Fabric of Warren

Welcome, I am so glad you are here. A quick conversation between Darby Pontes and I led to a longer coffee meet-up where we explored how we both would love to highlight Warren residents who we wanted to know better. Our goal was to interview the candidates to record their oral histories and photograph them to document them just as they are. Below are 10 unique individuals who make Warren, Rhode Island a wonderful New England seaside community. They all offer up a unique talent, story, or service that make Warren a place they all want to be a part of. Welcome to the “Fabric of Warren” where you will have a chance to learn a little bit more about our neighbors.

Jeff Davies the Bell Ringer photographed at the Baptist Church in Warren on March 10, 2023

Kristin Read Community Health Advocate photographed at Mary V. Quirk School on February 11, 2023

Paul Rocha, Singer and Songwriter photographed at his studio on Cutler Mills, captured on February 17, 2023

Nick Jainschigg, Artist, photographed in his studio at Cutler Mills on April 10, 2023

James Sousa, Warren Fire Chief, photographed at Touisset Engine Company on April 21, 2023

Linda Megathlin, Artist and Photographer photographed in her studio at Cutler Mills on April 28, 2023

Joan Frederick, Barkeep, photographed behind her bar at Jack's Bar on Water Street on May 22, 2023

Tony Amaral, co-owner of Amaral's Fish & Chips on Redman Street, photographed on June 26, 2023

Ernest Edwards, Barber and owner of Diamond Cuts on Main Street, photographed on April 25, 2025

Camille Abdel-Nabi, Farmer and co-owner of Long Lane Farm, photographed on May 20, 2025

A Providence, Rhode Island bar mitzvah

I love when my phone rings again and then Mom on the line says, “Jen, we need you again!” Son number 2 was ready to be celebrated and the day was perfectly planned with the help of Erica Paige Events and Parties. We captured all the right photos in the synagogue with friends and family, moved to the after service events with kiddush luncheon, and then gathered later at Pawtucket’s BreakTime Bowling. Erica Paige did an amazing job creating the perfect logo for Charlie and the decorations were on point. Saigel Productions knew how to get the dance floor to fill quickly and had everyone on their feet all night long. This bar mitzvah collection was one of my favorites to deliver. The energy of the dance photos alone makes me so happy.

Moments after a bar mitzvah ceremony where everyone is excited and the smiles huge.

Quiet moments with Mom and Dad captured before a bar mitzvah.

Portraits before the bar mitzvah ceremony.

Getting ready to celebrate their brother.

One of my favorite places to photograph at Temple Beth-El in Providence, Rhode Island

Detail images of personalized party decorations by the creative mind of Erica Paige Party + Events

Breaktime Bowl and Bar Events is the perfect start to a party.

Capturing the hora against a backdrop of red, orange, and yellow streamers and tons of balloons.

Erica Paige Events + Parties lead by Erica Weinstein provides just the perfect amount of organized activity to get the party started.

Friends hitting the dance floor to celebrate. Siagel Entertainment keeps the party going until the very end.

Even Grandma gets into the action. Again, Siagel Productions knows how to get everyone to celebrate.

Capturing moments of Mom and Dad enjoying themselves at the son’s bar mitzvah party.

A bat mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El in Providence, Rhode Island

I met Jamie years ago during her sister’s bat mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El. Full of energy and spunk she was the life of the party and as you will see- she brought all of the energy to her own day. Surrounded by tons of family and friends she dazzled everyone both in the temple and later on the dance floor. Her Mom and Dad made sure the Renaissance Hotel in Providence was ready for a party and the DJ knew exactly what to play. Lots of oohs and ahhs when Jamie’s video was played that showed highlights of her life- I even teared up watching her Mom take it all in. It was a wonderful celebration and one I was so happy to be a part of again with a family that is just adorable and so very caring.

Did I mention Dad has an official Captain America shield??? This family is just plain cool.

