This is a blog post we’ve been waiting to write up for years!! Literally years in the making! Courtney invested in us and had her high school senior portrait taken by us all the way back in the early years of Willow (back when we were still called Ryan DeVoll Photography) and since then, we’ve followed her, and her family every step of the way leading to this moment: her wedding. Back when we started Willow, we started it with 2 ideas in mind. One: that we get to know each and every client on a personal level so that way we’re more like friends rather than family and two: that we don’t treat every wedding like a cookie cutter wedding. This couldn’t have come more full circle for us when it came to Courtney & Rigoberto’s day. Over the last 10ish years we’ve gotten to know Courtney, and she quickly became more of a friend than a “client” and meeting Rigoberto made us smile from ear-to-ear like a family member meeting him for the first time. We could tell from the first meeting with him that he just wanted to make sure his bride got the wedding day she deserves, and on the day of, they were both giggling and smiling all night long. You can tell Courtney definitely brings out the best of Rigoberto and vise versa.

All of this to say that it was an absolute pleasure to document yet another important part to Courtney’s story. We can’t wait to see these two grow and their story to now become one and continue to unfold.

Meet: Courtney & Rigoberto

A special thanks to everyone who made Courtney & Rigoberto’s day possible:

Photography: Willow Photo Co.
Planner: Miranda Michelle Design
Venue: Casino at Roger Williams
Flowers: Homegrown Blooms
Hair: Melissa
Makeup: Erica Coelho
Entertainment: FB Events
Catering: Cozy Catering
Caricatures by Donald Landgren
Cake: From Scratch Cakes
Macaroons: Wingates Cake Design
Favor Cookies: Spoonful of Sugar Pastries

Colette + Nick spent the day with us at one of our favorite venues in Rhode island, Newport Vineyards. We had an absolute blast with them and cannot wait to show you the rest of the gallery. For now, enjoy this little sneak peek featuring some of our favorites from their big day!

Meet: Colette + Nick

Lauren & Brian got married at The Dunes Club in Narragansett Rhode Island last month and it was absolutely spectacular. We cannot wait to show you their video too, which was SO epic! It might’ve rained this day, but you would never know! We braved the storm and the result is just so sweet! We can’t wait till we finish this full gallery, but for now here’s a sneak peek of their big day:

Meet: Lauren + Brian

Every year, we discount our packages & prices in the fall and winter. Why? Because like most event industry folks living in New England, our business significantly declines in the winter and we’re ok with that! We usually document over 20 couples each summer and enjoy our little “winter break” However, we also absolutely love winter weddings and engagement sessions. And don’t even get us started about how much we enjoy fall. Hence why we started to do discounts back 10 years ago. We want to document more in the fall & winter! So these great promos are awesome savings for couples who’s been waiting to maybe do an engagement session, or book with us!

So, here’s our 2020 fall & winter promo lineups! We hope you enjoy it!

Wedding Package Promos (new clients only)
New wedding bookings will receive $250 off when they book between now and January 1

Existing clients will enjoy print promos and product promos throughout the holiday season, this will be found in your gallery.

Mini Sessions

Mini sessions are half-hour sessions that will be hosted on 3 dates:

October 3
October 18
October 25

All sessions will be located at Roger Williams Park in Providence, RI

What you’ll receive:
30+ finalized, edited images
An online downloadable gallery live for 3 months
Ability to print, share and download

Planning a wedding is hard work. Now imagine doing it across the country 3,000 miles away. That’s what Megan & Robbie had to do. Plan a Newport wedding while live and work across the country in CA. Luckily they had their incredible parents to rely on to help find vendors, choose last-minute details and more. We were so happy that Megan’s mom, Wendy contacted us. It feels like just yesterday when we were all meeting at the Starbucks in Newport in December of 2018. Gosh! I can’t believe it’s been a year and we’re here already.

Megan & Robbie celebrated at the incredible Newport Vineyards, surrounded by their closest family and friends. We got to experience their weekend first hand. Wendy invited us to their rehearsal dinner hosted at their amazing Newport home, and we were quickly welcomed in like family. After getting to know Megan, Wendy, Robbie and Gordon over the past year we felt so connected to this group of people that when it came time to actually photograph them all, it was like photographing our best friends we’ve known our whole life.

