Rhode Island Weddings

I have this thing for fall weddings and if the chosen colors happen to include maroon, well, I’m even more partial to the party. I didn’t think a celebration could beat those two factors, but place it at Castle Hill Inn, on a cliff overlooking the sparkling sea, and I’ve just about lost my marbles with glee. Hoo Films captured these fairytale-worthy “I do’s” and there’s no better way to start off your week. Enjoy!

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From Hoo Films… Lindsey and Rob are just the sweetest, most adorable couple ever. We had the chance to spend the evening before the wedding with them, and it was clear from the start this was going to be a fun destination wedding weekend for all who traveled to Jamestown, Rhode Island to celebrate this storybook love! This was one of the most beautiful venues I’ve seen, set near a cliff for the outside ceremony and a gorgeous tented reception. Their crowd was outgoing, fun, emotional, and ready to dance. Pretty much your perfect party mix. Lindsey and Rob light up each other’s faces and I don’t think either one of them stopped smiling the entire day. But most importantly, we all learned when Rob’s family knew for sure that Lindsey was “the One” for Rob. Rob’s brother says it was when she uttered three precious words…. “I’ll bring dessert.”

From the Bride… I wanted the wedding to be both glamorous and romantic.  The peachy-blush softness of my gown was contrasted with mixed metallics, especially champagne and rose gold.  We deepened the palette with a rich burgundy wine color for the bridesmaids dresses and added luxurious pearl and crystal textures throughout.

It was important to me to have unique touches everywhere.  We mixed traditional tall floral centerpieces with antique finds that my fiance and I spent months searching for.  They included everything from a stunningly geometric 1940s projector to an early telescope, globe and binoculars.  Each table had a theme, and a relating romantic quote to tie the elements together.  Sitting atop a vintage mirror, the pieces were draped in antique pearls, and adorned with large, soft luxurious fresh blooms. We DIY’d everything from our boxed invitations to our welcome bags, menus, programs, escort cards, guest book, and more! I loved designing every detail.  Coordination was key!

My favorite moment was our first look.  Our photographers took us through the woods to a beautiful clearing where two paths met.  I’ll never forget feeling like my heart was about to jump out of my chest between nerves and excitement as I (literally) climbed up the hill to meet him. The sun was streaming through the branches, and as soon as I saw him, all of the nerves faded away.  I could live in that moment forever. 

My favorite crafted detail was actually at our day after brunch.  I made a newspaper featuring the big news of our wedding, along with stories about the dress hunt, details of our bridal party, and activities for our guests in Newport.  It was a huge hit at brunch, and made it feel even more personal.
Our florist grows her own flowers and they were absolutely stunning.  We had cafe-au-lait dinner plate dahlias as the primary wedding flower.  They were incredible! I wanted soft romantic blooms that echoed the delicate architecture of my gown.  The blush color of my dress was so special and unique.  I felt incredible in the gown, and never wanted to take it off! My ombre blush to white cathedral veil added to the drama of the dress.  Our favors were hand crafted by our baker. She made cookies to look like some of the antiques we included in our centerpiece.  She crafted beautiful pocket watch cookies cast at 9:18 (our wedding date) and incredible antique key cookies.  She decorated our cake with lace tiers, pearls, and sugar dahlias.  It was gorgeous!

One piece of advice I’d give to brides-to-be would be to invest in your photographer and videographer.  When the day is over, the cake will be gone, the flowers will be wilted, and your dress will be hung in a closet.  Your day will be the most wonderful day in your life, and you’ll want to relive every precious detail over and over again.  I was so relieved to know that every moment was captured for us.  Before the night was over, I was so excited to watch the ceremony and the toasts over and over again on video.  Sacrifice elsewhere.  Find vendors you connect with.  Documentation is so important!

Peruse more wedding films here!

Photography: Moirae Creatives | Videography: Hoo Films | Coordination: PDR Events | Floral Design: Flowers By Semia | Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jasmine Collection | Venue: Castle Hill Inn | Decor: Exquisite Events | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited

Thursdays are my favorite and today is more fabulous than ever. Not only does she work wonders here at SMP but our editor Melissa also recently said “I do” to her handsome man at breathtaking Belle Mer and we get to relish in all of Rebecca Yale’s wondrous photos for the foreseeable future. And by gosh, our girl is gorgeous – and a planning pro, from the beautiful blooms by Anchor & Grace to Casa De Perrin’s romantic rentals. Congrats Melissa, and without further ado, let’s leap into this abundance of beauty!

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From Rebecca Yale Photography… One of my favorite parts of working in the wedding industry is getting to meet and collaborate with other talented, creative and kind people. Melissa exemplifies all of those qualities to a T so I was so incredibly honored to photograph her and Shawn’s intimate Newport, RI wedding. There’s something magical about photographing intimate weddings where I get to know all the guests and can feel the love and happiness radiating off of them towards the bride and groom. The bride and groom’s portraits are always one of my favorite moments of the day and Melissa and Shawn certainly did not disappoint. They exchanged cards in a sweet emotional moment during their first look, followed by a walk on Belle Mer’s grounds to take portraits with their elegant wedding party. It was a perfect day and an absolute pleasure to capture for such a sweet couple.

From the Bride… A wedding is a thousand things all at once—a culmination of hard work in both love and planning, a beginning to the journey of marriage, a cheerful kind of chaos sprinkled with family, friends, laughter, tears, never-want-to-let-go hugs, and of course, pretty, pretty details. It’s why I love waking up each day and logging on to Style Me Pretty, an experience that I’m so blessed to be a part of and call my job. And with that ‘wedding blogger’ title I’m so thankful to have, I’ve had the chance of meeting some of the most talented vendors in the wedding industry that made every inch of our day possible—one of our happiest days yet.

We met our incredibly talented photographer, Rebecca Yale, right around the time Shawn and I were engaged. She’s one of the kindest people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, and now call my friend. She’s poised, knows how to make you laugh, understands the moments that are important to you and oh, she’ll make you cry with her gorgeous captures, she will. My heart was filled with the biggest joy when our wedding photos arrived.

Our intimate wedding celebration was overflowing with so much love and beauty—it’s impossible to choose just one favorite moment. It began with sweet getting ready moments at our seaside venue, Belle Mer, with my girls in their floral robes from Plum Pretty Sugar. My mother buttoned up my romantic, flowing Jenny Yoo dress and placed my pearl necklace around my neck, a wedding gift from my Groom. After curling my last curl and eagerly grabbing my gorgeous bouquet designed by Leigh Anne of Anchor & Grace, I headed off for my first look with Shawn. We both loved our first look. It was a moment just to ourselves that we’ll never forget.

Our guests were greeted with music from Beat Train as I fastened my veil and headed down stairs for our ceremony. As I walked out of the door, I saw our parents, grandparents and my girls lined up, dressed to the nines and wearing ear to ear grins. It was a truly special moment to have such a parade of love ahead of me as I walked down the shell path to meet my Groom. Our ceremony, officiated by Mike Egan included a blessing of the sea and our sweet and simple vows. After nearly a decade since meeting one another, that moment was more meaningful than we could have ever imagined.

The ceremony was followed by a fun cocktail hour, bocce ball and mingling. Sarah Dennen, our coordinator at Belle Mer made each transition flow seamlessly. The bridal party entrance was by far the most entertaining moment of the night. As a joke that started during my bachelorette party, my sister (also MOH) wanted to enter like Beyonce. With two groomsmen paired to each bridesmaid, each of the trios followed suit and were introduced in (seriously funny) style. We entered the most striking room, filled with blooms by Anchor & Grace, charming tabletop rentals by Casa de Perrin, menus (and lovely invites) by Minted, quote signage by Julie Song Ink and calligraphy signage and goodies by Laura Hooper Calligraphy. After dinner, we were surprised by a mini fireworks show from our generous and thoughtful friends, which was the perfect way to end the evening. It was breathtaking beyond words and we soaked in the entire day with thankful hearts!

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Coordination: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Floral Design: Anchor & Grace | Dress: Jenny Yoo | Shoes: Schutz | Rings: Longs Jewelers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | Calligraphy: Laura Hooper Calligraphy | DJ: Beat Train Productions | Favors: White Pashminas | Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse | Officiant: Mike Egan | Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Accomodations: The Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel & Spa | Bride's Robe: BHLDN | Bridesmaids' Hair And Makeup: Jennie Kay beauty | Cake Stand: Ebay | Cards: Sugar Paper Los Angeles | Catering And Cake: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Cocktail Napkins And Drink Stirrers: Laura Hooper Calligraphy | Custom Quote Signage: Julie Song Ink | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Groom's Leather Cuff Link Box: Pottery Barn | Heel Protectors: Solemates | Invitation Designer: Phrosne Ras | Invitations And Menus: Minted | Light Blue Ribbon: FrouFrou Chic | Memory Coasters: Thimblepress | Mom Gifts: Coordinates Collection | Monogram Handkerchief: Linen Whites | Registry: Zola | Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Seating Chart: DIY By Bride | Table Numbers And Chair Signs: BHLDN | Tabletop Rentals: Casa de Perrin | Tux Designer: Vera Wang | Veil And Jewelry: Nordstrom | Wedsite: Squarespace | Wood Signage: Laura Hooper Calligraphy

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Rebecca Yale Photography

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Chock full of lush blush botanicals, the prettiest metallic-tinged ‘maids dresses, pink Valentino Rockstuds, and what might be one of the most breathtaking veil shots I’ve ever seen — courtesy of none other than SMP-fave Ruth Eileen Photography, of course — these oceanfront Rhode Island “I Do’s” are the absolute definition of romantic. Take a peek at the full gallery here, and be prepared to swept away!

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From The Bride…Kyle and I met in 2005 in our high school gym class! I was a freshman and he was a sophomore and a mutual friend introduced us. Shortly after that, we started dating and have been pretty much inseparable since!

After almost 9 years of dating, he decided it was (finally) time to propose! He enlisted the help of some of my closest friends to help him, which really meant so much to me. My friends and I planned a “girls trip” to NYC for some pampering and fun girl time. Little did I know they had planned the whole weekend with Kyle and were getting me all dolled up to look my best when he popped the question (seriously, do I have the best friends or what??). With a ploy to go meet another friend in Central Park, the girls and I headed to Belvedere Castle where Kyle completely surprised me by getting down on one knee and popping the question while it quietly snowed around us. It was truly a magical day!

When we started looking for venues, we knew we wanted to stay within New England, as we both grew up just outside Boston and most of our family and friends still reside there. Kyle wanted our venue to be by the ocean whereas I wanted somewhere that had more of garden setting. We began researching separately and ended up sending each other the same website link to Castle Hill Inn. It was absolutely perfect with it’s sweeping lawn that overlooked the ocean – we both were able to get what we wanted! We also knew we didn’t want our guests to have to travel from the ceremony location to the reception, so the fact that Castle Hill had a gorgeous tent set-up right next to the ceremony site was another reason we knew it was perfect for us.

After finding our venue, the next biggest decision was picking our photographer, which really ended up being one of the easiest decisions we made throughout the whole wedding planning process! I actually found Ruthie on none other than Style Me Pretty. I was browsing through their local vendors list and as soon as I clicked on her site and saw gold polka dots on the front page, I knew it was meant to be! Oh and the fact that she takes amazing photos! :) When we met Ruthie for the first time, we hit it off right away and left our meeting knowing we had found the perfect photographer. She was so helpful throughout the whole process, I honestly do not know what I would have done without her!

Overall, I knew I wanted our big day to feel inviting, intimate, romantic, and a little glamorous (without being too stuffy)! Thankfully Kyle let me take the lead with color schemes and most of the details so I stuck with my favorites: pale pink, ivory, and gold. I also knew I wanted my bridesmaids in different pale pink/blush beaded gowns, so I rounded up a whole lot of options for them to pick from and then we narrowed it down from there who would wear which one. This worked out so well because the girls were able to purchase dresses that fit their body type and were comfortable wearing. They all looked stunning!

When it came to finding my dress, it was surprisingly an easy process. I didn’t really know what to expect when I went shopping for the first time, but I can say I had a TON of fun trying on beautiful gowns! While I tried on various different styles and silhouettes, I knew I wanted a strapless ball gown with a sweetheart neckline. My goal was to find a dress that had the perfect balance of classic and modern, and the instant the saleswoman helped me into that Amsale “Dahlia” gown, I knew that was it. I had butterflies in my stomach and instantly started to get a little teary-eyed (and silently kept praying in the dressing room that my mom would love the dress as much as I did!!). That feeling of “when you know you know” was SO true for me!

The flowers were soft and romantic and really created that intimate feeling we were going for by incorporating a lot of white and pale pink and some greenery. Joyce at Stoneblossom Florals created the most beautiful arrangement that was placed on the arch at the ceremony site. It was truly breathtaking and was the talk of the night amongst all of our guests! We used large baby’s breath arrangements for the head table (repurposed from the large arrangements that sat at the beginning of the aisle during the ceremony) with smaller floral arrangements in between. Lush arrangements sat in gold vessels on round tables that went oh-so perfectly with the beautiful lace table clothes!

Everything came together so well and the whole day went off without a hitch! We feel so lucky to have worked with such amazing vendors to help create our perfect day!

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Coordination: Castle Hill Inn | Floral Design: Stoneblossom Floral and Wedding Design | Wedding Dress: Amsale | Cake: Confectionery Designs | Invitations: The Paper Source | Bride's Shoes: Valentino | Rings: Amoroso's Jewelers | Catering: Castle Hill Inn | Favors: Niagra's Honeymoon Sweets | Groom's Attire: Milton's | Transportation: Viking Tours | Venue: Castle Hill Inn | Bridal Boutique: Cristina's Bridal | Bride's Clutch: Kate Spade | Cake Topper: Foxblossom Co. | Earrings: Oscar De La Renta | Frames: TJ Maxx | Groomsmen Socks: Happy Socks | Mason Jars: The Retro Redhead | Menus: An Elegant Affair | Mr And Mrs Signs: Z Create Design | Paper Straws: Pop Up Parties Shop | Place Card Holders: Graceful Events | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited | Ring Bearer Sign: Linen & Lace | Signs: Sweet Peony Press | Signs: Keep Life Simple Design | Table Numbers: Blessed Blondies | Wedding Program Template: Xo BSpoke

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Stoneblossom Floral and Wedding Design

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I really want to go to a New Year’s Eve wedding. Considering I hardly ever have plans that live up to the epic expectations we have for December 31st, a love-filled celebration is what I’d prefer. And I dream of going to one just like this here. With gorgeous Newport in the background, this beautiful Bride wed her handsome Groom in an elegant affair, with Carrie Rodman and Focused Bliss Productions capturing it all. Splash! got the dance floor going and if these pics are any indication, the party never stopped.

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From the beautiful Bride… Some may call us high school sweethearts, since Greg and I were both students at Ridgewood High School in New Jersey when the sparks first flew. But it wasn’t until we were college sophomores in 2009 that we decided to take the plunge with a long-distance relationship. Greg attended Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania and I was at James Madison University in Virginia. We dated all through college, and then moved to New York City, where Greg pursued a career in finance and I started working in fashion PR. Over those first years, Greg and I switched jobs, apartments, and even spent some time apart to see what Manhattan single life was like. But we kept coming back to each other, and finally moved in together on the Upper West Side in 2013.

Greg proposed that Christmas. He surprised me at the Bozeman airport in Montana, where my family was spending the holiday. He was in cahoots with my parents on travel arrangements and had flown in the day before, unbeknownst to me. He asked me to marry him on a poster which he held above his head as I came down the airport escalator on the way to baggage claim. I was shocked and overjoyed.

Our engagement was special for many reasons. Greg had been planning to propose for weeks with the help of my beautiful mom, Carol. Sadly, my mom lost her seven-year battle with breast cancer on July 5, 2014. From the moment we got engaged (and let’s be honest, years before that), to days before she passed, my mom helped me create the most magical New Year’s Eve wedding. From venue scouting and dress shopping to hand picking the candelabras and table linens, she was with me almost every step of the way in the planning process. She was determined to make my wedding day the most special day of my life, no matter how sick she felt. I know she was able to celebrate our wedding too— just from another place.

On our wedding day, my Maid Of Honor gifted me with an oil painting created from a photo of my mom and me on the day we found my wedding dress. It’s the most special present I’ve ever received, and it reminded me that she was there with me that day, and always would be.

Greg and I were married on a beautifully sunny, crystal clear, albeit cold (20 degree) Newport day. While our teeth were chattering in first look photos, the adrenaline from the day kept us warm on our trolley ride around town. We were married at 7:00 on New Year’s Eve by a Rabbi and Pastor, and together, they officiated the most perfect ceremony which included both of our families’ religious backgrounds. During our reception, we barely stepped off the dance floor— it was packed all night long! Our incredible band, Splash!, played Auld Lang Syne and counted down as the clock struck midnight. It was, of course, my favorite New Year’s kiss to date!

2014 was a year we will never forget, but 2015 marked a fresh start for me, and more importantly, our new family.

Photography: Carrie Rodman Wedding Photography | Videography: Focused Bliss Productions | Wedding Planning: Bride | Floral Design: Toni Chandler | Wedding Dress: Wedding Salon Of Manhasset | Stationery: The Write Occasion | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Hair And Makeup: SERAI Beauty | Lighting: Gateway Productions | Band: Wilson Stevens | Transportation: Viking Tours | Wedding Venue: Regatta Place | Baked Goods: Scrumptions | Photography Editing: Sesha NYC/LA | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited | Wedding Rings: Corinne Jewelers

Set inside a gorgeous ballroom, overflowing with sparkling blush details, and helmed by a hilarious Groom and princess-lookalike Bride, there’s no way that this wedding from Eventfully Planned wasn’t going to be one for the books. After they said “I Do,” the Boston Common Band had guests dancing all night long, while M. Studios caught it all in the gallery right here. We know you want to, so take a peek!

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From M. Studios…They met at a bar called Snickers. Years later they married at Belle Mer. Along the way Jen and John had many adventures and fell madly in love with each other. Their wedding day invoked the beauty, romance and happiness that these two share. Jaime at Eventfully Planned made sure that no detail was left unattended which made our job that much easier. It also didn’t hurt that the talented makeup artists at Jennie Kay Beauty transformed Jen into the most beautiful Disney Princess. We are sure this isn’t the look Jen went into her makeup trial asking for but take a look at this stunning beauty and tell us that she’s not the fairest of them all! Some people say that all the groom has to do is show up on the wedding day, not THIS groom! John was just as involved as Jen. He knew the timeline by heart and kept us all on track and in stitches. This guy is truly the life of the party and so, so nice.

Before we even arrived at Belle Mer we traveled all around Newport with the talented David Bettencourt shooting video. Beginning at the Mill Street Inn, a former nineteenth century mill that combines historic charm with today’s modern luxuries, we captured the delicate details of Jen’s styling. John was a few suites away and we witnessed a sweet exchange of gifts between the bride and groom. We took a quick walk over to the grounds of Trinity Church for a first look and some formal portraits with the wedding party and then moved on to Ochre Court at Salve Regina. This stunning building serves as the administration building for the university but it’s like no administration building you’ve ever been to. Nestled among the incredible mansions of Newport’s Bellevue Avenue, Ochre Court was once the summer residence of a prominent New York banker. With hushed tones John and Jen stole some quiet moments and a private dance surrounded by details inspired by French Gothic chateaux and churches.

Next was Belle Mere for the ceremony with the sea and the Newport Bridge as the backdrop. Guests are always blown away by this venue. It’s absolutely breathtaking. Blooms by Broadway Florist enhanced the beauty of the cocktail hour and reception while the Boston Common Band had all of the guests dancing and partying into the night. To say we like this couple would be and understatement. We LOVE this couple!!

Photography: M.Studios | Event Planning: Eventfully Planned | Floral Design: Broadway Florist | Cake: Scrumptions | Reception Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Makeup: Jennie Kay beauty | Entertainment: Boston Common Band | Getting Ready: Mill Street Inn | Video: David Bettencourt

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Bands

Boston Common Band

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Show me a spring seaside wedding at the always beautiful Belle Mer and I’ll show you one happy bridal blogger. But add in not one, but two clips, from Long Haul Films and I’m now getting super comfortable to soak it all up. We have an abundance of glamour and romance right in front of us so let’s just settle on in for this big bundle of beauty with the pics and films below!

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From Long Haul Films… Long before Victoria slipped into that gorgeous Vera gown, we traveled to their Rhode Island home for their “I Love Us” film – not only did it give them a chance to share their sweepingly romantic story with the world, it gave us the chance to get to know Vic and Jay (and their cute little pups!). When their wedding day came around, we felt like we were spending time with old friends.

From the Bride… Think romance and think glamour! Those were the two words I was inspired by during the entire planning of the wedding. Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island was the first venue we looked at and booked it a day later. We wanted to get married on the water, but not in the sand so it was a perfect fit! The rest of the planning process was indeed a process. Like every bride, I had dreamed of my wedding dress since I was a little girl. I envisioned myself in a white princess ball gown. It wasn’t until after trying on approximately 30 dresses that I landed on a blush mermaid-style Vera Wang gown. The first dress I ever tried on was my favorite. So when I went back to try it on a second time at Vera Wang on Newbury Street in Boston , they no longer had the gown in the ivory color I loved. I tried on the blush dress, assuring my mother and sisters it was just for fit. All I remember is walking out of the dressing room with more excitement than anything I had felt with any of the other dresses. Before even turning around to look in the mirror, I screamed, “This is the one!” That’s how I ended up with the wedding color scheme.

All eight of my bridesmaids wore white, instead. I selected each girl’s Jim Hjelm dresses keeping their gorgeous, but different body types in mind. None of the girls saw their dresses until they were delivered a month prior to the wedding. I accessorized each bridesmaid with different jewelry and a stack of Sisco + Berluti bracelets – they’re my favorite! My handsome groom and groomsmen all wore custom-made Tom James suits. Jay wore a silver and blush pinstriped three-piece suit that complimented my gown to perfection. I wanted everyone to look and feel as good as I did.

On the evening of May 24, 2014, Jay and I enjoyed each other, our family, our friends and our hard work as we became husband and wife. The ceremony was so sentimental to us, because we included so many special people. Jay and I wrote the entire ceremony ourselves. A family friend married us, a cousin read a remembrance for Jay’s father and my grandmother, and two of our very dear friends spoke the kindest words about marriage and love. It was absolutely wonderful!

Just when we thought the night couldn’t get any more magical the reception started. The room décor was mostly white with little touches of pink and silver here and there. We danced the night away with DJ Charles Mercer and The World Premier Band. There is not a thing I would change about that night.

Photography: Long Haul Films | Cinematography: Long Haul Films | Floral Design: Broadway Florist | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Stationery: A Dollop Of Inspiration | Bridesmaids' Dresses: JLM Couture, Inc | Hair & Makeup : The Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel & Spa | DJ: DJ Charles Mercer | Band: World Premier Band | Groom's Attire: Tom James of New England | Hotel: The Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel & Spa | Wedding Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Bridal Boutique: Vera Wang | Bride's Jewelry: Sisco + Berluti

From their harbor-side ceremony, to the white bed of petals covering the ground, to exchanging vows underneath a crystal chandelier canopy, every detail of this Belle Mer affair planned in the hands of Details With Love is pure perfection. It’s bursting with Greenlion Floral + Event Design centerpieces and Paper Moss loveliness, and Person + Killian Photography has it waiting for you here!

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From Person + Killian Photography… Kristin + Rob chose the stunning Belle Mer for their wedding day, a perfect venue for a modern and chic wedding on the beautiful Newport seashore.

The late afternoon ceremony took place right outside on the pristine manicured grounds, overlooking the harbor. The bride walked down the aisle which was covered in a bed of white rose petals. The couple said their “I do’s” under a crystal chandelier and beautiful sheer white canopy.

As the sun started to set everyone moved inside for the cocktail party and evening reception. Kristin + Rob kept their color scheme neutral and elegant, a perfect compliment to Belle Mer salon’s classic white walls and pillars. Their decor was a mix of blush, champagne, white, and ivory. When we asked the bride to describe her inspiration for the wedding day, she said “modern, romantic, fresh, sophisticated, and chic”! The reception was glowing with floral hi-low centerpieces and white and gold candles, a perfect portrayal of Kristin’s vision.

There was a special after party in the Belle Mer island house with a taco truck waiting as guests entered. The lighting shifted to bright purple and blue highlights that provided a beautiful contrast to the dark night sky with delicate lanterns and uplighting.

Photography: Person + Killian Photography | Flowers: Greenlion | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Confectionery Designs | Hair + Makeup: Jennie Kay beauty | Entertainment: Night Rhythm | Wedding Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Event Planner + Stylist: Details with Love | Invitations + Paper Products: Paper Moss | Lighting + After-party DJ: Groove Entertainment | Linens + After-party Furniture: Rentals Unlimited | Taco Truck: Mijos Tacos

When you have a venue like Rosecliff Mansion, the actual site of the original Gatsby movie, it’s not even worth trying to compete with its epic beauty. Details with Love used it instead as inspiration, sprinkling shimmer and glamour all around, making Rosecliff and this gorgeous Bride shine even more. With Greenlion Design creating works of art and Shark Pig‘s fantastic film, we’re transported back to those good ole days and these pics are putting us in the mood for some serious champagne and celebrating.

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From Details with Love… He looked at her in a way every girl wanted to be looked at.

The opulence, the mystery, the sparkle! What’s old is new again. It was important to M to have that Gatsby-era “feel” but with a modern twist. The grand Rosecliff Mansion (the one chosen for the original Gatsby film) in Newport, with its beautiful gardens surrounding it, was the perfect setting. Inspired by Gatsby quotes, pictures and descriptions from the time period, elegant fashion, and nature.

It came together styled as a stunning blend of grandeur by Details with Love and the Bride and Groom sparkled and shined!

Some of our favorite details include stylish invites by Papers of Newport and flourishing hand calligraphy by Heather Belle Ink that set the tone for the evenings event. A sparkling champagne tower full of gold brimmed flutes greeted the guests as they entered a room filled with a glam color palette of champagne and gold. Gorgeous tables adorned in 1920’s inspired gilded centerpieces by Greenlion Design and sweet French inspired confections by Confectionery Designs.

Time to drink Champagne and dance on the table!

Videography: Sharkpig | Event Design: Details with Love | Event Planning: Details with Love | Floral Design: Greenlion | Wedding Dress: Inbal Dror | Invitations: Papers Of Newport | Bride's Shoes: Rene Caovilla | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Catering: Blackstone Catering | Calligraphy: Heather Belle Ink | Lighting: Ormonde Productions | Groom's Attire: Ermenegildo Zegna | Transportation: Rockstar Limo | Wedding Venue: Rosecliff Mansion | Bride's Hair Piece: Maria Elena | Confections: Confectionery Designs | Custom Paper Pieces: Rifle Paper Co. | Custom Welcome Gifts: Details with Love | Grooms Cufflinks: Tiffany & Co. | Grooms Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo | Music : Hank Lane Music | Photobooth: Candid Photo & Video Booth

My hubby and I are knee-deep in planning a little Newport babymoon, and this seaside lovefest from the lens of Judy Pak has me hoping springtime rolls around, STAT. It’s every New England bride’s dream come true, with carefully curated nautical moments alongside all-white blooms styled by Stoneblossom. Kick Tuesday off right here in the full gallery.

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From The Bride… When Dave and I got engaged and started to think about our dream wedding, we knew we wanted to plan an event that would be elegant and classic with whimsical, personal touches and most of all be relaxed and fun for our guests. We live and work in Manhattan and decided we thought it would be extra special to come up with a great weekend destination – somewhere that would get people out of the city but wouldn’t be too far away for most of our guests. I had vacationed in Newport with my family growing up and had recently been back to Castle Hill Inn which is just the most magical and beautiful place – I knew it would be perfect. Dave and I took a trip to Newport and he was immediately convinced- Newport and Castle Hill would give us that perfect elegant environment for the wedding, with lots of room for fun for our guests.

We worked with Joyce Holland of Stoneblossom Florals and she became an incredibly trusted adviser and friend in planning. We weren’t stuck on any particular types of flowers but we knew we wanted the environment to feel light and soft with some minimal seaside/nautical touches. She paired lots of white and green flowers with beautiful garden roses, anenomes and other seasonal varietals which gave the perfect flecks of color for our fall celebration. She brought in tons of candles, mercury glass and other beautiful additions like lanterns and aisle decor. She was our savior! To add to Joyce’s decoration, the crew at Exquisite Events handled lighting. We picked vintage chandeliers and swathed the tent with fabric to bring the ceiling down a little lower and give it that quaint, vintage feel.

We were very lucky to have Judy Pak as our photographer. We fell in love with Judy’s signature style – light and airy, dreamy images. She captured our day to a tee from the perfectly orchestrated “first look” to those little moments that only the most skilled photographers can catch. She is a true artist.

Our cake was created by Marc and Marie Soliday/ Confectionery Designs. It was spectacular! Marie worked with Joyce to replicate the flowers in my bouquet. We were blown away when we saw it. Plus it tasted delicious. We had a most excellent band – Big Mix with Joe Shane, we brought them up from NY. I had seen them perform at a wedding many years before and they always stuck in my head. They played classic covers and even backed my husband our friend up for a little impromptu Whitesnake performance.

There were many special and personal touches throughout the weekend. From our “message in a bottle” save the dates, to our Adirondack chair escort cards (to match Castle Hill’s signature chairs) to our personalized welcome bags and signature cocktail straws, and much more, Alana Jones-Mann outdid herself in our collaboration! Alana is the queen of whimsy and details and took our visions and made them realities. She also hand letter pressed our three-piece custom invitations and created a gorgeous presentation for when they arrived to our guest’s mailboxes.

Castle Hill could not have been a more perfect venue for us. With breathtaking seaside views, the mansion and semi-permanent tent set the scene for our dream wedding. The menu was exquisite and the service is unparalleled. After the reception in the tent we hosted an after party in the mansion where our guests partied into the night. Our wedding was truly a dream, we loved every second!

