Laura and Bryan were married on September 30th, with a ceremony at Christ Church and a reception at the Winnapaug Farm Preserve in Westerly, Rhode Island.
A Westerly Love Story
Bryan and Laura met at Westerly High School back in 2000 when Bryan was a junior and Laura was a freshman. At the time, they were both in the same keyboarding class, and the computers were arranged in a horseshoe shape in alphabetical order. They flirted all through class sitting in the back left corner. But although each had a crush on the other, nothing ever came of it. They stayed friendly and kept in contact, then reconnected in November 2013 through old friends—Bryan’s best friend is married to Laura’s best friend.
Then, on New Year’s Eve in 2014, they each put 10 resolutions in a jar to read the next year. The goals that they achieved would come out of the jar, and the others would go back in. That year, one of Laura’s goals was “to be engaged to Bryan.” So in 2015, when they were reading the goals aloud, they were both surprised to see that one come up (some of the goals had been written over champagne), and they spent the next year joking that the slip of paper had better not have to go back in the jar.
When New Year’s Eve came up again in 2016, then, they got to the infamous “engaged” slip of paper, but Bryan quickly put it back, saying, “We’re not ready for that yet. You’re going to be upset, so let’s read that at the end.” But it was all part of the plan; when the other goals were all read, she reached into the jar to read that last goal and found an engagement ring wrapped up in a piece of paper! Bryan proposed then and there, and as soon as Laura said yes, “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin came on Pandora.
A Winnepaug Farm Reserve Wedding
Now, at last, they are getting married. I met up with Laura at her parents’ house in Westerly for the details and last-minute getting ready pictures, while my second photographer, Carrie Roseman, was with Bryan at his parents’ house.
Even though it was pouring during the ceremony, Laura and Bryan weren’t about to let that get them down. In fact, I spent the entire day in awe of their amazing chemistry. This bride and groom absolutely love being around each other, and they spent the whole day giggling together. There are so many photos of them beaming with happiness and excitement.
My favorite picture was of the two of them walking away from me. You can see them both leaning over, but what you can’t tell from the picture itself was that as soon as the two of them walked away from me, they burst out laughing hysterically. Looking back at this photo, I can hear their laughter, which reminds me of how perfect they are together.
Even though the tree branches in the tent made the perfect hideaway from the rain, and they loved snuggling up with each other in the big, beautiful tent, I knew the sky would eventually open up for Bryan & Laura. The rain stopped after the first dance, speeches, and parent dances, so we were able to enjoy an extraordinary sunset and wander around the farm.
Laura & Bryan, thank you for inviting me into a piece of your love story. You two are truly one of a kind, and your love is inspiring. You both have such big hearts, and the crew that surrounded you showcased that as well. I look forward to our future friendship and wish you the brightest new marriage.
xx,
Amma
Vendors
Florist: Deborah Dempsey, A Gala Affair
Hair: Alayna Austin, Beehive Salon
Makeup: Paula Gencarelli, Serenity Salon
Catering: Ocean Blue Catering
Planner: Katie Kernozek
Venue: Winnapaug Farm Reserve
