Rhode Island Weddings

A little Fourth of July trivia for all you pretties out there – did you know little ol’ Bristol, Rhode Island is home to the oldest Fourth of July parade in the U.S.of A? Well it most certainly is, so when I came across this beauty of a wedding from Sara Zarrella Photography with a palette that couldn’t be more perfect for this festive day, I thought it was only appropriate to share it with all of you. So march on over to this gallery for one gorgeous set of images.

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From the Bride and Groom… On September 22, 2012, we got married at Linden Place Museum, located in the patriotic and historic town of Bristol, Rhode Island.  Our wedding combined a classic New England setting (1800s mansion with a waterfront view in the fall) with modern details (outdoor ceremony, DIY decorations, personalized vows).  The wedding was intimate – 98 guests, 70% were under the age 35, and 70% were friends and family who had traveled from out of town.  We saved and paid for the wedding ourselves, so we  made many budget-conscious decisions, while still planning our perfect wedding!

Our ideal wedding was to have a big party + celebration, which we achieved at the reception.  Immediately following a brief ceremony  (full of tears!), guests had a night of delicious foods, favorite drinks, and plenty of dancing.  The DJ encouraged ALL of the guest to join us on the dance floor before dinner had even been served!  We are especially grateful to all our wonderful friends and family who were able to celebrate with us… as well as our amazing vendors who enabled us to have an incredible and flawless wedding day! -Katie + Justin

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Wedding Photography: Sara Zarrella Photography | Wedding Venue: Linden Place Museum, Bristol, Rhode Island | Officiant: Frank Camera, J.P. | Floral Design: Grandiflora Designs by Nancy Birch | Event Design + Planning: Bride | Invitations + Wedding Stationery: Erin Parker| Decorations: DIY by Mother of the Bride | Catering: Blackstone Caterers | Wedding Gown: Venus Bridal | Bridal Accessories: Etsy (veil + brooch) | Shoes: Cole Haan | Jewelry: Givenchy | Men’s Attire: BLACK by Vera Wang | Favors: Sara Zarrella Photobooth | Ceremony Music: Golden Scroll Soloists’ String Trio | Reception Music: Victor Events | Rehearsal Dinner: Le Central Bristol | Dance Lesson: Bud Walters

You lovelies out in SMP-land never fail to amaze me with the unique details you manage to infuse into every aspect of your Big Day.  Never.  And in the case of these two Bristol sweeties, my jaw hit the floor the moment I read the bride’s sweeter than sweet description on how they managed to make a day that was already drop-dead gorgeous even more beautiful with special touches that were completely THEM.  From the beautiful blue color palette to the save-the-dates to the escort cards made of paper airplanes, this was a wedding that was 100%, completely original.  See all of the pretty snapped up by Lauren Methia Photography in the full gallery.

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From the Bride… Nick and I wanted our wedding to feel like an intimate dinner party with our closest friends and family, but we also really wanted to have a rocking time on the dance floor (my favorite part of weddings!). Nick grew up all over Rhode Island and he wanted to be married close to the water, and I loved the laid-back style and intimacy that the Cove Cabin at Mount Hope Farm offered.

It was important to us to make our wedding feel like us, and to do it on our terms. We wrote the ceremony and vows ourselves with the help of our dear friend Ivan who became a Universal Life minister for the occasion. Instead of having a central aisle, we walked down our respective sides of the field simultaneously with our families and friends because we really wanted to emphasize our coming together as two equal individuals to our partnership.

The style inspiration started with a blue cobalt bottle collection that my mom and I have been collecting from antique shops and flea markets since I was a kid. Cobalt and vintage became the base for the rest the details, which included some more vintage elements like my birdcage veil and fascinator, and an art deco era cake topper I picked up on eBay.

We’ve been all over the place in the last couple years, so travel was also an important theme for us. Our engagement was mostly spent living in China while Nick was doing field research, we came home to the US about a month before the wedding, and we shipped off to the United Kingdom for me to start grad school immediately following our nuptials. Our save the date was a vintage postcard of the Mount Hope Bridge connecting Bristol to Newport, and all the tables were named with postcards of place that are important to us or we have lived (fell in love in London, engaged in Hawaii, etc). We made little paper airplane escort cards and placed around a vintage suitcase and globe.   At the end of our ceremony, we marched off to lyrics that capture our itinerant life together: “Home is wherever I’m with you” by Edward Sharpe.

