middletown, RI: norman Bird Sanctuary is a gem and perfect for photographs in nature, embracing light and shadows
When Christine and Matt first reached out about their 2026 wedding at OceanCliff in Newport, Rhode Island, we instantly connected. Hearing their vision for a waterfront celebration made me even more excited to be part of their journey—right from the start, it felt like the perfect fit.
For their engagement session, which they’ll be using for their save-the-dates, they wanted to balance the coastal wedding vibe with something more natural and earthy. I loved their idea of incorporating woods, nature, and rustic scenery, so after some creative brainstorming we landed on the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, RI—a dream location for adventurous couples who love the outdoors.
We wandered the trails, experimented with off-camera lighting for dramatic, cinematic effects, and embraced the golden light pouring through the trees. To finish the session, we headed to Ledge Road for one of the best sunset views in all of Newport—truly unbeatable. With couples like Christine and Matt, the possibilities are endless, and they were up for every challenge.
The weather was perfect, the energy was incredible, and the shoot was a full 10/10 October engagement session.
Enjoy this magical blend of woods-meets-coastal engagement photography—I can’t wait for their OceanCliff wedding!
