Rhode Island Weddings

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!

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 

I’ve lived in New England for seven years now, and this wedding reminds me why I fell in love with the area in the first place. Summers here are magical and this celebration captured that spirit perfectly, from the colorful hydrangeas to the nautical charm. Rupert Whiteley worked magic behind the lens and I’ll be spending quality time in this gallery, fondly thinking of summer days, as we head into the weekend.

From The Bride… My husband and I would both agree we never really believed in the “love-at-first-sight” phenomenon…until December of 2011 when we met while working in NYC. Seven months later Tim and I were engaged; one year after that we were married. Now we’re officially believers.

I grew up in Massachusetts where my summers were filled with New England beaches, charming coastal roads lined with hydrangeas, backyard family cook-outs, lobster boils, run down clam-shacks with ocean views, Red Sox games, sparklers and arguably the best fireworks in the country. Though we didn’t know each other then, my future husband, a Colorado native, also spent his summers in New England. His family had traveled all the way from Colorado to the same vacation home in Little Compton, RI since his grandfather had been a child.

When Tim and I got engaged in Newport, RI the summer of 2012 we knew right away that Rhode Island was the perfect location for us to begin our life together. With our wedding date set for 4th of July weekend the following year, we wanted to plan a celebration that would reflect who we were as a couple, honor our families and our heritage, and encompass all of the things we cherished so much about the New England summers we had grown up with.

We fell in love with historical Mount Hope Farm in Bristol, RI immediately and quickly chose the waterside Cove Cabin location as the ideal setting for both our outdoor ceremony and reception. Working with Russell Morin Fine Catering was one of the best decisions we made. Our wedding coordinator worked closely with us to create a menu that invoked memories of backyard grilling, clambakes, and lobster boils, complete with steamed littleneck clams and a New England clam chowder demitasse. For flowers we knew we wanted to go with local choices. Hydrangeas grow everywhere you look in Rhode Island and in abundant colors. We worked with Paula Conway of Conway Florals in Middleton, RI who put together the perfect combination of blue and white hydrangeas for our centerpieces and the bridesmaids’ bouquets. For my bouquet she incorporated white hydrangeas into a delicate blend of blush roses, stephanotis and lily-of-the-valley.

My family is of Irish and Scottish heritage. I wanted to honor my family by incorporating a few traditions into the ceremony and the day. Before walking down the aisle, my sister and Maid of Honor fastened a Celtic knot brooch to my bouquet as a sign of good luck. My mother gave me an Irish lace handkerchief to tuck in my hand. Traditionally, this handkerchief is then sewn into a bonnet for the Baptism of the couple’s first born child. In lieu of a bridal march, I had a Scottish bagpiper lead my father and me down the aisle to the “Flower of Scotland” (the unofficial anthem of Scotland). Thistles, the national flower of Scotland, were woven into the bridesmaids’ bouquets, the groom’s boutonniére and the flower arrangements along the aisle. After the exchange of rings, our pastor performed a traditional Irish hand-fasting ceremony in which fabric or cords are placed over the couples’ hands and a knot is tied to “bind” their lives together. This tradition gave rise to the popular phrase, “to tie the knot.” For our ceremony we chose fabric and cords that had sentimental value to both of us (lace from my mother’s wedding gown, a cord from my husband’s baby sweater, pieces of family tartan, etc.) Friends played traditional Irish and Scottish music before and after the ceremony on guitar and fiddle.

At the reception our guests were greeted with their names on navy blue and white place cards tied carefully to white starfish, which had been carefully assembled by just about every member of the groom’s family in the weeks prior to the wedding. Walkways were lined with silver lanterns and the tables were topped with glass candle holders filled with sand. As a special dessert, we offered guests red lollipops in the shape of lobsters. Despite the record heat and humidity of that weekend, our guests danced the night away while holiday fireworks sparkled in the distance over the Narragansett Bay.

Our wedding was a beautiful blend of traditions, the joining of two amazing families and most importantly the start of our new family and the beginning of so many new memories to come. We are so grateful to all of those who helped us and supported us throughout all of our planning. A special thank you to Rupert Whiteley Photography for so perfectly capturing all of our special moments.

