After celebrating their wedding in Italy, Erica and Tod wanted a chance to celebrate closer to home with the people they love. North Beach Clubhouse in Narragansett was the perfect setting for a casual September gathering by the ocean.

The evening felt exactly like the end of summer in Rhode Island should—easy, warm, and completely unfussy. Rather than recreating a traditional wedding day, this was simply about being together, enjoying good food and drinks, and celebrating Erica and Tod.

And of course, with Narragansett Beach just outside, we slipped away for portraits as the evening light softened. Bare feet, ocean air, and a nearly empty stretch of beach made for some of my favorite photographs of the night. I love celebrations like this. A wedding doesn’t have to follow a particular formula to be meaningful—or beautiful. Sometimes a great party by the water with your favorite people is exactly enough.