Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the United States, but it certainly has much to offer. Today we’re transporting you to a storybook wedding in The Ocean State that we just can’t help but swoon over! Tom and Tim took advantage of Rhode Island’s beauty by commemorating their big day at The Chanler At Cliff Walk, a refined seaside location offering Gilded Age elegance and salt-filled air. The couple’s team of vendors absolutely nailed every little detail of the day. Anchor and Grace delivered glamorous floral arrangements, beautifully complimenting the sophistication of the black tie wedding and Confectionery Designs slayed the game with a modern, black and gold cake. For proof that “love conquers all”, visit the full gallery of charming images captured by Rebecca Yale Photography.
From Rebecca Yale Photography… Tom and Time were married in late Spring at The Chanler in Newport, RI. The couple said their I Do’s in front of 40 of their closest friends and family who they invited to spend the weekend with them in Newport, taking over the beautiful inn at the end of the historic Cliff Walk. The weekend kicked off with a casual celebration on Friday evening at 22 Bowen’s on the other side of the island followed by drinks by the fire back at the Chanler. Each guest was welcomed to their room with a tote bag reading “love wins” full of goodies hand picked by the grooms including Newport classics like salt water taffy, candy from the famous Dylan’s Candy Bar, a custom made cookie with their initials echoing back to their invitation and homemade brittle sealed with the same wax seal as their envelopes.
Guests spent Saturday morning exploring the island’s historic homes with the pass included in their welcome bags, before coming together for an afternoon ceremony on the lawn of the inn. The tone of the black tie wedding was perfectly set by the elegant invitation suite by Written Word Calligraphy featuring a drawing on the save the date and detail packet of the Chanler that was also used on the custom wax seal of the envelope. Both grooms wore a custom made diamond engagement ring and a wedding band and Tom surprised Tim with a third sapphire ring the day before the wedding as a special ‘something blue’ for the wedding day. They also exchanged surprise groom gifts, an Hermes scarf for Tomand an Hermes bangle for Tim. The boys got ready together in their suite overlooking the ocean and got help with the finishing touches from their friend Rhys who also served as their officiant for the ceremony. Portraits were taken nearby at the Elms with each of their closest friends serving as their matrons of honor and Rhys’ wife, Elizabeth, as their flower girl.
The ceremony took place in the round on the grand lawn of the Chanler overlooking the ocean below. The grooms were perfectly bookmarked by two oversized urns filled with flowering branches to match the blossoming trees all over the property. Guests were welcomed to the ceremony with refreshments and Tom’s cousin served as their usher giving out the programs to the guests. The ceremony was custom written in a suede bound notebook by their friend Rhys and included two readings one by their flower girl and one by Tom’s cousin. Many a tear was shed as the two men exchanged their vows and shared their first kiss as husband and husband.
Cocktail hour was held on the terrace of the Spiced Pear restaurant and guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres, a fresh seafood bar and champagne as the sun set behind them. Guests were welcomed into dinner inside the Spiced Pear for a six course meal at Newport’s finest restaurant. Toasts were given by some of their friends and family and one of Tim’s oldest friends, who is a professional singer, serenaded them during the dinner. A copy of the coffee table book Newport Mansions was used as a guest book and left out for people to sign during the evening. The formal part of the evening ended with the cutting of the cake and then guests moved to the fire pit outside and enjoyed s’mores, grilled cheese and after dinner drinks till the wee hours of the morning.
Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography | Florist: Anchor and Grace | Stationery: Written Word Calligraphy | Cak: Confectionery Designs | Flower Girl Headpiece: Twigs & Honey | Grooms Gifts: Hermes | Venue & Catering: The Chanler At Cliff Walk