Classic Newport Wedding That Will Make You Feel Like You're Floating On Clouds
Ashlie from Infinite Events tells us about Ashton & Tommy's Design Vibe - Ashton's style can only be described as the perfect combination of elegance and flair, a balance that we hoped to carry over into her wedding day design. Inspiration was drawn from the magnificent grounds of Ochre Court along with an uncovered painting of a cherub on the mansion ceiling, a detail we truly could not ignore. While her tablescape was curated with intention and charm, it was the panache that set the tone for the evening. A band stage floating on heavenly hydrangea clouds, a curtain of tulips draped behind the head table and a collection of carefully placed cherub statues had her well versed, NYC wedding guests gasping once they settled into their seats.
Tommy proposed to me on a walk through Central Park one day right near the Bethesda Fountain. My parents actually got engaged in the fountain so needless to say, Central Park means a lot to us! Both of our families were there to surprise us and celebrate at the Boat House afterward. My sisters disguised themselves as quintessential old New Yorkers so they could have a front-row viewing.
My first dress was custom-made by Jesus Peiro. I always knew I wanted a sleeve detail, but I did not want it to be a predictable one (for me), so we went with petal cap sleeves. I kept the jewelry simple and borrowed my Mom’s Harry Winston Sunflower diamond earrings. My second dress was also custom by Graham Alden, inspired by the Gilded Age. The corset dress was adorned in two different types of meticulously placed lace, tea length, and finished with two bows on the back.
My sisters and MOHs got their dresses three (maybe two) weeks before the wedding. Talk about stress. I wanted their dresses to be special and something they felt good in. They went with the Oscar de la Renta hydrangea dresses in two styles. My other bridesmaids went with different textures of sage dresses. The dresses helped set the tone and fit right in the backdrop of hydrangeas.
My husband went classic with a Ralph Lauren Purple Label tux in navy.
We leaned into coastal New England and had lots of seafood incorporated throughout the cocktail and reception, like an oyster and shrimp cocktail boat and mini lobster rolls being passed around. My custom drink was a vodka blueberry lemonade, my husband’s was a manhattan and ours together was a dark and stormy, a favorite drink of ours to enjoy in Rhode Island.
Working with Infinite Events and Stoneblossom Floral and Wedding Design on unique designs and florals was a dream. Our absolute favorite detail was the stunning hand-strung tulip curtains draped from the tent. There were also an abundance of florals covering the stage, antique gates dripping with blooms, and cherub statues, another favorite detail.
Our ceremony took place at the iconic St. Mary's Newport. My husband's one request was to release doves after our ceremony, which was a beautiful and unexpected touch we will cherish forever.
A big part of our inspiration for the wedding revolved around a French painting uncovered on the ceiling of the former ballroom of Ochre Court. The exposed ceiling featured a cherub with wings and a green-blue sky background. Cherubs, traditionally known as symbols of romance and love felt fitting to include throughout our wedding. We leaned into the idea of a "match made in heaven" for some of our unique details, including matchboxes!
