A Wild & Romantic Ocean House Winter Proposal: Chris & Holly

Closing out 2025 with a bang! I had the absolute pleasure of capturing Chris’s surprise Ocean House winter proposal to Holly, and it was truly one for the books.

Let’s talk about the weather: It. Was. Cold. While the thermostat read 28°F, the 25 mph winds created a biting wind chill of 15°F. It was even chillier than the proposal I shot just a few days prior!

Chris and I had a solid plan after our Zoom session a few weeks ago, but winter in Rhode Island often has its own agenda. By Monday, we knew we needed a “Plan B.” While Chris checked with the concierge for indoor options, I was determined to find that signature natural light for their Ocean House winter proposal. I suggested we scout the “lea side” of the hotel—the side shielded from the direct blast of the Atlantic winds.

The Perfect Last-Minute Pivot
After scouting the grounds, Chris found a tucked-away spot that successfully blocked the gusting winds. It wasn’t the most obvious photo op at first glance, but it was shielded from the gale, and keeping the couple comfortable was Goal #1. We executed the pivot perfectly, and Holly was completely caught off guard. Through the crisp winter air, she said YES!

For the portraits, we took shelter behind the beach house on the boardwalk. The architecture provided a stunning backdrop while acting as a windbreak. Luckily, I came prepared with three sets of activated hand warmers for Chris, Holly, and myself.

It was such a fun, high-energy shoot to wrap up the year. While I was working behind the lens, my wife was staying cozy with a cocktail at the hotel bar. When I finally joined her, she had a hot chocolate waiting for me—the perfect end to a chilly but beautiful day.

Congratulations to Chris and Holly! Scroll down to see the highlights from this stunning Ocean House winter proposal.