Photography: Rupert Whiteley Photography | Flowers: Conway Florals | Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller | Wedding Cake: Russell Morin Fine Catering | Invitations: Cricket Printing | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: Russell Morin Fine Catering | Hair and Makeup: New Leaf Salon | DJ: John Bellagamba | Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Tent: Newport Tent Company | Bagpiper: Gig Masters - PartyPosh | Bridal Veil: Sara Gabriel | Ceremony and Reception Venue: Mount Hope Farm | Decorations, Favors And Ornaments: Coastal Coves | Fiddler/Violinist: Caitlin Warbelow | Guitarist: Kyle Sanna | Music: Allison Barber

This Mount Hope Farm affair? Well, it’s both lovely and innately personal. Perhaps it’s the Scrabble loving sweeties and their heritage-honoring ceremony, or the local Robin Hollow Farm succulent favors, or even the vintage VW van. All I know for certain is that when you combine Photo Booth Planet, Dream Images, and Erin McGinn, you’ll have a plenty of moments to cherish here.

From Erin McGinn Photography… Rinee and Dan had the prettiest multi-cultural wedding at Mount Hope Farm in Bristol, Rhode Island full of bright colors, rustic details, and sweet farm-style!

From the beautiful Bride… We envisioned a celebration that was all about our family and friends coming together. We wanted to celebrate (and share!) the natural beauty of Dan’s home state celebrating the natural setting. We wanted a relaxed, weekend-long celebration with plenty of opportunities for us to connect with our guests and them with each other. We wanted it to feel intimate and personal while showcasing our love of good food, drink and music through the festivities.

The first time we saw our venue it was a gloomy, torrentially rainy January afternoon, but we both fell in love at first sight. We loved that it’s community property, with such rich history — and that it’s a working farm! The day we visited, there was a farmer’s market in the barn, a fiddler happily playing melodies, and lights strung up from an earlier event – we were sold. The fact that there was an Inn on property was absolutely perfect!

We wanted our ceremony to be short and sweet, highly personal and with a good dose of humor thrown in. We also wanted to include some traditional Hindu elements to reflect Rinee’s heritage – without getting overly religious. We loved the idea of an outdoor ceremony in the gardens, and using a door – a symbol of new beginnings, journeys and adventures – as the arbor. Rinee’s childhood friend officiated, and Rinee’s dad took the couple through the traditional seven steps with the fire blazing in the background on an antique pedestal that Len & Nancy provided from their home. We also exchanged flower garlands handmade by Rinee’s mom, Ruby. We prepared our own vows to ensure they’d be personally meaningful.

We hand-wrote our escort cards on beautifully designed craft paper tags with ribbons in our wedding colors – corals, blues and greys. Cards were strung up between two old ladders along with a few photos from our engagement shoot on the lovely ocean drive in Newport. We had framed family photos on the mantle over the fireplace in the barn – for us, this was an important symbol of two families coming together. Our table numbers were spelled out in scrabble tiles – we both love the game and I’m a big fan of words.

We had small potted succulents lining the bookshelves as favors – we loved the idea of giving our guests something natural and local – grown right in the area (Robin Hollow Farm).

We wanted to capture our guests having fun – so we had a vintage VW photo-bus, Chloe, complete with zany props like a rubber chicken to ensure our guests would have a chance to get silly – and could leave messages for us along with the photo strips as our guest book.

Photography: Erin McGinn | Videography: Dream Images | Floral Design: Robin Hollow Farm | Wedding Dress: Mika Inatome | Invitations: Ala Carte Studio | Catering: Russell Morin Fine Catering | Hair & Makeup: Ali Lomazzo Beauty | DJ: Nelson Cruz | Ceremony Music: Jordan Tice | Wedding Venue: Mount Hope Farm | Decor: Ryan Designs | Photobooth: Photobooth Planet

I’ve called Rhode Island home for a few years now, and every year I am simply amazed at all the beauty tucked away in this little state. Particularly when it comes to wedding venues like Glen Manor House. I mean, a gorgeous mansion on the ocean just screams gorgeous, and when you get to see it all through the lens of Robert And Kathleen Photographers that’s when you just know you’ve hit wedding gold. 

From Robert And Kathleen Photographers…It was important to Adrienne and Chris to have a wedding that reflected all the things they enjoy as a couple. They selected Glen Manor House because it was a beautiful setting not far from their home in Massachusetts and a great destination for their friends and family that live all over the Northeast. Adrienne selected soft hues for her bridesmaids and incorporated pops of teal and pink with the flowers and decor. It was important to both of them that the reception be the kind of party they would love to go to, so they selected one of Boston’s best party bands to entertain their guests and pack the dance floor.

Photography: Robert & Kathleen Photographers | Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale | Caterer: Glorious Affairs | Hair And Make Up: Jennie Kay beauty | Band: Bear Fight | Venue: Glen Manor House | Bridal Gown: Augusta Jones | Bridal Salon: Allegria Bridal

You can’t wait for your besties to stand beside you on your big day, but styling their look, well… that’s another story.  Because that vision you’ve been dreaming of?  You just don’t have the time to put it all together. Enter Style My Bridal, professional bridesmaid stylists that take all of the guess work out of choosing that perfect gown + accessories with custom suggestions based on your vision.

We’ve all been there: you’ve pinned about a million images of dreamy bridesmaids, but when you try to find time in your busy schedule to search for those perfect dresses, it’s almost impossible.  That’s why Style My Bridal is so genius.  Your personalist stylist will curate a custom look book just for you, and you can choose the vision that is right for you and the ones you love.  And don’t worry about scheduling all of your besties for a day of bridesmaid dress shopping – Style My Bridal will send your dresses directly to YOU, so you can have a fun girls’ day right in the comfort of your own home.  And when you make that final decision, just purchase the dresses + accessories from Style My Bridal.  It’s a one-stop shop of bridal party awesomeness.

So what are you waiting for, loves?  Run, don’t walk, to Style My Bridal and click “Get Started” to start working with your personal stylist. Get started in the month of January and get 15% off your dress purchase by April 1, 2015 by mentioning SMP! (Offer valid for new clients only.)

And don’t forget – you can donate any and all bridesmaid dresses to Style My Bridal for Belle of the Ball to receive $15 off your future dress purchase.  Click here for drop-off locations.

Style My Bridal and Bari Jay Fashions present a New Year ‘Maid of Style Giveaway. Enter to win up to 5 bridesmaid dresses to outfit your bridal party!  Just click here to enter.  Good luck, lovelies!

Photography: Mary Costa Photography | Styling: Style My Bridal | Makeup: Flawless Face And Body | Hair: A&A Hair Boutique | Dresses: Style My Bridal | Garden: Boston Public Garden | Jewelry & Accessories: Style My Bridal | Models: Dynasty Models

Abby Capalbo is not only one of our most beloved editors, but she’s a girl with mad style and this New England wanderluster just recently opened the virtual doors to Abby Capalbo Styling. Read on as she spills the beans on her journey and just what inspires her. Hint: a dog named Otto, seaside living in Rhode Island, a good glass of bubbly and filling up her passport are all at the top of that list.

SMP: Tell us a little about Abby Capalbo Styling.

AC: Abby Capalbo Styling is a virtual styling company for every little corner of your life. A virtual sounding board of sorts for all your styling needs, big or small. It goes without saying, people are busier than ever these days and overloaded with more information than they know what to do with. So planning a wedding or a baby shower or decorating a home can be a pretty overwhelming endeavor.

For weddings and parties, I can help you create you organize your thoughts and initial vision and give you a list of vendors in your area I would give to my best friend. I’ll be your virtual maid of honor in those first few weeks so you start the planning process on the right foot – saving you time and money. For home, I can work with you to create a style blueprint for your space, and help you work with what you have to get the home you want. We’ll work together to get create an inspiration board complete with sources to take all the guess work out of everything. More than anything, I hope to make these exciting times a little less intimidating.

SMP: Words you live by?

AC: “You mustn’t be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling” Even if it scares the crap out of you. It’s so easy to get stuck in a routine, but if you aren’t happy or if something is pulling at your heart strings – there is no better time than now to figure out your next steps.

SMP: What is your favorite item in your home?

