Rhode Island Weddings

It’s official! On Sunday, August 11th, the Bachelor Nation royal wedding we’ve all been waiting *years* for finally happened – and boy was it worth the wait. Ashley Iaconetti and Jared Haibon tied the knot in beautiful Newport, Rhode Island, followed by a ballroom reception at Rosecliff Mansion. From spectacular floral arrangements by Birch Event Design to the sweetest same day edit surprise from Le Rêve Films – the entire day was planned to perfection by Simply Troy Lifestyle + Events. Lucky for us, Rebecca Yale Photography was there to capture all the details! Keep on reading for words from Simply Troy, a Q&A with Ashley and Jared, their reaction video to the same day edit and ALL the photos!

What were some of your favorite moments from your wedding day?

Jared: The entire ceremony was our favorite part of the wedding. Walking down the aisle, seeing Elan at the altar just put a smile on my face. Seeing all my loved ones walk down the aisle got me very emotional. I was already crying before Ashley entered the church. When the doors opened up and I saw Ashley for the first time in her dress I lost it. It was such a beautiful moment. Hugging her dad as he handed Ashley off to me, my dad handing off the rings to Elan, the movie quotes, Ashley’s vows Elan’s entire ceremony, everything was so perfect. Standing up on that alter with Ashley was the highlight of my life.

Ashley, tell us about your gorgeous princess gowns!

Ashley: I don’t think I could’ve felt any prettier that day. My dresses fit perfectly. I’ve always loved ballgowns and I always knew I wanted to wear a princess gown for my wedding. I actually looked like an okay dancer because I looked great spinning around the dance floor with them.

What were some of your favorite personalized wedding details?

Jared: Instead of traditional readings at our wedding, we had readings of movie quotes that Ashley and I picked out. We asked both Jordan Kahn Orchestra and Jack Ford (DJ) to play personalized songs that were very meaningful to Ashley and I. The Dunkin Donut donuts we handed out to couples with pictures of them on it. The personalized drinks which included “Ashley’s Tears” and “The Brady Punch” (after Tom Brady). Theres really too many! It was a very personalized wedding. Thank you to Troy Williams for helping us live out our dream wedding.

Were you surprised at all by how you felt on your wedding day or was it exactly how you expected to feel?

Jared: I was way more emotional before the wedding than I expected. I was finishing up my vows and as I was re-reading them, began to cry. Then I went to go see Troy (our wedding planner) to make sure my vows sounded okay and we both got choked up. It was just an overwhelming day for everybody.

Tell us about the incredible entertainment! Your reception playlist sounded amazing!

Ashley and Jared: Jordan Kahn Orchestra crushed it! Their covers of “My Heart Will Go On”, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Beauty and the Beast” were so beautiful I honestly got chocked up. The winner of the night was their cover of “Shallow”. That will be a moment I’ll never forget. Then we had Jack Ford DJ for the last 45 minutes. I don’t think there was anybody not dancing when he was DJing. His setlist was incredible. He played so many jams and his remixes of them all were perfect! He really read the room perfectly.

Who from Bachelor Nation was there to celebrate your big day?

Ashley and Jared: Nick Viall and Dean Unglert were apart of the groomsmen party. Ben Higgins was pretty much an honorary groomsman cause he’s amazing! He actually gave a small speech at the rehearsal dinner, thats how much we love him. Evan Bass and Carly Waddell were there. Chris Randone and Krystal Nielson. Kaitlyn Bristowe and Jason Tartick. JJ Lane, Chris Strandburg, Olivia Caridi and Becca Tilley. Tanner and Jade were there in Spirit.

What would be your best piece of wedding advice for future couples?

Jared: Do whatever you want to do during your wedding! Don’t be afraid to hurt peoples feelings. This is YOUR day! Talk to who you want to talk to. Dance to the songs you want to dance to. Take a look around at the venue, spend time with your friends and your family. Let it soak in because it only happens once (well, hopefully).

How would you describe Ashley and Jared’s overall wedding vision and design style?

From Troy Williams of Simply Troy Lifestyle + Events… Everything was based around creating a romantic experience for all of the guests. Their love of movies gave us so much inspiration to create personalized details along every step of the way.  From Ashley wanting to be married in a small church like in “A Walk to Remember” to the grandeur of “Titanic” and the ballroom romance of “Beauty and the Beast”, even a nod to Jared’s love of “Superman” with the custom A&J logo that is in shape of the Superman crest. Love is attention to the details and we made sure every single guest felt the love every step along the way.

What were some of the surprises you were able to pull off for the adorable newlyweds?!

The same day edit that Le Rêve created to surprise Ashley & Jared at their wedding reception was beyond incredible. I didn’t even ask if they could possibly do such a feat until after we got off the sail boat on late Friday night. They had a crazy press deadline schedule every night with their video clips and then I ask them for this major element and they said “YES!” without any hesitation. Ashley & Jared’s faces were surprised and sweet at first when they saw the Friday Night Welcome Sunset Sail, then the Saturday Rehearsal Dinner, but then the shock set in when they saw them getting ready just a few hours before. Then their church wedding ceremony where they were floored, but then the drone shot of the Rolls Royce entrance to Rosecliff Mansion, them outside and then the ballroom detail shots that happened literally an hour before sent them and ALL the guests into total shock and then major applause at the end for Le Rêve. Such a stellar accomplishment by a wonderfully talented videography team. We cannot recommend them enough!!

Watch their reaction to the surprise same day edit from Le Rêve Films below!

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All of the specialized gold framed mirrors with the personalized movie quotes and master escort card lists created by Details & Swirls were a total surprise we had brought in for them.

And our super fun late night SHAKE SHACK attack on the dance floor was too fun!! After the final bar call, the amazing Blackstone Catering team had driven 45 mins one way to get all of the Shake Shack hamburgers and fries and put them in hot boxes to stay fresh. Blackstone tracked down the EXACT trays that they use at Shake Shack restaurants to serve all of them on and had their staffers in the actual Shake Shack t-shirts and hats when they started passing them out. We even had Details & Swirls create the Shake Shack logo and name on one of the fancy gold framed mirrors and had it hand-carried out to the dance floor to announce the arrival of the Shake Shack surprise. It was such a deliciously decadent treat to wind down the night!!

How was it working with Ashley and Jared throughout the planning process?

They seriously are a dream to work with and are such kind, nice people who adore one another. I sincerely love them and their families and the entire wedding planning experience. We loved everyone. I will say this wedding had more logistical musical cues than any other wedding I’ve ever done. They both had such specific emotions related to songs and instrumental music that they chose every song for American Idol winner David Cook, the cocktail band, the dinner quartet, the reception orchestra and the late night DJ to play for all of their guests. It totally set the romance tone of the night with every song change!

The invitation suite is so unique and beautiful – talk to us about the details!

The laser-cut black gates on the front of the official MINTED wedding invitations were the exact replica of the Rosecliff Mansion front doors. They originally had simple black gates on the invite and then I sent the exact image of the front door of Rosecliff and they graciously did a custom laser cutting to have them be exact replicas and switched out the original doors. 

Tell us more about the wedding weekend festivities!

The Friday Night Sunset Sailboat Cruise for about 70 guests set the perfect Rhode Island Welcome. Then the 11+ speeches at the Ocean Cliff Rehearsal Dinner looking out over the water on Saturday night was perfect. Every single speaker the entire weekend was well-spoken, extremely heartfelt, made guests laugh and made us cry. It was such a treat every time someone got up to talk. 

I wore the Patriots colors for Jared’s favorite football team of course – Red, Navy, White and a silver SUPERMAN belt buckle for his favorite superhero. It’s all about the little touches and he absolutely loved those. This photo is also the one that made me cry when I first saw it on Sunday morning when Rebecca sent it to me. I recorded my reaction on Instastories and the video went bonkers. People loved it!

Talk to us about the gorgeous floral design!

Birch Event Design did a fantastic floral interpretation of Ashley & Jared’s romantic wedding visions. They were exquisite in both the church for the ceremony and also at the reception in the ballroom. Also, Ashley had a stunning bouquet that had her grandfather’s old keys put onto the handle of the bouquet for the night. It was such a sweet moment. 

Most memorable moment from the wedding?

Seeing Jared cry the first time he saw Ashley walk down the aisle was EVERYTHING. Also, the surprise same day edit during the wedding reception was such an awesome jaw-dropping surprise. Loved it.

Personally, I had my own special memorable moments with both Ashley & Jared that I will never forget. Trying to get Ashley down the elevator in her princess ball gown and me having to be under the dress pulling her fallen sound mic garter up her leg while her Dad was over me had all 3 of us cracking up.

I loved getting to review Jared’s wedding vows with him at Starbucks on his wedding morning. It was a surprise when he called and asked me to meet him. They were so perfect and not a single letter was changed by me. I knew he had written them with all the love and straight from his heart so they were perfect.

I also had an amazing moment at the Saturday night rehearsal dinner when at the end of the speeches I read aloud an amazing letter Ashley had written 3 years before to do something incredibly selfless and heartfelt for Jared. I possessed the only copy of the letter and Jared had never heard the actual letter read in it’s entirety before. Many tears were shed and it was such a special moment that they both deserved to experience. 

Walk us through the food & drink menu (and all the details of that stunning cake!!)

They definitely wanted to give their guests a special touch of New England in their choices for the food that night. Guests loved the demi tasse cup of New England Clam Chowder topped with a Clamcake and the mini Newport Lobster Roll on a petite buttered bun!! So delicious!! Also, they both have an immense love for Italian food so they had a Pasta Lovers Station during their cocktail hour out on the back terrace. We even had Peter on the Simply Troy team hand illustrate a “Lady and The Tramp” moment to adorn the Pasta Lovers Station. It was such a fun touch. The Signature Cocktails for the night were created by Jared’s former bartending buddy, Adam Stabile. They were named:

“Ashley’s Tears” (for obvious reasons hahaha)
“Jack and Rose” (after “Titantic” of course)
“The Brady Punch” (a nod to Jared’s absolute favorite athlete of all-time, Tom Brady)

All the cocktails were served at a gorgeous circular Emerald Green Velvet Bar with Mirror Top and custom created by Birch Event Design. Plus, we absolutely LOVED having DUNKIN’ be a part of the wedding. Jared and Ashley both grew up loving Dunkin’ so it was a necessity to have them at the wedding. We wanted to do something completely different and not do a Donut Wall. So the Dunkin’ team worked with our incredible Banga Portrait Lounge and took the images of guests photographed in their all night long and had them put on edible donuts as the wedding favors guests left with at the end of the evening. It was such a delightful treat and the guests were all putting photos of them on social media all night long. Such an impactful way to remember the night and to do something different. 

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Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Event Planning: Simply Troy Lifestyle + Events | Floral Design: Birch Event Design | Cake: Shelby Elizabeth Cakes | Stationery: Minted | Reception Venue: Rosecliff Mansion | Jewelry: Brooke Rayn | Catering: Blackstone Catering | Lighting: Ormonde Productions | Officiant: Elan Gale | AV and Sound : Bergsten Music | Alcohol: Total Wine & More | Calligrapher/Escort Display: Details And Swirls | Ceremony Dress: Ines Di Santo | Ceremony Dress Bridal Boutique: Lovella Bridal | Cocktail Hour Entertainment: Timeless Band | Custom Edible Donuts: Dunkin' Donuts | Groomsmen and Simply Troy Tuxes: The Black Tux | Hotel and Ceremony Chapel: Hotel Viking | Late Night Snack: Shake Shack | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Music Entertainment: David Cook | Music Entertainment: jordan kahn orchestra | Music Entertainment: Lilly Innella Quartet | Music Entertainment: DJ Zap | Portrait Lounge (Photo Booth): Gurminder Banga | Reception Dress: Rita Vinieris | Reception Dress Bridal Boutique: Kinsley James Couture Bridal | Reception Rentals: Peak Event Services | Reception Rentals: Party Rental LTD | Rehearsal Dinner Florist: Entwined Flowers | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: OceanCliff | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Rolls Royce: Five Star Limo | Signature Cocktails Creator: Adam Stabile | Travel Accommodations: The Travel Siblings | Trolleys: Viking Tours | Videographers: Le Reve Films | Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Love Artist: Rachel Miller Fine Art | Wedding Vow Books: Wedding Story Writer

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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More and more, brides are beginning to take inspiration from their own homes in order to curate their overall wedding design… and let us just say, the results are BEYOND gorgeous. Not only that, it’s also an amazing way to let your personality shine through your decor and make it your wedding look and feel so you. From your lounge furniture to your tablescape, Always Yours Events is taking you step by step through the many ways you can thoughtfully infuse your unique interior design style into your wedding. Check out the full gallery captured beautifully by Jessa Schifilliti featuring stunning blooms at every turn by The Wild Dahlia to get seriously inspired.

From Keri of Always Yours Events…. Now more than ever we are seeing couples prioritizing the infusion of their personality and style into their wedding designs and celebrations, and what better way than to take cues from interior design and possibly their home to create a stylish and welcoming design that leaves guests in awe. For this inspiration shoot, film photographer Jessa Schifilliti and I dreamed up a design that would infuse the interior design of a modern coastal home into an intimate wedding celebration. We imagined a couple with impeccable taste, Sloane and Brooks, who have a background of working within the interior design and architecture industries, and it felt incredibly fitting to create an aesthetic based on interior and seaside inspiration in a modern and unexpected fashion.

This celebration was meant to be intimate with a guest list of just close family and friends, as well as feature all of the fine details and luxuries the bride and groom ever desired. To create a visually interesting and romantic design, we set our sights on a unique color palette and a plethora of textures. A color palette of painterly ocean blue shades, wheat, sandy beige, tan, taupe, blush, orange sherbet, cream, ivory and gold worked together impeccably and created cohesion amongst all of the textural elements of the design. For texture, we took inspiration from rattan, woven baskets, weathered wood, modern pottery, grasses and bleached ruscus. For the first guest touchpoint we worked with the talented ladies of Gus and Ruby Letterpress to create a custom and distinctive wedding invitation suite with clever elements that guests would be wow-ed by upon receiving.

The suite included handmade tan cotton paper with matte white foil, a mixture of casual handwritten and serif fonts, a unique take on standard invitation wording to infuse personality, a custom address wrap and an oyster shell liner that tied into the theme of our welcome reception — Bubbly and Bivalves. For attire, our gorgeous bride Sloane’s bridal look included an ethereal and show-stopping gown by Alexandra Grecco, a stunning custom oval diamond engagement ring and distinctive gold band by Susie Saltzman, Jimmy Choo nude heels, and an effortless yet flawless look created by the talents of hairstylist Maricruz, owner of Maricruz Polito Hairstyles and makeup artistry by Garineh, owner of Glamour Cosmetics. Our dapper groom Brooks wore a custom tailored blue suit with a soft blue tie complimented by a textural boutonniere of pampas grass and white blooms.

The spaces of this editorial included a seaside ceremony on the beach, an al fresco dinner under a dreamy cabana of billowing off-white fabric and mixed rattan pendant lights executed by the incredible team at Ryan Designs, as well as a send off by the ocean with a floral adorned white Jeep Wrangler from Platinum Auto’s Cape Cod Jeep Rentals. Shawna from the Wild Dahlia took the color palette and textural inspiration to the next level and designed a complete floral story of composed florals that brought the entire aesthetic together. With the use of pampas grasses, bunny tail grass and bleached white ruscus instead of the usual greenery, the applique detail of Sloane’s gown and the woven details of the rentals flowed seamlessly with the floral design. A statement bouquet of blooms including an array of neutral garden roses and an unusual and rare peony referred to as the “brownie” peony was tied with light blue silk ribbon and carried by our gorgeous bride. Our tablescape and place settings under the cabana included tabletop rentals from Party Rental LTD, and some of the highlights included the mid-century modern Alexander Elmwood chairs, a wheat woven linen, white pottery chargers, gold flatware, a mixture of modern glassware and woven fans mixed with white fringe napkins set with a personalized menu card atop including woven textured place cards designating each guest’s seat.

