You already know about the beauty that is Belle Mer, so then you know that this Newport celebration is sure to be chic. Add in W Studios New York behind the lens and you’re guaranteed a gallery filled with goodness. See it all in The Vault!
From W Studios New York…Despite our many years of travel and photographing destination weddings, Stephen and I never got a chance to visit Rhode Island so you can imagine our excitement when we found out Jackie and Brad were tying the knot in Newport, Rhode Island. It met all of our expectations of a sea side town and more. Despite some rain on the wedding day, Jackie couldn’t wait to get to St. Mary’s Church located in the heart of town and get married! After the ceremony we took off for Belle Mer and is if by magic the rain let off. The newlyweds and the bridal party were greeted by gorgeous water views. The rain clouds made the sunset that much more dramatic and the sailboats sprinkled throughout set the perfect scene for the guests to enjoy. The reception space was decorated with luscious ivy and elegant orchids giving the space a crisp modern atmosphere. The guests spent the evening whirling on the dance floor and enjoying great conversation and warmth by the outdoor fire pit.
From the Bride…I remember thinking when I woke up in the morning…“Oh this is what everyone talks about” – I had never been so anxious in my life. I had adrenaline pumping through my body, I didn’t even need my morning coffee. I kept thinking, I wonder how Brad is? Once I got ready and put the dress on, I was ready to go. I couldn’t get to the church faster – and of course there was only one road to get there and it was down pouring rain. I couldn’t have ran there faster.
The ceremony was beautiful….Longest. Aisle. Ever. We laughed a lot and I was just happy to be next to Brad. I remember I calmed down as soon as I could hold his hand. I also remember thinking, all those times I have been to church, I felt like mass was so long. This was the fastest ceremony ever.
The day flew by. When we arrived at Belle Mer, it was exactly how I wanted it. Clean, crisp and fresh looking. The guests started to arrive and I just kept saying “Thank you for coming to celebrate with us, we really appreciate it” and I meant every word of that sentence every time I said it. Come to find out, Brad was saying the same words.
The party was amazing because of our friends and family who made the trip. The speeches were incredible, my Dad is THE BEST, my sister is hysterical and my now brother in law is so genuine.
Then the party started, the dance floor was full and that’s exactly what we wanted. We wanted everyone to have a blast (and I think it was a success!) Our friends convinced us we had to do the hora (neither Brad nor I are Jewish) – it was the most fun I have ever had on a chair. The room exploded with energy and it escalated throughout the evening. It is so hard to put that day into words. The perfect sunset, the fireworks, the people, the energy and of course US. We had expectations and we surpassed them. I have no regrets and I wouldn’t have done it any other way.
Photography: W Studios New York | Floral Design: Cameron & Fairbanks | Wedding Dress: Elizabeth Fillmore | Reception Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Band: Phase One from Craig Scott Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Alton Lane | Transportation: Rockstar Limo