AC: Corny, but it has to be my husband, Andrew, and our dog, Otto. Honestly, if you put those two anywhere in the world I would feel at home. Other than that it would be our dining room table. It was the first piece of furniture my parents ever purchased together, and it traveled the world with them. It looks non-descript, but when you get close you can see etches of our childhood homework, my sibling’s names, etc. It’s filled with memories, and I love that it gets to live another life in our home.

SMP: Stranded on a desert island question… what’s the one cocktail you would take with you?

AC: Champagne, no question.

SMP: One thing every style savvy homeowner should have?

AC: Definitely a bar cart or some sort of bar area that’s ready to go at a moments notice. I am a huge fan of the spontaneous cocktail party.

SMP: Your favorite instagrammer?

AC: First, I love instagram. I have so many favorites, I couldn’t possibly list them all. Lauren Wells and Cambria Grace rock my socks off. They remind me everyday why New England is so special. Plus they are super nice.

SMP: Your secret to success?

AC: I work really hard. It’s as simple and as complicated as that. I’m constantly working for the next thing – even if I don’t know what that is. Mainly, I’m just trying to make this little life of mine count.

SMP: Your top 5 design tips?

AC: 1. Only purchase things that you love
2. Start with neutrals, then layer like crazy
3. Pay attention to the flow of the room
4. Make comfy places where people want to linger
5. Keep scale in mind

SMP: What design trend do you think will stand the test of time?

AC: The color white. It’s so refreshing, and makes designing around it easy. I hope it never goes anywhere. Thankfully it’s white, so it won’t.

SMP: What’s your best tip for balancing work and personal life?

AC: Honestly, my husband and I are terrible at this. We are both wired to work hard, but we really try to take time during the weekends to completely disconnect. And we travel as much as we possibly can. That is the best way to refresh in my book.

SMP: What is the hardest lesson in business you’ve ever learned?

AC: You can’t please everyone. This is actually a lesson I am still learning. Being a people pleaser is hard, but learning to not take things personally saves so much energy.

SMP: The best advice you’ve ever received?

AC: Dream big. You only live once.

SMP: Three things every home should have?

AC: A room without a TV to provoke great conversation, a great kitchen island for people to gather around, and a bed you can’t wait to sink into (and a dog).

SMP: Your go-to recipe?

AC: I love trying new recipes out, so I don’t often do a lot of repeats – but I like the classics. Nothing beats the comfort of a good roast chicken and some warm chocolate chip cookies made from scratch. They are both sure bets for happy guests.

SMP: One place everyone must visit in their lifetime?

AC: Oh this is so tough for me because I love so many different places, but I think it has to be Paris. Paris was the first European city I ever visited when I was a girl, and I was never the same after. It made me look at things completely different.

SMP: The best job you ever had?

AC: Definitely working at SMP, it’s been such an amazing learning experience, and I’ve made amazing friends in the process – can’t ask for better.

SMP: Number one interior design tip?

AC: Sleep on it. When we first bought our house, we came from a one bedroom apartment in a city to a full house in the burbs. My head was overflowing with ideas for each room and I wanted to do them all immediately. I am so thankful now that our budget didn’t allow for that. It gave me time to really curate a home where everything made sense. And trust me, it’s still a total work in progress.

SMP: If you could dine with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

AC: Alive – Tina Fey and Amy Poehlher. Just so I could convince them that we should be best friends. I love the support they give each other, and how they encourage everyone to try and succeed. Plus they are hilarious, and that is my soft spot. Dead – would be my Grandparents on my father’s side. They died when I was relatively young, and I would love to really get to hear the stories of their life from their perspective.

SMP: If you could do it all over again, would you change anything?

AC: Heck no. It’s so amazing how when you look back, all those obstacles you thought you would never overcome just turn out to be stepping stones to where you are supposed to be in life. It’s pretty crazy actually. You pick up the most amazing lessons along they way if you pay attention and work hard.

SMP: Where do you see yourself in five years?

AC: Who knows! Isn’t that exciting? This little life of mine always seems to twist and turn, I’ve learned to stop trying to plan every step and just enjoy the ride.