Photography: Judy Pak Studio | Wedding Coordinator: Castle Hill Inn | Florist: Stoneblossom Floral and Wedding Design | Wedding Dress: Lusan Mandongus | Bride's Shoes: Prada | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Caterer: Castle Hill Inn | Makeup Artist: Christopher Ardoff | Band: The Dream Team | Wedding Venue: Castle Hill Inn

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This darling duo has got the right idea. They kept their nuptials local and proceed to throw the ultimate outdoor bash. With family and friends in attendance, the evening was filled with seasonal farm-to-table bites, circus tents, tea lights, Toni Chandler Flowers And Events arrangements and endless love captured by Meghan Sepe. Take a peek at the gallery and Sky Sabin Productions film for more!

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From Meghan Sepe…This late summer real wedding hails from Newport, RI. Words to describe this day would be rustic, natural, romantic, youthful and pretty in pink. Their video is adorable and the bride’s blush Monique Lhuillier gown is totally awesome! 

From the beautiful Bride… Dan and I actually met a long time ago, socially, but we hadn’t crossed paths in several years. A few years ago, my mom (a personal trainer) was at the gym and ran into Dan who is a physical therapist. They hadn’t seen each other in ages and in catching up, Dan asked how I was and what I was up to now. Before long, my mom was going on and on about my business ventures, things I like to do, trips I’ve taken, how I love my dog …and that I was single. Turned out Dan was also single and after hearing so much about what we had in common personally and professionally, it took him no time to reach out.

We like to say we were “reintroduced” by my mom and set up a dog walk date. It might sound funny but it was really that simple – we knew right away we were going to be together.

We live in a pretty tight community in Newport, RI where everyone knows everyone, especially those who have lived here most their lives, like us. We are both 4th generation “Aquidneck Islanders,” and both of us have large social families, so planning a wedding was a bit of an adventure! Staying local was a priority for both of us and we were lucky to be able to use my aunt and uncle’s gorgeous sprawling lawn off a country road near the beach. We wanted to throw a beautiful outdoor bash and include as many friends and family as we possibly could.

Our menu was seasonally farm-to-table and the circus tents, tea lights, wine barrels and heavy rustic tables were a perfect fit for the country, natural feel we were going for. We’re a goofy bunch, so we made an effort to keep the atmosphere laid back and fun, but also grown up and sentimental. Friends and family all helped out with hand painted signs or bailing hay, even making the cake – and EVERYONE was on the dance floor! It all came together beautifully and the celebration went well into the wee hours.

I’ve dreamt of  my wedding day since childhood and can honestly say it was hands down the happiest day of my life! I got to marry my best friend surrounded by loved ones at a place we call home… It doesn’t get any better than that.

Photography: Meghan Sepe Photography | Videographer: Sky Sabin Productions | Florist: Toni Chandler | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: Glorious Affairs | Makeup: Braelyn Anton | Groomsmen's Attire: Zara | Bridesmaid's Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Cupcakes/ Sweets: Newport Sweet Shoppe | Planner/ Coordinator: Exquisite Events | Private Home: Newport RI | Rentals: New England Country Rentals

Their morning coffee was made monumental when this Groom got down on one knee, and with family and friends in attendance the wedding that followed was marvelous. Details With Love was behind the wildly elegant day filling tables with Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design blooms, while Steve DePino snapped up every sweet moment right here!

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From Steve DePino… Kurt and Alex met on February 27, 2010 at Elizabeth in SoHo (now called The Musket Room). Kurt was attending his roommate’s going away party and Alex was there for a former co-worker’s half-marathon fundraiser. In the whirlwind of people that night, they somehow started talking and realized that not only did they work in the same industry, but also knew several people in common. The time flew by and suddenly it was time to leave their respective parties. While Kurt tried to convince Alex to leave her friends and join his party for the rest of the evening, she declined and he settled for her phone number instead. The following Monday, Alex received a text from Kurt asking her to meet up for a drink later that Wednesday. Alex wanted to accept the invitation, but was embarrassed that she couldn’t even recall his name, only pieces of their conversation. Alex decided that if she could figure out a way to properly internet stalk Kurt on Facebook, then she would accept the date. After scanning through nearly 600 Facebook friends of one of the friends they had discovered they had in common Alex spotted Kurt’s smile and decided that, now that she knew his name, she would go out with him. Alex arrived 15 minutes late (per usual) for their date that Wednesday at Cibar in Gramercy Park and Kurt already had a drink waiting for her (smart man!). The chemistry was immediate as the conversation, jokes and banter flowed very naturally. The night ended with Kurt and Alex’s first kiss and the start to one of their very first inside jokes.

Alex and Kurt knew that they would get married very early in their relationship, but wanted to wait until the moment was right to get engaged. Alex had always told Kurt that she wanted to be surprised when he popped the question, although at the same time she was getting a little anxious about when he would finally ask. With her radar on, Alex was pretty sure there was no way she would be surprised but alas Kurt found the one time, when all her guard was down, to ask her to be his wife. It was a typical Sunday morning; Kurt ran out to get their morning coffee at Le Pain Quotidian while Alex watched Fareed Zakaria GPS. When Kurt came back with the coffee he cracked a few jokes and before she knew it Kurt had put a ring on her finger. (Alex likes to remind Kurt that he didn’t actually ask, and her father says the same thing about when Kurt asked him for Alex’s hand!). Together they called all of their friends and family and went to ABC Cocina to celebrate.

Some of our favorite moments of the wedding were when Kurt’s dad threw Alex’s dad a box of tissues mid-speech because it showed how well our families get along and how we all share the same fun-loving sense of humor.

Alex smiling and giggling the whole way down the aisle because she was so excited to marry Kurt and because she was so happy to have all the most important people in our lives there to celebrate this wonderful occasion with them. It was really nice that almost everyone in attendance really knew both of us as individuals and as a couple.

Looking around and seeing all of their wonderful family and friends out on the dance floor having a ball including the Bride’s 92 year-old great Aunt (Alex’s paternal grandmother’s sister)! Alex’s paternal grandparents are no longer with us, but she is certain that the wedding was a party they would have loved and that they were toasting us with martinis from heaven. Looking around at how beautiful Champ Soleil looked. It is such a special place and we are eternally grateful to Alex’s uncles Kenny & Josh for offering their home to us for the occasion.

Welcoming Alex’s dad into the “sleeveless tuxedo club” despite the objections of some in attendance.

The sun that poked through the ominous storm clouds as we said our vows.

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Photography: Steve DePino | Event Planner + Designer: Details With Love | Photography – Assistance: Lauren Ann Isleib | Photography – Assistance: Paul McNerney | Floral Design: Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design | Wedding Dress: Reem Acra | Cake: Confectionery Designs | Reception Venue: Champ Soleil | Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bracelet: Mikimoto | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Blackstone Catering | Tux: Sean Vokshoor, Zohreh Inc | Earrings: Crislu 

Here’s how you plan the world’s best wedding: choose a fabulous locale like Belle Mer, assemble an amazing team of vendors that includes Sweet Monday Photography, Sayles Livingston Flowers, Jennie Fresa, Roseville Designs and The White Dress By The Shore and then dance the night away with the one you love to the amazing beats of Ripcord.  Ahhh… perfection.  Join me in the gallery for more.

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From The Bride… Matt and I met skiing in Killington, Vermont just a few weeks after Matt made the move back to the East Coast from California. We were friends at first, but it took Matt sending me to the emergency room for the real sparks to fly. It was a snowy night in Boston, where Matt and I both live, and Matt happened to slip, taking me down with him and the rest is history. A few weeks later, we went on our first date, and a couple of years later, Matt proposed. The proposal was on a perfectly magical fall weekend in Killington.

