Rhode Island is synonymous with nautical chic and this Aldrich Mansion is just that, with a sprinkling of spring. Oh, and a super cool 1955 Thunderbid getaway car, courtesy of the beautiful bride’s pops. This beauty knows how to make beauty too – check out the DIY’ed flower girl head pieces (and one for her teddy bear), the ring bearer pillow, programs, centerpieces, sea shell escorts, the guest Book, just married sign, and more. Mark Andrew Photography got all the homemade and beachy beauty deets on film, so check out the gallery to see the full wedding!
From the Bride… As a little girl, I had always dreamed of a seaside wedding, and although my wedding wasn’t exactly the barefoot-toes-in-the-sand kind of soiree I had imagined, it was more perfect than I ever thought possible. I spent a long time scouring New England for the perfect waterfront venue that would incorporate my love of the ocean with my groom’s James Bond expectations, and The Aldrich Mansion was just the spot! Set within the Narragansett Bay, the waves were gentle and there were plenty of beautiful sailboats in view. The history behind the mansion, which includes the wedding of Abby Aldrich and John D. Rockefeller, was perfect for my history-buff husband. In an effort to bring my laid-back, beach vibe into such an elegant location, I did a lot of DIY projects to “fancify” my beachy details and hope that you enjoy the outcome as much as I did! Greg and I have come a long way since we met as sophomores in college, and our day was truly a celebration of all our accomplishments both past and future.
I worked very hard to make sure this venue never felt “stuffy” and that my guests would feel comfortable to sit back, laugh and enjoy. Between the indoor and outdoor spaces, the multiple rooms that allowed guests to wander and the dance floor props (my favorite!), people really seemed to enjoy themselves, which is all I ever wanted! Of course, the DJ and the weather didn’t hurt either. A beautiful, breezy, 80 degree Saturday in May was just the type of day people had been waiting for. It not only represented a fresh jump into spring but also a new start for Greg and new. The air just smelled like a wedding day!
Following the ceremony in Narragansett, guests were shuttled from the hotels and greeted with sea shell escort cards, handpicked by Greg and me, cleaned and painted gold. From there, they enjoyed the outdoor bar, with DIY straws and hand-passed hors’ doeuvres, until the bridal party was announced with props in hand! We enjoyed our first dance outside on top the steps overlooking all our guests and the ocean. Dinner was devoured, and soon the dessert room opened for guests. An entire library with an infinitely long table stacked with all the pastries, cakes and sweets you could imagine ending with a fiery bananas foster over ice cream. It truly was dessert heaven. Our simple yet elegant three-tier cake was adorned with flowers and set upon a table accented with a DIY “Mr & Mrs” raft and sparkling shells. Although the floral budget was small, I do think I spent wisely. My bouquet was perfect with sweet and romantic pink peonies, and the ladies’ bouquets with deeper pink flowers that popped in front of their Sahara Watters gowns. The fireplace mantles at the mansion were topped with framed pictures of our family members’ weddings, as well as people who have passed on and celebrated in memory. It was a wonderful reminder of life and love, and people loved this little touch! My four nephews and two nieces really stole the show, but how can you blame them — they were just stunning and unbelievably well behaved. I think from their perspective, the best part was the trolley ride!
Wedding Photography: Mark Andrew Photography / Ceremony: St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in Narraganset, Rhode Island / Reception: Aldrich Mansion in Warwick, Rhode Island / Floral Design + Cake Flowers: Joy Rich of Flowerthyme / Wedding Cinematography: Sinat Chek / Wedding Cake + Dessert Room: Aldrich Mansion / Flower Girl Head Pieces, Teddy Bear Head Piece, Ring Bearer Sticks Pillow, Church Pew Starfish Decorations, Programs, Centerpieces, Wedding Straws, Escort Sea Shells, Fireplace Mantle Decor, Guest Book, “Just Married” Sign: DIY / DJ: Corey Young of Out of the Box Entertainment / Transportation: The Bride’s Father’s 1955 Thunderbird / Trolley: Newport Wedding Trolley / Guest Book: Shutterfly / Wedding Dress: Wtoo via Bridal Heirlooms / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka “Lissa” / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Watters (Color: Sahara) / Flower Girls’ Dresses: Burlington Coat Factory / Groom’s Tuxedo: Bonobos / Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse