Happy Wedding Wednesday, SMPers! How does a day full of gorgeous inspiration, pretty, pretty details and bundles of heartwarming moments sound to you? Yep, we agree… totally amazing. So, clear your calendars for SEVEN fabulous fêtes and hours upon hours of sweet gallery gazing time and let’s get this party started, shall we?
A fabulous wedding weekend set against a breathtaking Atlantic Ocean backdrop, a welcome bonfire on the beach and a recessional that includes “All You Need is Love.” Now this is a couple after my own heart. Not to mention that their gorgeous Ocean House affair also includes a plethora of pretty pink hues and downright brilliant images captured by Laura Ivanova Photography. It’s preppy meets classic perfection and it’s the perfect start to our Wedding Wednesday. See it all here.
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From the Bride & Groom… For us, our wedding day started the minute that our loved ones began arriving from all over the country (and beyond!). One by one, as our friends and family joined us at the beautiful Ocean House resort in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, the wedding day transitioned from planning spreadsheets and “dreams” and became a reality. Our venue truly set the stage for the type of event that we wanted to host. Alaina had grown up in Rhode Island and visited Watch Hill as a child. The newly reconstructed Ocean House possessed timeless elegance, but brought with it a fresh perspective. When we stepped foot on the property for the first time, we knew it was special — and wanted to provide every opportunity for our guests to enjoy it as well. With that in mind, we hosted a welcome bonfire the night before our wedding — complete with s’mores and cozy blankets!
When thinking about the day itself, we both have different moments that stick out in our minds. The afternoon ceremony revealed clear blue skies that amplified the iconic yellow paint of the Ocean House. Our florist, Sayles Livingston, had enhanced the crisp natural beauty of the location with bright pink flowers and the combination was classic New England! We kicked off our celebration by walking back down the aisle to “All You Need is Love,” and it set the mood for a lighthearted and festive evening. During the planning, Alaina had focused on the small personal touches that she hoped her guests would appreciate. From welcome baskets with Del’s lemonade to the cake topper of a bride and groom high-fiving, she wanted the event to showcase the couple’s sense of humor and appreciation for those traveling to be with them on the special day.
For Alaina, the moment she remembers most clearly is the walk down the (staircase, along the lawn, and up the) aisle with her father. After a tearful joining at the top of the steps, her veil caught in a rosebush! According to tradition, unintentional tearing of the veil on your wedding day is good luck — since her cathedral-length veil was torn to shreds, it must mean amazing luck for their marriage! Nonetheless, it caused both Alaina and her father to laugh as he ripped it out of the bush and (unceremoniously) plunked it back on her head. For Mike, one of his favorite moments was watching Alaina walk down the aisle, but also breaking the glass at the end of the ceremony and hearing the crowd yell “Mazel Tov!” Our officiant joked that not only did the move have symbolic ties to the Jewish faith — but for Italians, it also signified the last time the groom got to put his foot down! Alaina and Mike both fondly remember their last song — “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey. The band, Blockhead, gathered the entire wedding reception to salute the couple while they air guitared their way through the song. A perfect end to a perfect evening!
Wedding Photography: Laura Ivanova Photography / Wedding Venue: Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island / Floral Design: Sayles Livingston Flowers / Wedding Stationery: Smock via Judy Paulen Designs / Ceremony Music: La Bella Musica / Band: Blockhead / Dessert Table Banner: 5280 Bliss / Wedding Dress: Kenneth Pool via Kleinfeld / Bride’s Shoes: Butter / Groom’s Tuxedo: Hugo Boss / Bow Tie + Pocket Square: Kleinfeld / Lobster Cufflinks: Ravi Ratan