When we started planning for the wedding, we knew that we would have many friends and family traveling from near and far, so we wanted to pick a place where we knew our guests would not only enjoy our wedding day but also enjoy our wedding location. We started looking all over New England, and it wasn’t until I remembered all of my memories in Newport, Rhode Island that we considered Belle Mer. Newport, RI is one of those most beautiful cities that we have both come to love – the town is surrounded by water, and offers so much for guests to see and explore. Newport has so much to offer. From the cliff walk, where you can view the beautiful mansions of the Gilded Age, to Thames Street that is filled with shops and restaurants. When we visited Belle Mer, we both knew immediately that we could not imagine getting married any place else. The views are absolutely breathtaking. The Island House seemed to match our personalities and the overall feel we wanted for our wedding – modern and sophisticated, but also timeless and intimate.

After we both choose the location and the date, I then took over and started the journey to find the vendors I wanted to work with to make our day perfect. I have always been passionate about event planning, and while I was not the type of girl that always dreamt of her wedding day, I did always dream about the man I wanted to marry. I put Matt in charge of the band and the honeymoon. I started the rest of the planning by looking at wedding blogs, like Style Me Pretty, to get inspired. I focused on finding vendors that impressed me by what they do, but also had a true sense of kindness and a passion for their craft to make our day unforgettable. This led me to find Beth and her team at The White Dress by the Shore, Callie and her team at Modern Trousseau, Maureen & Emily thru Jennie Fresa, Sandy from Roseville Designs, Sayles from Sayles Livingston floral design, Amanda ‘The Scribblist’ on Etsy, Kiera from Sweet Kiera cookies, and last but certainly not least, April & Lindsay from Sweet Monday Photography. And of course, we were beyond lucky to have Samantha to help with all of the wedding coordination at Belle Mer. I also felt so incredibly lucky to have my Mom, bridesmaids, as well as all these fantastic vendors all by my side .

While I was not inspired by a theme, I found myself inspired by looking back at old wedding photos from my family. I wanted to have a traditional and classic ceremony, but I wanted the overall décor to be more fresh & modern. For the décor, I ended up feeling very inspired by the sea, and created my vision around sea glass. After landing on this look and feel for our wedding, I started by finding a wedding dress and then moved on to the details. For my dress, the ladies at TWD helped me find the perfect look! I ended up with a more modern silk gown from Modern Trousseau. I customized the gown by adding a full tulle overlay skirt that opened in the front and sheer tulle wrap that I wore during the ceremony. I felt like the most beautiful bride. I accessorized my gown with my Mom’s lace veil, wore my Grandmother’s vintage watch, and carried my other Grandmother’s bible with me as I walked down the aisle.

Beyond finding and working on making the perfect dress, I spent endless hours working on small customized details. I really wanted to make sure that our guests felt welcome and a part of our day. April and Lindsay did an amazing job capturing shots of all of these lovely details, and I could not be happier with how pretty everything looked! Our wedding day was a dream come true and one we will never forget. We had beautiful weather, a beautiful location and celebrated with our loved ones! My only wish is that we could do it all over again and that I could do this for a living!

Photography: Sweet Monday Photography | Floral Design: Sayles Livingston Design | Wedding Dress: The White Dress by the shore | Wedding Dress: Modern Trousseau | Cake: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Invitations: Roseville Designs | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Donna Morgan | Make-up: Jennie Fresa Brow & Beauty Bar | Hair Stylist: Emily Reale | Calligraphy: V Calligraphy | Band: Ripcord | Groom's Attire: Alton Lane | Island House At Belle Mer: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue

Newport will forever hold a special place in my heart. It’s the gorgeous setting for my very own wedding next summer, so I get a wee bit excited when a Newport seaside soiree makes it way across my desk. Case in point? This beautiful bash planned by the team at Eventfully Planned. Its filled to the gills with nautical goodness and a beautifully classic white tent from Newport Tent Company. Photographer, Lisa Rigby made sure no detail went uncaptured—and the proof is in the pretty gallery!

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From the beautiful Bride…Tyler and I wanted a Rhode Island summer wedding on the ocean, but we did not have a particular venue in mind. We both grew up in RI, and both had been to Fort Adams many times for soccer games, concerts, and road races. But we were unaware that weddings could be hosted on the picturesque grounds until we began researching venues. As soon as we stepped into the beautiful stone casemates, which are a part of the original fortress, with their arched ceilings and brick floors, and we looked out the large windows towards the Newport Harbor, we knew we wanted our ceremony to be held in the fort and our reception on the grounds outside facing the harbor.

Once we had chosen our Newport destination, all of our decisions regarding décor, flowers, and colors began to fall into place. We wanted to create an ambiance of casual elegance with romantic vintage touches, while staying true to the setting, and chose a color scheme of sea foam and blush. We opted for a combination of round tables and farm tables to further the casual, vintage vibe. Over the year and a half planning process, I collected old turquoise medicine bottles for vases, a variety of chalkboards, and different sized mercury candle votives. We wanted local, seasonal flowers and were thrilled with the variety of blush, soft pink, and peach dahlias that covered the tables. The different touches came together beautifully. It really was stunning on the day of our wedding to walk through the tent and see all of the hundreds of tiny decisions we made throughout the process, all come together with the sparkling ocean and slowly lowering sun in the background, with all of our friends and family together in one place to celebrate.

We truly had the best day and most amazing weekend, from our stay at the Adele Turner Inn, which we will now visit for years and years to come, to our boat ride over to Fort Adams, to our wonderful and touching ceremony, to closing out the evening with surprise fire works that just happened to be going off directly across the harbor. It was the perfect day and we feel so fortunate to have had such an amazing wedding to start our marriage.

Photography: Lisa Rigby Photography | Design: Exquisite Events | Event Planning: Eventfully Planned | Floral Design: Toni Chandler | Cake: Queen B Cakery | Catering: Plantation Catering | Makeup: Spectrum Makeup Artistry by Jennifer Hodge | Band: Eric Bloom Band | Ceremony Music: Gig Masters - PartyPosh | Transportation: Fisher Bus Company | Tent: Newport Tent Company | Bridal Party Water Transport: Oldport Marine Services | Candy Station: Party Pants | Ceremony & Reception: Fort Adams | Getting Ready: Adele Turner | Lemonade Cart: Del's Lemonade | Rentals: New England Country Rentals

When a hurricane misses you by one day, giving way to the most picturesque skies imaginable, I’m pretty sure some major luck is on your side. I adore Belle Mer; add in elegant florals and candlelight and it just shines. April K Photography and Ready Set Film captured everything but the smell of the sea, but if you spend some time in the full gallery, you may just start to feel a ocean breeze before long.

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From The Bride…Jake and I attended the same college together in Boston, but met many years after graduation and became fast friends. After a couple of years of friendship, our relationship developed into something more… just as Jake was accepted at a California graduate school. We decided to both make the 3,000 mile move to northern California and it was the best decision we’ve ever made. We had a thousand adventures throughout our time on the west coast – many of which included day and weekend trips to Napa and Sonoma!

After we got engaged (4 years and another cross country move back to Boston later) we were deciding between a local wedding in New England vs. a destination wedding in California. Ultimately we decided to have the wedding near our home and families. We envisioned finding a venue with a blank canvas so that we could create an elegant wedding with vintage touches throughout. We instantly fell in love with Belle Mer’s neutral palate, open space, high ceilings, and perfectly manicured lawn. We booked a wedding on July 5th.