I cannot wait to share this sneak peek with you. From Megan’s getting ready and Wendy crying to Wendy’s speech and me balling my eyes out (not pictured haha)…this wedding was filled with tears, love, and happiness. We’re so excited to share a sneak peek into their special day.

Congratulations Megan & Robbie

Special thanks to everyone who made Megan & Robbie’s day possible:

Photography & Video: Ryan DeVoll Photography
Venue: Newport Vineyards
Florist: Polly Hutchison @ Robin Hollow Farm
Hair: Frank Antonio Hair and Makeup
Makeup: Sephora Newport
Band: The Travis Colby Band

Want to know when Megan & Robbie’s full gallery goes live? Click here

Here we go! It's the very first wedding blog of 2017! Who's excited to see a sneak preview into Lauren & Josh's beautiful day? I know I am! I was so excited to photograph their story way back when they first booked me last year. We quickly got to know one another, had an awesome Lovebird Session and before you know it we were at their beautiful day, smiling ear-to-ear and having a great time. 

Their wedding was at the amazing Quidnessett Country Club, a venue that I actually never had the chance to photograph at. However, I believe that gave me the advantage and a fresh eye! We had a blast with their wedding party, their family (especially Lauren's grandma who was on the floor from start to finish with some AWESOME dance moves), and their friends. Lauren & Josh sure know how to throw a party. Jenn and I even got on the dance floor and shared a few dances with everyone! We had a blast but more importantly, they had a blast and their photographs clearly show that. 

I can't wait to show everyone the rest but for now, here's a sneak preview! 

With love,
Ryan

Want to know when Lauren & Josh's images go live? Click here and enter your email address!
Shoutout to all the people and vendors who made Lauren & Josh's day a dream come true:

Photography: Ryan DeVoll Photography
Venue: Quidnessett Country Club
Flowers: Karen Carfagna
Hair: Haley Brunetti
DJ/Band: Victor Events
Bakery: Silver Spoon Bakery

After 9 years, these two finally tied the knot and I had the absolute honor to photograph their day. Brittany is a my cousin. Growing up, we spent all the holidays together, all the summer days at grandma's pool and all the nights where we designed MySpace templates together. We've seen each other grow up, mature and had each had our fair share in relationship troubles...until she met Tom. Tom is one of the most respectful, down to earth, and kindest people I've ever met. From that moment on, I knew these two would be inseparable. I would have NEVER guessed that I'd be the one to photograph their entire relationship. When they got together back in high school and needed some prom photos, they called me. When I needed a couple's photo for my college portfolio, I called them. 2 years ago when Tom popped the question, Brittany wanted nobody else besides me to be their wedding photographer. Just like Brittany and I watched each other grow up, I saw this couple grow. From prom photos, to a random session a year or two later, to their lovebird session and today...their wedding. This is why I do this. To tell a story. To tell THEIR STORY. 

Their day was nothing but fun. I'm not going to lie - Photographing a family member's wedding makes me even more stressed. You know everyone there, there's a ton of pressure on you to nail it even more than usual and you're worried about them judging you! Admit it. However, that being said I had a blast. Knowing everyone there made the day go by so smoothly, being able to be myself instead of being in "work mode" as Jenn calls it, made me less stressed and just being able to be a guest at their wedding too, and not just the hired help was especially nice. I had the best time during the reception. Let's just say there was a certain wedding party member with some awesome dance moves. He fell in love with the tray table at one point (photo below) and maybe even twerked a bit. I was in tears from laughing.

Before we head into their wedding...lets take it back 9 years...to their prom photos! 

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A special shoutout & thanks to everyone to made Brittany & Tom's wedding happen. Including all these folks:

Photography: Ryan DeVoll Photography
Venue: Holliston Historical Society
DJ: FPB Events
Florist: Bridgewater Florist
Hair: Sinful Styles

A spe

99% of my clients find me through social media, the Knot, or even through Google. However Elizabeth & Matt are with the other 1% of couples. Liz first saw my work when I photographed her friend Alyce back in 2014. Alyce & Josh's wedding is recognized with all of my couples. It's one of my favorites! Julianne (another bride of mine) also found me through Alyce & Josh's photos. Who would have thought that they would all know one another? Alyce knew Liz, who knew Julianne and BAM! We have our first wedding where all three of our clients are in one room. What a small world! With that being said, Elizabeth & Matt knew right away who was going to be there on their wedding day to photograph them. Once they met with me, I was ecstatic for their day.

