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Lighthouse + Rocky Cliffs = Ultimate Engagement Session

If romantic walks on the beach are your jam, then look no further because this lovely New England engagement session is all that and more. Complete with one charming lighthouse, rocky cliffs, and the sweetest couple ever (oh and we can’t forget their adorable pup!). Captured by the incomparable Mike Cassimatis Photography we’ve got it all in The Vault!

From Mike Cassimatis PhotographyMaggie and Joe are the sweetest couple and I was so thrilled when they asked me to visit them in Newport for their engagement session. They will be getting married in Maggie’s hometown of St. Louis this summer but wanted to document this time of their lives in Newport, where Joe is temporarily stationed with the Navy. I instantly fell in love with the charm and scenery of the town. We started our session along the rocky coast with a beautiful lighthouse as our backdrop. After that, the couple’s black lab, Duke, joined us for a romantic stroll on the beach.

Photography: Mike Cassimatis Photography | Film Processing: Indie Film Lab | Location: Newport RI

The Chicest Fourth of July Wedding Ever

We’ve got a lot to celebrate today beginning with this stunner of a wedding from Brumley & Wells. For not only is this darling couple celebrating their one year anniversary (on America’s birthday, no less!) but see those napkin invitations? The Bride just so happens to be the brain and beauty CEO behind them. Join us as we toast this 4th of July celebration (and all the pretty it brings) via The Vault!

From The Bride…Jake and I both grew up in Massachusetts but have fallen in love with the natural beauty of the west coast from visiting my brothers over the course of our relationship. After getting engaged, we took a trip to Sonoma, California to pick out the perfect wedding destination. After making a number of site visits to all the beautiful vineyards, we started the second leg of our journey to Portland. With only a tiny pocket of reception, we pulled over along side a windy road and sealed the deal. There we were on the phone with Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island. After thinking about what meant the most to us, we wanted our day to be where our family laid their roots and Newport was the perfect place for a Fourth of July wedding. It would be one of the best decisions kicking off planning the best day of our lives.

Newport, Rhode Island was not of significance to our relationship or our families before July fourth, but it was a place we were excited about making memories at in the next chapter of our lives. I had admired Belle Mer when it first opened 10 years ago. I was a 20-something just dreaming of my dream wedding. The modern and manicured design against the quintessential coastline of Narragansett Bay was perfect. To be able to bring everything we loved about Sonoma to Newport and then be surround by the love of our family and friends would be my dream.

We had exactly a year to plan and I was lucky to have a husband who wanted to be involved. We created “Wedding Wednesdays” to stay on track and enjoy the process with one another. The best advice we received was to make each wedding activity fun, so Wednesdays were dedicated to tackling our to-do’s over dates like coffee or wine and cheese.

I wanted our wedding to be an authentic representation of us and give our guests a great party. From our linen invitations to the beautiful blend of bridesmaids dresses, simple olive branches and homemade pies and ice cream, we chose the moments to be most thoughtful about without over doing the details.

After saying yes to Belle Mer, I knew my dress would help me establish the look and feel of the day. It ended up being the perfect blend of two designers. I chose a modern, timeless, chic silhouette by Nicole Miller from Lovely Bride in San Francisco and then added an unexpected, jeweled bolero by Hayley Paige. My something blue was my initials and our wedding date hand-stitched by my mom on the inside of my dress. My bridesmaids and mom wore a blend of tulle, lace and beaded silk from Monique Lhuillier and Adrianna Papell in shades of blush, taupe, and gray. Our two nieces wore simple tutus made by my mom and carried pennants that read “Team Cacci” and “Team Yee” written by Nashville hand-lettered Chelsea Petaja—my little surprise to Jake for his love for running and cycling.

I worked with Chelsea Petaja on all the hand-written elements to our wedding. Her bold fresh take on calligraphy complimented the simple design of our invite that I designed and had silk-screened on white linen. Each invitation was then finished the same way we make our Everyday Napkins and Handkerchiefs at my company, The Everyday Co. The rest of the invitation suite was beautifully letterpressed by my friends at Smudge Ink in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Our gifts to our bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents and siblings were our Everyday Handkerchiefs hand-stitched with everyones initials. They came in most handy during the ceremony!