Photography: leila brewster | Design & Styling: Abby Capalbo | Event Planning: Pottery Barn | Event Planning: West Elm | Florals: Hana Floral Design | Cakes: Jonathan Adler | Cakes: Etsy.com | Invitations: Oh My Deer Handmades | Invitations: Target | Jewelry: Miadora | Hair And Makeup: LaLaLuxe Salon | Favors: Home Goods | Favors: Crate & Barrel | Beauty: Restoration Hardware | Decor: Ikea | Decor: Z Gallerie | Vendor: Wayfair | Vendor: Benjamin Moore's Robbins Egg, High Gloss | Vendor: Serena & Lily | Vendor: RH Baby & Child

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.

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

This wedding?  It’s everything.  It’s laid back, yet elegant, cozy, yet completely sophisticated and charms in ways that only a nature-inspired affair can do.  From the drop-dead gorgeous florals from Greenlion Design to the beautiful images from Ruth Eileen Photography to the amazing Mount Hope Farm venue. Take a gander at all of the pretty here.

From the Bride…When Luke proposed in the Spring of 2013, I had little idea of what type of wedding I wanted; the dress, the theme, if we’d serve cake. I was really starting from scratch, but don’t let the decisions overwhelm you (or your fiance). The wedding planning process is a great time to learn about each other, how to compromise, and how to work together as a family– which is the real heart of the matter. For us, centering our wedding around a common interest of ours, a love of nature, made decision making much simpler and the day itself felt like a dream. We kept the color palette loose, and my bridesmaids wore mismatched dresses. With the ceremony outside, we mainly focussed on florals for decoration, and Kim from Greenlion was amazing. She incorporated local wildflowers and in-season vegetables in the arrangements to echo our celebration of nature. Plantation catering did a great job with the menu, serving local, simple, yet delicious dishes like oysters on the half-shell and vegetable ratatouille. We topped things off with our favorite beers and in-season fruit pies. It all felt amazing, and most importantly like us.

From Kim of Greenlion Design… Michelle and Luke’s vision for their florals was clear: farm feel, loose garden style blooms and local in-season blooms (our favorite type). We incorporated local dahlias, clematis, zinnias, annabelle hydrangea, privot, oak tree leaves, asters, privet, euonymus, porcelain berry vine, snapdragons, and we even used local vegetables to hold the table numbers. 

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography | Floral Design: Greenlion | Ceremony Venue: Mount Hope Farm | Reception Venue: Mount Hope Farm | Catering: Plantation Catering | Make Up: New Leaf Salon | Hair: New Leaf Salon | Dress Shop: Bella Bridal Shoppe

Any bride who gives her wedding a big ol’ dose of pink is a bride after my own heart. And from the florals by Orchid ‘N Blooms to the bridesmaids’ dresses in the prettiest shade, there’s no shortage of pink moments to make me stop and swoon. The always fabulous Emily Delamater snapped of gallery of lovely images, and they’re all waiting right this way.

From Emily Delamater… Karen knew exactly what she wanted for her wedding, clean bright and classic with pink and gold details. As most of Hoong’s family was coming from Malaysia for the wedding, it was a perfect opportunity for the couple to introduce his family to New England and the Blithewold Mansion made for an idilic backdrop. The sprawling grounds and gardens were in full bloom surrounding them during the ceremony in the sunken garden.

Karen also used vintage books and international letter boxes to decorate accent tables. The flowers included a gorgeous mix of lambs ear, garden and David Austin Roses, pink and white Peonies, Astilbe and also air plants. I loved that was also a playful sense to the day with signature lemonades and large pink and white balloons decorated with gold and white streamers. It was a gorgeous and intimate event and such a treat to photograph.

Photography: Emily Delamater Photography | Event Designer: Gracie Lou Events | Floral Design: Orchid 'N Blooms | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Invitations: Kelli Murray Art | Makeup: Adam Camacho | Hair: Ali Lomazzo Beauty | Grooms Attire: J.Crew | Venue: Blithewold Mansion

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!

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 you create a team of talent that includes Hana Floral Design, Ceci New York and True Event, and place them on a beautiful private Rhode Island residence, magic occurs. Leila Brewster joined the forces and captured every picture perfect moment, from seaside ceremony to stylish reception. Escape the hump day blues with some summer stunners in the full gallery right this way.

From True Event… This exquisite wedding made us yearn for warmer days. Katie and Gui said “I do” on a picture perfect late summer day, with the water set as their backdrop at a private residence in Jamestown, RI. This gorgeous summer wedding gave way to cocktails enjoyed outside on the oceans edge with beautiful blue and white ikat patterned linens. The ambiance was enhanced as dinner and dancing continued under a Sperry tent, rich with lush textures and romantic creams and blushes. The linens on the tables were breathtaking rosettes that mirrored the bottom of the bride’s gown. Guests could take a break from dancing and enjoy a drink and conversation on one of the velvet couches surrounding the dance floor. No detail was left unturned at this romance filled wedding, some of the top details were the perfect shade of purple bed of hydrangeas that the guest cards were placed on, patterned flip flops for the guests tired dancing feet, crystal chandelier hanging from the tent top and the most beautiful flowers from the bouquets to the centerpieces designed by Hana Floral Design. One of our favorite parts of this show-stopping wedding was the stunning sunset that painted the sky pink, the perfect gift for the newlyweds to enjoy on their wedding night! Leila Brewster captured the beauty of this wedding perfectly! Congrats to the happy couple Katie & Gui!! We adored working with you!

Photography: leila brewster | Videographer: Vantage Point Films | Floral Design: Hana Floral Design | Cake: Confectionery Designs | Invitations: Ceci New York | Reception Venue: 41 North | Catering: Blackstone Catering | Makeup: Jennie Fresa Brow & Beauty Bar | Hair: LaLaLuxe | Band: Heartbeat Dance Band | Favors: Macaroons Le Sucre | Transportation: Rockstar Limo | Tent: Sperry Tents | Event Design & Coordination: TRUE Event | Lighting & Draping: Ryan Designs | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Officant: Cindy Zito | Paper Accessories: Tie That Binds | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited

Admittedly, I get a wee bit excited (OK, maybe a lot) when I see a wedding come through the door featuring a handful of our Little Black Book members. Case in point? This sweetly nautical-detailed wedding from Carla Ten Eyck and Buzz Media Company. Drenched in navy and blush and sitting pretty at the Ocean House, it’s everything a seaside soiree should be. Head to the gallery for even more!

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From Josh Chalmers…You couldn’t ask for a sweeter and more gracious couple than Cecile and Travis…or for a more beautiful day of sunshine and first-weekend-of-Autumn breezes to accompany the Ocean House setting.

After some magical First Look moments and wedding party photography from the gardens to the beach, we began with a moving ceremony, in both English and French (in honor of the Mother of the Bride’s family), accompanied by The Woodvale String Quartet, at the Watch Hill Chapel. Guests paraded across the street to The Ocean House to enjoy a festive cocktail hour on the Terrace.

The NYC-based band Live Wire welcomed guests into the Seaside Ballroom for dinner, toasts and dancing, until a collection of school buses whisked them to an after-party in nearby Westerly.

Photography: Carla Ten Eyck | Videography: Buzz Media Company- Wedding Films | Event Coordinator: Josh Chalmers | Floral Design: Hana Floral Design | Wedding Gown: Paloma Blanca | Cake: Something Different Cake Couture | Stationery: Two Ems | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Makeup: Jennie Fresa Brow & Beauty Bar | Hair: Posh Salon | Calligraphy: Ellen Sayers | DJ: Live Wire | Grooms Attire: Macy's | Officiant: Reverend Nancy Leckerling | Transportation: Durham School Services | Card Box: Heartifacts Gallery | Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Music: The Woodvale String Quartet | Chair Signs: Romantic Planet | Food & Beverage: Ocean House | Ocean House: Ocean House | Paper: Two Ems | Programs: Marrygrams | Reception Music: Live Wire | Save The Dates: Smitten Boutique | Totes: The Sunny Sides Up

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]

Summers in New England may come and go a bit too quickly for my liking but we make them worth it with some pretty fabulous weddings. This truly elegant affair at the historic Linden Place takes full advantage of the natural beauty of both the venue and surrounding area, with every moment captured by Rebecca Arthurs. Soak up everything from the dress details to the sparkler sendoff right here.

