A Romantic Newport Micro Destination Wedding | Shannon & James

On June 14, 2025, Shannon and James brought New York City to Newport.


Friends, family — even their priest — traveled in from NYC for an intimate, joy-filled celebration that unfolded across some of Newport’s most iconic locations.

From getting ready downtown to a heartfelt chapel ceremony and an elegant dinner at 22 Bowen’s, this Newport micro wedding felt intentional, timeless, and deeply personal.


Getting Ready at the Newport Marriott


The morning began at the Newport Marriott in downtown Newport. With on-and-off coastal showers rolling through, having such a beautiful hotel suite made the entire start of the day feel calm and effortless. Soft natural light, champagne energy, close friends buzzing around — the perfect environment for an intimate destination wedding.


This was one of those weddings where I photographed solo, which I genuinely love. When it’s just me, I’m able to blend into the room, read the energy, and take pressure off the couple. I become part of the rhythm of the day rather than an interruption to it. Sometimes that means fixing a bustle, Or giving up the back of my own earring to secure a sentimental pin.

Wedding details including invitations, rings, shoes, and floral arrangements laid out on a light surface.
Wedding details including rings, invitations, and delicate floral arrangements on a light surface.
Wedding details including elegant shoes, floral arrangements, and invitation cards laid out on a light surface.
Elegant wedding rings displayed with pastel flowers and greenery on a white surface.
Wedding details including delicate pink and white flowers with a blue velvet ring box displaying elegant engagement rings.
Close-up of romantic wedding floral arrangement with pink and cream blooms.
Wedding rings displayed in elegant white oyster shells with gold trim surrounded by delicate pastel flowers.
Elegant white wedding dress hanging against neutral curtains in a bridal suite.
A series of photos showing someone in a white robe reaching up to hang a wedding dress on display.
A series of black and white photos showing a person in white clothing hugging what appears to be a wedding dress.
Wedding preparation scene with white bridal gown hanging by window in morning light.
Bridesmaids in light blue robes gather together during wedding preparations.
Wedding party lined up in matching grey dresses against a white background.
Row of light blue bridesmaid dresses hanging on display in a bright room.
Wedding preparation scene with styling session in a bright room.

Trolley Rides & Pre-Ceremony Fun


The guys hopped on a classic Newport trolley to head toward the ceremony site — the kind of detail that makes a destination Newport wedding feel cinematic.


We arrived early enough to knock out a few group portraits before the ceremony began (I’ll always take advantage of those pockets of time to give couples more freedom later in the day).

James is apparently known for sneaking bunny ears into photos, so naturally, his groomsmen took their opportunity for revenge. It was playful and completely on brand.

Wedding party members pose for candid photos in a rustic venue with wooden benches and warm lighting.
Wedding party laughing together while riding in vintage trolley bus in black and white photograph.
Wedding party members in black suits pose together on a lush green lawn outside an elegant stone building.
A line of groomsmen in black tuxedos stand on a green lawn in front of a grand stone mansion.
Wedding party members in formal black attire pose together in a line outdoors on a sunny day.
A wedding party in black tuxedos and formal attire poses together on the lawn of an elegant stone building.
A wedding party in formal black attire stands in a line against a rustic brick wall with green trees in the background.
Wedding party in formal attire stands on green lawn in front of historic brick buildings at college campus.
A large group of men in formal black tuxedos stand in a line against a backdrop of historic stone buildings.
A group of groomsmen in black tuxedos stand together on a lawn in front of a grand brick mansion.
A groom in a classic black suit with boutonniere smiles while standing on a lawn outside a historic stone building.
A groom in a black tuxedo smiles while adjusting his boutonniere in a garden setting with stone walls and flowers.
Three black and white portraits of men in formal attire against a stone wall background.
Bridesmaids in dusty blue dresses pose together holding colorful floral bouquets at a rustic wedding venue.
Wedding party in light blue dresses poses together holding pastel bouquets under wooden beams.

Our Lady of Mercy Chapel | A BYOP Ceremony


The ceremony took place at the stunning Our Lady of Mercy Chapel on the campus of Salve Regina University. James saw Shannon for the first time as she walked down the aisle — and immediately cried. Full emotion. No holding back. There’s something incredibly powerful about waiting for that moment.


Because this was a micro destination wedding, they were able to bring their own priest from NYC — someone who truly knew them and their families. The ceremony felt personal, filled with inside jokes and warmth that only comes from genuine relationship. Finding a chapel that allows that kind of personalization is rare and it made all the difference.

Stone church building with unique round architecture and turret surrounded by lush landscaping and trees.
Wedding signage with floral designs displayed on stone steps at an elegant venue.
Red trolley buses parked in line at a tourist destination.
Wedding party posing beside red vintage trolley cars on a tree-lined street.
Wedding guests enjoying a formal reception in an elegant wood-paneled room.
Church interior with wooden beams and decorative arches during wedding ceremony.
Groomsmen in black tuxedos standing in church sanctuary.
Couple exchanges vows at the altar of a classic church sanctuary with wooden pews and arched windows.
Wedding party members in blue dresses standing in a wood-paneled hallway.
Wedding party members stand in wooden church pews during a joyful celebration ceremony.
Wedding party standing in church pews during a traditional ceremony.
Groomsmen in black tuxedos stand in a row inside a traditional church sanctuary with wooden pews.
Wedding ceremony in a traditional church sanctuary with wooden pews and exposed beam ceiling architecture.
Wedding procession walking through elegant arched wooden doorways in a church.
Church wedding ceremony showing guests seated in wooden pews under arched doorways.

Cliff Walk Portraits & Coastal Romance


After the ceremony, we explored the Salve campus grounds and made our way toward the iconic Cliff Walk. Shannon had scoped out a tucked-away nook she loved — and it fit the entire group perfectly while still feeling intimate. With rain clouds threatening again, we moved efficiently before sending everyone back to the trolley so I could focus on just the two of them.


Those quiet moments along the water — the wind, the gray skies, the historic Newport backdrop — felt cinematic in the best way.

We then hopped on the trolley to Bowen’s Wharf for a few classic downtown Newport portraits before dinner.

Large wedding party in formal attire gathered outside stone church entrance with priest in white robes.
Wedding party members walk together outside a stone building entrance during a formal celebration.
Wedding party poses together in front of stone wall wearing emerald green and formal attire.
Wedding party stands together under stone archways at an elegant venue during outdoor ceremony.
Wedding party in formal attire poses on stone steps with bridesmaids in blue dresses and groomsmen in black tuxedos.
Wedding party poses together on stone steps for formal group photos in elegant attire.
Wedding party poses together under stone pavilion in elegant formal attire with bridesmaids in light blue dresses.
Wedding party in blue and gray attire poses together against stone wall backdrop.
Wedding party in formal attire poses on lush green lawn with elegant stone building in background.
A wedding party rides in a red trolley bus through a scenic park setting on their special day.
Wedding party stands in line on grassy lawn with historic stone mansion backdrop.
Elegant wedding party poses outdoors with classic stone architecture and landscaped gardens.
Wedding group in blue and black attire arranged on manicured lawn with historic building backdrop.
Wedding party in blue and gray dresses poses on a manicured lawn with a grand estate building in the background.
Wedding party with bridesmaids in light blue dresses poses on green lawn near stone mansion.

An Elegant Evening at 22 Bowen’s


The celebration continued at 22 Bowen's Wine Bar & Grille on Bowen’s Wharf. They rented a private upstairs space, which created the perfect balance of elegance and intimacy. Candlelight, heartfelt speeches, incredible food — it felt less like a “reception” and more like a beautifully curated dinner party with their favorite people.

Because it was a micro wedding, the timeline allowed space. Space to talk. To linger. To truly enjoy each other.

I said my goodbyes about halfway through the evening so they could fully sink into the night’s shenanigans — exactly how a Newport micro wedding should end.

Guests enjoying a formal dining event at a restaurant with white tablecloths and window blinds.
Diners enjoy a meal in a rustic restaurant with wooden beams and large windows overlooking a scenic view.
A collage of black and white candid wedding photos showing joyful moments between couples and guests at a celebration.
Wedding reception guests seated at elegant tables with white linens near large windows in a restaurant setting.
A black and white panoramic view of people dining together at a restaurant table.

Kind Words from the Bride

“I truly can’t say enough wonderful things about Allison. From start to finish, she was the epitome of professionalism, and working with her was both effortless and joyful. Her photography is nothing short of breathtaking—each image captures emotion, beauty, and detail in a way that feels timeless.

But what really sets Allison apart is how much she goes above and beyond. On our wedding day, the back of a sentimental pin I had given my husband went missing. Without a second thought, Allison removed the back of her own earring to secure it—something she did so graciously and without hesitation. She even stepped in to help my mom with my bustle.

It’s rare to find someone who is not only incredibly talented but also so kind, thoughtful, and genuinely caring. I would recommend Allison a million times over. Thank you, Allison, for being such a special part of our day.

__

Allison made our engagement photoshoot a breeze and we absolutely LOVE how the pictures came out. Very much looking forward to having Allison photograph our wedding day. Highly recommend."

Vendor Team

Photography: Allison Barrett Photography

Florals: Homegrown Blooms (@homegrown_blooms_)

Makeup: Jennifer Colleen Artistry (@JenniferColleenArtistry) via House of Kitty Dunbar (@houseofkittydunbar)

Hair: Kate Benson Beauty (@KateBensonBeauty) via House of Kitty Dunbar


Planning a Newport Micro Wedding?

If you're planning a Newport micro wedding — especially a destination celebration — Newport offers the perfect mix of historic chapels, oceanfront views, and elevated dining experiences.

From Our Lady of Mercy Chapel to Cliff Walk to 22 Bowen’s, this city creates a seamless, elegant wedding day flow.

And if you want a Newport wedding photographer who blends in, anticipates needs, and captures both the polished portraits and the in-between magic — I’d love to be there.

Inquire here