Andrew and Max didn’t need a lot of frills to make their wedding day feel extraordinary. What they needed was each other, their people, and a venue that could hold the kind of joy they were bringing into the room. As a Boston-based gay wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of documenting a lot of weddings in Rhode Island, but this Belle Mer wedding stayed with me. There was something about the way Andrew and Max moved through their day together, relaxed, present, completely themselves, that made every frame feel effortless to capture.
Why Belle Mer Was the Right Fit
Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island is one of those venues that doesn’t need much explanation. The water views, the light, the architecture, it all just works. If you’re curious about what to expect there, I’ve put together a full Belle Mer wedding venue guide that walks through everything from logistics to lighting.
For Andrew and Max, the space felt like an extension of who they are. Elevated but not stuffy. Beautiful but not precious. It gave them room to be themselves, and their guests room to celebrate loudly.
Belle Mer Same-Sex Wedding Photos
Two Grooms Getting Ready in the Loft
The guys got ready in the loft space at Belle Mer, and honestly, it set the perfect tone for the day. There was laughter, a little chaos, a lot of ties being adjusted, and that particular brand of pre-wedding nervous energy that always looks great in photos. The light up there is gorgeous and soft, and the boys looked sharp in their classic dark suits.
One thing I love about photographing two grooms is watching how they each handle the getting-ready process differently. Max was calm and methodical. Andrew was cracking jokes while someone fixed his collar. Together, they balanced each other out perfectly.
The queer Jewish Ceremony
Andrew and Max had a Jewish gay wedding ceremony, which meant the day carried a lot of meaning layered into every moment. The chuppah at Belle Mer was stunning, framed by lush greenery and natural light pouring in from outside.
If you’re planning something similar, it’s worth thinking through how you want to blend tradition with your own identity as a couple. I wrote a whole piece on redefining wedding traditions for LGBTQ+ couples that might be helpful as you’re figuring out what fits and what you want to leave behind.
Walking down the aisle is one of those moments where couples sometimes feel unsure of what “the rules” are. The truth is, there are no rules. I’ve written about how to walk down the aisle as a gay couple if you want some practical ideas and inspiration, but Andrew and Max made it look completely natural.
The LGBT Wedding Party
Andrew and Max had a full wedding party, and this crew was not shy about having fun. From the serious portraits outside against the greenery to the completely unhinged poses they pulled off during the party shots, these people were ready to celebrate.
The mix of suits and dresses, the big smiles, the way everyone clearly loved these two guys. It showed.
The Reception
Once the dancing started, it didn’t stop. The first dance between Andrew and Max was one of those quiet, slow, everything-else-fades-away moments that makes this job worth it. Then the parent dances happened, and if you want to cry happy tears, photograph a groom dancing with his parent at a Jewish gay wedding. I’m just saying.
The cake cutting was a whole event. The toast brought out the real emotions. And then the dance floor exploded.
Belle Mer’s reception space has this beautiful ambient light that makes evening photos look incredible, and the ocean backdrop for outdoor portraits earlier in the day gave us some of the most timeless images from the whole gallery.
Planning Your Own Same-Sex Wedding
If you’re in the early stages of planning and looking for LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding venues in New England, Belle Mer genuinely belongs on your list. The staff is warm and professional, the space is flexible, and the setting is hard to beat.
That said, planning a queer wedding comes with its own set of considerations. From vendor vetting to ceremony language, there are details that straight couples often don’t have to think about. My post on unique LGBTQ+ wedding planning challenges breaks down the real stuff, with practical advice from someone who’s been photographing these weddings for years.
And if you’re still figuring out what to wear, my guide to choosing queer wedding attires is a good starting point for when the style conversations get overwhelming.
Is Belle Mer good for LGBTQ+ weddings?
Yes, absolutely. Belle Mer is a genuinely inclusive venue that welcomes LGBTQ+ couples. The staff is experienced working with same-sex couples, and the space itself is flexible enough to accommodate any ceremony style, from traditional to completely reimagined.
Can you have a Jewish wedding ceremony at Belle Mer?
You can. Andrew and Max had a full Jewish ceremony at Belle Mer, complete with a chuppah and traditional elements woven throughout. The venue has the space and flexibility to accommodate religious or cultural ceremonies of many kinds.
What’s the best time of year to get married at Belle Mer?
Late spring through early fall tends to be peak season for a reason. The light is beautiful, the outdoor spaces are fully usable, and Newport itself is at its best. That said, off-season weddings can be stunning and often come with more availability.
How do I find a photographer who’s experienced with gay weddings?
Look for photographers who actively specialize in LGBTQ+ weddings, not just ones who say they’re “welcoming.” My post about a queer-affirming wedding photography experience explains what that actually looks like in practice and what questions to ask when you’re vetting vendors.
What should Gay Couples expect from a Belle Mer wedding day timeline?
A typical Belle Mer wedding day runs roughly 8 to 10 hours, covering getting ready, portraits, ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Two grooms often have a bit more flexibility in the getting-ready portion since there’s no traditional “bride getting into her dress” constraint. Use that extra breathing room for calm portraits and genuine connection time before the ceremony.
Ready to Tell Your Story at Belle Mer?
Andrew and Max’s wedding is the kind of day I think about when couples ask me what a Belle Mer wedding can look like. Joyful, meaningful, full of people who love you, and totally yours.
If you’re planning a wedding at Belle Mer or anywhere in New England and you want a photographer who gets it, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out through my contact page and let’s talk about what you’re envisioning.