Sara and Matt celebrate their engagement in Boston's Back Bay

Meet us in our neighborhood for the engagement session? Of course! I didn’t hesitate when Sara and Matt invited me up to walk around the Back Bay in Boston to capture them in all of their favorite spots. We strolled around Marlborough Street, made our way over to the Boston Common and ended at the Charles River Esplanade saying goodbye for the day in Beacon Hill. As you can see the day was superb and they are naturals in front of the camera. They laugh. They dance. They forget I am there which I just love. These two are planning the ultimate New England Wedding with a seaside celebration in October on the coast of Maine. My cameras and I are so ready to be with them in the fall.

Engagement Photos as we walked around Back Bay which provided the best backdrop for a fall day and lots of hand holding and smiles.

Boston engagement photos with a focus on backdrops with plenty of ivy, red bricks, ironwork, and falling leaves.

A Boston engagement photography session provides just enough time for photographer and clients to work through posing and direction all the while practicing how to relax and enjoy our time together as the camera clicks away.

The bride and groom to be dancing amongst fall foliage in Boston Back Bay.

Boston Common engagement photography. Jen Lial Photography.

Capturing an engagement ring sparkle against the Charles River.

An easy walk to the Charles River from a Back Bay side street gave us some great locations to photograph the couple against.

Seeking out classic Boston Back Bay locations and focusing on architectural details provide the best combination of backgrounds for an afternoon of Boston engagement photography.

Using the frame of some swanky garage doors with a granite architectural header provided just the composition I was looking for.

Movement matters in photography as shown in the images above. Getting the couple to move provides the best natural posing a photographer could ask for.

Solo cups, succulents, and amazing apartment views was the key to this quiet moment at the end of our engagement session.

An evening at the Squantum Association, Riverside, Rhode Island

The evening before your wedding… how will you celebrate and where will you go? After the rehearsal in Barrington, arrangements had been made to return to the place where Abby’s parents celebrated their wedding. This evening old memories were relived and new memories were made. I love clients who want their stories to be told from beginning to the end. This one with Abby and Brian started at The Squantum Association on a warm October night and continued the following day at The Rhode Island Country Club

An intimate rehearsal dinner at the Squantum Association in Riverside, Rhode Island began with photos by the edge of the Providence River.

October evening in Rhode Island celebrating a rehearsal dinner at the Squantum Association. White dress with abstract ruffled edge detailing brought to you by, Abby the bride-to-be.

Practicing a twirl and taking a moment to enjoy the evening before their wedding set the following day at the Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington, Rhode Island.

Hand in hand walking back to enjoy dinner at the Squantum Association.

Table settings at the Squantum Association.

A winter bat mitzvah in Providence

Cheers to Sophie’s Mom who outdid herself in creating a fabulous day for her very sweet daughter! The theme of this bat mitzvah was top cheddar (for all of you lacrosse fans out there!) from the lacrosse balls that everyone signed, to the mini stick centerpieces, to the fantastic place cards with shoutouts to every team that Sophie and her teammates have been on. The Graduate Hotel sparkled with elegance as everyone came inside, posed on the gorgeous staircase, and made their way upstairs ready to hit the dance floor. Dressed with their best Nike kicks Sophie’s guests kept the DJ busy and bounced between the Photo Booth and swag table. Many thanks again to Temple Beth-El who is always so very accommodating to families who come from afar to celebrate very special 13 year olds and their bat mitzvah.

A (little) trip to Block Island 2023

It started as a suggestion. A passing thought and a “what if".” A night away? 2 days in paradise? I nodded my head yes without even consulting my calendar. Before I knew it I had agreed to head off with three of the most awesome women I know to one of the best kept island secrets. You know, that little place that keeps finding its way into travel blogs as one of the “most underrated beach towns or one of “8 American Islands you have never heard of.” A quick overnight is all we can find in our schedules but honestly, from the moment we step on the ferry I instantly melt into relaxation and leisure. When I find my way back to the inevitable world of schedules, work life, and family I feel rejuvenated and alive. The following are a few images from 48 hours of bliss on Block Island.

Women Who WOW!

People ask often, "what do you like to photograph?" My response is always, "people."  I love photographing people and my website clearly shows I photograph people in li

Women's March Washington, D.C. 1.21.17

You showed up.

I brought my camera.

History Documented. 

You are persisting.

Every. Single. One. Of. You.