We also incorporated some Chinese traditions into our wedding, red envelopes (hong bao) in place of a registry and we toasted each table individually in the Chinese wedding banquet tradition (with champagne, we skipped the potent baijiu). While in Chongqing, we did a Chinese wedding photography session complete with four outfit changes. We displayed our hilariously captioned picture album at the wedding.

I study the internet, so it was also important to me to incorporate technology into the day itself. We encouraged friends to use our hashtag to tweet and capture shots on Instagram. Some of my favorite moments the following day were looking at all the different perspectives people had shared on Instagram. We ended up with an immediate crowdsourced wedding album!

Our day was filled with so many memorable moments: realizing that Nick and I had unknowingly coordinated our gifts with mementoes from the day we met each other; our families setting up the last minute details in the afternoon; being overwhelmed with emotion and forgetting my vows; our friends struggling to remember how to blow kazoos; my brother tearing up at our father-daughter dance to Willie Nelson; giving Sofia Vergara a hug at the Clarke Cooke House after-party. We were so happy to have 42 of our closest friends and family together there to celebrate with us.

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Wedding Photography: Lauren Methia Photography | Wedding Venue: Cove Cabin at Mount Hope Farm in Bristol, Rhode Island | Bouquet Design: Robin Hollow Farm | Floral Design: DIY by Mothers | Catering: Plantation Catering | Wedding Cake: Sin Desserts | Wedding Dress: Pronovias via Madeleine’s Daughter | Bride’s Shoes: Madewell | Bridesmaids’ Attire: J.Crew | Hair + Makeup: New Leaf Studio

It’s no secret that Rhode Island boasts some of the most gorgeous weddings here in New England. No where else are there such gorgeous ocean front escapes. Take this wedding for example. We love the pretty blue and cream color palette and how it blends both traditional and rustic elements so smoothly. The brides mom even got her DIY on and made all the super cute and preppy Nantucket baskets that the bridesmaids carried down the aisle. BKB Photography along with Jules Ko Photography captured all the gorgeousness and there’s a lot more to see right here!

I met the bride and groom on the day of their wedding for the first time. We clicked right away; our energy together could not have been more perfect. Phoebe and Adam trusted my instincts to capture them perfectly in what represented their unique style and setting. We captured all their photos before ceremony in a first look, which allowed the couple to attend a cabin side cocktail hour held by the ocean.

When it came to choosing her wedding gown, Phoebe turned to the Priscilla of Boston’s big sale, during which she chose a whimsical Melissa Sweet gown. The dress looked as if it had been made for her! The whimsical fit was perfect for the theme of her wedding day. Phoebe even managed to wear her great-grandmother’s veil, which added a vintage touch and was a great something borrowed! And we can’t forget about the groom, Adam! He looked dashing (and stylish!) in a fitted skinny leg tux with a classic black bow tie. The bridesmaids wore striped, J.Crew espadrilles and dark navy blue sundresses, and the bride’s sister, Lili, wore a bright purple J.Crew dress. A nice twist for the maid of honor to stand out amongst the bridal party.

The overall feel of the event was rustic yet casual with a classic Rhode Island feel — the wedding colors were cream and navy. Mason jugs were present on each table, and each table was named after a place in which the couple had lived. When it came to planning, the bride left all the major details to her mother Maggie, who has a natural knack for a DIY style — done right, if I do say so myself! She created the gorgeous Nantucket baskets carried by the bridesmaids. The gorgeous reception was held under a two-tier tent with hot pink uplighting; the tent overlooked the ocean. A chalkboard menu was presented during dinner eliminating the need for paper menus (go green)! The station dining made for great mingling among the guests, while large lanterns lined a pathway for guests to mingle. A beautiful summer Rhode Island wedding of a very sweet couple. Congratulations, Phoebe and Adam!

