Street in Pawtucket, with plenty of off-street parking for guests. The vibes are vintage industrial, with exposed brick walls, polished cement floors and vintage accents like an old bank vault. Clients are given creative control of the venue and can execute any type of design they desire, with many choosing draping, greenery, and candles to accent the space. Perhaps the best part is the cocktail hour space: a functional candlepin bowling alley with a bar where guests can drink and play while you take formal photos. Your friends and family will be talking about your wedding for years to come!
Shelter Harbor Inn
Westerly Wedding Venue
Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography
Shelter Harbor Inn is a quiet little abode in Westerly, Rhode Island. It is the definition of “New England eclectic,” with contemporary decor and waterfront views. Shelter Harbor Inn boasts 22 rooms for your guests in addition to private cottages, so if you’re looking for a weekend getaway experience for your guests, this is a fantastic (and affordable!) option. There’s an adorable wooden swing for photos, twinkling bistro lighting throughout the venue, and a farmhouse restaurant available for catering. Another plus: the guest minimum is only 25 people.
Newport Art Museum
Newport Wedding Venue
Photo courtesy of Newport Art Museum
Looking for a historic Newport wedding venue without the mansion price tag? Check no further than the Newport Art Museum. Located on Bellevue Ave (prime photography opportunities!), this hidden gem of a venue is the perfect mix of vintage and modern. Your guests can stride the halls during cocktail hour to view the art while you take photos, either inside the museum or outside on the manicured grounds. One of the only Newport venues that allows outside catering, the Newport Art Museum is an excellent choice for creative couples.
Providence Pedestrian Bridge
Providence Wedding Venue
This is technically a wedding location, not a venue, but it’s perfect for your low key, stylish Providence wedding. Get married on the bridge over the Providence river for those gorgeous skyline views, and then pop over to one of Providence’s many amazing restaurants for your reception. The bridge offers a corner overlook with seating for up to 50 people and standing room for many more. There is no permit required, so find an officiant and you’re good to go! Since parking is limited, we recommend shuttling your guests from a hotel to the bridge for the ceremony. Photo op: there are often food trucks and ice cream stands on either end of the bridge, which would make a super cute photo before you head out!
The Landing
Newport Wedding Venue
Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography
The Landing, located on Bowen’s Wharf in Newport, is a restaurant famed for its seafood and commanding views of the Newport Harbor. And up the stairs, there is a secret wedding venue that is sure to impress your guests. This sunny spot is a large, airy room with floor-to-ceiling windows on every wall, upscale bistro lighting, and long farmer’s tables. There is a large balcony for your guests to enjoy during cocktail hour as well as a private dock for couples’ portraits. If you’re looking for a waterfront venue in Newport without the Goat Island price tag, definitely take a peek at The Landing.
Meehan Overlook
Providence Wedding Venue
Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography
This venue in Providence, RI is the perfect blend of rustic and elegant. Your guests will be surprised by the waterfront views and green space tucked away from the city, and ceremony spot gets incredible lighting for photos. The reception space has a large stone fireplace, perfect for a winter wedding floral installation and cozy photos. The best part: since it’s attached to a public park, the venue is managed by the State of Rhode Island and therefore is far less expensive than similar privately-owned venues.
The Farmer’s Daughter
South Kingstown Wedding Venue
Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography
Have you ever visited a garden center and thought, “wow, I could get married here”? You’re in luck — The Farmer’s Daughter in South Kingstown is a gorgeous flower and produce farm that hosts events in the summer and fall. Bring in your own tent and catering and let the landscaping speak for itself at this gorgeous outdoor venue. The impressive acreage allows for all kinds of vendors, from bands to food trucks to bar carts, so feel free to get creative with your event design. Not many people know about this venue option, so you can offer a totally unique experience for your guests and keep them talking for years to come.
Enjoy this list? Check out Hidden Gem Wedding Venues in Massachusetts!
Hidden Gem Wedding Venues in Massachusetts
Every couple planning a wedding eventually reaches a point in their venue search where they feel like they’ve seen the same dozen venues over and over. But what about those venues that may not make the popular lists on Google, or don’t have a presence on The Knot? There are plenty of stylish and affordable venues buried in the search engine pages that you never see, and we want to highlight some of them. Here are our favorite hidden gem venues in Massachusetts:
Hampshire House
Boston Wedding Venue
Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography
For those who dreamed of getting married at the Boston Public Library but nearly had a heart attack when they saw the price, there is another option: Hampshire House. Located on the other side of the garden in the same building that houses Cheers, Hampshire House is a boutique hotel with an elegant, Belle-in-the-library vibe. Have your ceremony in the library, then step outside onto the Boston Public Garden for your formal photos. For a fun photo op, pop into Cheers on your way back in. Perfectly suited for smaller events, this venue is ideally located and sure to impress your guests.
The Barn on Bensons Pond
Middleborough Wedding Venue
Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography
Ocean Spray fans, anyone? This rustic venue is located on 40 acres of active cranberry bogs. Couples are granted access to the bog trails for their portraits, and guests enjoy an upscale rustic barn area for the cocktail hour and reception. While this venue is budget-friendly, the vibe is certainly elevated, with sturdy wooden farm tables and professional lighting throughout. Bonus: the bridal suite houses farm antiques, which make for some unique (and beautiful!) getting ready photos.
Inn on Boltwood
Amherst Wedding Venue
Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography
The Inn on Boltwood is little known to those outside of the Umass Amherst and Amherst College communities. It’s a delightful little inn, located on the sprawling Amherst Common and with many unique features to meet your needs. Host your rehearsal dinner in the greenhouse , a glass-ceiling room lined with local wines and greenery and serviced by the downstairs farm-to-table restaurant. Have your first look on the private upper deck, a large space overlooking the grounds, then skip over to the common for portraits. Guests can stay in one of the many rooms available at the Inn instead of shuttling to another hotel. And if you dreamed of having your dog in the wedding, this hotel is pet-friendly, so your pup can take a nap in your suite while you party away.
Fan Pier Park
Boston Wedding Venue
This is technically a wedding location, not a venue, but it’s perfect for your low key, stylish Boston wedding. Have your ceremony on the pier with an incredible view of the Boston skyline (standing room only), and then head over to one of Boston’s many restaurants for your reception. You can go as casual or as fancy as you want, depending on what you decide for dinner. A popular choice for this area is Bostonia Public House, which is perfect for foodies and Boston-lovers alike.
Harrington Farm
Princeton Wedding Venue
Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography
This boutique farm venue is located on a quiet, winding road in Princeton. In the warmer months, the ceremony is hosted in the garden, which is beautifully landscaped with florals and greenery. Couples can enjoy the lawn, garden, and pond as photo backdrops while guests enjoy cocktail hour in a tented space. The reception is located in their atrium, a wood-accented room with high ceilings and an impressive dance floor. This venue is budget-friendly and lets you decide how grand you want your celebration to be. One unique perk of this venue is the full-service coffee bar, available for an additional fee. Your guests can order artisanal coffee drinks like cappucinos and lattes in addition to the usual beer, wine, and liquor selection.
Thompson Island
Boston Wedding Venue
Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography
Another hidden Boston gem on our list is Thompson Island, an island in the Boston harbor that hosts weddings and events. Ferries shuttle guests on and off the island, and there is a hotel on site for those who are staying. The Boston skyline views are incredible, and this venue offers a beachy vibe that most Boston locations cannot. This is an excellent choice for couples who are having a destination-esque Boston wedding, as the ride across the harbor is sure to impress your guests and get them excited for the night ahead.
Briar Barn Inn
Rowley Wedding Venue
Photo courtesy of Atlas + Stone Photography
Take a drive up the North Shore and you’ll come across the Briar Barn Inn, a quiet boutique hotel in Rowley that houses an amazing farm-to-table restaurant and airy, contemporary lodgings. The inn itself used to be a functional farm; one of the getting ready suites is located in an old silo. This is the perfect spot for those who love good food, bright and open spaces, and off-the-beaten-path locations.
