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An Intimate Elopement for Kayla + Ryan at The Redwood Library in Newport

Kayla and Ryan’s wedding day felt like a deep exhale. Thoughtful, unrushed, and completely centered on what mattered to them, it was less of a traditional wedding and more of an intentional elopement with their closest people. No spotlight, no pressure to perform — just a beautifully meaningful day unfolding in one of their favorite places in Newport.

They chose the Redwood Library and Athenaeum for their ceremony because of their shared love of architecture and books. If you’ve ever stepped inside, you know how special it feels — quiet, historic, and full of texture and light. It was the perfect backdrop for a couple who wanted their wedding photos to feel true to who they are: a little quirky, deeply connected, and very much themselves.

The day began at The Bayberry, where Kayla and Ryan got ready in a calm, relaxed space. I arrived early to scout, soak it all in, and photograph the details — the dress, the soft light coming through the windows, the feeling of anticipation without any sense of rush. When Kayla stepped into her dress, it felt intimate and grounded. No crowd, no chaos — just a few meaningful moments before the day really began.

Their first look happened right there at The Bayberry, followed by some quiet couples photos. This part of the day set the tone for everything that followed. Kayla and Ryan were present with each other, laughing easily, moving slowly, and letting the day unfold without forcing anything. From there, we walked through Newport together, stopping along the way for photos that felt natural and unposed — the kind that happen when you’re simply enjoying where you are and who you’re with.

Arriving at the Redwood Library and Athenaeum felt almost cinematic. The architecture, the symmetry, the sense of history — it all created space for them to just be. We spent time taking couples photos inside and around the library before they took a few quiet moments to themselves ahead of the ceremony.

Their ceremony was held at 5pm, attended only by their parents and siblings. It was simple, emotional, and deeply personal. No grand gestures — just vows, connection, and the weight of the moment. This is one of the things I love most about photographing intimate weddings and elopements: the way emotions can exist without distraction. Every glance, every breath, every small reaction matters.

After the ceremony, the celebration continued in a way that felt perfectly them. Cocktails at The Viking, followed by dinner at The Mooring Restaurant as the sun set over Newport Harbor. Instead of a traditional reception, they shared a long, relaxed dinner with their families — complete with a flowerless cake, heartfelt toasts, and plenty of laughter. As a documentary wedding photographer, being invited to sit and eat with them and their families was incredibly special. It felt less like “working” and more like being welcomed into something meaningful. And yes — the food was absolutely incredible.

As night fell, we stepped outside for a few quiet nighttime photos — the kind that feel honest and unforced, capturing the calm after a full, beautiful day. There was no packed dance floor or loud send-off, but there was something even better: a sense of contentment, connection, and intention that carried through every part of their wedding.

Kayla and Ryan’s Redwood Library and Athenaeum wedding is a perfect reminder that weddings don’t have to look one specific way to be meaningful. You can skip the spotlight, keep things small, and design a day that reflects exactly who you are. If you’re planning an intimate wedding or elopement in Newport and value presence, architecture, and genuine connection, days like this are proof that less truly can be more.

As a Newport wedding photographer, it’s an honor to document days like this — the quiet ones, the intentional ones, the ones that feel like home.