Wedding Photography: BKB Photography with Jules Ko Photography / Wedding Venue: Mount Hope Farm in Bristol, Rhode Island / Floral Design: Sayles Livingston Flowers / Catering, Wedding Cake + Linens: Pranzi Events / Wedding Dress: Melissa Sweet for Priscilla of Boston (Now Closed) / Makeup: Liz Bernstrom of Artist Alliance / Bridesmaids’ Dresses + Shoes: J.Crew / Bridesmaids’ Nantucket Baskets: DIY by the Mother of the Bride

I feel like we need to start this one off a chat about those blush-colored Valentino pumps…HELLO, gorgeous! If it stopped there, I would be happy as a clam, but luckily, Lindsey Rae Photography brought all of the vintage goodness from this Rhode Island wedding for us to swoon over! Fab florals by Toni Chandler Flowers and Events embellished the historic venue and adorable lollipop place cards added some whimsy to this sweet soirèe! Check out the rest right here!

From Lindsey Rae Photography… Nikki and Tim’s ceremony and reception were held at the historic Linden Place mansion in Bristol, Rhode Island. I don’t even know how to begin to describe just how perfectly Nikki’s vintage-chic details paired with the elegance of the mansion and carriage house. I could talk about her blush-colored, vintage Valentino shoes that perfectly matched her peonies, designed by the talented Toni Chandler. Or the hand-painted, wooden, brocade mirror, which stood at the front of the ceremony location and served as a guide for their guests as to the events of the day. But one of my favorite details were the old-school swirl lollipops that served as place cards for the reception and were “planted” in a wooden planter and surrounded by moss. SO adorable! It is clear that all of their hard work paid off because their wedding day was full of beauty, fun, and most of all, love! These two certainly know how to throw a party!

Wedding Photography: Lindsey Rae Photography / Wedding Venue: Linden Place in Bristol, Rhode Island / Event Design: Toni Chandler Flowers and Events + Exquisite Events of Newport / Floral Design: Toni Chandler Flowers and Events / Wedding Invitations: Tie That Binds / Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston (Now Closed) / Bride’s Shoes: Vintage Valentino

The images Joshual Behan Photography captured from this seaside celebration are so incredibly good, I could swear I witnessed all of the emotional moments, basked in the gorgeous weather and ooh-ed and aah-ed over the bride’s impeccable style in real-time. Friends, family and music were the strongest undertones of the day and the couple incorporated themselves and their love for each other beautifully into every element. Be sure not to miss the the gallery for this one.

From the Bride… Planning the wedding was an adventure to say the least. I won’t lie and say I was the most calm and organized bride, but luckily I had a wonderful, loving fiance, fabulous coworkers (one of whom happened to double as a wedding planner), wedding officiant and band, as well as great friends and family to support us along the way. At first I was bogged down by all of the tiny, minute details and was having a hard time even starting the planning process! Then one day, I met Ethan for lunch at work and we ran a little late getting back. I asked him if he’d be in trouble for being so late when he returned, and he looked into my eyes and said, “No, this is the only thing that matters!” The realization that those details, while lovely, were only for a day, when the meaning of a wedding is to bring two people together for a lifetime set me at ease and I was finally able to start planning (and enjoying it!).

Ethan and I chose to have breakfast together the morning of the wedding during “the calm before the storm,” and were lucky to enjoy a regatta while sitting on the porch of our suite in the Hyatt Hotel in Newport, Rhode Island. We said our goodbyes, and I was soon whisked into a morning of wedding preparation with my best friends, bridesmaids, aunts, parents and my adorable cousins. It was the perfect day. Joshua Behan of Joshua Behan Photography was a pleasure to work with. He was so accommodating, made us feel so comfortable, and has a fabulous photojournalistic eye. I only wish I had another event coming up for him to photograph!