It was important to included our family in as many moments of our wedding as possible. Jake and I knew we didn’t want to do a first look so instead, I did an unplanned first look with my dad and our photographer Jacob was there to capture the moment. With a tap on the shoulder as you would with your partner-to-be, I got to have the approval every little girl looks for from her dad. Needless to say, we both grabbed for his handkerchief! Our ceremony was laid out so that our family and friends were seated in a circle around us. Their presence and love was magical. After a cocktail hour of oysters (with crushed basil pineapple ice!), one of my twin brothers introduced us as Mr. & Mrs. while the other kicked off the night with a blessing and a toast. Our guests sat in an arrangement of long and round tables adorned with garden roses, peonies, blushing brides, café au laits, and hanging amaranths. Tall olive branches hung romantically over the rows of long tables as if they would in wine country. Together with our talented friend, Anastasia Francis of Orly Khon Floral, we created a warm, lush yet simple and effortlessly romantic aesthetic. Our head table comprised of our parents and siblings with glowing candles and a long lush green garland. Place settings had a white linen Everyday Dinner Napkin handmade by my mom for each guest as they enjoyed a colorful family-style meal paired with wines from California. Having our own Everyday Napkins meant we could share them with our guests and repurpose them for many meals together as a new family. We designed a rustic menu with custom side dishes recipes including ingredients and flavors inspired by Sonoma. For us, family-style represented a joyous celebration, tradition and coming together like one big family.

After dinner, we celebrated fourth of July with fireworks from Fort Adams, a summer variety of homemade pies by Cooks Orchard Farm from Vermont and ice cream from our friends at Richardson’s Farm in Middleton, Massachusetts. This was our nod to America’s Birthday and our way of thanking our guests for sharing the holiday with us. But the best part of dessert was the classic white two-tier wedding cake made by my brother and sister-in-law! The rest of the night was danced away to the impressive twelve-piece Motown band, Soul City.

What I loved most about our wedding was the love that filled Belle Mer that night. We wouldn’t change anything about the decisions we made or even the things we choose to leave out. We traveled 3,000 miles to realize the best destination was in your own back yard. If you’re thinking about having a destination wedding, consider who you want there and what means most to you. Choose your moments and think about the experience as a whole. Your wedding is only the first few pages of your next chapter. July fourth will forever be the day we remember as the best day of our lives.

A little background: We live in the South End, entrepreneurs, had know one another through very good mutual friends and lived around the corner from each other prior to dating but never knew it!

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Photography: Brumley & Wells | Event Design + Styling: The Everyday Co. | Floral Design: Anastasia Francis | Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller | Cake: Bride’s Brother + Sister-in-law | Invitation Design:The Everyday Co. | Letterpress: Smudge Ink, Inc. | Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Monique Lhuiller | Makeup: Amanda McCarthy Beauty | Calligraphy: Chelsea Petaja | Lighting: Port Lighting | Band: Soul City | Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux | Venue: Belle Mer | Bridal Boutique: Lovely Bridal Shop | Bride’s Band: Ila Collection | Bride’s Bolero: Hayley Paige | Bride’s Bracelet: Flair Boston | Bride’s Hair: Christine Dopoulos | Bride’s Ring: E.B. Horn Jewelers | Bridesmaid’s Hair: Moselle Sath | Bridesmaids’ Dresses + Mother of Bride’s Dress: Adrianna Papell | Cloth Linen Napkins + Handkerchiefs: The Everyday Co. | Day-Of Styling: The Little Things | Film Processing: Mammum Film Lab | Flower Girl Dress: Bride’s Mom | Groom’s Ring: Long’s | Groom’s Wallet: Infinite Series | Groomsmen Shirts: Blank Label | Homemade Ice Cream: Richardson’s Farm | Pies: Cooks Orchard Farm | Rentals: New England Country Rentals| Rentals: Peterson Party Center

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This Newport Wedding is the Definition of Elegant Glamour

When you combine an ultra-flattering Anne Barge wedding dress with a sparkly Jenny Packham headband and bejeweled Badgley Mischka heels, you’re left with one gorgeous Bride. And when that Bride is saying “I do” at Belle Mer amidst a sea of beautiful flowers and lavender accents, it makes for a stunning wedding. See all the pretty from Melissa Robotti Photography in The Vault!

From The Bride…Paul and I met in NYC back in December 2011 at a classic East Village bar called Alphabet Lounge. Paul was there for his friend’s birthday and I was there to dance the night away with friends. It must have been the 90’s dance music and great conversation about skiing and running that hooked Paul. Paul even emailed himself to call me the following day…we went on our first date and the rest is history! After 2.5 years of dating, Paul proposed to me in Brooklyn Bridge Park. He surprised me right in the spot where we took a picture together a couple of years back!

Despite our love for NYC and the area where I grew up (Larchmont, NY), we wanted to get married in a place where we could have a fun weekend celebration with our closest friends and family. Newport quickly came to the top of our list–it’s a beautiful seaside city with a charming town, tons of activities & sites to explore…and a gorgeous setting! When we visited Belle Mer located on Goat Island (Newport, RI), we immediately fell in love with the all-white decor of the Water Salon, the dark wood floors and the amazing views of Narragansett Bay. It had the feeling of a sleek modern wedding, but in a beautiful New England setting. We knew we had found the perfect venue for us!

We got married on June 27th, 2015, and our wedding day could not have been more perfect! The entire night was full of energy, our friends and family danced all night, the band had everyone cheering for “one more song” and all the details came together (from the flowers to the food) in a way that made it an incredibly romantic and special day. We’re very thankful to our photographer Melissa Robotti who was able to capture all of the wonderful moments and memories on this day!

Photography: Melissa Robotti Photography | Floral Design: Greenlion | Wedding Dress: Anne Barge | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Rings: Kwait | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Hair + Makeup: Jennie Kay beauty | Band: Hip Pocket Orchestra | Groom's Attire: Brooks Brothers | Rabbi: Julie Zupan | Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Bride's Earrings: Kwait | Hair Accessories: Jenny Packham | Invitations, Menus + Programs: Write On Larchmont

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Bright and Elegant Winter Inspired Wedding on Goat Island

Newport weddings are always special, but this all-white affair at the stunning Belle Mer truly stands out. It’s chic with a touch of glamour, making every beautiful image captured by Zev Fisher Photography feel even more fabulous than the last. It’s winter wedding perfection, and you can see it all here.

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From Zev FisherTara & Evan had a classy celebration on the beautiful Goat Island in Newport, Rhode Island. Despite the cold December breeze, they were still open to taking portraits outdoors, taking advantage of that gorgeous evening light. Golden Gate Studios really spruced up the evening with stunning white flower arrangements maintaining that bright and clean feeling throughout. The reception was kicked off by their first dance amid falling snow and they danced the night away to tunes played by Boss.

From The Bride…Our entire relationship has been in New York, this is where we met, dated and fell in love, but our hearts have always been in New England. When we got engaged in front of the lighthouse at Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island, we knew that Newport would be the perfect place for our destination wedding. We both wanted to find that special place, on the water, and driving over the Newport bridge is just magical. While Newport is generally known for being a summer destination, we decided we wanted to do something different and host a unique event. After seeing the Belle Mer, with its all white, classic and modern design, we fell in love with the idea of a winter wedding. We envisioned a December black tie affair, with all white and silver decor, white flowers, crystallized branches, snowflakes and blue icy lighting. One of the most memorable moments of the evening was our first dance as a married couple which took place under falling snow. The bride’s lace and organza mermaid gown, along with the groom’s wardrobe change, from a classic black tuxedo into a custom white tuxedo jacket, added to the glamour and romance. Photographer Zev Fisher’s editorial and elegant style perfectly captured the dramatic, elegant and classy affair we imagined. The bride truly felt like a princess in a winter wonderland.

