Venue Spotlight: Regatta Place
As a wedding videographer based in Rhode Island, I've had the privilege of documenting countless love stories against the backdrop of our beautiful state. From the historic charm of Newport to the serene coastal landscapes, Rhode Island offers a treasure trove of locations for couples to say "I do." Today, I want to take you on a journey through my experiences and share why Rhode Island weddings hold a special place in my heart.
The Magic of Newport Weddings
Regatta Place
One of my favorite venues to film at is Regatta Place on Goat Island. There's something truly magical about this location that never fails to take my breath away. Picture this: a elegant cream-and-white striped tent, billowing draperies, and sparkling chandeliers, all set against the backdrop of Newport Harbor. It's a videographer's dream come true.
The first time I filmed a wedding at Regatta Place, I was struck by how the venue seamlessly blends nautical charm with elegant sophistication. As I captured the newlyweds sharing their first dance, the golden light of sunset streaming through the tent's openings created a warm, ethereal glow that looked absolutely stunning on camera.
What makes Regatta Place truly special is its ability to accommodate up to 180 guests while still maintaining an intimate atmosphere. The dockside patio is perfect for capturing candid moments of guests mingling, cocktails in hand, with the harbor as their backdrop. And let's not forget about the yachts! The classic and luxury vessels docked nearby add an extra touch of glamour to every shot.
A Sailor's Send-off
One of the most unique aspects of filming at Regatta Place is the opportunity to capture the newlyweds sailing away on the Schooner Aurora at the end of the night. There's something incredibly romantic about watching a couple embark on their new life together aboard a beautiful tall ship. The footage of the Aurora's sails billowing in the twilight breeze, with the happy couple waving to their loved ones on shore, always brings a tear to my eye during the editing process.
The Schooner Aurora
Setting Sail on Love
While I love filming traditional land-based ceremonies, there's something truly special about capturing a wedding aboard the Schooner Aurora. This 101-foot classic schooner offers a unique opportunity for couples to exchange vows while sailing on the waters of Newport Harbor.
From a videographer's perspective, filming on the Aurora presents both challenges and incredible opportunities. The constant motion of the boat and the ever-changing light conditions keep me on my toes, but the results are always breathtaking. There's nothing quite like capturing a couple's first kiss as newlyweds with the Newport Bridge or the historic coastline in the background.
Rehearsal Dinners and Post-Wedding Celebrations
Many of my clients choose to incorporate the Aurora into their wedding weekend, either for a rehearsal dinner sail or a post-wedding celebration. These more relaxed events allow me to capture candid moments of the couple and their loved ones enjoying each other's company in a truly unique setting.
One of my favorite memories is of a bride and groom who chose to have a New England lobster boil on the Regatta Place patio before setting sail on the Aurora for a sunset cruise. The footage of guests cracking lobsters and laughing together, followed by romantic shots of the couple on deck as the sun dipped below the horizon, created a beautiful narrative arc in their wedding film.
The Art of Storytelling Through Video
Capturing the Essence of Rhode Island
As a wedding videographer, my goal is not just to document the events of the day, but to tell a story that captures the essence of each couple and the place they've chosen to begin their life together. Rhode Island's rich history, stunning landscapes, and maritime culture provide a wealth of visual elements that I weave into each film.
Whether it's incorporating shots of seagulls soaring over Newport Harbor, the click-clack of horseshoes on the cobblestone streets of historic districts, or the gentle lapping of waves against the shore, I strive to create a sensory experience that transports viewers back to the joy and emotion of the wedding day.
Embracing the Unexpected
One of the things I love most about wedding videography is that no two days are ever the same. While I always come prepared with a shot list and a vision for the final film, I've learned to embrace the unexpected moments that often become the heart of the story.
I'll never forget the time I was filming a ceremony at OceanCliff when a thick fog rolled in from the bay. Instead of panicking, the couple chose to embrace the ethereal atmosphere. The resulting footage of them exchanging vows, enveloped in mist with the faint outline of the coastline behind them, was absolutely magical.
The Technical Side of Wedding Videography
Adapting to Different Venues
One of the challenges of being a wedding videographer in Rhode Island is adapting to the unique characteristics of each venue. From the low light conditions of historic churches to the bright, open spaces of tented receptions, I've learned to come prepared for any situation.
At Regatta Place, for example, I often use a combination of natural light and carefully placed LED panels to ensure that the couple and their guests are beautifully lit without detracting from the ambient glow of the chandeliers. When filming on the Aurora, I rely heavily on image stabilization technology and fast lenses to capture smooth, crisp footage even in challenging conditions.
Staying Invisible While Capturing Every Moment
My philosophy as a wedding videographer is to be as unobtrusive as possible while still capturing all the key moments and emotions of the day. This often means working closely with the photographer and other vendors to ensure that we're all able to get the shots we need without interfering with the flow of the event.
I've developed a system of silent communication with my second shooter, allowing us to anticipate each other's movements and ensure that we're always in the right place at the right time. Whether it's capturing the bride's entrance from multiple angles or discreetly recording the groom's reaction during the vows, our goal is to tell a complete story without ever making the couple or their guests feel like they're on a movie set.
Check out these other great venues:
OceanCliff
The Bohlin
The Chanler
Hammetts Hotel
Aldrich Mansion
Castle Hill Inn
Blithewold Mansion
Hammond Castle
Boston Harbor Hotel
Longwood Venues
Harbor View Hotel
The Joy of Reliving Memories
Delivering the Final Product
There's nothing quite like the feeling of sitting down with a couple to show them their finished wedding film for the first time. Seeing their eyes light up as they relive the emotions of their special day, noticing details they might have missed in the whirlwind of the event, is truly rewarding.
I often include aerial footage of Rhode Island's beautiful coastline or historic Newport in my films, providing context and a sense of place that helps transport viewers back to the wedding day. The juxtaposition of these sweeping vistas with intimate close-ups of the couple and their loved ones creates a rich, multi-layered narrative that stands the test of time.
A Lasting Legacy
As a wedding videographer, I'm acutely aware that the films I create will become family heirlooms, passed down through generations. This responsibility drives me to constantly hone my craft, staying up-to-date with the latest technology and storytelling techniques.
Whether it's a grand celebration at Regatta Place, an intimate winter wedding at OceanCliff, or a nautical adventure aboard the Schooner Aurora, each Rhode Island wedding I film is a unique opportunity to create a lasting legacy of love.
The Privilege of Preserving Memories
As I reflect on my journey as a Rhode Island wedding videographer, I'm filled with gratitude for the couples who have entrusted me with capturing one of the most important days of their lives. From the historic charm of Newport to the rugged beauty of our coastline, Rhode Island provides an unparalleled backdrop for love stories of all kinds.
If you're planning a wedding in the Ocean State, I encourage you to embrace all that this beautiful region has to offer. Whether you choose the nautical elegance of Regatta Place, the historic grandeur of OceanCliff, or the unique experience of saying "I do" aboard the Schooner Aurora, your Rhode Island wedding is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.
And when the cake has been eaten, the last dance has been danced, and the honeymoon tan has faded, you'll have a beautifully crafted film to transport you back to the joy, love, and magic of your wedding day in Rhode Island. That's the power of wedding videography, and it's why I consider myself truly blessed to do what I do.