My close friends, Justin and Colleen of the Grass Gypsys, played the music for our ceremony, cocktail hour and first dances. My bridesmaids walked down the aisle to “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles, and my father walked me down the aisle to a medley of “Do You Believe in Magic” and “Daydream” by the Loving Spoonful. This was so meaningful to me as my father and I have a fondness for music, and he chose the songs! Sarah, our officiant, wrote a ceremony that words cannot describe. It brings tears to my eyes just to think of it. I had only heard half of it prior to the actual wedding, and it was so moving to hear her kind, loving and wise words. My beloved uncle passed away just over a year ago, and his children were our flower girls and ring bearers. It was important to me that we pay tribute to him in our ceremony and through the use of quotes, and through Sarah’s amazing writing, it was as if he was there with us. As we were announced as husband and wife for the first time, The Grass Gypsys played an acoustic version of “Everlasting Light” by the Black Keys as we made our way down the aisle!

We hadn’t planned on it, but we were so excited and in the moment after the ceremony that we ran off with Josh and took some photos together of our post-married glows! I recommend this to any bride — it’s a special moment, just for the two of you, where you can just be together on your wedding day. It’s before the rush of well-wishers, first dances and cake cutting, and it truly reminds you of your love for one another.

Wedding Photography: Joshua Behan Photography / Wedding Venue: Mount Hope Farm in Bristol, Rhode Island / Floral Design: Dave’s Gift Baskets / Wedding Day Coordination: Jessica Castiglia Events / Officiant: Sarah of Fixed Bliss Ceremonies / Catering: McGrath Clambakes / Calligraphy: Whoa Nellie Press / Ceremony + Cocktail Hour Music: The Grass Gypsys / Band: Boss / Guitar Pick: The Bride’s Uncle’s / Trolley: Viking Tours / Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Newport / Tent: McGrath Clambakes / Chair Rentals, Linens + Other Rentals: McGrath Clambakes / Hangers: Bridal Wedding Hangers / “Cards” Flag: Mudpies and Marigolds / Card Holder: HomeGoods / Flower Pots: Anthropologie / Ring Pillow: Giggle Room / Music Stand: Vintage via Etsy /Table Numbers: BHLDN / Toasting Flutes: Kate Spade via Bloomingdale’s / Signs: Craft Mart Texas / Straws: BHLDN / Wedding Dress: J.Crew ” Principessa” / Bride’s Bolero: BHLDN / Bride’s Earrings: Anthropologie / Bride’s Bracelet: Tiffany & Co. / Bride’s Veil: BHLDN / Bride’s Shoes: BHLDN / Hair + Makeup: New Leaf Hair Studio / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: LulaKate via Bella Bridesmaid / Bridemaids’ Shoes: Their Own / Bridesmaids’ Earrings: Anthropologie / Flower Girls’ Headbands: J.Crew / Men’s Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse / Engagement Ring: Tebeca Jewelers / Wedding Rings: Diamond Guild

Blithewold Mansion looks straight out of a period film; full of sweeping landscapes and gorgeous old-world architecture. I sound like the Mansion’s number one fan and I just might be, but this spot is a serious gem in Rhode Island and so worthy of a gorgeous fête full of glamourous gowns, a sea of twinkling chandeliers and feather clad bouquets all crafted by Perfect Surroundings. Yes, to be wed on the shores of New England is a beautiful thing, especially when it is captured to total perfection by Rebecca Arthurs Photography. See it in all its tented glory right here.

And now, lucky ducks, you have a front row seat to the film of the day captured by David Bettencourt Videography. Enjoy!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

Rebecca grew up traveling, so when her friend suggested moving to Boston, it sounded like the perfect adventure. Even though the chilling winter season didn’t sound incredibly appealing, there was still an undeniable draw to the city. It was fate. Rebecca was introduced to Donovan her first day of work, and all it took was a simple handshake. Something, call it intuition, told Rebecca that this would be the man she would one day marry. Rebecca was hard-pressed to believe her premonition would one day come true, but it wasn’t long before, with the waters of beautiful Newport, Rhode Island, as a backdrop, Donovan was down on one knee holding a gorgeous custom ring he had designed himself.

After one glimpse of a unique invitation that had caught her eye, Rebecca had the entire vision for the wedding. Together, the couple visited numerous waterfront locations but the moment they set eyes on Blithewold, they both knew it was perfect. The rehearsal dinner was held at Point Pleasant, directly across the water from the wedding venue. It was the precursor for the glorious day to follow. People had traveled far and wide, so having the ability to enjoy one another’s company while in a picturesque setting made for the ideal evening.