The centerpieces included neutral blooms and grasses in white clay handmade vessels with sandstone taper candles placed in between. To bring the design and color palette full circle, our talented baker Nancy of Silver Whisk Bake Shop created a four tiered cake including the soft blues of the color palette, the couple’s monogram from the stationery and a seagrass basket inspired base layer all against the basket wall installation of the Newport Beach House. At the end of the celebration, Sloane and Brooks changed into their getaway outfits (including a beautiful two-piece white number from Gal Meets Glam) and hopped into the white Jeep wrangler with blooms surrounding the iconic wheel on the back for a trip down the beach and out of Newport. In addition to the beautiful gallery, a remarkable film created by the extraordinarily talented Greg of Willow Tree Films was created to showcase the feeling of the day and the elements as guests would experience them. This editorial was an absolute dream to conceptualize with an all-star team of vendors, and we hope this design inspires those couples hoping infuse interior design into their own celebrations.

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Photography: Jessa Schifilliti, Photographer | Cinematography: Willow Tree Films | Floral Design: The Wild Dahlia | Wedding Gown: Alexandra Grecco | Stationery: Gus & Ruby Letterpress | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Wedding Venue: Newport Beach House: A Longwood Venue | Brooks' Getaway Attire: J.Crew | Cabana + Lighting: Ryan Designs | Cake Design: Silver Whisk Bake Shop | Custom Engagement Ring and Wedding Band: Susie Saltzman | Female Model (Sloane): Delya Parquet | Getaway Jeep Rental: Cape Cod Jeep | Getaway Shoes: Valentino | Hairstyling: Maricruz Polito | Makeup Artistry: Glamour Cosmetics | Male Model (Brooks): Helio Dante | Models: Maggie Inc | Planning + Design: Always Yours Events | Sloane's Getaway Attire: Gal Meets Glam | Tabletop + Rentals: Party Rental LTD

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Always Yours Events

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If you’re looking for classically romantic wedding inspiration that also has that dreamy old-world charm, look no further – this style shoot from Urban Soirée Boston, Stephanie Vegliante Photography and The Wild Dahlia is the answer to your prayers. This talented vendor team made all kinds of magic happen at the historic Fort Adams Trust in shades of terracotta, cream and soft blues.

From Urban Soirée Boston… Inspired by the historic Fort Adams Trust in Newport, Rhode Island, we sought to create a styled shoot that struck the perfect balance of classic romance and old-world charm.

We envisioned an intimate exchange of vows set within the North Casemates of the fort. The focal point of our ceremony backdrop featured lush greenery trailing up the weathered brick for an unexpectedly elegant look. The bridal bouquet designed by The Wild Dahila showcased a color palette of terracotta, taupes, creams, and the softest shades of blue. That palette carried throughout each of our design elements, including the sweetheart table lined with taper candles, styled place settings, and organic florals.

Playing off our vintage romance inspiration, we also incorporated a boudoir session showcasing a stunning veil designed by Malis-Henderson. Whether newly engaged or months into planning, we hope to inspire couples wishing to draw on the magic of another era and create a one-of-a-kind experience their guests will always remember. 

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Photography: Stephanie Vegliante Photography | Floral Design: The Wild Dahlia | Wedding Dress: Allegria Bridal | Shoes: Bella Belle | Jewelry: Dugan Custom Jewelers | Makeup: Jessica D'Amore | Hair: Salon Moshiek | Venue: Fort Adams | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Lingerie + Head Piece: BHLDN | Model: Heather Dorn | Paper + Calligraphy: Ridgely Calligraphy | Planning: Baciare Events | Rentals: Party Rental LTD | Upholstered Lounge Rentals + Brass Candle Holders: Kadeema Rentals | Veil Designer: Malis Henderson | Wedding Dress Designer: Enaura

There’s nothing quite like a classic coastal New England wedding—especially when it’s set in Newport, Rhode Island. I may be a tad biased as my very own I dos were said on these waters! So, when today’s fete at Castle Hill Inn came across my desk, a sweet nostalgia came over me. Join me in the soul-warming gallery, captured by Rebecca Arthurs.

From the Bride… Brendan and I met while both attending medical school in Washington, DC and after much persuasion, he managed to convince me to move to his hometown of Boston to continue residency training. As a Californian native, it took some time getting used to the snow, however I quickly fell in love with the old-world charm of New England. We wanted our wedding to reflect what we loved most about New England and found that in the beautiful Castle Hill Inn in Newport, RI. The easy elegance and unpretentious charm of Castle Hill Inn, with it’s beautiful coastline views and Adirondack dotted lawn was the perfect venue for us. The tented reception site created an indoor-outdoor space that allowed our guests to enjoy cocktails on the lawn, watch the beautiful late summer sunset, and enjoy the cool seaside breeze.

With its beautiful surroundings, CHI needed very little additional decor; however as a lover of flowers, finding a florist that could augment the beauty of CHI was important to me. Stoneblossom Florals did an amazing job of re-creating my dream color palette of the lightest blush surrounded by whites and greens. Hydrangeas, garden roses, rice flower, jasmine ivy, cafe au lait dahlias, etc elegantly dressed up the sperry tents. Chinese blessing scrolls my parents brought from their native Taiwan were flanked with Chinoiserie vases, a subtle nod to my Asian heritage.

Our stationers, Champagne & Ink, kept consistent with our theme and all our day of items were decorated with delicate pale pink florals. We wanted to forgo the traditional “Mr”‘ and “Mrs” chair signs, so they custom designed “Dr” and “Dr” laser cut chair signs. Although a small detail, this was special to us as it defines a large part of us as individuals and as a couple.

The best part of the night was sneaking away from the dance floor and wandering out towards the ocean. There was a moment when we looked back towards the lit up reception tent and couldn’t help but feel so lucky to be married, whilst surrounded by all the people we love.

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Photography: Rebecca Arthurs | Cinematography: Buzz Media Company- Wedding Films | Event Design: Exquisite Events | Floral Design: Stoneblossom Floral and Wedding Design | Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav | Cake: Confectionery Designs | Invitations: Champagne & Ink | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | DJ: Team Sayles | Venue: Castle Hill Inn | Bridal Boutique: Bridal Reflections | Linens & Tableware: Peak Event Services | Make-up & Hair: Jennie Kay beauty

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Stoneblossom Floral and Wedding Design

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Ahhh, New England in the summertime… blooming hydrangeas at every turn, salty air, and a crisp, coastal breeze – there’s truly nothing like it! The second we laid eyes on this romantic Castle Hill Inn wedding in Newport, Rhode Island, with photos from Erich Mcvey and planning by Firefly Events, we were instantly consumed by it’s charm. Blueberries accented the table design while floral arrangements full of radiant roses by Tinge Floral have us tickled pink. Don’t miss a detail and head on over to the FULL GALLERY here!

Our goal as wedding planners is always to create a celebration that is a true reflection of our clients’ personalities and love story. Lane and Connor are two of the kindest people we know. They also happen to be effortlessly classy and SO.MUCH.FUN! So, when it was time to plan and design their wedding we had to make sure it was genuine, classy and a full-on BLAST!

Lane and Connor met at boarding school in Connecticut and picked Newport, RI as the perfect meeting spot for friends from Choate, Dartmouth and Colby.  They knew they wanted to get married near the ocean (Connor loves to fish!), and they selected the stunning Castle Hill Inn in Newport, RI for their reception.  They held the ceremony at the iconic St. Mary’s Church where Jacqueline Bouvier married then Senator John F. Kennedy in 1953 for their ceremony. Classy. Once the venues were selected, we started to plan their vision for the big day.  We turned to invite masters Bliss and Bone who crafted the loveliest invitation suite that was perfect for L+C. 1-part fun and creative, 1-part simple elegance. From there we knew we needed a photographer that was super fun and personable, just like L+C, but who could also capture their deep love for one another. Cue Erich McVey. Genius. He also happened to share the same last name as Lane, so we knew it was meant to be.

With the big vendors done, we moved into the fun details like decor! We wanted a florist that could nail L+C’s chic vibe, while still being cutting edge and fun, so we turned to Tinge. Tinge is one of our fave designers out of Utah whose sprawling, organic designs look more like art pieces than floral arrangements. We had a lot of fun with colors and textures on the tables (hello gorgeous lamb’s ear!) and jazzed up the tent with some wrought iron chandeliers dripping with greenery and a floral backdrop for the photo booth.  

