Rhode Island Wedding with Classic Touches by Steve DePino
This Rhode Island wedding by Steve DePino is just so put together and so full of class and sophistication that it is hard to believe it was all designed and planned by the equally as gorgeous couple. I was half convinced that I was looking at a J Crew spread instead of a real wedding! A clean and classic theme with chic black and white decor does not have to equal a completely formal or stuffy affair. Guests enjoyed comfort food like grilled cheese and fried chicken with beer while dancing the night away to Katy Perry and 80′s pop tunes. SO fun. Click here to see even more from this grand fete!
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From the lovely bride, Lauren…
John and I met at Providence College as freshmen in the winter of 2003; he from New Jersey, I from Massachusetts. After getting over our Boston-New York sports rivalry (luckily he’s a Mets fan), we became inseparable and fell in love. We graduated, lived states apart, and couldn’t stand to be without each other, so in 2008 I moved to New York so we could be together. We got engaged in March of 2009 and our wedding location was a no-brainer. Working in NYC is great and we love our hectic city life, but we sometimes find ourselves wanting to climb to the top of the Chrysler building just for a view of the ocean. Rather than risking our safety, we escape to Watch Hill, RI every chance we get for a much-needed dose of family, friends, and serene coastal living and that’s exactly where we would tie the knot.
It was important to us to be married in a church, so our ceremony was held at the Watch Hill Chapel: a quaint, white chapel built in the 1870s on a bluff overlooking the sea and now the reincarnated Ocean House (a “rebirth of the last iconic New England seaside resort”…their words, not ours!) where we had our rehearsal dinner. We wanted the focus of the reception to stay on why everyone was there in the first place: our marriage! So we kept the chapel décor minimal with white flower arrangements on the first pews to designate family seats and two large cylindrical vases of white flowers on the altar.
We had a vision for our reception from the start that ultimately began with our classic black, white and gold save the dates and invitations that the unbelievably talented crew at Cheree Berry Paper created for us with calligraphy from Love Jenna. Cheree, Kristen and their team are paper geniuses, and made my stationery dreams come true by working black and white stripes and a monogram that Jenna created into everything down to our menu. I stuck to the same classic but neutral theme when it came to my bridesmaids. I didn’t want them to wear the same dresses, because really, when do you ever wear the same dress to an event as someone else? Luckily they agreed and together, we chose dress options in the same color family from J.Crew, Lela Rose, and Thread.
I wanted our tent to feel welcoming, but chic and sophisticated at the same time, so we chose a mix of white fabrics, string lighting and candles to complement and create warmth with our beige, natural weave tablecloths. We chose Tuscan and square tables as opposed to round for a cleaner look and incorporated Jenna’s calligraphy into the place setting with our menus and place cards. My vision of our flowers changed halfway through our wedding planning and luckily, I was in the best hands possible. Yumiko from Hana Floral design understood every single vision I had, suggested incredible (and better) options I didn’t know existed, and made us the most gorgeous white centerpieces and lavender bouquet I’ve ever seen.
Our dinner menu was comforting as well: beer and cheddar soup, gourmet burgers on brioche buns, buttermilk fried chicken, butternut squash and wild mushroom strudel, family-style sides, and homemade ice cream sandwiches for dessert. We had a small, red-velvet cake to cut with a custom topper made by Garden4Arts on Etsy and each guest received a bite-sized cupcake from one of our favorite NYC spots, Baked by Melissa.
The rest of the night consisted of a packed and crazy dance floor, thanks to an appearance by our college mascot and Boston-based band Magnus, who rocked out to the Killers, Journey, Katy Perry, and our favorite 80’s tunes. Dancing the night away with 150 of our closest family and friends nearly eight years after we met was a moment in time that we’ll never forget. It was the best day of our lives and we feel so lucky to share it with all of you!
Photography: Steve DePino / Flowers: Hana Floral Design / Tent: Newport Tent / Tent Decor: Exquisite Events / Chairs, Tables, Napkins: Rentals Unlimited / Tablecloths: Classic Party Rentals / Cocktail Hour Entertainment: P.D. Rogers / Band: Magnus, / Favors: Baked By Melissa Cupcakes / Ceremony Venue: Watch Hill Chapel / Reception Venue: Shelter Harbor Golf Club / Save the Dates, Invitations, Programs, Menus: Cheree Berry Paper / Calligraphy: Love Jenna Calligraphy / Cake: The Decorated Cake by Diane Marsh / Dress: Vera Wang / Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Hair and Makeup: Emir Pehilj
50 Comments about “Rhode Island Wedding with Classic Touches by Steve DePino”
3 Links to “Rhode Island Wedding with Classic Touches by Steve DePino”
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Who is the dress designer? And I love the plate idea for guest signatures. Where was that found at?