Before the ceremony, Donovan and Rebecca shared a special moment together capturing their “first look” photographs and were then whisked away to their ceremony in a vintage Bentley. The wedding was nothing short of magical. The ceremony took place overlooking the water. Small white feathers lined the aisle. The programs, which doubled as fans, ended up being incredibly useful because of record-breaking high temperatures. Rebecca’s gown was the very definition of couture and was paired with a dramatic, vintage-style gold necklace. The bridesmaids’ dresses were blush, vintage, cocktail-inspired and paired with an ultra-modern floral heel. Each table displayed lush arrangements packed with hundreds of roses. Chandeliers and soft waves of fabric draped the venue. The soft blush and brushed gold color palette captured the true feelings of romance and elegance. Outside, chandeliers dangled from branches of a tree welcoming guests to yet another fabulously designed area. No detail went overlooked, from the lounge areas and cigar bar, all the way down to the pink champagne. The bride’s family planned an additional affair for the day after because people had traveled so far. The couple wanted something entirely different than the other events, so they chose a rustic, casual approach, serving southern favorites and offering lawn games. Even the couple’s dog was invited, sporting his very own tux, of course. Rebecca and Donovan love exploring new destinations, and for their honeymoon they wanted somewhere neither had traveled before, so they chose to stay at the luxurious Viceroy hotel on the beautiful island of Anguilla. As they explored different locations around the island, they met some great people, ate some wonderful food and soaked up as much sun as possible.

Wedding Photography: Rebecca Arthurs Photography (Available in Rhode Island & Hawaii) / Wedding Venue: Blithewold Mansion in Bristol, Rhode Island / Floral + Custom Design: Perfect Surroundings / Wedding Cinematography: David Bettencourt Videography / Catering: Blackstone Caterers / Wedding Cake: Cakes To Remember / Wedding Stationary: a deux: bespoke bridal paper / Entertainment: Mike Amado of Entertainment Specialists / Rentals: Rentals Unlimited / Cigar Roller: Boston Cigar Factory / Trolleys: Viking Tours / Vintage Bentley: Tony’s Antique Wedding Cars / Wedding Dress: Rivini / Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade / Hair + Makeup: New Leaf Hair Studio / Rehearsal Venue: Point Pleasant Inn / Day-After Venue: Mount Hope Farm

When I was a little girl my parents would take my sister and I to Blithewold Mansion at least once a year.  Wandering around the majestic estate I would always imagine my dream wedding on the great lawn overlooking the water.  With its grand architecture and design, lush gardens and awe-inspiring views it is the perfect venue for a romantic and elegant garden party.  This wedding by Adeline and Grace Photography brings a touch of modern whimsy to a classic style that fits so wonderfully with the stately manor.  All the pops of purples, sweet details and beautiful photography are a must-see in the full gallery!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

Wedding Stories RI brought us this sweet recap to enjoy!

From the bride… When Adam and I first got engaged, we knew right away that we wanted to get married in Bristol. When deciding on our venue, one of the first places we decided to look at was Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum. Blithewold was a place that we had always known about but never been to. When we went to go visit it for the first time, we knew as soon as we set foot on the grounds that this was where we were going to get married. It just felt magical. We wanted an elegant, whimsical, and romantic wedding that was fun and memorable for everyone. My dress was a lace gown by Pronovias, and I also wore silver heels by Jimmy Choo which were given to me as a gift by my amazing coworkers! Adam’s suit was by Saville Row Co. and for those of you who want your groom/ groomsmen in three-piece gray suits, start looking early because these were so hard to find! Eggplant purple and gray were our main colors with fuchsia, blush, and blue accents. After deciding on our invitation design, we took inspiration from mason jars and fireflies and used it throughout the wedding, in our decor and even in our specialty drink (Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka and lemonade served in mason jars), twinkle lights sparkling on the perimeter of the tent, and mason jars filled with candles lining the walkway to the tent. 