The team came together from there and included our friends at Rent Patina, the local baker Confectionery Designs and The Elements from Elan Artist who kept Lane and Connor on the dance floor ALL NIGHT LONG. Can’t forget A Signature Welcome, who helped Lane and Connor welcome their guests with some killer welcome boxes including their favorite things like Chicago popcorn mix and stroopwafels, a treat Connor came to love during his time playing hockey in Norway.  We maybe snuck a few “extras” in our suitcases home! 

In short, Lane and Connor’s wedding was not only an epic dance party, it was also a heartfelt weekend filled with so much love, family, friends and and a thoughtfully curated team to bring to help bring it all to life.

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Photography: Erich McVey Photography | Florist: Tinge Floral | Cake: Confectionary Designs | Church: Saint Mary's Church | Hair & Makeup: Jennie Kay beauty | Lighting: Exquisite Events | Wedding Venue: Castle Hill Inn | Tent: Sperry Tents | Floral Recycling Company: Repeat Roses | Furniture Rentals: Patina | Getaway Car: Salon Salon Limo | Paper Suite: Bliss & Bone | Photo Booth: Sweet Booths | Planner + Designer: Firefly Events | String Trio: Allegro Chamber Players | Tabletop Rentals: The Tabletop Company | Welcome Boxes & Favors: A Signature Welcome

Their first road trip ever took them to a romantic light house at Castle Hill Inn so naturally when it came time to pick a venue, this duo set their sights on that very spot in Rhode Island. Combining the beauty of the seascape with classic New England details and a pretty pastel color palette, this Newport celebration captured by Sally Pinera will make you fall head over heels for the Ocean State.

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From the Bride…

The Planning

Sean and I started dating in New York City almost three years ago, and since then it’s been just non-stop traveling every moment (and vacation days) we can spare. Our first road trip ever ended up being Newport, Rhode Island when we knew nothing of the place. There we randomly discovered this romantic lighthouse at Castle Hill Inn, and since then we joked about getting married there, and who knew it would become reality!

We always wanted a destination wedding so it can be a more intimate smaller group with a casual rustic vibe where our family and friends can just chill and enjoy themselves surrounded by nature like they just came on vacation. And I wanted it to be a bohemian style wedding so a Malibu winery felt perfect for this since I’m from California as well. But as I was planning without a wedding planner, we decided it was best to bring it back to the East Coast.

After some talks with Castle Hill Inn, we were lucky enough to get the perfect date on September 8th to turn it into a boho rustic Malibu winery with an entirely alfresco ceremony and reception (apparently first time ever for them to have the reception outdoors) with romantic bistro lights strung all across the lawn. Just the dancing would have to be inside the tent due to Rhode Island’s sound regulations, which turned out to be great so our guests can fully enjoy their dinner before moving inside the tent to dance.

I knew the photographer was the most important to bring that California light into the picture. Sally Pinera was perfect for the task and she delivered above and beyond our expectations and definitely brought the California sunshine onto Castle Hill Inn. We also wanted to be very minimalist with the details thereby enhancing the vintage, rustic bohemian vibe using minimal flowers with more greenery and candle lights to accentuate the natural beauty of the place. And as our theme was “Life is a journey best traveled together,” we had a world map as our guest book, vintage suitcases as the card holder and commissioned a vintage VW 77 Photo Bus as our photo booth, which our guests absolutely adored and lined up for.

The Ceremony

What was so special about our ceremony was that all of our close friends and family participating in it made it such an intimate affair. My close college friend flew over all the way from Germany and performed such a memorable ceremony for us and my high school friends’ four beautiful kids (who are all 1/4 Korean by the way) added the perfect bohemian touch with their flower crowns and Moroccon oversized baskets (just the two year old got a bit fussy and refused to wear them but at the end at least she walked down the aisle! Whew!). Our mothers provided the last touch with our Korean heritage by wearing the traditional Korean Hanbok bursting with color amongst the nude palette of the wedding party.

The Reception

We had the most romantic dinner, dining under the stars and danced our First Dance to “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” by Meghan Trainor under the bistro lights with the blessing of all of our loved ones surrounding us. Our wedding favor was High-Grade Tie Guan Yin Green Tea directly brought in from Shanghai by my Matron of Honor and had a Gourmet Espresso Bar for all of our guests as we are coffee and tea lovers and our guests all seasoned New Yorkers (or from a metropolitan city all over the world) like us with sophisticated taste in coffee and tea.

Ultimately, we just wanted to make sure we had a memorable, intimate experience with the people we love and that they have the best time, amazing food and good music to remember it by. So we asked them to wear flats instead of heels and be more casual in their attire so they can dance to the best DJ (we picked a real DJ instead of a wedding DJ) all night with a very personalized playlist handpicked by my husband himself.

Photographer: Sally Pinera | Videographer: Fesiuk Films | Florist: Sayles Livingston | Wedding Dress: Watters | Wedding Cake: Scrumptions | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Makeup and Hair: Min-Ah Campos | DJ: Liam DJ Nook Day | Wedding Venue: Castle Hill Inn | Bridal Jewlery: BHLDN | Bridesmaids Prep Outfit: BHLDN | Ceremony Shoes: Bella Belle | Custom Groom Suits and Ties: Zohreh Uomo | Espresso Bar Station: MaryAnn Puchalski | Foldable Ballet Flats: Cinderollies | Furniture Rental and Menu Signage: Faleesha Of Boston Rustic Wedding Rentals | Photo Booth Bus: 77 VW Bus Photobooth | Reception Dress: Dreamers & Lovers | Reception Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Tent Decor and Lighting: Exquisite Events

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Do you know what pairs perfectly with a sleek modern backdrop like that of Belle Mer? The brightest pop of coral peony. That gorgeous bloom is woven throughout this seaside affair with stunning floral installations crafted by Stoneblossom Florals and some of the best views Newport has to offer. Peek inside the gorgeous details of this sweet couple’s wedding day with image after pretty image captured by Twah Dougherty.

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Rachel And Francis got married in the beautiful seaside town of Newport Rhode Island, filled with old world charm and nautical elegance. They incorporated their favorite Light House by Castle Hill into their wedding invitations and the silhouette of Newport Bridge into their paper details. Stoneblossom Florals used driftwood as a seaside detail to incorporate beautiful florals for their table arrangements. Rachel and Francis kept their vision classic with a clean white palette. They incorporated an Indian fusion menu to pay respect to Francis Indian heritage.

From the Bride… As soon as we got engaged, we immediately knew that we wanted to get married in Newport, Rhode Island. We spend a lot of time there during the summer months and few places compare. Newport’s yacht-filled harbors and Gilded Age Mansions make it easy to fall in love with the small town. Newport has many options when looking for a wedding venue. We visited at least fifteen venues before we selected our favorite, Belle Mer. We fell in love with the views, and the all-white decor that allowed us to customize everything! Belle Mer is a beautiful sea-side venue sitting along the coastline of Narragansett Bay, overlooking the Newport Bridge. We wanted to pick a day of the month that would be special so we decided to get married on my grandparent’s 57th wedding anniversary. The vision for our wedding was classic with a subtle nod to Newport’s seaside location. We had our invitations designed by Robinson Press. We used views of our favorite lighthouse in Newport as the backdrop for our invitations. We knew we wanted our flowers to be the focal point of the reception. Stone blossom florals helped our vision become a reality. We chose bright flowers that were hand woven through driftwood centerpieces, accented by warm candlelight. When choosing the food we selected an Indian-fusion menu to incorporate both of our cultures and to allow our guests to try something new! It was the perfect day in every way. Our amazing photographer Twah Dougherty and her team captured it beautifully and all of our vendors were wonderful to work with. With an incredible team and wonderful coordinator, we were able to relax and enjoy every moment.

Photography: Twah Dougherty | Coordination: Stephanie from Belle Mer | Floral Design: Stoneblossom Floral and Wedding Design | Wedding Dress: Karen Willis Holmes | Cake: Belle Mer A Longwoods Event | Invitations: Robinson Press | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Essense of Australia | Catering: Belle Mer A Longwoods Event | Calligraphy: Little Flower Calligraphy | Groom's Suit: Hugo Boss | Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Wedding Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Garter: The Garter Girl | Music Entertainment: Luke Renchan Entertainment | Trolly: Newport Limousine Service | Veil: Sara Gabriel

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Stoneblossom Floral and Wedding Design

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All the things that make Newport one of the most quintessential New England cities can be found tucked inside this Rhode Island celebration coordinated by Exquisite Events. Held at a stunning family estate, you’ll find lobster, loads of hydrangeas by Stoneblossom, a classic tented reception and the blue backdrop of the Atlantic. Relive the celebration through the perfect film by Inkspot Crow Films and pretty images by Rebecca Arthurs too.

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From the Cinemetographer… I loved Alex & Zack’s seaside celebration in Newport, Rhode Island. The weekend kicked off with a classic clambake at the Eisenhower House where guests ate New England fare at communal tables and danced to honky tonk music. The ceremony was at the historic Trinity Church in Newport (location in the movie Moonrise Kingdom) and the couple and their wedding party arrived by double decker bus, paying homage to London, where Alex and Zack currently live. The tented reception was on the lawn of the family’s home in Newport, on the historic Cliff Walk. Guests dined, danced and danced some more through the night. It was both beautiful and full of heart. 

Photography: Rebecca Arthurs | Cinematography: Inkspot Crow Films | Coordination: Exquisite Events | Floral Design: Stoneblossom Floral and Wedding Design | Church: Trinity Church Newport, RI | Catering: The Catered Affair | Makeup: JOANNA PETIT-FRERE | Hair: Lawrence Hamilton | Band: Rhythm Collective | Tent: Newport Tent Company | Aerial Video: Max Holiver | Private Estate : Newport, RI (bride's family home)

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Stoneblossom Floral and Wedding Design

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In a day where clean lines and modern design reigns king, it only makes sense that the incredible Belle Mer plays backdrop. Set right on the sea, the venue was everything Samantha and Zach were looking for. Add in the abundance of white-on-white florals from Greenlion Design and the images from the ever-fabulous Rebecca Arthurs and you have a day to remember from beginning to end.

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From the bride, Samantha… Zach and I met in college at The University of Michigan, but we did not start dating until a few months after graduation when we lived in the same building in New York City.

My vision for the wedding was a formal evening with a modern sophistication in a waterfront location. My favorite moment of the wedding day was the first look – it was such an honest and raw moment and something special that I will always remember.

From the floral designer, Greenlion… Samantha and Zach both were drawn to clean lines and simplicity. We incorporated lush large philodendron leaves to add a contrast to the clean groupings of white hydrangea, tulip, and orchids we used in the centerpiece work. It complimented the space beautifully. The chuppah was hand-crafted from vines and we added lush organic style florals in greens whites and creams for a bold ceremony backdrop.

Photography: Rebecca Arthurs | Event Planning: Exquisite Events | Floral Design: Greenlion | Wedding Dress: Amsale | Shoes : Gianvito Rossi | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Makeup : Deb Houghton | Band: Night Rhythm | Groomsmen's Attire: My Suit | Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Ceremony Programs: Wedding Paper Divas | Escort Cards: Heather Belle Ink | Grooms Shoes: Del Toro | Menu Cards : Katlem Design | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited

We might only be in February, but I’m predicting Zarine and Vineet’s wedding as one of Style Me Pretty’s best of the year. It’s a day that combines two distinct Indian cultures paired with the bride’s personal taste for European charm…and does it all with elegance and grace. Zarine donned three custom-designed gowns paired with heirloom jewelry and Twah Dougherty captured each moment behind her lens. This day is the definition of cultural beauty and we can’t get enough.

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From Erin Braun, event stylist… Zarine and Vineet come from two very distinct Indian cultures and religions, Zoroastrian and Hindu respectively. We worked to combine three very different aesthetics into one unique vision to perfectly reflect their authentic styles – the all white traditions of Zoroastrian weddings, colorful and vibrant Hindu celebrations, and a soft European garden style to reflect the Bride’s personal aesthetic and the couple’s Parisian engagement. Belle Mer provided a breathtaking white seaside setting for this seamlessly executed multicultural event that was so stunningly captured by Twah Dougherty.

Intricate chalk patterns is one of Zarine’s favorite traditions in Zoroastrian celebrations, so we carried this design element throughout the wedding events. From detailed illustrations on the hand painted invitations, to chalk drawings leading into the entrance of the ceremony and hand painted tiles to display the guests’ escort cards. We created a color palette of white, cream, and blush with touches of gold and vivid berry tones to meld the unique cultural aesthetics.

Throughout the wedding festivities, the bride wore three different outfits, which were all custom designed and hand-crafted for her in India. She also adorned heirloom jewelry that had been passed down through both families. Gold elephants, signage written in three different family languages, a white horse for the groom’s procession, and banana leaves wrapped around each place setting are just a few of the many personal and thoughtful details that were infused throughout the day of events. Everything was so wonderfully executed by the most talented team of vendors and the unique blending of cultures and families left such a lasting impression on all of the guests!

Photography: Twah Dougherty | Event Design: Erin Braun Design | Floral Design: True Vine Studio | Invitations: Erin Braun Design | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Caterer: Indian Accent Catering | Makeup: Kerri Herlihy | Hair: Calma Salon | Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Bride's Hindu Dress: Gold Ari Tari Lehenga, Sabyasachi | Bride's Reception Dress: Old Rose Joohi Phool Lehenga, Sabyasachi | Bride's Zoroastrian Dress: Custom designed Sari, Amla Patel | Entertainment & Lighting: Trifecta Djs | Groom's Hindu Outfit: Mebaz Sherwani | Groom's Tux: Black Lapel | Linens: Nuage Designs | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited

I might be a tad bit biased when it comes to coastal summer fetes in Newport. OK—definitely biased. If a seaside soiree is on the books for you, I assure you, this sun-drenched day snapped up by Arielle Doneson is one you’ll want to cozy up to for a good long while. Complete with a navy and coral color combo and nautical touches to boot, there’s even more sitting pretty in The Vault.

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From the Bride… Liam and I spend most of our free time in the summer on the beach in Rhode Island, and made many happy memories there in the time that we were dating. We wanted our wedding to reflect summertime on the water in New England, while at the same time remaining simple, timeless, and classic. Our main focus was for the day to host a fun Newport ‘summertime party’ for our friends and family to relax, eat, drink, and dance! We also incorporated a few personal touches to make our wedding feel like it was really “ours”, which included: a welcome sunset sail the night before, the boat ride prior to the ceremony, personalized vows, my late grandmother’s jewelry, having the mothers of the bride and groom choose the readings (and gifting to them handkerchiefs with embroidered quotes), having a close friend officiate, a funfetti cake (something I’ve made for Liam since the first few months that we started dated), our first dance song was a song that we frequently listened to on the way home from the beach….etc, etc you get the point!

I chose a mostly white color palette with some touches of navy and red/peach flowers to help evoke the summery and classic feel that I wanted…I also wanted to make sure that when we look back at our photos in 15 years, we don’t regret bold or trendy color statements! Liam and I are both non-fussy people, and I wanted to keep our decor clean and streamlined as well, not to mention maximizing the views of Newport Harbor.

I hope this helps give you a sense of my mindset while planning…Liam and I just wanted the day to feel like “us” at the end of the day, and I based all of my design decisions off of that main line of thought!

Photography: Arielle Doneson Photography | Floral Design: Toni Chandler | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Cake: Mad Hatter Bakery | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Shoes: Jack Rogers | Engagement Ring: Stacy Seiger | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Donna Morgan | Catering: OceanCliff | Makeup: Apothecary Newport | Hair: Apothecary Newport | DJ: Denise LaCarubba Wendt | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Groom's Attire: Vineyard Vines | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Venue: OceanCliff | Accessories: BHLDN | Earrings: BHLDN | Sapphire Ring & Brooch: Vintage | Wedding Rings: Barmakian

One thing I struggle with every winter is getting stuck in the same old beauty routine. Sound familiar? Not this year, my friends. It’s time to layer on the metallics, dark berry lips and wow-factor lashes to boot. We’ve teamed up with Tarte Cosmetics and Jennie Kay Beauty to break down four of the season’s hottest beauty trends that’ll take you from the ski slopes to fireside cocktails in sparkling style. Grab the tutorials below!

The best part about layering on these long-wearing looks for the holiday season? Our Tarte makeup bag is filled with essentials that are cruelty-free, life-tested products chock full of healthy ingredients (bye bye parabens, mineral oil, and phthalates!)—giving you the confidence that you’re not further damaging your skin during one of the harshest seasons. Why choose between beauty that works and beauty that’s healthy? It’s time to #RethinkNatural!

How To Prep Your Skin

1. Start by prepping your skin with a few drops of Maracuja Oil. This vegan oil will help give you that radiant glow (without that greasy feel!).

2. To refresh the eyes, use the Maracuja C-brighter™ Eye Treatment, which is packed with maracuja fruit, vitamin C and advanced botanicals to firm and brighten.

3. To keep makeup in place all day long, layer on Timeless Smoothing Primer.

Natural Ski Slope Glow

Say hello to the perfect snow bunny look. Not too undone or overdone, this look will have you heading down the mountain with a sweet glow.

1. We started with a tiny bit of Double Duty Beauty Hybrid Gel Foundation to smooth out the skin. Our secret for a more natural look? (You don’t want to look too overdone on the slopes!) This amazing Double-Ended Camouflage Brush. Apply the foundation with the brush end and blend in or erase with the sponge end. The curved head glides smoothly and leaves you streak free.

2. Dark circles from those après-ski cocktails the night before? Make sure to apply a bit of Aquacealer Concealer under your eyes.

3. For a pinch-the-cheeks-perfect rosy hue, we used ‘Blushing Bride’ Cheek Stain before applying our highlighter.

4. Using the Double-Ended Highlighter Brush and Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Highlighter in ‘Exposed’ we highlighted down the bridge of the nose, cupids bow, brow bones and upper cheekbone for a truly glowing look.

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Metallic Liner + Copper Shadow

Don’t want to go heavy on shadow but still want a bit of seasonal sparkle? This is such a fun and natural look!

1. First, apply Tarteist™ Metallic Shadow in ‘Scandal’ with the Double-Ended Shadow Brush tight to the lash line with the black end of the brush and then blend out with the white end. For a more dramatic look, use the tighter bristled side and for a softer look use the looser bristled side. Then, use the highlighter to blend the shadow onto the lid to create a softer look.

2. To add a bit of drama, tightline with The Eye Architect™ Liner & Shadow in ‘Brown/Champagne’. Slightly smug the brown on the lower lid, then use the champagne shadow in the inner corner.

3. Apply Double Duty Palette Highlighter on the cheek bone, then apply exposed blush on the apples of the cheeks using the Double-Ended Highlighter Brush.

4. Curl lashes and apply light coat of mascara.

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Dark Berry Lips

Turn up the winter drama with a dark berry lip—perfect for cocktail parties, date night and everything in between.

1. For this look, we kept the same metallic and copper liner look above, but added a bit more blush and drama to the eyes using Tarteist™ Metallic Shadow in ‘Scandal’ and Curl Boss on the lashes.

2. Transform your metallics look with Tarteist™ Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint. We tried two hues: ‘Acid Wash’ and ‘Friyay’, both fun hues for a berry wintry look.

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Doll-Like Lashes

For all the winter romance vibes, turn up the volume with these Twiggy-inspired doll like lashes.

1. For this dreamy, Twiggy-inspired look, we started by applying Hybrid Gel Foundation and Aquacealer Concealer using the Double-Ended Camouflage Brush.

2. We then layered on Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in ‘Seduce’ and Highlighter in ‘Exposed’. Followed by Cheek Stain in ‘Exposed’ on the lips.

3. For the eyes, we created a base with Blackened Plum Clay Pot Waterproof Liner using the Etch & Sketch Double-Ended Bamboo Liner Brush.

4. Lastly, we applied our Tarteist™ PRO Cruelty-Free Lashes in ‘Girl Boss’ and layered on Curl Boss mascara.

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Photography: Erin McGinn | Hair and Makeup: Jennie Kay beauty | Blue Sequin Top: Free People | Cosmetics: Tarte | Faux Fur Scarf: Target | Red Velvet Top: Lucky Brand | Ski Goggles + Hat: REI

You already know about the beauty that is Belle Mer, so then you know that this Newport celebration is sure to be chic. Add in W Studios New York behind the lens and you’re guaranteed a gallery filled with goodness. See it all in The Vault!

From W Studios New York…Despite our many years of travel and photographing destination weddings, Stephen and I never got a chance to visit Rhode Island so you can imagine our excitement when we found out Jackie and Brad were tying the knot in Newport, Rhode Island. It met all of our expectations of a sea side town and more. Despite some rain on the wedding day, Jackie couldn’t wait to get to St. Mary’s Church located in the heart of town and get married! After the ceremony we took off for Belle Mer and is if by magic the rain let off. The newlyweds and the bridal party were greeted by gorgeous water views. The rain clouds made the sunset that much more dramatic and the sailboats sprinkled throughout set the perfect scene for the guests to enjoy. The reception space was decorated with luscious ivy and elegant orchids giving the space a crisp modern atmosphere. The guests spent the evening whirling on the dance floor and enjoying great conversation and warmth by the outdoor fire pit.

From the Bride…I remember thinking when I woke up in the morning…“Oh this is what everyone talks about” – I had never been so anxious in my life. I had adrenaline pumping through my body, I didn’t even need my morning coffee. I kept thinking, I wonder how Brad is? Once I got ready and put the dress on, I was ready to go. I couldn’t get to the church faster – and of course there was only one road to get there and it was down pouring rain. I couldn’t have ran there faster.

The ceremony was beautiful….Longest. Aisle. Ever. We laughed a lot and I was just happy to be next to Brad. I remember I calmed down as soon as I could hold his hand. I also remember thinking, all those times I have been to church, I felt like mass was so long. This was the fastest ceremony ever.

The day flew by. When we arrived at Belle Mer, it was exactly how I wanted it. Clean, crisp and fresh looking. The guests started to arrive and I just kept saying “Thank you for coming to celebrate with us, we really appreciate it” and I meant every word of that sentence every time I said it. Come to find out, Brad was saying the same words.

The party was amazing because of our friends and family who made the trip. The speeches were incredible, my Dad is THE BEST, my sister is hysterical and my now brother in law is so genuine.

Then the party started, the dance floor was full and that’s exactly what we wanted. We wanted everyone to have a blast (and I think it was a success!) Our friends convinced us we had to do the hora (neither Brad nor I are Jewish) – it was the most fun I have ever had on a chair. The room exploded with energy and it escalated throughout the evening. It is so hard to put that day into words. The perfect sunset, the fireworks, the people, the energy and of course US. We had expectations and we surpassed them. I have no regrets and I wouldn’t have done it any other way.

Photography: W Studios New York | Floral Design: Cameron & Fairbanks | Wedding Dress: Elizabeth Fillmore | Reception Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Band: Phase One from Craig Scott Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Alton Lane | Transportation: Rockstar Limo

The practice of planning perfect parties is very much alive and well when it comes to the Newport Yachting Center Marina. Take this lovely affair captured by Elizabeth LaDuca as the pretty little proof. For it’s nautical meets Newport and we’ve got it all waiting for you to fall madly in love with via The Vault!

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From Elizabeth LaDuca…Siobhan and David had the quintessential Newport wedding, with nods to Vermont to represent the groom’s roots. Siobhan spent the morning getting ready in the home of a childhood friend, surrounded by her family, beautiful natural light and gorgeous ocean views. Her bridesmaids wore mismatched sea-foam Amsale gowns, complemented perfectly by organic floral bouquets of cream, green and blue. Siobhan wore a classic Peter Langner bridal gown, complete with a delicate embellished belt and satin rose-petal Badgley Mischka heels.

A heartfelt ceremony took place in their church, and guests enjoyed Del’s frozen lemonade while mingling after the ceremony. Their reception was at the beautiful Newport Yachting Center, where they treated 200 of their closest friends and family to a luxurious celebration under a Sperry tent and along the docks amongst the yachts.