Although it was a cold and rainy day, Liz & Matt braved through it all and were great sports. They even ditched the umbrellas at one point! I had an awesome time either way. Looking back at these photos I'm reminded of how much fun we had that night. These two seriously know how to throw a great party.

I hope you all enjoy these sneak peeks! 
With love,
Ryan

Julianne, Alyce, Liz and I!

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And last but definitely not least, my personal favorite, and one of the best rain wedding photos I've taken to date:

Boy do I have a treat for you all today. Back at the beginning of this year, my goal was to photograph my couple's in a more candid, storytelling way. Not every wedding presents itself like this, but every so often you get to photograph everything as it happens and you just sit back and smile through the camera. 

May I present to you: Whitney & Tyler
Whitney is a actually an amazing blogger & graphic designer. When I got the call from LA, I honestly thought it was some advertising company trying to sell me something. I had no idea that this couple from LA wanted me to be their wedding photographer. When I found out that Whitney was a blogger, I had this cool idea for her to guest blog on my site. After all, who better to tell her story. I hope you all enjoy this special sneak peek of Whitney & Tyler's big day at Newport Vineyards. These images are definitely some of my favorite thus far. I can't wait for you to see them. But first, take it away Whitney!

Hello everyone!

My name is Whitney Eshleman, a graphic designer and blogger based in Los Angeles, California. I went to art school at Suffolk University in Boston and lived there for a few years before moving to Los Angeles in 2007. I created my lifestyle blog, hoopLA, on a whim after a layoff in 2010 and it just took off. Since then I have been designing and writing and hoopLA has me all over California, and now expanding across the US.

I've lived in LA for nine years, and anyone who has been here for some time knows dating in Los Angeles isn't easy. It's the land of the online dating. I was lucky enough to have a herniated disc injury and needed surgery because I met my now husband, Tyler. Tyler was my physical therapist after my surgery and it was love at first sight. From the moment we saw each other, we were together. I am originally from Glastonbury, CT and Tyler is from Binghamton, NY so we both have the east coast mentality. Plus, we both went to school in Boston and are huge Red Sox fans. 

Tyler now works for a company where he visits four high end hotels in Los Angeles and the City of Santa Monica, and teaches ergonomics to their employees. I am a freelance graphic designer, so our flexible schedules allow us to have "adventures" (as we call them) and hike, bike, camp, and travel as much as we can. We want to experience as much as life has to offer.

When it came to wedding planning, I was planning 3,000 miles away from where we were getting married. My mom helped me plan everything after we were engaged. We wanted something rustic, yet elegant and Newport Vineyards was the perfect venue. Tyler and I are huge winos, so when we heard it was a vineyard, we were sold. I visited 3 months later to seal the deal and Tyler and I fly out the May before so he could see it too. In terms of finding our DJ, caterer, Ryan, hair/makeup, and flowers, I had to just trust my gut. My mom found a few through word of mouth recommendations and I found some on theknot.com and did a little research on my own. In May we met with everyone and felt confident in our choices and they all turned out to be rock stars. One word of advice for your wedding is to find a photographer who you enjoy being around because they are with you all day. I not only enjoyed Ryan and his team, but I loved them. On a day where emotions are running high, they knew exactly how to take control and pose us. They can really read people and made sure Tyler and I were happy, comfortable, fed, and liquored up.  Ryan is a joy to work with and he always has a smile on his face. More than anything I loved that he checked in with Tyler and I right up to the day and he was always accessible. I am in absolute love with what I've seen so far and hope you love them too!

Follow along with my more recent adventures on my blog! I hope to see you there!