After Hurricane Arthur rolled through on July 4th, the skies cleared and everything about our day was sunny and perfect. Our vendors made planning a breeze! Moira from Stoneblossom took my vision of combining the vintage feel and neutral palate of California wine country with the modern elegance of Belle Mer. My mom sowed a piece of my childhood blanket into my dress as my “something old” and my grandmother gave me a beautiful diamond necklace to wear that my grandfather had given her years ago. My father surprised us by writing a welcome toast using a metaphor about “filling a mug” with adventures, love, laughter, and children – everyone in the wedding received an actual mug with our photo on it as a favor.

Because of the hurricane, the July 4th fireworks were cancelled and rescheduled to take place on our wedding day. One of the most memorable moments of our wedding was when the fireworks began and our entire party watched them together outside. Jake and I toasted our marriage with a glass of champagne and went inside to dance the night away with all our family and friends. It was truly a magical day!

Photography: April K Photography | Flowers: Stoneblossom | Wedding Gown: Judd Waddell | Reception Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Shoes: Michael Kors | Bridesmaids Dresses: Love Lane | Calligraphy: Jan Garver Of Jan Script | Ties: Bows And Ties | Men's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Hair Piece: Vintage Hair Pins | Music: Wilson Stevens | Signage/ Menu/ Programs: Just My Type | Video: readyset[film]

There’s no doubt that the New England coast is sprinkled with lots of lovely locations boasting beautiful waterfront views. But Newport? It’s a dream. And it’s one of my personal faves. So when Grazier Photography and EFD Creative sent over this coastal soiree, I couldn’t wait to peruse the gallery. Bonus? Long Haul Films is taking us through every moment of this day in their sweet film below.

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From Grazier Photography…The soft pink, lavender, and white color palette was a perfect compliment to a fresh early June day. The combination of Charlene’s gorgeous look and fun attitude with Max’s classic style and confidence made for really fun portraits. Their day was planned to allow them to enjoy it without being rushed. We loved that Max and Charlene chose to walk each other down the aisle to enter their ceremony: it was a beautiful way to begin a marriage!

From EFD Creative – Event Planning & Design… The venue set the tone for the wedding of Charlene and Max. This European-style mansion embodied the feel of old time romance. From the moment you pull into the estate driveway you instantly go back in time. The goal was to fuse together the unique setting along with incorporating the personalities of the couple.

The lawn overlooking the ocean was the location for the ceremony, the views were spectacular especially on this perfect day. During the cocktail hour guests were treated to refreshments and lawn games along with oysters and unique tasting from Australia the brides homeland. The patio off the back held the intimate dinner and was styled with soft tones of pinks and creams and purple. The draping and lighting helped create a comfortable setting. The detailed touches from the menu, table numbers, cake pops – that doubled as favors and place cards were designed to match the look and put their personal stamp on the event.

As the sun went down, the colors in the sky, along with the lighting on the patio which included uplights and string lights came to life, and the with a fire pit for s’mores you could not dream up a more romantic elegant illuminating view.

From the beautiful Bride… As soon as we walked into The Chanler in Newport, RI we knew that it was the perfect venue for our wedding. It had ocean views; a beautiful mansion set on top of a cliff and was the perfect size for the intimate wedding we envisioned. Food is very important to us and we wanted our wedding to feel like an elegant dinner party with delicious and plentiful food. Being Australian, it was also a great way to incorporate my Australian background into the festivities and The Chanler went above and beyond to accommodate this by making Australian meat pies and serving our signature cocktail, Lemon Lime and Bitters, which our guests loved.

I also love flowers and wanted grand, romantic floral arrangements. Flowers by Semia captured my ideas flawlessly and the mix of tall and low centerpieces was so gorgeous, it was hard to leave them at the end of the day. I tried to take home as many arrangements as possible!

We are so grateful to Edna from EFD Creative – Event Planning & Design who helped put together every single detail for our day. She was such a great help in organizing our wedding that we were even able to buy a house a week before our wedding! During the wedding, we did not have to worry about anything logistical, we were able to enjoy it stress free surrounded by friends and family. It truly was one of the happiest days of our lives.

Photography: Grazier Photography | Event Design: EFD Creative - Event Planning & Design | Wedding Planning: EFD Creative - Event Planning & Design | Florist: Flowers By Semia | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: The Cupcakerie | Invitations: Allure Invitations | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Makeup: Lynn Liu Makeup | Hair: Fringe Salon | Favors: Amy's Apples | Officiant: Sacred Spirit Sanctuary | Venue: The Chanler At Cliff Walk | Lighting & Draping: Exquisite Events | Music: Jazz In The Air | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited | Video: Long Haul Films

Classic with the perfect hint of modern elegance, this stunning Belle Mer soiree from as seen through the lens of Kate McElwee is one seriously stylish way to start your work week. Sprinkled with beautiful details that really wow and so much love, this gallery will have you pinning the day away. See exactly what I mean here.

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When looking for a wedding venue, we wanted to find a place that expressed who we are, a Southern California girl and classic New England boy. We knew we had found the spot the moment we stepped inside The Salon at Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island. The clean white palate, stunning chandeliers, and waterfront setting left us speechless.

Our goal was to create a spectacular party for our closest friends and family, while honoring the importance of our marriage. We kept the guest list intimate and opted for no bridal party. We wanted our friends and family to enjoy the day on their own terms, wearing outfits of their choosing. I asked a small group of my closest girlfriends to be “honorary bridesmaids” for the day. We all went to a Barre Pulse class in the morning and then laughed over champagne while I got ready.

We left our color palate fairly neutral, opting for black, gold, and white, with a pop of red, drawing inspiration from Old Hollywood glamour. And nothing is more glamorous than a Vera Wang wedding gown! My dress was utterly outrageous and so exquisite, it still gives me goosebumps. I paired it with non-traditional Christian Louboutin black heels, a Valentine’s Day gift from very thoughtful husband.

Nate looked so handsome in his custom fit Alton Lane midnight blue tuxedo with a silver paisley lining, a tribute to his adorable goddaughter, Paisley. Complete with patent leather Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, he looked like he stepped right off the red carpet.

Unfortunately no great love story is complete without tragedy. We were heart struck as we watched the Boston Marathon bombings unfold on the Monday of our wedding week. It put into sharp focus the brevity of life and the importance of every moment. Our wedding became a pillar of hope and strength among the sadness and chaos.

On such a monumental day we made sure to surround ourselves with people we truly respect and love, including our vendors. To say that our photographer, Kate McElwee, was phenomenal would be an understatement. She was a breath of fresh air amongst the stress and nerves of the day. From reminding me to eat, lending me her flats for our “rock climbing adventure,” and snapping hundreds of photos in the wind and rain she truly is a “kick ass photographer.”

Our last minute decision to add a videographer was epic! McKenzie Miller, the sweetest, most humble woman, captured our day perfectly and has allowed us to experience our wedding all over again…and again…and again.

The team at Belle Mer was remarkable. They easily adapted to our last minute decision to move the ceremony inside and had the room reset and ready for our reception without missing a beat. Our guests were floored by their impeccable service and attention to detail.

No great party is complete without an awesome soundtrack and DJ Seth Isaacs went above and beyond our greatest expectations. Nate and I danced the night away to all of our favorite jams, ecstatic to be Mr. and Mrs.

