Belle Mer Wedding | Lauren + Justin - wedding photographer in CT

Belle Mer Wedding | Lauren + Justin

Lauren + Justin’s Romantic Belle Mer Wedding on the Newport Coast

There are some wedding days that feel beautiful from start to finish. Lauren and Justin’s Belle Mer wedding was one of them.

Set against the stunning Newport coastline, their mid-May celebration was filled with sunshine, happy tears, heartfelt moments, and one very packed dance floor. From the moment I arrived, there was a sense of excitement in the air. Every detail felt intentional, but nothing felt overdone. The focus was exactly where it should have been, on the people they love and the life they’re building together.

As a Mystic, Connecticut wedding photographer, these are the kinds of wedding days I love documenting most. Beautiful details are always wonderful, but it’s the emotion behind them that makes the photographs truly meaningful.

From a Bumble Match to Forever

Lauren and Justin’s story began with a cancelled first date.

The two originally connected on Bumble and planned to meet for drinks in Boston. At the last minute, Lauren cancelled while recovering from surgery and settling back into city life. Fortunately, she decided to give it another shot the next day and invited Justin to brunch instead.

What started as a simple breakfast turned into an entire day together. They spent hours exploring Boston’s Seaport neighborhood, hopping from place to place and getting to know each other. By the end of the night, they were watching the Super Bowl with friends, and something just clicked.

A few months later, Lauren accidentally let an “I love you” slip out while saying goodbye before work. It felt natural because she already knew. Justin was her person.

Their proposal at the Ocean House was equally thoughtful. Justin disguised it as another birthday celebration before surprising Lauren with rose petals, champagne, and a waterfront proposal overlooking the coast. Despite all of her suspicions, she was still completely surprised.

A Day Full of Joy at Belle Mer

Belle Mer was the perfect backdrop for Lauren and Justin’s wedding vision.

The waterfront views, elegant design, and coastal atmosphere created a setting that felt timeless and relaxed all at once. Soft florals by Weedweavers added beautiful texture throughout the day and perfectly complemented the venue’s clean, sophisticated aesthetic.

One of my favorite things about Lauren and Justin was how present they were. They truly soaked in every part of the day. Whether they were sharing private moments together, hugging family members, or celebrating with friends, they were fully there for it all.

The ceremony was emotional in the best way. You could feel how deeply these two love each other. There were plenty of tears, laughter, and smiles from everyone gathered to witness their vows.

As the sun began to set over Newport, we snuck away for portraits along the water. These quiet moments always end up being some of my favorites. The combination of the coastal scenery, beautiful light, and the way Lauren and Justin looked at each other created the kind of images that feel more like memories than photographs.

Exactly the way I love them.

The Start of Their Next Chapter

When asked what they were most looking forward to about their wedding day, Lauren and Justin said they wanted all of their favorite people together in one place, enjoying great food, cocktails, music, and beautiful scenery.

That is exactly what they created.

More importantly, they created a day that reflected who they are. It was warm, welcoming, joyful, and centered around connection.

As they begin this next chapter together, they look forward to building a family, creating a home they love, traveling, and growing old side by side. After spending the day with them, there is no doubt they have something truly special.

Lauren and Justin, thank you for trusting me to document your wedding day. It was such an honor to witness and capture the beginning of this new season together.