XOXO,
Whitney

Whitney & Tyler's full gallery will be available soon.
For now, let's give a special thank you to all of those who worked hard on their special day:

Photographer: Ryan DeVoll Photography
Venue: Newport Vineyards
DJ: DJ Valentina
Hair & Makeup: Lynda Williams Beauty
Florist: Flowerthyme

On a misty Saturday in September, Beth & Joe decided to tie the knot at The Towers in Narragansett. Although the weather wasn't the best, that didn't stop Beth & Joe. We braved the incoming storm and walked away with some beautiful photos. I was so excited for Beth & Joe's big day from the moment they contacted me. From the beautiful hidden treasures where we took their portraits at, to their killer dance performance mid way through their reception. It couldn't have been anymore fun. Today marks 1 month for these two and I couldn't have thought of a better gift than a little sneak peek into their day. I can't wait to show you the rest.

Happy 1 month anniversary Beth & Joe!

Also, special thanks to these folks who made Beth & Joe's day possible:

Venue: The Towers
Event Coordinator: Amanda Barker
Florist: Flower Thyme
DJ: Pauline Pinto
Makeup: Jessica D'Amore
Hair: Mitsi Dupre

Can't wait to check out the rest of Beth & Joe's day? Click here to sign up to receive a special discount code when their full gallery is launched!

Katie & Jason were the sweetest couple ever. From the start of their day to the end of the night, these two were seriously the most kind hearted, loving, welcoming people we've ever met. We arrived for Katie's getting ready session and she welcomed us with cookies! Homemade cookies that we're to die for. That may be a first. Their families, friends, and loved ones we're so much fun. We had a blast and wouldn't of wanted it any other way. 

Katie & Jason celebrated their day at the beautiful Omni Hotel in Providence. If you haven't been to a wedding there it's pretty magical. Their DJ Luke from Luke Renchan Entertainment killed it all night mixing the best tracks and even had Katie come up and DJ part of the night (we weren't there for that but would have KILLED to stay a little longer to capture that moment). Needless to say, Katie & Jason knew how to throw a party. I can't wait to share the rest of their gallery with you. For now, here's a sneak peek of their special day together.

Florist: Blooming Blossoms, Providence
Hair & Makeup: Salon Sparrow, North Attleboro MA

I've known Kimberly for awhile now...As a matter of fact, I've known her ever since I can remember going over my aunt's house for the holidays. Kimberly is my uncle's niece! When she told me she was planning a destination wedding and she didn't want anybody besides me to take her wedding photos, I was so surprised. 

Normally I would decline the opportunity to photograph any family & friends. First and foremost because they're close to my heart and I'd like to spend the day with them without my camera, enjoying the moments to the fullest. However, I couldn't pass up the opportunity when Kim told me that I was her only choice. And, who could pass up a destination wedding? I would have been invited anyway, and what a better way to spend a few days then with a few close family members on a tropical island?

That being said - we're not in March, yet. With the wedding approaching fast, Kimberly & Ian wanted some photos of themselves and their two little sweethearts to capture this time together. We had a blast at The Breakers Mansion in Newport, RI and even ended the night with an amazing dinner in Newport. You honestly can't go wrong there. 

I can't wait to celebrate the day with you two! 

With love,
Ryan

Special thanks to my assistant for the day Kristen Phillips. 

Planning a wedding is hard work. It takes a lot of time, effort, patience, and love. But planning a wedding when you live about 300 miles away, is even harder. Alex & John both live in Pennsylvania. Even though they would have loved to stay close to their home and celebrate, they wanted all of their family and friends to be with them to celebrate. If you're thinking that an out of state wedding won't work, take a look at how their day went. It was a fricken ball to photograph.

These two were fun, so laid back and perfectly in love. Each of their family & friends we're just as fun...One bridesmaid really KILLED IT on the dance floor and started a dance battle (pictured below, she was also at one point was found bowing down to the bride. I found it pretty hilarious) Seriously though, you all rocked! 

I had such a blast meeting you two and capturing your day and I can't wait to talk to you both again. Right now, you should be enjoying some type of alcoholic beverage on the beach in Punta Cana. You two deserve it. 

With love,
Ryan

PS. Special thanks to all the amazing vendors for the day!
Venue: Kinney Bungalow
Florist: Flowerthyme
DJ: Music Mixers Entertainment

work work work work work

Want to see Alex & John's full gallery? Click here to be notified when they are ready!

