What do you get when you pair classic New England charm with eclectic, vintage style? Sydney and Brian’s day, that’s what. These two tried the knot in Newport, Rhode Island as a nod to the spot where they first met and designed the entire day to feel authentically them. They brought on local vendors like Newport Tent Company, Boston Common Band and so many more with the amazing Erin McGinn capturing every second behind the lens. Even more this way!
From the bride, Sydney… Newport is where we met, where we went to college and where we started our life together in our first apartment. Coming from two different states, Brian from Connecticut and myself from New Jersey, Newport always feels like home away from home. When we got engaged there wasn’t much debate on where we would get married. The Eisenhower House has always been a beautiful place, it’s only yards from where Brian played rugby and where I watched. Brian and I weren’t looking to have a typical nautical themed Newport wedding, and we aren’t the type of people to do a big glitzy mansion wedding either. The Eisenhower house fits just right, it’s historic and beautiful but has a relaxed and welcoming vibe. I wanted the day to feel just that, relaxed, laid back and beautiful.
I choose lush greenery and unique white assortments of flowers to make it feel romantic. Brian and I love gardening, outdoors, cooking…therefore incorporating herbs were a must. It was one of the few opinions Brian had about decor so I couldn’t disappoint. The Bridesmaids bouquets were strictly herbs and scented greenery. Potted herbs grown by us all spring were used on certain round tables and throughout the reception. We got a little help from the Farmer’s Daughter Nursery with matured plants when most of our seedlings failed to grow… We continued the organic theme throughout with local honey as party favors, a chicken crate at the gift table to collect cards and the local food options done by our caterer. The local influence was everywhere, mini lobster rolls, clam cakes, and chowder, raw bar…there was no questioning you were in New England!
I have an eclectic vintage style so I wanted our guests to feel like the wedding looked like us. A vintage sofa found at a local shop and matching chairs finished that style. Brian is that All-American type of guy and the most patriotic person I know. I decided to surprise him with a vintage flag found at the Brimfield Antique Show and have it hung from the large tree on the property. At night the flag would be illuminated in the distance with the twinkling Newport Bridge in the background. I DIY-ed most everything else including the fabric banner table numbers and the welcome flag. I stuck with a banner theme with these elements because I used a similar design when hand painting our save the dates.
With all of these details, I hoped to welcome guests with a laid-back New England vibe, encourage local living, highlight the beauty of Newport and stay true to our style. All in all, the designed was meant to feel like us as a couple.
Photography: Erin McGinn | Floral Design: Weedweavers Of Wakefield | Wedding Dress: Rue De Seine | Wedding Dress: Ceremony | Ceremony Venue: Our Lady Of Mercy Chapel | Catering: Blackstone Catering | Makeup: Emily Perkins Esthetics | Hair: Jaclynn Kate | Lighting: Ryan Designs | Wedding Venue: Eisenhower House | Tent: Newport Tent Company | Headpiece: Twigs & Honey | Music: Boston Common Band | Paper Design: Champagne & Ink | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited