Yasmil and Bevin’s Engagement Session
A winter engagement session in beautiful downtown Newport, RI at Gurney’s and Bowen’s Wharf.
I met Yasmil and Bevin at a Wedding Expo at the NYLO in Warwick, RI. Couples and vendors alike were feeling the buzz of going to an event - finally - as Covid restrictions lifted in Rhode Island. The Expo was full of energy, and Yasmil and Bevin were no different. They are SO KIND, and Yasmil’s smile is so contagious. We talked for a few minutes, and they moved on from my table to check out the many other wonderful vendor display’s.
It was later that week that I heard from Yasmil and Bevin and we set up a consultation in my studio. Yasmil came, and we chatted for over an hour - we were a perfect fit. I was officially their wedding photographer!
When it came time for their engagement session - it was raining. We went back and forth, and although it was disappointing we ultimately decided to reschedule. Which we would later discover would be the best decision ever because we ended up at Gurneys, Newport two weeks later at the ice skating rink they had set up. Bevin was the most supportive fiancé ever, and although Yasmil had never been on skates he was right with her making sure she stayed upright… except that one time…
Yasmil and Bevin met 1,433 miles away from their home state of Rhode Island in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Both are enlisted in the United States Army and although Bevin says Yasmil fell in love with him because he was her boss, the truth is that they are soulmates. They spent every day off duty adventuring around Cuba together, and eventually came home stateside as a couple.
Bevin had gifted Yasmil an Adventure Book (so fitting) on their first Christmas home as a couple. The idea was that the book was filled with dates that you discovered by “scratching” them off (think lotto tickets). They did these dates for months. Adventuring, taking photos and falling more in love. He had planned to wait until the last one but couldn’t wait any longer. It was August and Bevin was ready. The date was a picnic and they set off to Goddard Park in East Greenwich, RI. Part of the book is that you take Polaroid Photos to document the dates, and Bevin had brought it along. When they took their photo, Bevin had held the ring up without Yasmil seeing.
While they waiting for the Polaroids to develope, Yasmil went to go look through a telescope in the park. A few minutes later Bevin brought over the Polaroid. Yasmil sort of brushed him off, still looking through the telescope.
“Yea, so cute! Let’s eat.”
“No, look, it’s REALLY nice!”
“Oh, yea, so cute!”
““No, Yasmil, LOOK!”
Yasmil took a deep breath as she saw the ring in the photo. Bevin got down on one knee and with tearful eyes said. “You have made me the happiest man alive. Will you marry me?”
Yasmil fell to the ground to hug him and said “YES!”
The rest is history. Now these two extremely kind hearted, adventurous, patient souls are planning a wedding together - and I can’t wait to capture it! You know true love when you see it, and these two were meant to be! I mean, it only took 1,433 miles.
After we played around and had a million laughs at Gurney’s, we took off for Bowens Wharf in Downtown Newport, RI for some after sunset photos with the Christmas lights. It was PERFECT, and so much fun. As many of you know, Newport has a special place in my heart and it fills me right up to capture and experience the love of so many other wonderful couples in this town!