When the wedding day came it was the best day you could have asked for in New England at the beginning of August, sunny and warm with a slight breeze. After all the girls got ready at the hotel (hair and makeup by the amazing Jennie Kay Murphy!), Adam and I had a “first sighting” at Blithewold and took all of our family and bridal party pictures before the ceremony. From there, we went to the church. We knew ahead of time that the church didn’t have air conditioning, so we made programs that could double as fans so guests could keep cool. During the ceremony, a friend who also happens to be a trained opera singer provided the music including a solo of “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” by Elvis, which was my parents wedding song. Flowers were very important to me and the arrangements provided by Sayles Livingston exceeded all expectations. My bouquet was wrapped with lace from my mother’s veil and accented with my late Nana’s vintage sapphire broach. Another sentimental touch was Adam’s grandparents love cup given to them for their 25th wedding anniversary. This was used by his parents for their wedding toast and we carried on the tradition. For catering we had Russel Morin’s, and they did an amazing job. The photos taken by Adeline and Grace perfectly captured our day, and having a videographer made it possible to relive the day over and over. Since Adam and I both grew up near Boston and knew most of our friends and family would be traveling for the event, we wanted to make sure that we planned everything with them in mind. When guests checked into the hotel they received a welcome bag that contained some snacks, water, tylenol, mints, tissues, an itinerary and pamphlets telling them a little about Bristol. Shuttle service was arranged to transport the guests from the hotel to the church, reception and back to the hotel so no one would have to worry about driving. We also planned an after party at the hotel that took place following the reception, and a brunch for all the guests the next morning before they left to go home.  Our wedding was everything we had dreamed it would be, a fun, love-filled day we will both remember for the rest of our lives.

Wedding Photography: Adeline and Grace Photography / Ceremony: St. Mary’s Church in Bristol, Rhode Island / Reception: Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum in Bristol, Rhode Island / Flowers: Sayles Livingston Flowers / Catering: Russell Morin Fine Catering / Wedding Cake: Konditor Meister / Lanterns + Uplights: Boston Uplights / DJ: Moondance Productions / Invitations: Minted + Emerald Invitations / Cinematography: Wedding Stories RI / Wedding Dress: Pronovias / Brides Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale / Bridesmaids’ Jewelry: The Limited / Hair + Makeup: Jennie Kay Beauty / Groom’s Suit: Saville Row Co. / Groom’s Cuff Links: Tiffany & Co. / Groomsmen’s Suits: Men’s Wearhouse / Groomsmen’s Ties: Kenneth Cole / Rehearsal Dinner: DeWolf Tavern in Bristol, Rhode Island

We’re taking a quick trip to Rhode Island this morning to bask in the beauty of this stunning Linden Place wedding by Rachel Kate Photography… and, oh my goodness, am I in love.  One part traditional, one part vintage and all parts FABULOUS, this dazzling soiree is as swoon-worthy as it gets with its gorgeous museum setting, black and champagne color palette and breathtaking bride in one uber-amazing lace dress.  Believe you me, there’s not a moment of your Wednesday you won’t want to spend wrapped up in this gorgeousness.  Join me in the gallery for more.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Rachel Kate Photography… Robin and John got married in August of 2011 in Bristol, Rhode Island. They are Harvard graduates, originally from Massachusetts, and who planned their Rhode Island wedding from across country where they live in San Fransisco. Their wedding was held at the historic Linden Place, a mansion and museum used as a venue for wedding receptions. They spent so much time on the vintage details of the day, from the postage on the invitations to the historical Rhode Island post cards used as table numbers. Robin had six bridesmaids and six attendants, who wore black. There was a vintage Rolls Royce that escorted them to the garden reception, a raw bar for their guests, a do-it-yourself Polaroid guestbook station, many props for late-night dancing and a cigar and port station for late into the reception. The evening ended with Robin and John’s dramatic sparkler exit. An amazing, amazing day.

