What could be better than being flown across the country to shoot a fantastic couple’s vintage 20′s-era wedding in historic Newport, Rhode Island? How about it being picked up by Newport Wedding Magazine? Sa-WEET!
I’ve actually been waiting to share Shauri + James’ event with you until it was published, but now the cats out of the bag. Their wedding was truly different: from the ‘Night at the Movies’ rehearsal dinner, to the wedding day tour of Newport by trolley car, all the way to their reception at the Tennis Hall of Fame, this wedding has a lot of unique elements that really put the ‘destination’ in this destination wedding. There’s a lot to see, so strap in!
The Cover of the Newport Wedding Magzine
in which Shauri & James are featured.
We also have an image featured on the landing page of their website!
So….score! 
- The Rehearsal ‘Dinner’ -
While MOST couples are content to find a swanky restaurant or club in which to host a rehearsal dinner,
our heroes would have none of that. Instead, Shauri & James took over the historic Jane Pickens Theater
to offer their guests a flapper-themed ‘Night at the Movies’.
When I say ‘took over’, I mean complete with custom movie posters, and era-appropriate costumes.
The posters all alluded to their rather lengthy dating history,
and to Shauri’s infamous statement that she would never
get married. Never say never.
After feasting on catering that reflected all kind of local favorites (frozen lemonade, Boston Baked Beans, etc.),
it was time for the entertainment….as provided for by the guests! Everyone in attendance had been instructed
to either submit a movie to be screened at movie night, or to come prepared with a live skit or presentation.
The theme? Shauri & James, of course! There were even a couple of films submitted by friends who
could not attend because they live on the other side of the world. They were definitely there in spirit.
The 1918 pipe organ was being renovated and I was fascinated by its original bone, ivory and tortoiseshell fittings.
- The Sealing & Trolley Tour -
The sealing itself took place at the Boston LDS Temple.
So this is a bit of a tangent:
I shoot quite a few LDS (ie, Mormon) sealings – remember, I do live in Utah – so I’ve had a chance to explore
a great many of the temples across the country. I’m spending a fair amount of time on the Boston temple
here because I have to tell you – its now one of my favorites! I especially appreciate the ‘marriage’ of traditional
LDS design with New England architectural references – all tied together in a subtle and tasteful package.
[I'm also a big fan of the 'gothic spaceship' design of the San Diego temple, BTW.]
The spire is a standard feature of LDS temples, but the Boston temple makes it local. The whitewashed base
and overlapped slate on the spire itself references New England heritage in a really effective way.
All LDS temples also feature a great many symbols – both exterior and interior – and many of them find their
origin in Masonic symbolism. The Boston temple retains those, but adds to it some of the distinctive
New England decorative motifs that were distilled from the Arts & Crafts, Art Deco and Glasgow School movements.
Tasty.
They are also great for climbing!
After Shauri & James emerged from the temple, things started to get a little windy…
…in fact we almost lost Shari in a sudden gust. Good thing James was there to ground her.
The it was back to Newport where the trolleys were waiting for to show the guests around the Newport peninsula.
Along the way, we had the trolley stop at various points of interest for a few photos.
- The Reception -
The toasts produced a range of emotions.
Shauri waits for James to get the key to their bridal suite…then take a look at it through the window before heading in.
Congratulations Shauri + James, and thank you for having me come document it.