Skyla & Matt ELope in Charming Rhode Island

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / Rhode Island & BEYOND

Skyla and Matt eloped in Rhode Island on a perfectly beautiful summer morning. When they reached out they wanted both rocky coastline and forest vibes, and I knew I had just the spots for them.

Skyla changed in the woods and I got Matt into position for the first look. We were racing the rising sun as Skyla walked to him. They watched the sunrise over the coast during their first look, and then we moved to a different spot for their ceremony while basking in the warm morning sun.

After their vows, we explored the nearby beach and ruins, and they told me all about the incredible road trip they were on. They are from Indiana and used their elopement as an opportunity to see New England. They were enjoying concerts, doing food tours, and seeing all the sites, and their elopement day was right in the middle of it all. I love when couples create an extended honeymoon out of their elopement. It makes the entire experience even more memorable and special.

Up next, we headed to a secluded forest location. A short drive and then a short hike later and we walked into an amphitheater of trees. This really is one of the most stunning locations in the state. It feels really special to walk down the aisle of trees when there is no one around and it really does feel like mother nature provides way cooler aisles than a church ever could.

Skyla and Matt busted out a “shot-ski” and enjoyed a drink. They had a mini celebration picnic and talked about what was up next on their trip. The entire morning felt like a dream, and at the end of it all they were married. They wanted a low-stress, beautiful, private, and intimate wedding experience and that is exactly what they got.

I love when people come from out of town to elope in Rhode Island, especially if they’ve never been here before. After the experience, the Ocean State is so meaningful to them, and they have a place that they can come back to again and again for their anniversary and remember the joy of the first time they were ever here.