Wedding Photography: Rachel K. Buckley of Rachel Kate Photography / Wedding Venue: Linden Place in Bristol, Rhode Island / Wedding Planning, Programs + Menus: Amy Darling (aedarling@gmail.com) / Wedding Dress: Alvina Valenta / Bride’s Shoes: Hey Lady / Bridesmaids’s Dresses: J.Crew / Attendants’ Dresses: Black Dresses of Their Choosing / Makeup: Tara Vaccaro Gudmundsen or Tada Make-Up / Catering: Russell Morin Fine Catering / Wedding Cake: Bakery Boutique / Cake Topper + Wedding Logos: DIY by the Bride’s Mother / Wedding Invitations: William Arthur via Papyrus / Vintage Stamps: eBay / Calligrapher: Graeme Marsden, A Family Friend

This is the thing about my job, I fall in love each and every day. It never fails. There is just so much pretty dancing around the screens of SMP my heart falls victim to a full on love-fest on a daily basis. Today, that love-fest comes from the pretty as can be state of Rhode Island through images by Rebecca Arthurs. How could you not fall in love with this fête? With a bevy of blush-wearing bridesmaids, a beautiful bride carrying a gorgeous bouquet complete with succulents, and a pinch-her-cheeks-she’s-so-cute flower girl in a bundle of tulle – it’s inevitable that a wedding nerd like myself will be head over heels for this affair. The icing on the cake? It all took place the night before a hurricane, but you would never know that by looking at all the gorgeous images in the gallery because it all looks like absolute perfection.

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Rebecca Arthurs…The day of Danielle and Grant’s wedding the weather didn’t look promising. It was the day before hurricane Irene was about to hit New England. There was a chance of rain, wind and strong fog in the forecast. However, Grant and Danielle were not affected in the slightest. They both were filled with joy and excitement in anticipation for the events about to take place. It must have had some effect on the weather because it never more than sprinkled all day.

Grant and Danielle are one of those couples who makes everyone around them feel good, beaming with love and laughter. The theme for the styling of the wedding came from DIY ideas and the bride’s love for all things vintage. She hand crafted most of the vintage elements that made their wedding unique, like the place cards, programs and block words. The venue, Linden Place, is a historic property in Bristol, Rhode Island and was the perfect setting for this delightful wedding.

Wedding Photography: Rebecca Arthurs / Venue: Linden Place / Floral Design: Joy of Flowerthyme / Caterer: Blackstone Catering / Wedding Gown: Watters / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Wedding Cake: Ashley Owens, Groom’s Sister / DJ: Larry of Engagements / Wedding Videography: Wellspun Wedding Films / Invitations + Place Cards: The Bride / Hair: New Leaf Salon / Make-up: Kirsten Brusse of Joli Visage / Rentals: Fancy That

This sweet as can be modern meets Americana photo shoot is chalk full of fabulous little details and perfect personalization – which just happens to be everything I love in a photo shoot. Designed by Details with Love and captured beautifully by Adeline and Grace Photography, there is so much down on the farm goodness to devour. From the perfectly paired paper by Paper Moss to the lovely calligraphy by Megan Chapin Calligraphy to the gorgeous and fitting flowers for down on the farm from 539 Flowers, it’s perfect inspiration right down to that fabulous re-appearing little piggy icon. Adorable. For even more adorable, check out the full gallery.

Click here to see the entire image gallery!

From Details with Love… I love it when a couple comes to me with one lovely little detail, they envision their special day planned around and with that one thing we style their signature wedding to reflect their unique personality and love story ….when Erica came to me with her the idea; to theme a wedding around a miss American pie style I was thrilled and immediately collaborated with some of our favorite vendors to put this one together.

We ran with all the wonderful fun vintage Americana details of vintage charm, in a fun color palette of poppy red and robins egg blue, complete with a cute little piggy farm animal, who debuted on more than the invites!  The handcrafted driftwood farm table was accented in fresh cotton linen in bold floral pattern, and poppy red and white stripes. Vintage bronzed and crystal chandeliers hung from the trees to add an element of elegance. Mason Jars filled with clusters of seasonal flowers and bringin back the pink carnations tied in vintage lace. For the good ol boys a whisky bar, complete with hand rolled cigars with custom labels (there’s that cute little piggy again!)  A dessert table with locally made fresh baked apple pies (instead of a traditional wedding cake).  On a warm end of summer, evening at dusk, at a charming local farm, our unique modern twist on a classic Americana style with tons of character and personality!

