August 25, 2018 | Erin McGinn Photography
Jaime & Brian
The Meet Cute: Jaime, a native Rhode Islander, and Brian, a Rhode
Island transplant by way of Connecticut, were set up by mutual friends.
The Engagement: Five years in to their relationship, the couple purchased
a house on a lovely rural road next to a rock formation in the shape of
a giant turtle. One day soon after moving in, they decided to go for a
stroll. “I almost bailed because I am enrolled in online graduate courses
and was stressing about finishing a paper — but I’m glad I went,” Jaime
says. As they walked, she recounted the whole heartwarming plot of
August Rush, a film which had been on TV that morning. “I realized Brian
had fallen behind as I was babbling,” she recalls. “I turned around to see
where he went and he was on one knee by the turtle rock!”
The Photographer: Prior to her own wedding, Jaime, a part-time pho-
tographer, often acted as second shooter for Erin McGinn’s weddings.
“Erin’s work is amazing, so it was a no-brainer to have her as our ‘friend-
tographer!’” she says.
The Venue: “Ironically, I was a terrible Girl Scout,” Jaime says of her
decision to wed at Camp Hoffman, a well-known Girl Scouts of Southern
New England base. “I loved the activities, making friends, earning badges
and going on trips, but I also liked to cause trouble. I might have driven
my leaders up the wall, but I had so much fun and remember it fondly,
including those times camping at Hoffman.” But that wasn’t the only
draw for this bride. “Camp Hoffman had the rustic, casual vibe we were
looking for, and the option of booking overnight so people could stay
over,” Jaime explains. “It also happens to be eight minutes from our
house.” The camp was the first place she wanted to visit after getting
engaged, and during the tour, the couple signed on the spot. “They only
do a limited number of weddings each year, so I wanted to get on their
books immediately. Dan, the camp caretaker, was amazing to work with.”
The Pup of Honor: Hannah, the couple’s Golden Retriever, was first to
make the guest list. “She’s honestly the best dog ever,” Jaime says. “She’s
so sweet and laid-back. She just hung around all day visiting with people.
We always knew we wanted her to be part of our day and the other
great part about the camp was that they allowed her to be a part of it.”
The Highlights: “1. Our intimate ceremony in a pine clearing with the
most amazing arbor I’ve ever seen (built by Brian and decorated with
florals and a deer skull from one of his hunts). Our florist knocked it
out of the park; 2. The flowers. I’m obsessed with dahlias and when
my friend Erin pulled up with those and other florals she had arranged
from her sister’s amazing farm, the Dahlia Shed, I think my jaw hit the
ground; 3. Our first dance, when Hannah jumped up and joined in; 4.
The food! We wanted a variety of locally sourced, delicious food that
would appeal to everyone. I really wish Black Sheep Barbecue had a
restaurant, because I think it was the best brisket I’ve ever had; and 5.
Simply celebrating with friends and family!” — Jaime
The Advice: “It’s your wedding, do it how you want,” advises Jaime.
“Tradition and formality is nice, but if you want to stray from formula
and reinvent things, go for it.”
120 | ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2020