Some engagement stories feel straight out of a movie, and this one was exactly that. For Makaila and Kenneth, their engagement photos Rhode Island session began with a secret plan, a vintage yacht from Newport Classic Yacht Co., and the golden glow of a Newport sunset. What unfolded off the coast of Castle Hill was one of the most emotional and cinematic proposals I have ever photographed.
This was more than a typical engagement session. It was a mix of storytelling, anticipation, and artistry. Every image was captured with intention, using digital, 120 film, and 35mm film to document the entire experience. Between the golden light, the soft movement of the Newport Classic Yacht Co. vessel, and the stunning views of Castle Hill Inn in the background, their proposal felt timeless and full of emotion.
Setting the Scene: A Newport Yacht Proposal
The day began quietly at the marina, where a beautifully restored vintage yacht waited for its passengers. To maintain the surprise, I boarded as part of the crew while Kenneth and Makaila prepared for what she thought was just a sunset cruise. The ocean air was warm, and the light had that dreamy quality unique to late summer evenings in Newport.
As we set sail across Narragansett Bay, the yacht glided through calm waters, heading toward the cliffs near Castle Hill Inn. The scene was absolutely stunning. The lighthouse stood in the distance, seagulls soared overhead, and the horizon glowed in shades of gold and peach. The setting was serene, filled with a quiet excitement that only Kenneth and I knew the reason for.
As the yacht approached the coastline, Kenneth dropped to one knee. Castle Hill was perfectly framed behind them, the water shimmered around the boat, and the sunlight wrapped them in warmth. Makaila’s reaction was pure disbelief, followed by laughter and tears. In that instant, everything around them seemed to fade away. The proposal was intimate, emotional, and completely perfect.
The Magic of Engagement Photos Rhode Island
When people think about engagement photos Rhode Island, they often imagine cliffside sessions, coastal sunsets, and elegant seaside towns. Newport, in particular, offers a sense of romance that feels both elevated and approachable. It combines the sophistication of historic architecture with the relaxed beauty of the ocean.
Shooting from the water gives an entirely new perspective of Newport’s charm. You see the iconic landmarks — Castle Hill, the lighthouse, and the Newport Bridge — from a cinematic angle. The light dances on the waves, reflecting upward and creating a glow that softens every feature.
This session was the perfect example of how an environment can elevate the emotion of a moment. The open sea symbolized freedom, while Castle Hill represented timeless love. When the yacht turned toward the bridge and the sun began to set, the entire bay lit up in hues of orange, pink, and lavender. It was an atmosphere you couldn’t recreate anywhere else.
Capturing the Moment: The Power of Digital and Film
Photographing proposals on the water requires precision, awareness, and the right combination of tools. For this session, I used a mix of digital photography, 120 film, and 35mm film to tell the story from multiple perspectives. Each medium offered its own emotion and character, allowing the final gallery to feel layered and alive.
Digital Photography:
Digital images provided clarity and immediacy. They allowed me to quickly adjust to changing light as the sun set and to capture the small details — the sparkle of the ring, the texture of the water, and the genuine reactions that happened in seconds. Digital shots were especially useful during the proposal itself when timing was everything.
120 Film:
Medium-format film (120) brings a soft, luminous quality to photographs. It captures skin tones beautifully and renders the world in an almost ethereal way. The colors are rich yet delicate, and the images have a smoothness that feels organic. I used 120 film during the golden hour portion of the cruise, when the light was warm and gentle, to preserve that romantic, painterly look.
35mm Film:
The 35mm images came later, when the sun had fully set and the light deepened to shades of blue. These shots have a nostalgic grain and flash-lit glow that instantly transports you back in time. They are imperfect in the best way — raw, real, and emotional. The texture of 35mm adds a sense of story to each frame, reminding you of vintage love stories captured decades ago.
By blending these formats, I could create a complete visual experience. Digital gave structure and precision, 120 film added softness and depth, and 35mm brought in mood and nostalgia. Together, they created a gallery that felt both modern and timeless.
Golden Hour on the Water
Golden hour on the ocean is unlike anywhere else. The light moves constantly, shifting from warm golds to soft pinks within minutes. As the yacht cruised toward Castle Hill, the setting sun illuminated the waves and reflected off the deck, wrapping Makaila and Kenneth in a glowing halo.
They laughed, danced, and leaned into one another as the breeze played with Makaila’s hair. Every few minutes, the sky changed color — peach, rose, then lavender. The horizon looked endless. This is the kind of setting that makes engagement photos Rhode Island sessions so unforgettable. The natural beauty does half the storytelling; the rest is found in the connection between the couple.
Timing was everything. Shooting on water requires careful coordination because the light fades quickly and there are no landmarks to block the sun. I always plan sessions like this around precise timing, knowing that the best photographs often happen in those few fleeting moments before sunset disappears entirely.
