The images Joshual Behan Photography captured from this seaside celebration are so incredibly good, I could swear I witnessed all of the emotional moments, basked in the gorgeous weather and ooh-ed and aah-ed over the bride’s impeccable style in real-time. Friends, family and music were the strongest undertones of the day and the couple incorporated themselves and their love for each other beautifully into every element. Be sure not to miss the the gallery for this one.
From the Bride… Planning the wedding was an adventure to say the least. I won’t lie and say I was the most calm and organized bride, but luckily I had a wonderful, loving fiance, fabulous coworkers (one of whom happened to double as a wedding planner), wedding officiant and band, as well as great friends and family to support us along the way. At first I was bogged down by all of the tiny, minute details and was having a hard time even starting the planning process! Then one day, I met Ethan for lunch at work and we ran a little late getting back. I asked him if he’d be in trouble for being so late when he returned, and he looked into my eyes and said, “No, this is the only thing that matters!” The realization that those details, while lovely, were only for a day, when the meaning of a wedding is to bring two people together for a lifetime set me at ease and I was finally able to start planning (and enjoying it!).
Ethan and I chose to have breakfast together the morning of the wedding during “the calm before the storm,” and were lucky to enjoy a regatta while sitting on the porch of our suite in the Hyatt Hotel in Newport, Rhode Island. We said our goodbyes, and I was soon whisked into a morning of wedding preparation with my best friends, bridesmaids, aunts, parents and my adorable cousins. It was the perfect day. Joshua Behan of Joshua Behan Photography was a pleasure to work with. He was so accommodating, made us feel so comfortable, and has a fabulous photojournalistic eye. I only wish I had another event coming up for him to photograph!
My close friends, Justin and Colleen of the Grass Gypsys, played the music for our ceremony, cocktail hour and first dances. My bridesmaids walked down the aisle to “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles, and my father walked me down the aisle to a medley of “Do You Believe in Magic” and “Daydream” by the Loving Spoonful. This was so meaningful to me as my father and I have a fondness for music, and he chose the songs! Sarah, our officiant, wrote a ceremony that words cannot describe. It brings tears to my eyes just to think of it. I had only heard half of it prior to the actual wedding, and it was so moving to hear her kind, loving and wise words. My beloved uncle passed away just over a year ago, and his children were our flower girls and ring bearers. It was important to me that we pay tribute to him in our ceremony and through the use of quotes, and through Sarah’s amazing writing, it was as if he was there with us. As we were announced as husband and wife for the first time, The Grass Gypsys played an acoustic version of “Everlasting Light” by the Black Keys as we made our way down the aisle!
We hadn’t planned on it, but we were so excited and in the moment after the ceremony that we ran off with Josh and took some photos together of our post-married glows! I recommend this to any bride — it’s a special moment, just for the two of you, where you can just be together on your wedding day. It’s before the rush of well-wishers, first dances and cake cutting, and it truly reminds you of your love for one another.
Wedding Photography: Joshua Behan Photography / Wedding Venue: Mount Hope Farm in Bristol, Rhode Island / Floral Design: Dave’s Gift Baskets / Wedding Day Coordination: Jessica Castiglia Events / Officiant: Sarah of Fixed Bliss Ceremonies / Catering: McGrath Clambakes / Calligraphy: Whoa Nellie Press / Ceremony + Cocktail Hour Music: The Grass Gypsys / Band: Boss / Guitar Pick: The Bride’s Uncle’s / Trolley: Viking Tours / Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Newport / Tent: McGrath Clambakes / Chair Rentals, Linens + Other Rentals: McGrath Clambakes / Hangers: Bridal Wedding Hangers / “Cards” Flag: Mudpies and Marigolds / Card Holder: HomeGoods / Flower Pots: Anthropologie / Ring Pillow: Giggle Room / Music Stand: Vintage via Etsy /Table Numbers: BHLDN / Toasting Flutes: Kate Spade via Bloomingdale’s / Signs: Craft Mart Texas / Straws: BHLDN / Wedding Dress: J.Crew ” Principessa” / Bride’s Bolero: BHLDN / Bride’s Earrings: Anthropologie / Bride’s Bracelet: Tiffany & Co. / Bride’s Veil: BHLDN / Bride’s Shoes: BHLDN / Hair + Makeup: New Leaf Hair Studio / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: LulaKate via Bella Bridesmaid / Bridemaids’ Shoes: Their Own / Bridesmaids’ Earrings: Anthropologie / Flower Girls’ Headbands: J.Crew / Men’s Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse / Engagement Ring: Tebeca Jewelers / Wedding Rings: Diamond Guild