Hi!
My dress was Vera Wang and I got the plate for signatures from a local paint your own pottery store. They provided the pencils to write on the plate, and after the wedding we took it back for them to fire and glaze.
you both are adorb. totes mcgotes <3
Hi Lauren,
Can you tell me how much it was for your hair and makeup person? I am looking for someone for my RI wedding in June 2011.
Thank you!!
Gorgeous! The best day ever! xoxo
Well done Lauren - I'd echo SMP comments - total class.
love the bm dresses where were they from?
i'm definitely not surprised seeing as steve was the photographer! he's amazing!
Mmm love the Rugby neckwear.
This is absolutely lovely! Chic, charming, & personal all at the same time! Congratulations to the couple!!!
Gorgeous wedding! Where did the groom and groomsmen get their bow and neck ties? They are fantastic!
Thank you all so much for your sweet comments! We're so excited to share our wedding! Krista, my hair and makeup person is actually based in NYC, let me know if you'd like his information and I'll pass it along. The girls dresses were from Lela Rose, Thread, and J.Crew and the guys ties were from Rugby, J.Press, Brooks Brothers, and J.Crew.
Lauren-I love it all! Its gorgeous! Could you tell me what the flowers are called as your center pieces? I LOVE them! thanks!
Thanks Marissa! Our centerpieces were a mix of white football mums, hydrangeas, and spider mums...and that was IT! Yumiko from Hana Floral Design is a flower genius and turns every vision into an even better reality! She is amazing!
My boss is the prettiest boss around....! :)))
This wedding is absolutely gorgeous! Every last detail is perfection, the shoes, the centerpieces, the gown, the bridesmaids dresses. Simply stunning!
Goregous and simply divine! Love the details...I'm looking high and low for those grey swirl straws.
Stunning wedding. I LOVE the bride's dress. What Vera Wang collection/season was it from?
A stunning bride and a gorgeous wedding! Lauren, we ADORED working with you and loved seeing all of this come to life! xoxo
These pictures are amazing! I am so blessed to have been a part of this special day...and of course the rest of Lauren and John's life!
Lauren: Your wedding is simply lovely. I hate to be annoying, particularly since you already listed the brands of your bridesmaid dresses, but would it be possible to also get the style and color names? I think I found the thread dress (one shouldered), for instance, but am not sure what color the bridesmaid is wearing. I can also tell the Lela Rose is the one with the florets at the neckline but can't figure out which J. Crew dress you used or in which color. Any information would be much appreciated as I was planning on going for a similar look/feel for my own bridesmaids. Thanks!
a very similar story to that of my husband and I! He's from the Bronx, I'm a Red Sox fan from Boston. Lived in NYC, house near Watch Hill. Absolutely lovely! We have photographed weddings in Watch Hill - such a gorgeous backdrop and a truly special spot. Now that we have children, we make an annual trip back East - the carousel is one of our first stops! In fact, a beautiful photo of one of the antique horses is hanging above our 6 yr olds bed! Best of luck to a beautiful couple!
Kim, the runway version of the dress isn't online, but it's similar to the Calalilly and Estelle styles that you can see on the site, but the boutiques should have it as it's a pretty classic style--I had them add the sash.
Lindsay, here's the info on the bridesmaid dresses: Thread: Raven Mini Length In Cappuccino Duchess Satin (without the bow), and the one-shouldered dress is the Shiloh Mini Length in Oatmeal Chiffon Charmeuse. The color of the Lela Rose dress is Palomino, one of the J.Crew dresses is the Cotton Cady Erica dress in light caramel, and the other is the Seraphina dress but the color that we used seems to be no longer available.
Oh, and Alicia, those striped straws were from Modern Lola: http://www.modernlola.com/shopDetails.asp?CatId=&SubCatId=11&ProductId=1005 . Thanks everyone for your sweet comments!
If the wedding dress is the dress I think it is (my dress) the style number is 2G119. It looks so beautiful... I can't wait to wear it :)
Lauren, You and John meticulously covered every detail and it showed!! Steve, you certainly had a handsome couple to work with and I had the pleasure of enjoying the lively, lovely occasion. The wedding ceremony was amazing, thoughtful and meaningful as the priest offered specific foods from a well prepared basket blessing their special day. Kudos to this clergyman for taking the time to honor the true meaning of marriage. Blessings and happiness to you
always.
Hey Lauren - your wedding looks like it was amazing! One question, where did John find his tux/suit? Thanks for your help!