Each place setting was decorated with a custom bottle of Vermont maple syrup, donned with the couple’s custom crest created by one of their mutual friends. It was truly a stunning event, full of elegant touches, subtle references to the oceanside setting and lots of love and laughter.

From the Bride… It was important to my husband and me that we draw from the natural beauty of Rhode Island and showcase what makes Newport so special. The Bohlin is already such a beautiful venue so we pulled colors from the buttery hues of the marina’s sails, the grey and blue tones of the ocean, the glimmer of lights on the water, as well as the overall airiness of Newport in July. We used these tones to guide our choice of flowers, bridesmaid dresses, votive candles, and suits. Petite bottles of Vermont Maple Syrup donning a tag with an anchor transitioning into an Evergreen was our gift to the guests and a way for us to give a nod to Vermont-my husband’s home state. Overall, we really wanted the feel of the wedding to be light and lovely; to give our guests the experience of a day on the water, rather than the formality of a structured reception.

Photography: Elizabeth LaDuca | Cinematography: Steve Lewis | Event Planning: Newport Yachting Center | Floral Design: In Bloom | Wedding Dress: Peter Langner | Ceremony Venue: St. Luke's Parish | Reception Venue: Newport Yachting Center | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Jewelry: John J. Fleming | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Newport Restaurant Group | Makeup: Ling-se Chesnakas | Hair: Capelli Salon | DJ: DJ MaShane | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Groomsmen's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Bridal Boutique: L'elite Boston | Film Processing: The Find Lab | Guest Transportation: Professional Limos | Invitations + Custom Crest: Alex Giannakos

Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly love New England any more than I already do, Brumley & Wells sends us this stunning engagement session and find myself beaming from all the beauty. It’s windswept and totally wonderful, and thankfully you can witness it all firsthand in The Vault!

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From Brumley & Wells… Toby & Rebecca’s adventurous and light-hearted spirits brought them to the cold and windy shores of Newport, Rhode Island for their engagement session with Brumley & Wells Photography, who’s always willing to brave the elements in order to shoot in beautiful settings. The rocky beach, along with the windswept hair and the movement in the dress, helped communicate the romance and fierce love that was so obvious in their relationship. They left with cold hands and warm hearts.

Photography: Brumley & Wells

If romantic walks on the beach are your jam, then look no further because this lovely New England engagement session is all that and more. Complete with one charming lighthouse, rocky cliffs, and the sweetest couple ever (oh and we can’t forget their adorable pup!). Captured by the incomparable Mike Cassimatis Photography we’ve got it all in The Vault!

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From Mike Cassimatis Photography…Maggie and Joe are the sweetest couple and I was so thrilled when they asked me to visit them in Newport for their engagement session. They will be getting married in Maggie’s hometown of St. Louis this summer but wanted to document this time of their lives in Newport, where Joe is temporarily stationed with the Navy. I instantly fell in love with the charm and scenery of the town. We started our session along the rocky coast with a beautiful lighthouse as our backdrop. After that, the couple’s black lab, Duke, joined us for a romantic stroll on the beach.

Photography: Mike Cassimatis Photography | Film Processing: Indie Film Lab | Location: Newport RI

We’ve got a lot to celebrate today beginning with this stunner of a wedding from Brumley & Wells. For not only is this darling couple celebrating their one year anniversary (on America’s birthday, no less!) but see those napkin invitations? The Bride just so happens to be the brain and beauty CEO behind them. Join us as we toast this 4th of July celebration (and all the pretty it brings) via The Vault!

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From The Bride…Jake and I both grew up in Massachusetts but have fallen in love with the natural beauty of the west coast from visiting my brothers over the course of our relationship. After getting engaged, we took a trip to Sonoma, California to pick out the perfect wedding destination. After making a number of site visits to all the beautiful vineyards, we started the second leg of our journey to Portland. With only a tiny pocket of reception, we pulled over along side a windy road and sealed the deal. There we were on the phone with Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island. After thinking about what meant the most to us, we wanted our day to be where our family laid their roots and Newport was the perfect place for a Fourth of July wedding. It would be one of the best decisions kicking off planning the best day of our lives.

Newport, Rhode Island was not of significance to our relationship or our families before July fourth, but it was a place we were excited about making memories at in the next chapter of our lives. I had admired Belle Mer when it first opened 10 years ago. I was a 20-something just dreaming of my dream wedding. The modern and manicured design against the quintessential coastline of Narragansett Bay was perfect. To be able to bring everything we loved about Sonoma to Newport and then be surround by the love of our family and friends would be my dream.

We had exactly a year to plan and I was lucky to have a husband who wanted to be involved. We created “Wedding Wednesdays” to stay on track and enjoy the process with one another. The best advice we received was to make each wedding activity fun, so Wednesdays were dedicated to tackling our to-do’s over dates like coffee or wine and cheese.

I wanted our wedding to be an authentic representation of us and give our guests a great party. From our linen invitations to the beautiful blend of bridesmaids dresses, simple olive branches and homemade pies and ice cream, we chose the moments to be most thoughtful about without over doing the details.

After saying yes to Belle Mer, I knew my dress would help me establish the look and feel of the day. It ended up being the perfect blend of two designers. I chose a modern, timeless, chic silhouette by Nicole Miller from Lovely Bride in San Francisco and then added an unexpected, jeweled bolero by Hayley Paige. My something blue was my initials and our wedding date hand-stitched by my mom on the inside of my dress. My bridesmaids and mom wore a blend of tulle, lace and beaded silk from Monique Lhuillier and Adrianna Papell in shades of blush, taupe, and gray. Our two nieces wore simple tutus made by my mom and carried pennants that read “Team Cacci” and “Team Yee” written by Nashville hand-lettered Chelsea Petaja—my little surprise to Jake for his love for running and cycling.

I worked with Chelsea Petaja on all the hand-written elements to our wedding. Her bold fresh take on calligraphy complimented the simple design of our invite that I designed and had silk-screened on white linen. Each invitation was then finished the same way we make our Everyday Napkins and Handkerchiefs at my company, The Everyday Co. The rest of the invitation suite was beautifully letterpressed by my friends at Smudge Ink in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Our gifts to our bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents and siblings were our Everyday Handkerchiefs hand-stitched with everyones initials. They came in most handy during the ceremony!

It was important to included our family in as many moments of our wedding as possible. Jake and I knew we didn’t want to do a first look so instead, I did an unplanned first look with my dad and our photographer Jacob was there to capture the moment. With a tap on the shoulder as you would with your partner-to-be, I got to have the approval every little girl looks for from her dad. Needless to say, we both grabbed for his handkerchief! Our ceremony was laid out so that our family and friends were seated in a circle around us. Their presence and love was magical. After a cocktail hour of oysters (with crushed basil pineapple ice!), one of my twin brothers introduced us as Mr. & Mrs. while the other kicked off the night with a blessing and a toast. Our guests sat in an arrangement of long and round tables adorned with garden roses, peonies, blushing brides, café au laits, and hanging amaranths. Tall olive branches hung romantically over the rows of long tables as if they would in wine country. Together with our talented friend, Anastasia Francis of Orly Khon Floral, we created a warm, lush yet simple and effortlessly romantic aesthetic. Our head table comprised of our parents and siblings with glowing candles and a long lush green garland. Place settings had a white linen Everyday Dinner Napkin handmade by my mom for each guest as they enjoyed a colorful family-style meal paired with wines from California. Having our own Everyday Napkins meant we could share them with our guests and repurpose them for many meals together as a new family. We designed a rustic menu with custom side dishes recipes including ingredients and flavors inspired by Sonoma. For us, family-style represented a joyous celebration, tradition and coming together like one big family.

After dinner, we celebrated fourth of July with fireworks from Fort Adams, a summer variety of homemade pies by Cooks Orchard Farm from Vermont and ice cream from our friends at Richardson’s Farm in Middleton, Massachusetts. This was our nod to America’s Birthday and our way of thanking our guests for sharing the holiday with us. But the best part of dessert was the classic white two-tier wedding cake made by my brother and sister-in-law! The rest of the night was danced away to the impressive twelve-piece Motown band, Soul City.

