When Jenna and Rob first reached out to me about photographing their OceanCliff wedding on my birthday, at first I wasn’t sure if I wanted to work on my birthday… but I am so glad I said yes! There was no better way to spend my golden 25th than surrounded by gorgeous Rhode Island views, celebrating two people in love on a sunny summer day! It was truly the Newport coastal wedding of my dreams 😍
Jenna & Rob’s Newport Wedding at OceanCliff Hotel
Fellow Swifties turned instant besties
Jenna & Rob originally found me through their best friends Ashlin & Ian, who were actually IN their wedding – and whose wedding I get to photograph later this year! And I am sooo thrilled they did, because we were truly a match made in heaven from the very beginning.
I photographed Jenna & Rob’s surprise proposal at the Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport last spring, and shortly after their proposal, they reached back out about their wedding. Little did I know that their wedding would be on my BIRTHDAY, and that it would be the best gift I could’ve asked for!! After all, how could I say no to a fun summer day in Newport, with a rad couple like this?
Sooo I said YES. We ended up taking their engagement photos on the beach by Taylor Swift’s house in Rhode Island, because Jenna is a huge Swiftie too – it was a no brainer. I think it would’ve only been more magical if we had some, say… snow on the beach?! ;)
A classic coastal Rhode Island wedding
Everything about Jenna & Rob’s wedding day was a Newport coastal dream come TRUE: a gorgeous mansion, stunning views of Narragansett Bay, sailboats galore, bright hydrangeas blooming everywhere – it seriously felt like something straight out of a quintessential New England wedding mag.
Especially when you add in the beautiful details they curated so carefully! Although I mayyyy be a lil’ biased since I’m the one who actually designed their save-the-dates, with a custom illustration of their venue, OceanCliff. It was so much fun to illustrate this 19th-century venue for Jenna & Rob, with its historic architecture and to-die-for waterfront views!
(Yes, I design wedding stationery too! Check out my Wedding Design Guide to see examples of my work, & then read through my top tips for designing your dream wedding stationery.)
The rest of the details in their flatlay were equally beautiful, featuring all kinds of delicate coastal blues, nautical details (the sailboat design & seashell-shaped RSVP were my faves), and a custom wax seal to match the logo on their invites. And to top it all off, the white & blue wallpaper in the room where Jenna was getting ready matched it all perfectly! I got to capture some fun getting ready moments with the girls at the cottage on the venue property, hyping them up as they looked gorgggg drinking mimosas in their adorable matching PJs. Meanwhile my second shooter, Jill, was off with the guys at the main hotel while they got all dapper in their (of course) blue suits!
First looks & portraits among the hydrangeas
Jenna and Rob wanted to spend every moment together that they could on their big day, so they did a first look by the main house, under the arch — I am still dyinggg over how amazing this spot was. We took a few couples photos around the hydrangea bushes, before bringing out their bridal party so we could get those portraits done before the ceremony! This group looked absolutely killer in their various shades of blue, the guys with elegant white boutonnieres and the girls with drool-worthy white & blue bouquets. 10/10 made my job soooo easy.
If you wanna learn more about why I recommend getting as MANY photos out of the way before your ceremony as you can, def go read my blog post featuring 7 Wedding Timeline Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Day.
While my second, Jill, was finishing up the groomsmen/bridesmaid shots, I stayed with Jenna for her first look with her dad. It was the sweetest moment that I’m so glad I got to capture before it was time to head inside & relax before the ceremony.
A breathtaking seaside ceremony
The ceremony was gorgeous and so sweet, with Jenna & Rob sharing their vows in front of everyone that made everyone teary. It was exactly what you dream of when you picture a June wedding in Newport: clear blue skies with just a few small clouds drifting overhead, a breeze coming off the water that made Jenna’s veil blow whimsically in the wind, and vibrant greenery & flowers everywhere you looked. I literally could not have imagined a more idyllic RI waterfront wedding ceremony!
Iconic first dances, dreamy golden hour photos, & yummy late night ice cream
After Jenna and Rob’s “I do’s,” we did a few more family and couples portraits before the newlyweds joined everyone for cocktail hour. Their grand entrance into the ballroom was followed immediately by their first dance, which was so insanely impressive because they had only had ONE lesson beforehand, and they killed it! They danced to none other than our girl Taylor, swaying along to You Are in Love from 1989, which was so perfect and iconic.
We noticed a few clouds starting to roll in over the bay, so after speeches I stole Jenna & Rob for their sunset newlywed portraits – and we got super lucky with a perfect golden hour before it got dark! The rest of the night was filled with parent dances, a private cake cutting for just the two of them (love this idea), and then Jenna changed into her second dress for the partyyyy to dance in, before Ben & Jerry’s was served at the end of the night.
These two were so so wonderful, and it was such a great way to spend my birthday. I couldn’t have asked for a better couple and a better day! Congrats to Jenna and Rob, or should I say Mr. & Mrs. Ralston?!
Vendor team
Venue: OceanCliff Hotel | @oceancliffnewport
Florals: WR Designs and Decor | @wrdesignsanddecor
Hair: Blinked to Beauty | @blinkedtobeauty
Makeup: @victoria_luxemakeup
DJ: Elite Entertainment | @eliteentertainmentri
Content: Social Chaos | @socialchaosco
Dress: The Wedding Embassy | @weddingembassy
Suit: @ramanisclothiers
Flower Wall: Wild Love Flower Walls | @wildlove_flowerwalls
About OceanCliff, a Historic Waterfront Wedding Venue in Newport
Can you tell that I’m slightly obsessed with the venue Jenna & Rob chose? OceanCliff Hotel is the pinnacle of Newport coastal beauty, set on 10 acres of rolling lawns on Narragansett Bay. The ocean views are obviously insane, but the 19th-century style hotel is also cozy, luxurious, and full of modern comforts mixed with historic architecture. With the picturesque seaside ceremony location, a covered outdoor patio for cocktail hour, and an enchanting ballroom for your reception, you and your guests will have the most amazing experience here. Plus, you can stay on-site in one of their lavish guest suites!
How many wedding guests can OceanCliff accommodate?
OceanCliff can fit up to 200 guests in the Grand Ballroom for your reception!
How much does it cost to get married at OceanCliff?
Wedding packages & pricing at OceanCliff Hotel will vary depending on three main things:
1) Season – they offer special winter rates with their cute “Snowflake Wedding Package”!)
2) Day of the week – because they also have midweek wedding packages that are significantly discounted from regular weekend rates!
3) The dining option you choose – the venue offers different rates depending on the menu experience you pick, ranging from $140-$200 per head on average for dinner alone! (Not including desserts, late-night snacks, or other special packages)
I recommend reaching out to the venue team here to get a quote that’s accurate for your unique day :)
What do OceanCliff wedding packages include?
Good q! OceanCliff wedding packages include a variety of amazing amenities and services that vary by which package you select. Here are a few inclusions you might see across their package selection:
- Tables, linens, chairs, & place settings
- Personalized planning assistance
- Access to a seaside ceremony site, covered/tented outdoor patio, & grand ballroom
- Complimentary luxury guest room for your wedding night stay
- Discounted additional guest rooms
- Complimentary parking for all guests
Wanna add a super cool experience to your stay at OceanCliff?! Book their “Sail Away Wedding Package,” which includes an incredible two-hour sailing adventure on their private yacht!!
OceanCliff Wedding Photographer
If you’re dreaming of a coastal Newport wedding at OceanCliff with unforgettable landscapes, plenty of romance, and laid-back seaside vibes, like Jenna & Rob’s, I would love to help you make it happen. Inquire with me here to start planning your own unforgettable day!
On the hunt for more Rhode Island engagement & wedding inspo to add to your vision board? I got you covered!
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