Last week, I got to head to Independence Harbor in Assonet, MA where Nicole & Michael tied the knot! Nicole & Michael booked me last summer. We shared our love for photography, graphic design and Chippi's (if you've never been to Marisol's in Dartmouth, you don't know what your missing) Both graphic designers, our conversations began to be more about branding and marketing than actual wedding photography. These two have so much talent and for them to choose me over everyone else, was honestly a blessing. They quickly became good friends of mine and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Before we all forget what Fall looks like (since the rain this past week blew half of the leafs off) I needed to share their absolutely stunning fall wedding on the blog. Besides the fact that we were in prime time for fall foliage, Nicole & Michael designed their own wedding from top to bottom. With their love for Disney, each of their tables in the reception we're labeled after a Disney couple. From new age Disney movies like "Wall-E & Eve" to old classics like "Cinderella & Prince Charming" Speaking of Cinderella, take a look at her dress. It's absolutely stunning and I swear, she looks exactly like her. From the cake, to the music, with the DJ playing "Be Our Guest" as an opening dance number, they would have made Mickey and Minnie proud. 

Congratulation's you two. Thank you for everything!

Florist: Sandra Rhodes, Dave's Marketplace/Les Isle Rose
Makeup: Salt on Elm
Hair: Options Salon
DJ: David Nacci, Pleasure Sounds
Bakery: The Cake Gallery
Dress: Party Dress Express / Designer: Allure Bridal

Michelle and I met awhile back when we worked together. When she told me she got engaged, I immediately jumped at the opportunity to be her wedding photographer and she said, "Obviously!"  Over the past few months I've gotten to know her awesome fiancé, Nick. These two are so much fun and I honestly had a blast on their Lovebird session. Working with friends, turned clients is just so easy! Nick contacted me right after he saw some of the sneak peeks and wanted to surprise Michelle with a large print for their house. We made it happen and got a print to him the next day. According to Michelle, "I balled tears for hours! That is one of the best photographs of us ever taken!" 

Michelle & Nick, I can't wait for your wedding. Love you two!

Lidina & Hamilton

Lidina and Hamilton's story is one that's sure to make your heart melt. Hamilton was a US Army solider, currently stationed in Iraq. After their engagement, Hamilton was deployed back to Iraq quickly and didn't have a chance to plan anything with his sweet new bride. However, that didn't stop Lidina. She quickly jumped on board, and planned everything out while keeping in touch with Hamilton each week. A story of true love. "Distance isn't a problem" Lidina told me. I then told her that distance makes the heart grow fonder anyway and that anytime she'll get to spend with Hamilton will be cherished forever. I was so excited to be apart of this couples story. Who wouldn't want to be apart of a "Dear John" love story? When Lidina found a photographer for their big day, Hamilton was stoked. He knew the importance of photographs of your life being a solider. I knew instantly that this was a couple I couldn't wait to get to know more.

Their wedding was beautiful. From the beautiful ceremony at St. Mary's Cathedral to photos in Newport, RI and then finally ending at their amazing reception at Independence Harbor (which was also the venue my aunt got married at when I was super young! I still remember it though!) I'm not sure who could ever top how much fun we had and how beautiful these photos are.

Congratulations you two! 

A big special thank you to all those vendors and people who made this beautiful day come true! Personally, I have to thank my second shooter and best friend, Casey Wright for helping me out on this one. I love the way her and I captured this day in a documentary style feeling. 
Church: St. Mary's Cathedral
Venue: Independence Harbor
 

Last year I received an inquiry from Minneapolis. It's not very often I get inquiries from that area so I was eager to open it. From that day forward, a new friendship that formed over 1,300 miles away. 

Colby & Erica met each other while going to school in Rhode Island. From dates at The Duck & Bunny (where they got their amazing cupcake tower from) to sushi dinners at Sakura, these two formed a bond that would eventually lead to marriage. When choosing a place to tie the knot, they had to come back to their roots. Bittersweet isn't in RI, but it's close by in beautiful Westport, MA. I photographed one of my all time favorite couples there: Alyce & Josh. Erica & Colby's photos, combined with their amazing families and friends, really made the day come together beautifully. 

Congratulations!

PS. Please ship me more granola bars boo boo!

With love,
Ryan

Vendors:
Hotel: The Providence Biltmore
Venue: Bittersweet Farm
Cupcakes: Duck & Bunny
Dress:  Wedding Shoppee