What I loved most about our wedding was the love that filled Belle Mer that night. We wouldn’t change anything about the decisions we made or even the things we choose to leave out. We traveled 3,000 miles to realize the best destination was in your own back yard. If you’re thinking about having a destination wedding, consider who you want there and what means most to you. Choose your moments and think about the experience as a whole. Your wedding is only the first few pages of your next chapter. July fourth will forever be the day we remember as the best day of our lives.

A little background: We live in the South End, entrepreneurs, had know one another through very good mutual friends and lived around the corner from each other prior to dating but never knew it!

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Photography: Brumley & Wells | Event Design + Styling: The Everyday Co. | Floral Design: Anastasia Francis | Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller | Cake: Bride’s Brother + Sister-in-law | Invitation Design:The Everyday Co. | Letterpress: Smudge Ink, Inc. | Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Monique Lhuiller | Makeup: Amanda McCarthy Beauty | Calligraphy: Chelsea Petaja | Lighting: Port Lighting | Band: Soul City | Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux | Venue: Belle Mer | Bridal Boutique: Lovely Bridal Shop | Bride’s Band: Ila Collection | Bride’s Bolero: Hayley Paige | Bride’s Bracelet: Flair Boston | Bride’s Hair: Christine Dopoulos | Bride’s Ring: E.B. Horn Jewelers | Bridesmaid’s Hair: Moselle Sath | Bridesmaids’ Dresses + Mother of Bride’s Dress: Adrianna Papell | Cloth Linen Napkins + Handkerchiefs: The Everyday Co. | Day-Of Styling: The Little Things | Film Processing: Mammum Film Lab | Flower Girl Dress: Bride’s Mom | Groom’s Ring: Long’s | Groom’s Wallet: Infinite Series | Groomsmen Shirts: Blank Label | Homemade Ice Cream: Richardson’s Farm | Pies: Cooks Orchard Farm | Rentals: New England Country Rentals| Rentals: Peterson Party Center

When you combine an ultra-flattering Anne Barge wedding dress with a sparkly Jenny Packham headband and bejeweled Badgley Mischka heels, you’re left with one gorgeous Bride. And when that Bride is saying “I do” at Belle Mer amidst a sea of beautiful flowers and lavender accents, it makes for a stunning wedding. See all the pretty from Melissa Robotti Photography in The Vault!

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From The Bride…Paul and I met in NYC back in December 2011 at a classic East Village bar called Alphabet Lounge. Paul was there for his friend’s birthday and I was there to dance the night away with friends. It must have been the 90’s dance music and great conversation about skiing and running that hooked Paul. Paul even emailed himself to call me the following day…we went on our first date and the rest is history! After 2.5 years of dating, Paul proposed to me in Brooklyn Bridge Park. He surprised me right in the spot where we took a picture together a couple of years back!

Despite our love for NYC and the area where I grew up (Larchmont, NY), we wanted to get married in a place where we could have a fun weekend celebration with our closest friends and family. Newport quickly came to the top of our list–it’s a beautiful seaside city with a charming town, tons of activities & sites to explore…and a gorgeous setting! When we visited Belle Mer located on Goat Island (Newport, RI), we immediately fell in love with the all-white decor of the Water Salon, the dark wood floors and the amazing views of Narragansett Bay. It had the feeling of a sleek modern wedding, but in a beautiful New England setting. We knew we had found the perfect venue for us!

We got married on June 27th, 2015, and our wedding day could not have been more perfect! The entire night was full of energy, our friends and family danced all night, the band had everyone cheering for “one more song” and all the details came together (from the flowers to the food) in a way that made it an incredibly romantic and special day. We’re very thankful to our photographer Melissa Robotti who was able to capture all of the wonderful moments and memories on this day!

Photography: Melissa Robotti Photography | Floral Design: Greenlion | Wedding Dress: Anne Barge | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Rings: Kwait | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Hair + Makeup: Jennie Kay beauty | Band: Hip Pocket Orchestra | Groom's Attire: Brooks Brothers | Rabbi: Julie Zupan | Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Bride's Earrings: Kwait | Hair Accessories: Jenny Packham | Invitations, Menus + Programs: Write On Larchmont

Newport weddings are always special, but this all-white affair at the stunning Belle Mer truly stands out. It’s chic with a touch of glamour, making every beautiful image captured by Zev Fisher Photography feel even more fabulous than the last. It’s winter wedding perfection, and you can see it all here.

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From Zev Fisher…Tara & Evan had a classy celebration on the beautiful Goat Island in Newport, Rhode Island. Despite the cold December breeze, they were still open to taking portraits outdoors, taking advantage of that gorgeous evening light. Golden Gate Studios really spruced up the evening with stunning white flower arrangements maintaining that bright and clean feeling throughout. The reception was kicked off by their first dance amid falling snow and they danced the night away to tunes played by Boss.

From The Bride…Our entire relationship has been in New York, this is where we met, dated and fell in love, but our hearts have always been in New England. When we got engaged in front of the lighthouse at Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island, we knew that Newport would be the perfect place for our destination wedding. We both wanted to find that special place, on the water, and driving over the Newport bridge is just magical. While Newport is generally known for being a summer destination, we decided we wanted to do something different and host a unique event. After seeing the Belle Mer, with its all white, classic and modern design, we fell in love with the idea of a winter wedding. We envisioned a December black tie affair, with all white and silver decor, white flowers, crystallized branches, snowflakes and blue icy lighting. One of the most memorable moments of the evening was our first dance as a married couple which took place under falling snow. The bride’s lace and organza mermaid gown, along with the groom’s wardrobe change, from a classic black tuxedo into a custom white tuxedo jacket, added to the glamour and romance. Photographer Zev Fisher’s editorial and elegant style perfectly captured the dramatic, elegant and classy affair we imagined. The bride truly felt like a princess in a winter wonderland.

Photography: Zev Fisher Photography | Cinematography: McElroy Weddings | Floral Design: Golden Gate Florist | Wedding Dress: Vows | Cake: Party Favors Brookline | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Makeup: Kerri Herlihy | Hair: Bella Beauty Bridal | Band: Wilson Stevens | Favors: American Nut & Chocolate Co. | Groom's Attire: Bloomingdales | Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Bridal Boutique: Vows | Bridal Boutique - Bridesmaids' Dresses: L'elite Boston | Linen Rentals: Rentals Unlimited

Here’s to gorgeous weddings.  Gorgeous weddings boasting elegant details, stunning seaside nuptials and vows that melt your heart.  Weddings just like this one captured beautifully by Focused Bliss Productions – a breathtaking Belle Mer soiree with two sweeties who are sooo in love, it makes your soul happy.  Click play to soak in every moment (including two of the cutest flower pups ever), then stay tuned for some brilliant images from Snap! Photography below.

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From Focused Bliss Productions… At Kevin and Lauren’s wedding, everyone was treated like family. This was not only because they are the warmest, sweetest, and most generous couple; but also, we had been with them twice before when we filmed both of Kevin’s sisters’ weddings.

In a similar fashion as his sister, the wedding was held at the stunning Belle Mer Island Club in Newport Rhode Island. Kevin prepped with his groomsmen at a hotel downtown. Meanwhile, Lauren got ready herself with her bridesmaids in the expansive bridal suite which offered dramatic views of the surrounding bay. While many were out enjoying the day sailing, she was spinning around the room – quite literally – with excitement after putting on her beautiful dress which moments before was set hanging on the chandelier.

Every passing minute was more breathtaking than the last. With a flower petal covered wedding aisle to the most exquisite floral and candle arrangement for the reception hall, not a detail was missed. But more stunning than their surroundings was their glowing romance (with a perfect touch of silliness) that they couldn’t contain and exuded every time that they looked at each other. From their graceful dance under the gazebo to their personal vows to the epic dance party to follow, it is impossible to pin-point a favorite moment. We’ll just keep clicking “replay”!

Photography: Snap! Weddings | Cinematography: Focused Bliss Productions | Floral Design: Greenlion | Cake: Scrumptions | DJ: ECF Entertainment - DJ Boogz | Band: Boston Common Band | String Quartet: Divina Strings | Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Food Truck: Fancheezical | Lighting + Photo Booth: Luke Renchan Entertainment | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited

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