Event Planning and Design: Details with Love / Photography: Adeline and Grace Photography / Stationery: Paper Moss / Calligraphy: Megan Chapin Calligraphy / Flowers: Studio 539 Flowers / China & Rentals: Rentals Unlimited / Venue: Mount Hope Farm / Custom Furniture & Linen: Ryan Designs / Hair & Makeup: Jennie Kay Murphy / Wedding Dress: Wedding Belle NYC

Jen Curtis is the photographer behind some of our all time favorite weddings. Like this amazing wedding and this gorgeous farm affair. It’s the simplicity behind her images, the crisp, clean way she photographs each and every detail…that has us smitten time and time again. And this next little number that Jen sent our way, is no different. This Rhode Island affair is the epitome of lovely. The epitome of chic. The epitome of simple, timeless elegance. And guess what? There is so much more in the gallery. Oh and make sure to check out her brand spanking new website if you’re looking for even more gorgeousness!

click here to see the full gallery!

Jonathan and I lived four houses away from each other in High School. I was new to the neighborhood and was walking the long way home – alone. Noticing this, Jonathan called out “Hey you you’re walking the long way!” We quickly became friends through high school; we gave each other rides home, skipped seventh period and watched each other date all the wrong people. It wasn’t until we were in Boston for college, that Jonathan gathered up enough gall to finally admit what we both were thinking, we wanted more than friendship. The bet paid off and we dated for three years. The last year of our relationship was tumultuous. I underwent two surgeries and was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer. During my stay in the hospital Jonathan stayed with me only leaving to sleep, it was during these trying times that we knew we wanted to share our lives together, to be there for one another forever, what ever came our way. Three months later, Jonathan purposed on a gray May day by the sea side.

We wanted a very intimate wedding, inviting close family and friends. We chose Linden Place for its quaint township, rich historic presence, refined beauty and location a block from the ocean. Before the ceremony, guests could take a tour through the main house, a working museum. Guests then cut through the house and walk out the back into the gorgeous garden where the ceremony takes place, greeted by infusion jar refreshments and a string trio.

Jonathan and I choose to have a first look. I have a tendency to be a bit emotional, and I didn’t want to be sobbing during our vows, so a first look it was. I enjoyed having a few minutes with him before the ceremony, it was nice to relax and just chat with my best friend before the hustle and bustle of the day.

We were watching the weather all day-it called for a fifty percent chance of rain. At ceremony start time we were all clear. I made it down the isle and just as Jonathan’s father was beginning the sermon, it started to rain. I felt four raindrops glanced up at the sky, and said a little prayer. As soon as it had came it stopped and the rest went off without a hitch.

It was extremely important that we incorporated as many personal touches into the wedding as possible. We wanted this day to be all about a celebration of family. Jonathan’s parents were both active “friendors” his father, a reverend married us and his mother made our wedding cake. I am and English teacher at the high school we both attended, so we decided on an early summer theme of “books and birds”. For the flowers I knew I wanted soft peach and ivory cabbage roses and peonies, with a few calla lilies sprinkled in as a nod to my grandmother who carried them on her wedding day. My bridal crew was such a huge help. Together we made twelve tissue pomanders, cut 100 birds and hearts from book paper, applied faux mercury glass to twelve vases and created the “Just Married” banner on our sweet heart table. Jonathan and I are self-proclaimed coffee connoisseurs so a coffee and tea bar served as parting gifts.

Our wedding turned out to be more than we could have hoped for. It’s such an amazing feeling to be surrounded by people you love and who are there to celebrate your marriage.

Venue: Linden Place, Bristol RI /  Caterer: Pranzi / Photographer: Jen Curtis / Flowers: Broadway Florist / Hair and Makeup: New Leaf Hair Salon / Brides Dress: Maribel by Christos – Purchased from Country Weddings / Brides Shoes: Guess / Officiant: Groom’s Father / Cake: Groom’s Mother / Bridesmaids’ dresses: Aria / String Trio: Sonare / DJ: Moondance