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From The Bride… I was married on August 31, 2013 at the beautiful and historic Linden Place in Bristol Rhode Island. My photographer was above and beyond amazing. What makes my wedding special? Perhaps dancing the jitter bug with my 91 year old Nonnie or walking down the aisle on a cloudy day as the harpist played “Here Comes The Sun” and the clouds broke a little and the sun began to shine through.  Or maybe it was hearing my husband’s personal vows, or maybe it was the surprise boat ride we took. It definitely had something to do with my sparkler send off! So many things made my wedding unforgettable but knowing all of our friends and family were there was the best part.

Photography: Rebecca Arthurs | Flowers: Golden Gate Florist | Wedding Cake: Dianes Delectables | Brides Shoes: Nordstrom | Bridesmaids Dresses: Nordstrom | Caterer: Russell Morin | Makeup: Sara Faella | Hair: Astoria Salon | Harpist: Shelley Otis | Brides Gown: Paloma Blanca | Brides/MOH Earings: Amanda Masson | Flower Girl Dresses: Nordstrom | Historic: Linden Place Mansion | Invites: delphine | Wandies/Italian Cookies: Wandies By Pina

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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From The Bride…Nathan and I met in culinary school, classically sitting down next to each other the first day of class. What began as a beautiful friendship slowly blossomed into an everlasting relationship. Two cross-country moves and four years later, Nathan proposed at The Portland Headlight at Cape Elizabeth on a gorgeous August day with a 1930s art deco sapphire and diamond ring.

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!

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

Once the BIG question has been popped, there are a lot of other important asks that take place along the way to the altar. We love that asking your maids to join you in this adventure is a chance to celebrate your friendships. Brought to us Made In March and Gwen Studios, it’s a party so fresh I can practically smell the baked goodies, champagne, and sweet florals right through my computer… you can see it all right here in the gallery.

From Gwen Studios…In my quest to create a unique bridal editorial shoot for Made In March, I wanted to think of a fun new way for a bride to pop the question to her closet girlfriends; “Darling, Will You Be My Bridesmaid?” This exact question was printed on some lovely stationery that I discovered on Etsy, which became the inspiration for the shoot. Nothing is better than spending some quality time together with those you love. It seems as we get older our hectic schedules take up the majority of our days, leaving little to no time for our girlfriends. So what better way to celebrate friendship than with a Bridesmaid’s Brunch?

The bubbly bar – which was placed close to the table by fault- has become an increasingly popular trend making it a staple at any event. Select juices and fruits adorned the bar while peonies, hanging wine glasses and a crystal ball were added accents.

The tablescape showcased mercury glass candlesticks and vases, filled with pink and white peonies. Each place setting featured name cards with potential Bridesmaid’s initials, while vintage glassware, plates and silverware (all hand-me-downs from my late, Great Grandmother) made a collective statement. The table cloth was a purchase in France by my Mother that I flipped it to the back side, naturally creating a thin decorative pink border. Stationery was laid on every chair, so as the girls found their seats they were greeted with “Darling with you be my Bridesmaid”? or “Darling will you be my Maid of Honor”? Head chairs for the Bride and Mother of the Bride were draped with coral peony chair covers, custom made by 40winkz Shop on Etsy. Ribbon chairs were specially designed for the Maids of Honor.

Placement of the table had the ultimate jaw dropping effect. The fixed branch of the birch tree created a natural embellishment while acting as a chandelier, arranging itself over the table.

What a fabulous way to celebrate the closest ladies in your life, not to mention one of the most important milestones!

Photography: Made In March | Event Design: Gwen Studios | Venue: Private Residence

To say that I’m obsessed with coastal Rhode Island weddings as of late is quite an understatement. I’ll be tying the knot there next summer, so when a pretty like this pops up in my inbox? I get a little pin-crazy. Understandably so… Mirelle Carmichael‘s captures of this sweet summer day are unbelievably beautiful, and the overall feel is just the right amount of nautical loveliness. Head to the gallery to be charmed.