Enjoy this list? Check out Hidden Gem Wedding Venues in Rhode Island!
TOP 5 PROVIDENCE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
It might seem wild for a wedding photographer to blog about other photographers, but we couldn’t help but notice that this is a topic with shockingly little information. Most of these lists aren’t created by real people — think of the AI-generated Bark and Thumbtack lists you get while Googling — and pay-to-play sites like The Knot and Zola. And while we would love every potential client to flock to us, we know that we’re not every single couple’s cup of tea, and it’s always worth exploring other styles.
Here are the companies (outside of ourselves) that we refer out the most often in the Providence area, in no particular order:
1. Atlas + Stone Photography
Atlas + Stone is a husband and wife team with a photojournalistic style. They use an expert mix of candids and fine art posing to bring out your natural chemistry, and they are a delightfully calming presence on your wedding day. Their specialty is cocktail hour and reception candids, so if you value photos of you and your guests having a great time, these folks are an A+ hire. You can only find this team in the six New England states: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
2. Kirsten Capron Photography
Kirsten is exceedingly sweet and thoughtful, and her photos reflect this wholeheartedly. Based in Warwick RI, she is known for her moody, romantic photography, and she does an incredible job with portraits. As a former florist, Kirsten has a sharp eye for details, and she is especially well known for her decor photos. You can find Kirsten in Rhode Island and beyond.
3. Smile Darling Photography
Jessica Dubrowskij, the photographer behind Smile Darling Photography, is photographer who is best known for her bright, clean style and amazing composition. Jessica knows exactly where to stand (or sit, or lay, or kneel) to get the perfect shot, and her galleries are full of depth and style. If you’re in the Southern New England area and want to book Jess, get your inquiries in early, because she books up quickly!
4. Janelle D’Ambrosia Photography
Janelle is about as friendly and encouraging as you can get, making her a great choice for someone who may be uncomfortable in front of the lens. Her style is candid and slightly moody, with preference for natural light. She specializes in elopements and intimate weddings (think under 30 guests) in the Rhode Island area, so if you’re considering a smaller event in Providence, make sure you get in touch with her.
5. Danyel DeBoise Photography
Bold, bright, and unapologetically herself, Danyel is a wedding and boudoir photographer in the Providence area. Her style is vibrant and colorful, and she brings fun to every session and wedding she shoots. Danyel’s studio is based in Pawtucket RI, and she works all over the Rhode Island coast.
For more information about any of these photographers, tap their photos to head to their websites.
Best Engagement Session Locations in Massachusetts + Rhode Island
A few years ago, we wrote a blog post about our favorite places to take engagement photos in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It was a popular post with couples and photographers alike, and we were excited to see that it was helpful. Since then, we’ve found even better spots to share, so we decided to update the old list. Here’s our updated version of best locations for engagement sessions in the Massachusetts and Rhode Island area.
1. Borderland State Park in Easton, MA
This park is a photographer’s dream: old stone mansions, carriage houses, foliage tunnels, flower gardens, boxwood walls, and more. It’s a beautiful spot to take engagement photos when the grass is green and the flowers are in bloom (think May - September), especially if you’re into old architecture and history. Beware of its popularity, however — this park is exceedingly busy on warm weekend evenings, which means you’ll have to compete for the best photo locations. Your best bet is to visit on a weekday.
2. Brenton Point in Newport, RI
At the Western tip of Newport’s Ocean Drive is a windy place called Brenton Point. Famous for its summer kite festivals, Brenton Point is a gorgeous spot for cliffside portraits and lush greenery in the summertime. Its wide, expansive field also makes it a great place to bring dogs, with plenty of space to roam around safely. As mentioned, it can be a pretty windy location, so try to wear your hair up or braided (if windswept hair isn’t your thing) and avoid short, flowy skirts. There’s plenty of parking and spots to hide away for portraits, but it does get a little busy on summer weekends. It is Newport, after all.
