Every photographer writes a reflection on the past year. A blog post filled with their favorite stories, photos, and personal memories. I was thinking about doing the same but then thought to myself "why follow what everyone else is doing?" 2015 was definitely a great year for me. I photographed so many weddings, met so many great people, traveled to Italy and I honestly couldn't have asked for a better year.

However, I wanted to thank every single couple who's been apart of the journey this past year. Those who let me capture their story and share it with the world. And I wanted to thank each and every couple who's story will be told in 2016. Without you all, I wouldn't be able to sit here with a smile on my face excited to see what 2016 will bring. 

It looks to be a great year. We have 16 weddings planned, we were recently named on of The Knot's best of 2016, Jenn plans to move in with me and become apart of Ryan DeVoll Photography, and I'm starting to get more and more involved with music again. I hope this new year I can travel more, photograph more and spend more quiet moments watching sunsets like this one.

So here's to 2016 and what wonders it may bring...

With love,
Ryan

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