Lauren, your wedding was beautiful!
quick question, where on the grounds of Shelter Harbor was your tent set up? Thanks, Kelsey!
Mary, we were so happy you could be part of our special day! Jessica, John's tux was made my Michael Andrews Bespoke here in NYC. They make great custom shirts, suits, and tuxes for men. Kelsey, our tent was set up on the lawn just behind and to the right of the clubhouse at SHGC--I believe it's the only place a tent can go there.
Love this wedding! I'm looking to make burlap runners for my wedding and I wondered where you found your burlap? I've been to a few fabric stores and the only burlap I can find is very rough whereas yours looks softer...
Love the collection of pictures and nicely put together to create an impression..I feel like I have been there on the day or watched a movie of the wedding day - with impressions still in my mind.
Ashley, we got our tablecloths at Classic Party Rentals in NYC: http://www.classicpartyrentals.com/ . They don't look it, but were actually really thick and burlap-like.
Um... could this wedding be any more droolworthy? There's not a single aspect of this wedding I don't like. The pleats on the gown, the contrast black sash, the neutral beige b-maid dresses, the chalkboard.. argh so divine! Perfect wedding thanks for posting SMP!! xxx
Hey Lauren,
Would you recommend the Burlap Table Linens? I am concerned they will be too "rough" looking. Your pictures make them look beautiful and still keep the "elegence" of your wedding. What are your thoughts looking back?
thanks!
meghan
Lauren, could you give me the name of the local pottery store in RI? loove that idea~
Meghan, I would absolutely recommend the burlap linens--they were the one thing that I wanted from the start of our wedding planning and were of course, the most difficult to get right. I was very picky about what we used, but in the end, what we decided on was perfect. If every other aspect of your table is elegant looking and clean (if that's what you're going for) it won't look confused. Let me know if you have other questions!
Sarah, the pottery store is called Get Fired Up in Westerly, RI.
hi lauren!
I LOVE your bridesmaid dress combo! i have been set on champagne dresses from the get-go. we are doing khaki suits though (as its in napa) so i have been nervous about it being too blah. I have seen the jcrew bm dresses - what fabric/color/style did you chose from them? they have a few all around the champagne color and what were the style names? Thank you!!!
is the bridesmaid dress on the right lela rose? if so - what color is it? taupe or palomino?
thanks!
Lauren, your wedding is very beautiful and natural! I really like the way you used the both the long and square tables. I am having a tented wedding as well and we are working on the layout of the tent. Do you remember the size of the tent you used? It almost looks like your dance floor isn't a complete square.. perhaps because of the poles in the middle of the tent? I am trying to figure out the best layout so it is comfortable for both the dinner and the dance. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Lauren,
Do you have a close up picture of your invitation suite? I absolutely love it and want to show it to my invitation designer so she can create a similar one for my wedding this Fall.
Thanks,
Larissa
Hi again Lauren,
So - I want to try and get a swatch of your table linen. Can you give me a contact at your linen company? Or maybe you have a swatch you can send me?
My email is meghan72181@yahoo.com.
Thanks so much!!!
Meghan
Hi Lauren - your wedding is beautiful!!! I am getting married in newport this summer and your burlap linens are exactly what I am looking for. Did you get them from Equisite events? Also, your make up aritst and hair person in nyc, I would love ther information as well. I have not found anyone in RI that I am happy with.
My emial is jendag_1@hotmail.com
Thanks so much!
Beautiful pictures! Where did you get the NYC themed wedding gift box for the cards? Did you make it yourself?
Hi Everyone,
Here are a few answers: Kimberly--I made the NYC box. It's actually paper from Kate's Paperie that I put over a box I bought. If you try it yourself, definitely use Mod Podge!
Jen, we got our linens at Classic Party Rental here in NYC....I was able to find those linens at a lot of places, but not in the sizes we needed. It's called "natural weave". My hair/makeup artist's name is Emir: emir@emirhair.com.
Meghan, I don't have swatches of our table linens as they were rented, but see the information above.
Larissa....do you want to give me your email address? I can send you a photo.
Lizzie, same, if you give me your email address I can send you our layout.
Thanks Luaren! Also, who was your cater?
this has to be one of my faves! so classy and beautiful!!!
That would be great! Thanks- ehoeschler@gmail.com
Lauren,
Was the natural weave linen the burlap "natural" swatch listed here? http://newyork.classicpartyrentals.com/product-catalog/burlap/burlap_natural
Or is it a burlap look alike linen? Ive been searching everywhere for the texture and color, and yours is exactly what ive been looking for.
Thank you!