3. Chase Farm in Lincoln, RI
We’re partial to this location for a few reasons: it’s very quintessential New England, it’s beautiful in the summer and fall, and it’s only about 12 minutes from our house. Chase Farm rarely gets visitors beyond the lone hiker or dogwalker, making this the perfect spot for a summer weekend or peak fall session. Its wide mowed fields, stone walls, and towering oak trees give portraits a rustic, romantic vibe. Make sure you bring bug spray!
4. Fan Pier in Boston, MA
You just can’t beat the views at Fan Pier in Boston. This is an excellent winter location, and we highly recommend going on a Sunday. The Seaport area is a ghost town on Sundays, especially during the winter, and the scenery doesn’t change regardless of the season. Parking can be annoying, so give yourselves extra time to get settled before your session.
5. Moore State Park in Paxton, MA
Look who’s back! It’s true, this spot has made our list twice because it’s just that good. If you’re looking for a tall wheat field with picturesque paths, an adjacent tree-lined pathway, a waterfall, a mill, and a bridge, here you go. Moore State Park in Paxton is beautiful engagement session location year-round. Bring some bug spray and prepare to share the space with other photographers + their clients, but you shouldn’t have any trouble getting the perfect shots. One thing to note is that this location requires a permit and doesn’t allow weekend sessions as of March 2024.
6. Narragansett Town Beach in Narragansett, RI
Off-season clients rejoice: Narragansett Town Beach is completely deserted from October through April. Park where you want (but we suggest close to The Towers) and use the gazebo as a landmark for meeting up, then hit the beach for some beautiful coastal portraits. The water will be cold, but if you can stand to go in for a few moments, the photos will be incredible. We don’t recommend hitting up this spot during the summer unless it’s a sunrise session — it’s crawling with tourists and residents from 9am-8pm, and parking can be really tough.
7. Castle Island in Boston, MA
Avoid the tourists at the Public Garden and head to Castle Island for sunset views of the city (don’t mind the misnomer — no ferry needed). A windy but very pretty spot, Castle Island has tree-lined paved walkways, a rocky cliff face, and a viewing meadow dotted with benches aimed at the skyline. Bring a cozy blanket for a fall session — it can get chilly!
8. Bailey’s Point in Nahant, MA
On the North Shore of MA, a secret little spot called Bailey’s Point boasts skyline views of Boston and a cute seaside park. Set your GPS to Oceanview of Nahant and park in the public spots just before the Oceanview lot, then walk over to the park from there. Don’t try to park on resident-only streets — parking enforcement is ruthless. Bailey’s Point features a gazebo, a small park, hiking trails, rocky cliffs, and a gorgeous view of the Boston skyline. Since this spot isn’t very well known, it’s a good option for summer weekends, but be prepared to share the skyline spot with a few hikers (or even newlyweds from Oceanview).
9. Providence Pedestrian Bridge in Providence, RI
Can’t quite swing a sunset session? The Providence Pedestrian Bridge is blue hour heaven, with its footlights illuminating the walkways and an incredible view of the Providence skyline. Honestly, this is a great spot for any time of day, as the surrounding buildings and waterways help reflect direct sunlight. It’s a large bridge with different levels, so plan to spend a bit of time here. If you’re going during the summer, be patient with tourists, as it’s a popular sightseeing spot.
10. Town Neck Beach in Sandwich, MA
It wouldn't be a true Massachsuetts-area list without including at least one spot on Cape Cod. Town Neck Beach in Sandwich is easy to get to, even during the summer (but plan on extra drive time) since it’s not too far down the Cape. Like most Cape beaches, this spot features soft white sand, sea grass, driftwood, and rolling Atlantic waves. Go during the off season and get the whole beach to yourselves, or schedule a sunrise session during the summer.