Sailing Past Castle Hill and the Newport Bridge
After the proposal, the yacht continued sailing along the bay toward the Newport Bridge. This is one of the most breathtaking parts of the journey. The combination of the fading sunlight, the distant city lights beginning to twinkle, and the deepening colors of the ocean create an atmosphere that feels cinematic.
From the deck, Castle Hill became a silhouette against the glowing horizon. The lighthouse began to shine softly as the sky turned indigo. When the bridge came into view, it felt like the perfect finale — the structure’s lights reflecting across the water, creating a path of gold and silver that led right to the heart of Newport.
The 35mm film captured this part of the evening beautifully. The flash illuminated Makaila and Kenneth’s faces just enough to reveal their smiles while preserving the inky blue tones of the background. These photos have a classic, vintage aesthetic that feels effortless. The slight grain and contrast make each frame feel alive, reminding you that love and laughter are never perfectly polished — they are real.
Why Film Photography Feels So Emotional
Film photography connects people to emotion in a way digital sometimes cannot. It slows down the process, forcing you to be intentional with every shot. For engagement photos Rhode Island, film brings an authenticity that aligns perfectly with the energy of the coast — organic, soft, and deeply human.
120 film delivers a polished and dreamy tone, while 35mm gives a nostalgic edge. Together, they balance refinement and spontaneity. Couples often fall in love with film because of its imperfections — the subtle grain, light flares, or muted colors that give every image its soul. Those qualities cannot be recreated digitally.
There’s also something powerful about knowing each frame is deliberate. When shooting film, every photo counts. The result is a gallery that feels cohesive and purposeful, filled with moments that truly matter.
The Beauty of Castle Hill from the Water
Seeing Castle Hill from the water changes everything. From this angle, you appreciate its grandeur and how it perfectly complements the landscape. The lighthouse stands tall, the inn glows in the distance, and the cliffs are bathed in sunset light. It feels like Newport’s crown jewel, especially when viewed from the open sea.
As the yacht drifted near the shoreline, the sound of the waves grew softer. The setting sun painted the water in shades of rose and amber. The inn’s lights flickered on, adding warmth to the horizon. From this view, it’s easy to see why Castle Hill is one of the most iconic destinations for engagement photos Rhode Island. It encapsulates everything people love about the area — coastal beauty, historic charm, and a feeling of serenity.
When Makaila and Kenneth leaned against the rail, laughing softly as the boat rocked with the tide, it felt like time stood still. The combination of natural light, gentle motion, and emotional connection created something that words can barely describe.
Why Newport Is Perfect for Engagement Photos Rhode Island
Newport offers endless opportunities for couples to create unforgettable engagement sessions. From the elegant estates to the rocky coastline, it is filled with backdrops that suit every kind of love story. For couples who want a mix of sophistication and adventure, this city is the perfect destination.
Each corner of Newport tells a different story. The Breakers offers history and grandeur. Easton’s Beach gives you playful, sandy textures. The Cliff Walk combines nature with drama. And Castle Hill delivers pure romance with sweeping ocean views and old-world charm.
The light in Newport is what ties it all together. It changes from hour to hour, creating new moods and color palettes. No two sessions ever look the same, and that’s what makes the experience so special. Whether photographed on land or water, every session here feels intentional and uniquely yours.
Behind the Lens: Crafting a Story with Intention
My goal with every engagement or proposal session is to create a story that feels natural and deeply personal. Photography is not about posing perfectly but about capturing connection — the subtle smiles, the quiet in-between moments, and the way the light moves around you.
Working with both film and digital allows me to blend art and precision. Digital offers sharp detail and flexibility, while film brings warmth and texture. Together, they create a gallery that feels balanced, timeless, and full of life.
For engagement photos Rhode Island, I always tailor the experience to the couple. Whether it’s sailing on a yacht, walking along the cliffs, or exploring downtown, every session becomes an opportunity to reflect who they are and how they love.
A Love Story Captured in Newport
By the time the yacht returned to the dock, the last light had faded behind the horizon. The bay shimmered under the bridge lights, and the air was filled with quiet laughter. Makaila looked at her engagement ring, still glowing under the soft light, and smiled at Kenneth in a way that said everything words could not.
Their session was a celebration of love, spontaneity, and the beauty of living in the moment. It showed how a single evening, captured intentionally and authentically, can become an heirloom of memories.
If you are dreaming of your own proposal or engagement session, Newport offers the perfect setting. The blend of ocean, architecture, and atmosphere ensures every photograph feels cinematic and true. I would love to help you create an experience that reflects your story — one filled with emotion, artistry, and meaning. Reach out today to plan your engagement photos Rhode Island session, and together we will create images that feel as timeless as your love.