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From the beautiful Bride… After one of my closest guy friends from Colby College introduced me in DC to his best friend from high school, the rest was history!  We were so happy to have our wedding in my home state of Rhode Island, celebrating our special day in May when spring was in full bloom during Memorial Day weekend.  Being a sailor from the South Shore of Massachusetts, the groom loves all things nautical.  My goal was to find a balance between coastal-antique elegance and nautical charm.  From a picture I came across on Pinterest of beautiful blue/green sea-glass, that jump started my wedding inspiration board.  I knew I wanted to tie into the wedding shades of nautical navy blue, gold tones and pops of bold pink and fuchsia colors.

I loved working with a few highly recommended vendors through experience, but I was thrilled to be working with a couple of vendors from my hometown of North Providence.

We selected Castle Hill Inn to get ready the day of our wedding for its spectacular views and suites. This is now a sentimental location where we can celebrate future anniversaries together.

The ceremony took place in the perfectly sized, Our Lady of Mercy Chapel on the Grounds of Salve Regina University, nestled among the Newport Mansions, which provided an intimate wedding we hoped for.  The Robert Stern designed chapel displayed simple, elegantly curved lines outside, and a horseshoe setting inside, which surrounded us with our family and friends on all sides, like a loving embrace.  It was so special to be surrounded by loved ones as the Groom’s family priest conducted the wedding mass.

The reception would capture the soft tones of gentle spring flowers contrasted with the sharp ocean blue and luscious green lawn of the Glen Manor House perched on the east side of Aquidneck island in the middle Narragansett Bay.  The breathtaking day was matched with the dramatic, foreboding clouds of an afternoon thunderstorm that would threaten, but luckily never damper.  The sun shown bright on the luscious garden as we progressed through the family photos.  The pastels of the groomsmen’s ties complimented with the sea glass green bridesmaids dresses for a preppy New England atmosphere sprinkled with some southern comforts.

Throughout the French Chateau perched on the waters of the Sakonnet River, sea-glass soft blues and greens, antique lace, punctuated by gold-rimmed place settings and elegant floral centerpieces (perfect pops of color), matching its historic beauty.  I loved how our flowers matched perfectly to our mother’s dresses!  The bouquets were collections of the delicate spring flowers of late May – most predominantly the explosive peonies, crowned with their coral centers.  I smiled when I saw them!  (When my then fiancé picked me up from the bridal salon with my wedding dress all covered up tight, there was a single peony on the passenger side seat of his car.  I was all smiles from that point on!)

The sprawling greens hosted our guests, and the bountiful gardens giving way to green lawns hosting boisterous games of corn hole before slopping away to the cool waters of the North Atlantic.

The elegant beauty of the dining room gave way to the sharper contrasts of the ballroom.  The bold tablecloths of navy and white stripes, the beauty of a perfectly crafted nautical cake, were matched by a dynamic light show dancing up the walls and matching the beat of Boston Common.  The dancing was enhanced by the wedding’s signature nautical drink, the Dark and Stormy.

It was the perfect day. We couldn’t be happier!

Photography: Mirelle Carmichael | Videographer: Michael Alan Films | Floral Design: Flowers By Semia | Cake: Something Different Cake Couture | Invitations: Simply Letterpressed | Stationery: Sakura Paper Inc | Ceremony Venue: Our Lady Of Mercy Chapel | Reception Venue: Glen Manor House | Engagement Ring: DeScenza Diamonds | Bridesmaid Dresses: Shoshanna | Caterer: Plantation Catering | Hair And Makeup: Wedding Tresses, Inc | Band: Boston Common Band | Bow Ties: The Belle and the Beau | Groomsmen Attire: Brooks Brothers | Transportation: Academy Express | Transportation: Viking Tours | Transportation: South County Trolley Of Rhode Island | Accomodations: Castle Hill Inn | Bridal Gown: Vera Wang | Bridal Hairpin: Jane Tran | Bridal Jewelry: Dana Rebecca | Bridal Salon: Saks Jandel | Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaid Necklaces: C Wonder | Custom Koozies: Custom Ink | Flower Girl Dress: Olive And Fern - Etsy | Oyster Bar: Hungry Pilgrim Oysters | Patio Lighting: Exquisite Events | Photography - Assistance: Mirelle Carmichael

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.

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