Venue Spotlight: The Bohlin
As a Rhode Island-based wedding videographer, I've had the privilege of capturing countless love stories in some of the most breathtaking venues across the state. However, there's one location that never fails to leave me in awe: The Bohlin. This nautical paradise, nestled in the heart of Newport Harbor, is a dream come true for couples and videographers alike. Today, I want to take you on a journey through this remarkable venue, sharing my experiences and insights as someone who has had the honor of immortalizing numerous celebrations at this waterfront wonderland.
A Slice of New England Heaven
When I first arrived at The Bohlin for a wedding shoot, I was immediately struck by its perfect blend of classic New England charm and modern sophistication. The venue takes its cues from traditional architectural styles, seamlessly integrating with Newport's rich nautical heritage. As I set up my equipment, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement, knowing that the footage I was about to capture would be nothing short of spectacular.
Location, Location, Location
One of the things that sets The Bohlin apart is its prime location. Situated just 90 minutes from Boston and three hours from New York, it's easily accessible for out-of-town guests. But what really makes it special is its position in the heart of downtown Newport. As I've walked the cobblestone streets with newlyweds, capturing their first moments as a married couple, I've been continually amazed by the quaint shops, boutique restaurants, and colorful galleries that provide a perfect backdrop for those candid shots.
The Waterfront Setting
From a professional standpoint, The Bohlin is a videographer's playground. The waterfront setting offers a dynamic canvas that changes throughout the day, providing a variety of stunning backdrops for your wedding film.
Seaside Ceremonies
Picture this: soft Atlantic breezes gently tousling the bride's veil as she walks down the aisle, the sound of lapping waves providing a natural soundtrack to the exchange of vows. The waterfront ceremony area at The Bohlin offers unparalleled harbor views that serve as a breathtaking natural backdrop. As a videographer, I find myself constantly in awe of how the changing light plays on the water, creating a magical ambiance that translates beautifully to film.
Dockside Receptions
After the ceremony, the celebration moves to the dockside terrace, and this is where The Bohlin truly shines. Surrounded by sailboats and classic luxury yachts, the reception area exudes a comfortable, casual elegance that's perfect for capturing genuine moments of joy and celebration. One of my favorite shots to get is the newlyweds sharing their first dance as the sun sets over the iconic Newport Bridge – it's a scene that never fails to take my breath away.
The Sperry Tent
A key feature of The Bohlin that I absolutely adore is the signature Sperry tent. This isn't just any tent – it's a chameleon that can be customized to suit any wedding style or theme. Whether I'm filming a casual reception for 400 guests or a more formal seated affair for 250, the tent provides a perfect shelter while still allowing that gorgeous Newport light to filter through.
As a videographer, I appreciate how the tent can be transformed to reflect each couple's unique vision. I've seen it adorned with twinkling fairy lights for a whimsical feel, draped in elegant fabrics for a more formal atmosphere, or left relatively bare to let the natural beauty of the surroundings shine through. The versatility of this space means that no two weddings I film here are ever the same.
The Chanler
Hammetts Hotel
Aldrich Mansion
Castle Hill Inn
Blithewold Mansion
Hammond Castle
Boston Harbor Hotel
Longwood Venues
Harbor View Hotel
Culinary Delights
While my primary focus is on capturing the visual aspects of a wedding, I can't help but be impressed by the culinary offerings at The Bohlin. Executive Chef Joseph Melanson and his team create exquisite menus that not only taste amazing but also look stunning on camera.
I always make sure to get some close-up shots of the beautifully presented dishes, as they truly reflect the natural beauty and indigenous flavors of New England. From freshly caught seafood to locally sourced produce, the food at The Bohlin is a celebration of the region's bounty. These culinary details add an extra layer of richness to the wedding films I create, helping to tell a more complete story of the couple's special day.
The Little Details That Make a Big Difference
As someone who spends their career focusing on details, I have a deep appreciation for the little touches that The Bohlin provides. The teak furniture on the open-air patio, the fine china place settings, and the custom floor-length table linens all contribute to an atmosphere of understated luxury that translates beautifully to film.
One aspect that I particularly love is the dance floor. Its position within the Sperry tent allows me to capture those jubilant moments of celebration while still maintaining a connection to the waterfront setting. As the night progresses and the party gets into full swing, I'm able to switch seamlessly between intimate close-ups on the dance floor and wide shots that showcase the entire reception area aglow with laughter and love.
A Videographer's Tips for Making the Most of The Bohlin
Having filmed numerous weddings at The Bohlin, I've gathered some insights that might be helpful for couples considering this venue:
Take advantage of the natural light: The way the sun moves across the harbor throughout the day creates some truly magical lighting conditions. Consider scheduling your ceremony for late afternoon to capture that golden hour glow.
Incorporate the nautical surroundings: Don't be afraid to use the boats and marina as part of your shoot. Some of my favorite footage has come from couples taking a quick boat ride or posing on the docks.
Plan for all weather conditions: While The Bohlin is stunning in sunshine, it can be equally romantic in a light mist. As a videographer, I come prepared for all conditions, and I advise couples to embrace whatever weather the day brings – it all adds to the unique story of your wedding.
Make use of the event planner: The Bohlin provides a personal event planner who can help coordinate all the details. This is invaluable for ensuring that your day flows smoothly, allowing me to focus on capturing those perfect moments rather than worrying about logistics.
Consider aerial footage: While I always respect the privacy and regulations of the venue, if permitted, some drone footage of The Bohlin can add a spectacular dimension to your wedding film, showcasing the beauty of the harbor setting.
Beyond the Wedding Day
One of the things I love about The Bohlin is how it can become a central part of the entire wedding weekend. I've had the pleasure of filming rehearsal dinners here – nothing beats a classic New England clambake as the sun sets over the harbor. I've also captured post-wedding brunches, where couples and their guests can relax and relive the memories of the previous day in this idyllic setting.
For couples looking to make the most of Newport's charm, I often suggest incorporating some of the unique experiences The Bohlin can arrange. A bridal party sailing excursion, for example, can provide some fantastic pre-wedding footage that adds an extra special touch to the final wedding film.
A Timeless Backdrop for Timeless Memories
As a wedding videographer, my goal is always to create a film that not only captures the events of the day but also the emotions, the atmosphere, and the unique personality of each couple. The Bohlin, with its perfect blend of natural beauty, nautical charm, and elegant amenities, provides the ideal setting for achieving this goal.
From the moment the bride steps onto the dockside terrace, to the final dance under the starlit Sperry tent, The Bohlin offers countless opportunities for capturing those magic moments that make each wedding unique. The venue itself becomes a character in the love story I'm telling through my lens, providing a timeless backdrop for timeless memories.
In my years of experience filming weddings across Rhode Island, I can confidently say that The Bohlin stands out as one of the most versatile, photogenic, and genuinely romantic venues I've had the pleasure of working with. For couples dreaming of a waterfront wedding that combines New England charm with understated luxury, The Bohlin is, without a doubt, a perfect choice.
So, if you're considering The Bohlin for your special day, I can assure you that from a videographer's perspective, you're setting the stage for a truly unforgettable celebration. And who knows? Maybe I'll have the honor of being there to capture every beautiful moment of it.
