Nikki & Josh's End-of-Summer Wedding at the Roger Williams Botanical Gardens in Providence, RI

We’re in the process of mourning the long days and warm evenings of summer as we barrel towards the cooler months and what better way to salute the season than to help celebrate the marriage of two beautiful Providence residents with their families, their friends, and perhaps most importantly their dog Matcha. We’ve photographed a handful of weddings at the Roger Williams Botanical Gardens and as we’ve said before our favorite thing about the venue is that no two weddings are exactly alike there. Whether it’s the season that changes the vibe or the art direction, each one we’ve had the pleasure of documenting there has it’s own unique personality. The one thing that stays constant is the backdrop of lovingly kept exotic plants of all varieties housed within New England’s largest indoor conservatory, whose drama and wow factor never fails to impress us not to mention unsuspecting guests arriving there for the first time.

Nikki and Josh got ready at separate spots on the east side before meeting, saying hello for a few minutes with their adorable Akita Matcha, and packing up to head to the gardens together The weather was perfect for a botanical center wedding: mid seventies, low humidity, plenty of sunshine with some puffy clouds here and there. As folks arrived we heard things like “is this a fairy tale??” and “are you kidding me Nikki?!” which is par for the course; the place really is that stunning to see in person. Their ceremony was sweet and featured Matcha proudly prancing down the aisle after her parents, a couple of readings from dear friends, and personal vows that jerked a tear or two. It’s hard to overstate the impact that the presence of the Mediterranean room has on a wedding ceremony and it’s always such a sight to behold.

Cocktail hour in the main conservatory amongst the greenery and the fountains allowed folks time to catch up and take in their surroundings before heading to the garden’s tented pavilion just down the hill. Guests found their seats via a take-one style air plant seating chart as the live band took their positions to welcome Nikki and Josh into the evening. Energetic dancing, uproarious toasts, and open air drinks and frozen treats courtesy of local legend Tricycle Ice Cream were highlights of an evening that felt very much like an ode to the seasons changing. As the temperatures dipped into the lower sixties and the last light left the sky we couldn’t help but feel fortunate to be photographing weddings at such a charming local spot all these years after moving to Providence and as we said our goodbyes the energy was still as high as ever.

Venue: Roger Williams Botanical Gardens
Coordination/Catering/Rentals: Russell Morins
Florals: Mountain Laurel Floral Design
Dress: Lovely Bride / NEWHITE
Menswear: Suit Supply
Makeup: Brushed by Syd
Hair: Maven of Weddings
Stationary: Bonhomie design
Sweet Treats: Tricycle Ice Cream
Music: Blackstone Valley String Quartet / A House on Fire
Rings: Sylvie