Castle Hill Lighthouse Summer Proposal | Sarah + Julius

Castle Hill Lighthouse | Newport, RI

I spent the Fourth of July weekend in one of my favorite places—Newport, Rhode Island—photographing Grace and Ryan’s wedding! Their celebrations kicked off with a rehearsal dinner boat cruise, and the next day, they tied the knot in the heart of this charming coastal town. To make sure everything went smoothly, I arrived early to beat any potential traffic and weather delays. Getting there ahead of time also gave me the chance to scout locations for their portraits, which is something I always love doing.

Newport has been special to me ever since I lived there for a summer during college. It’s the kind of place that stays with you—the ocean views, the historic charm, the way the light hits the water at sunset. So when Grace and Ryan mentioned wanting their first look at Castle Hill Lighthouse, I knew it would be stunning. Even though I had never been to that exact spot before, I had a feeling it would be worth the visit.

Scouting Locations for the Perfect First Look

The day before their wedding, I drove along Ocean Drive, winding my way toward Castle Hill. It took a little effort to find the path leading to the lighthouse, but once I did, I was glad I made the trip. I walked around, figuring out the best angles and lighting for the next day. As I was taking everything in, I overheard a small group chatting nearby.

A Surprise Castle Hill Lighthouse Summer Proposal

As I walked past, I said hello, and a woman greeted me with, “My daughter just got engaged!” I stopped to chat, met the newly engaged couple—Sarah and Julius—and immediately regretted not having my camera with me. After a few minutes, I headed back to my car, tired and not exactly wearing the right shoes for walking on a dirt path. But as I reached my trunk, I hesitated. Should I go back and offer to take a few photos?

I found a pair of sneakers in my trunk, grabbed my camera, and ran back up the hill, hoping they were still there. Thankfully, they were! I introduced myself again and asked if they’d like a few engagement photos to celebrate the moment. They said yes right away, and we spent the next few minutes running around the lighthouse, capturing the excitement of their engagement. It was spontaneous, unplanned, and one of those little reminders of why I love what I do.

The Magic of Newport + Coastal New England

I’ve always believed Newport has a little bit of magic to it, and this was one of those moments that proved it. I left Sarah and Julius feeling so grateful for the places photography has taken me and the people I’ve met along the way.

Sarah and Julius, if you’re reading this—I hope you’re soaking up every moment of your engagement! Wishing you all the best as you start planning your wedding.