Photography: Kate McElwee Photography | Videography: McKenzie Miller Films | Florist: Hanaya Floral | Cake: Momofuku Milk Bar | Bride's Shoes: Louboutin | Bridesmaids' Dresses: N/a | Hair: Jennie Kay beauty | DJ: Seth Isaacs | Officiant: Victoria Burdick | Bride's Gown: Vera Wang | Ceremony & Reception: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Ice Cream: Ben And Jerry's | Invitation Suite: Lettering By Liz | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Photobooth: Photobooth Planet | Popcorn: FunFlicks

You know those weddings that’ll be just as utterly chic today as they are 10 years from now? Well this, my dears, is that kind of wedding. It’s a timeless Belle Mer ballroom affair complete with florals from Greenlion Design, invitations by Christina D’asaro Design, and gorgeous photos all thanks to Suzanna March. See more right here!

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From Christina D’asaro Design… Every last detail at Cristina and John’s elegant wedding at Belle Mer, in Newport Rhode Island was just perfect, as beautifully captured by the talented Suzanna March Photography.

Custom save the dates set the tone, with a full color photograph of the venue, and a custom monogram. Invitation suites were letterpress printed on a luxurious white cotton paper stock, with grey ink, and included custom designed patterned envelope liners. Day-of paper details included escort cards and signage (including a framed sign honoring the father of the bride, who hand-crafted the incredible farm table!), as well as menus and programs. Cristina even incorporated the custom monogram into the favors – adorable mason jars complete with ingredients & a recipe for homemade cookies! It was such an honor to work with this very special and loving couple on all of the pretty paper pieces for their extraordinary wedding.

Congratulations again, Cristina and John!

Photography: Suzanna March Photography | Floral Design: Greenlion | Wedding Dress: Saks Fifth Avenue | Invitations: Christina D'Asaro Design | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Hair & Makeup: Jennie Kay beauty | Band: Night Rhythm | Ceremony Music: Gig Masters - PartyPosh | Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue

A Newport mansion wedding is basically a dream come true for me. I can’t think of a more elegant or timeless place to say I do. So when I opened this stunning Rosecliff Mansion wedding beautifully captured by Studio Atticus Photography, I had to catch my breath. With gorgeous florals from Sayles Livingston Flowers and details that will stand the test of time, this gallery is sure to take your breath away too.

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From Studio Atticus Photography… Geneva and John’s wedding was one of the most moving weddings I have ever documented. John’s first wife passed away and left him with their sweet daughter, Kaitlyn. I can only imagine what Kaitlyn experienced due to the sudden absence of her mother. Childhood loss is a baffling and overwhelming experience. On many occasions leading up to the wedding, I thought about Kaitlyn and wondered how she would respond to the impending celebration.

Throughout the course of the wedding day, it became apparent to me that Geneva had truly embraced Kaitlyn as her own daughter. She took time out of her own preparations to focus on Kaitlyn’s needs, giving her affection and treating her as a very special part of the morning. During the ceremony, Geneva surprised Kaitlyn with a little ring of her own, and during the reception John and Kaitlyn shared a father daughter dance. At one point in the afternoon while speaking to Kaitlyn, I referred to Geneva by her first name and Kaitlyn immediatly corrected me, saying “No-it’s Mommy”. Clearly Kaitlyn had welcomed Geneva as her mother as well.

Geneva and John also made sure to remember Kaitlyn’s mother on the wedding day. In lieu of favors, a donation was made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in her honor. The thoughtfulness that had been attended to in order to simultaneously pay loving tribute to one family and also create a beautiful new one nearly brought me to tears numerous times during the event. Life is such a glorious construction of sorrow, joy, creation, and loss, and this jubilant day seemed like a perfect illustration of all of those things.

Photography: Studio Atticus Photography | Floral Design: Sayles Livingston Design | Catering: Plantation Catering | Hair Stylist: Brady Brumfield of James Joseph Salon | Wedding Venue: Rosecliff Mansion | Bridal Prep At: The Chanler At Cliff Walk | Bride's Makeup: Stacey Frasca | Invitations And All Paper Products: Chandra Wroblewski | Reception Music: Wilson Stevens

I’m a major fan of Rhode Island and it’s for reasons like this chic affair. A seaside wedding that so embodies the classic beauty of New England along with a healthy dose of prep. It’s a combo that Rhodi does so, so well and with the help of Greenlion Design along with elegance folded into every blushing detail, this gallery captured by Melissa Robotti is where it’s at.

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From the Bride… We define our wedding theme as “simple, New York City prep” – the style marriage of two NYC professionals and their New England roots. It was important to us that this nautical elegance also included some more personal experiences, as the typical Newport wedding experience is a story already told. Our photographer, Melissa, took us to the daffodil fields on the Newport Cliffwalk for pictures (as opposed to the standard mansion and ocean shots). This field only blooms for about one week out of the year, so it’s not every day that other brides get these gorgeous shots. As for the reception details, personal touches like pylons were created by the bride’s parents (and of course with the help of our florist) to bring in the nautical feel to each table and carry through the simple elegance. What resulted was a beautiful uniqueness and fabulous day of celebration that we’ll have in our hearts forever!

Photographer: Melissa Robotti Photography | Florist: Greenlion | Wedding Dress: Liv Harris | Invitations: WedSpring | Ceremony Venue: St. Lucys Church | Church: St. Lucys Church | Reception Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Jewelry: La Bijouterie | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Donna Morgan | Hair And Makeup: SERAI Beauty | Calligraphy: Amanda Masson | Band: Night Rhythm | Ties: Vineyard Vines | Suits: 9tailors | Save The Dates: Preppy Paperie

Newport is one of my favorite places on the planet, so when I see a party from that pretty little city by the sea, I can barely contain my excitement. Particularly when it’s as gorgeous as this beauty captured by Sabrina Scolari. Filled to the brim with some of the most steal-worthy details, every image sitting in this gallery deserves your undivided attention – and you can get to swooning here.

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From The Bride…Courtney and Tony’s romantic journey around the world began almost three years ago. The couple had always spoken about traveling to Paris one day after Courtney fell in love with the city while studying abroad. Tony—who has traveled just about everywhere in the world, but Paris—had been waiting to visit the city once he met a very special girl.

And meet—they did. The couple began dating in February 2011 and over a year later, Tony decided it was time to make that special trip. On April 11th, 2011, Courtney thought it was just an average day. Little did she know that Tony would pick her up from work with a suitcase packed and surprise her with a trip to Paris.

Courtney and Tony set out on a private tour of the city and Versailles during their first full day in the city. They experienced the beauty of Luxembourg Garden, the architectural masterpiece known as L’Arc de Triomphe among many other monuments, and then set out for Versailles where they toured the gardens. As the day came to a close, there was one last stop they would make on their way back home—a trip to Parc de Saint-Cloud where they would overlook the city and reflect upon their incredible journey.

Their journey was just beginning there. As the couple looked out over the city, Tony got down on one knee and asked Courtney for her hand in marriage. An ecstatic Courtney screamed “yes!” and the celebrations began.

The couple have continued their around-the-world journey together during their 15-month engagement, which they have spent in London. Tony, a Lawyer for Latham & Watkins, and Courtney, an Account Director for McCann Erickson Advertising, knew that New England would be the perfect location to return and reunite with friends and family for their summer 2013 wedding. The couple—who have strong ties to Boston, the city where they fell in love, and Newport, where they spent much of their time—worked with many Boston and Newport creatives to help bring their romantic, summer wedding to life. The couple focused on the unique little details they knew would be enjoyed by friends and family. Highlights include: custom boarding pass wedding invitations, wedding time capsules, a grooms’ football garter belt toss, and many more.

Photography: Sabrina Scolari | Floral Design: John Orton Design | Wedding Dress: L'elite Boston | Makeup: Dani Wagener Beauty | Hair: Lindsay Griffin | DJ: Moondance Productions | Photobooth: ShutterBooth | Trolley: Viking Trolley of Newport