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