A Shepherd’s Run wedding feels special the moment you arrive. Located in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, this vineyard and boutique hotel is such a beautiful New England wedding venue that it’s become one of my all time favorites to photograph at. 

Olivia and Cameron’s wedding at Shepherd’s Run captured the laid-back, thoughtful feel of the venue. They’ve been together since high school, and their day felt like a reflection of years of growth, connection, and shared history. All taking place at one of Rhode Island’s most stunning wedding venues.

In this post, I’ll walk through what a wedding day at Shepherd’s Run really looks like, along with a few tips I’ve picked up from photographing here. From portrait spots to ceremony and reception spaces, this article will help planning couples get a better idea of how to enjoy this gorgeous venue to the fullest! 

“Nick was truly amazing to work with from our engagement shoot through our wedding day. He was so fun and made us feel completely comfortable throughout the entire experience. Our photos are everything we could have dreamed of, and we are incredibly grateful to have such amazing memories to look back on from such an important day in our lives.

What also stood out was how seamlessly Nick worked with our wedding party and families. Everyone loved him! He captured every moment while never feeling intrusive. We truly couldn’t have asked for a better photographer to capture our wedding, and we would recommend Nick and his team without hesitation to anyone looking for someone talented, professional, and genuinely wonderful to work with.“

Olivia & Cameron

Shepherd’s Run as a Wedding Venue

Shepherd’s Run is a vineyard and boutique hotel, which gives it a very unique feel compared to traditional Rhode Island wedding venues. You get the beauty of vineyard views, strong architectural details, and interior spaces that feel open and well-designed. All in one gorgeous spot.

Why I love Shepherd’s Run as a wedding venue:

• Vineyard setting with a European-inspired feel
• Indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options
• Boutique hotel experience for couples and guests
• Strong natural light throughout the property
• Spaces that work well for both candid and editorial-style photography
  

For another Rhode Island wedding venue I love, take a look at Mount Hope Farm, an elegant outdoor farm venue in Bristol.

Portrait Locations at Shepherd’s Run

One of the biggest advantages of having your wedding at Shepherd’s Run is the variety of portrait locations available right on site.

We began Olivia’s bridal portraits near the spiral staircase, where soft natural light pours in through the large glass window. This area is great for bridal portraits and detail photos. Olivia’s gown had beautiful detailing, and the light really let that shine through in the images.

Shepherd’s Run allows photography throughout many of their interior spaces, as long as hotel guests are not actively using the area. Because it’s a functioning boutique hotel, couples should expect guests to be present unless the entire property is rented out. With a little awareness and planning, this rarely becomes an issue and still allows for a wide range of portrait options.

Additional portrait locations that I love shooting at: 

• Exterior of the building for clean, architectural backdrops
  
• Garden areas around the property
  
• Interior staircases and hallways with natural light
  

Learn what it’s like to work with Love By the Ocean Co and see the wedding day services I offer.

First Look & Wedding Party Photos at Shepherd’s Run

Olivia and Cameron chose to do their first look outside, directly in front of the property. Even before seeing each other, both of them were filled to the brim with emotion. This was a moment they had imagined for years, finally seeing one another dressed for their wedding day.

The exterior of Shepherd’s Run works especially well for first looks and wedding party portraits. There’s space to move, celebrate, and capture a range of images without feeling crowded.

After their first look, we photographed wedding party portraits outside the property, and their wedding party did not disappoint! I love bringing a lot of energy into wedding party photos to keep things natural and fun, helping everyone feel relaxed and ready to celebrate the couple throughout the day.

See some behind the scenes of working with me here!

Editorial Portraits Inside and Outside the Venue

One of my favorite moments of the day was surprising Olivia and Cameron with a canvas backdrop for editorial-style portraits. They had no idea I had planned this, which made it even more fun.

Shepherd’s Run’s clean lines pair incredibly well with editorial elements like backdrops, making it a great venue for couples who want something a little elevated and creative alongside their classic wedding portraits.

Outdoor Garden Ceremony at Shepherd’s Run

The ceremony took place in the garden, one of Shepherd’s Run’s most beautiful ceremony locations. The space feels nice and intimate while still being an open outdoor space. The ceremony was moving and emotional from the very start, with Cameron’s father officiating. 

Olivia’s florals and bouquet were gorgeous pieces that really stood out to me! Golden Gate Studios did an incredible job at creating something unique and beautiful for Olivia: a cascading bouquet of burgundy orchids and white calla lilies. 

Indoor Reception at Shepherd’s Run Vineyard

Shepherd’s Run has both tented and indoor reception options. Olivia and Cameron’s reception took place inside the main indoor space, which felt warm, inviting, and full of energy.

Highlights of the reception space:

• Plenty of room for a live band
  
• Smooth flow between dinner, speeches, and dancing
  
• Great lighting for both atmosphere and photography
  

One really unique design element was the custom burgundy cake-cutting backdrop designed by Exquisite Events. Olivia and Cameron cut their cake in front of the backdrop, which made for some great photos, and then we moved the cake aside and captured fun, candid portraits there as well.

Planning Tips for a Shepherd’s Run Wedding

If you’re planning a wedding at Shepherd’s Run, here are a few helpful things to keep in mind:

• The spiral staircase is one of the best spots for bridal portraits thanks to the natural light
  
• Expect hotel guests to be present unless the property is fully rented
  
• The exterior of the building works well for first looks and wedding party photos
  
• The garden ceremony spot is beautiful and open, but also feels intimate
  
• Both indoor and tented receptions offer flexibility depending on your guest count and style

Shepherd’s Run Wedding Photography

Shepherd’s Run is an incredible Rhode Island wedding venue for couples who care about experience, design, and photography. Olivia and Cameron’s wedding showed just how versatile and beautiful this space can be.

If you’re planning a Shepherd’s Run wedding in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, and are looking for an unforgettable photography experience that’s beautiful and true to your story, I’d love to connect.

Vendor Team

Photography: Love by the Ocean Co. // Videography: Amore Weddings Co. // Venue: Shepherd’s Run // Hair: Gina Marie Hair & Makeup // Makeup: JMV Makeup Studio // Design & Decor: Exquisite Events // Florals: // Golden Gate Studios // Band: Take It To The Bridge Band // Catering: Blackstone RI // Cake & Desserts: Scialo Bros. Bakery