Photography by GAUPERphoto // @gauperphoto
Audrey’s experience as a wedding photography influenced many of her and Chris’ final decisions for their big day with their loved ones.
The Meet Cute: Chris hired Audrey, the owner of Massart Photography, to photograph him and his children. She asked her friend Bethany, who once had a session with Chris and referred Audrey to him, if he seemed giddy or nervous during their session. Bethany confirmed he hadn’t acted like that with her at all, proving he certainly had a crush on Audrey. The feeling was mutual.
The Engagement: A lot was going on in Audrey and Chris’ life — the two had sold their homes and were in the process of moving into a new one together with their respective children. Wanting some time for the two of them, Chris planned an afternoon at Beavertail State Park in Jamestown. He was nervous until they reached the rocks, where he proposed to Audrey.
The Wedding Dress: As a wedding photographer, Audrey has seen every wedding dress imaginable. After seeing several brides and their dress styles, trying on dresses for her own wedding felt like deja vu. At the Bridal Garden in East Greenwich, owner Christina Carlson Ryan knew just what she needed. She grabbed a floor sample for Audrey to try on: It was bold, nontraditional and perfect for her. “Pink is my color and I just loved [the dress,]” she says.
The Photo Table: Audrey is passionate about women’s empowerment. She displayed the love she has for the amazing women in her life on a glittery gold table, marked with a positive reminder. “I’m incredibly grateful to be surrounded by the most supportive tribe of rock star women,” says Audrey. “When they spoiled me with an incredible bachelorette party, I started off the night by taking power portraits of each of them as a thank you. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them, so it was a small token.”
The Takeaways: There were many elements Audrey implemented (and avoided) from other weddings she photographed. They opted out of the plated dinner and instead had food stations for guests to select from and enjoy at their table. Audrey and Chris also did without entrances and parent dances. “The beauty of the celebration gets lost when people try to plan too much and do too many formalities,” Audrey says. “We wanted vendors who were laid back and let us enjoy the night, and that’s exactly what we got.”
The Speeches: Parents of a blended family, Audrey and Chris were excited to hear their children’s speeches. It turned out to be the highlight of their day, and the love from the young family was tangible for every guest present. “There was just an energy in the whole tent that we felt from the beginning to the end. I’ve never seen my parents look as happy as they did that day,” says Audrey. The Advice: “Don’t feel like you have to do something just because you think you’re supposed to,” says Audrey. “You won’t get to enjoy the moments because you’re too busy doing the things that you’re expected to do.”
The Details
Venue: The Varnum House Museum, East Greenwich | Cake and Catering: Dolce Vita Catering, Rutland, MA | Hair and Makeup: Emerald Goddess Beauty Studio, Wakefield | Bridal Attire: Hayley Paige line at The Bridal Garden, East Greenwich | Groom Attire: Aldo’s House of Formals, Cranston | Rings: Baxter’s Fine Jewelry, Warwick | Decor: Uniquely Chic Events, Lincoln | Tent and Dance Floor: Pranzi Tents & Events | Florals: Plant Girl Shop, East Greenwich | Entertainment: Joseph DeNatale and Erika Van Pelt of Joseph & Erika | Videographer: Frame + Anchor | Planner: Ashley Lynn Events