Photography: Zev Fisher Photography | Cinematography: McElroy Weddings | Floral Design: Golden Gate Florist | Wedding Dress: Vows | Cake: Party Favors Brookline | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Makeup: Kerri Herlihy | Hair: Bella Beauty Bridal | Band: Wilson Stevens | Favors: American Nut & Chocolate Co. | Groom's Attire: Bloomingdales | Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Bridal Boutique: Vows | Bridal Boutique - Bridesmaids' Dresses: L'elite Boston | Linen Rentals: Rentals Unlimited

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Elegant Seaside Affair with the Sweetest Flower Pups You Will Ever See

Here’s to gorgeous weddings.  Gorgeous weddings boasting elegant details, stunning seaside nuptials and vows that melt your heart.  Weddings just like this one captured beautifully by Focused Bliss Productions – a breathtaking Belle Mer soiree with two sweeties who are sooo in love, it makes your soul happy.  Click play to soak in every moment (including two of the cutest flower pups ever), then stay tuned for some brilliant images from Snap! Photography below.

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From Focused Bliss Productions… At Kevin and Lauren’s wedding, everyone was treated like family. This was not only because they are the warmest, sweetest, and most generous couple; but also, we had been with them twice before when we filmed both of Kevin’s sisters’ weddings.

In a similar fashion as his sister, the wedding was held at the stunning Belle Mer Island Club in Newport Rhode Island. Kevin prepped with his groomsmen at a hotel downtown. Meanwhile, Lauren got ready herself with her bridesmaids in the expansive bridal suite which offered dramatic views of the surrounding bay. While many were out enjoying the day sailing, she was spinning around the room – quite literally – with excitement after putting on her beautiful dress which moments before was set hanging on the chandelier.

Every passing minute was more breathtaking than the last. With a flower petal covered wedding aisle to the most exquisite floral and candle arrangement for the reception hall, not a detail was missed. But more stunning than their surroundings was their glowing romance (with a perfect touch of silliness) that they couldn’t contain and exuded every time that they looked at each other. From their graceful dance under the gazebo to their personal vows to the epic dance party to follow, it is impossible to pin-point a favorite moment. We’ll just keep clicking “replay”!

Photography: Snap! Weddings | Cinematography: Focused Bliss Productions | Floral Design: Greenlion | Cake: Scrumptions | DJ: ECF Entertainment - DJ Boogz | Band: Boston Common Band | String Quartet: Divina Strings | Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Food Truck: Fancheezical | Lighting + Photo Booth: Luke Renchan Entertainment | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited

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Elegant + Intimate Glen Manor Wedding

A stunning long sleeve lace gown? Check. Richly hued red florals? You bet. Versailles-inspired venue smack dab in the states? Oh yeah. Get ready to pack those Pinterest boards full of pretty, because Jen & John’s wedding is just that good. Rebecca Arthurs was behind the lens capturing New England magic married with major elegance and we’ve got it all waiting for you to witness in The Vault!

From the Bride… Like many other couples today, my now-husband, John, and I met online four years ago. Despite the modern way in which we met, however, our relationship is decidedly traditional and even old-fashioned. Much of our mutual love for tradition resulted from our very similar childhoods – both of us grew up having similar hobbies, such as playing classical piano and riding horses. Horses continue to be an important part in our lives, and actually played a pivotal role in how we became engaged. When it came time to propose, John was careful in selecting the perfect setting: a horse farm and former plantation estate in the pristine rolling hills of Loudoun County, Virginia. His idea was to propose to me while we were surrounded by nothing but a herd of horses. Determined to carry out his plan, the two of us walked through the field for close to half an hour in search of horses – any horse, really – but none were to be found (we discovered later that it was their feeding time and they were all on the other side of the property munching happily away at their hay). Though the horses refused to join us that day in the fields, John nervously proposed anyways in the company of the plantation owner’s four dogs, which was, nonetheless, still very romantic.

Within the first month, I threw myself into full wedding planning mode. John’s family is Italian, so, initially, I had this dream of us being married in Italy. To me, Italy embodies timeless romance – the rolling, golden fields, statuesque cypress trees, and stunning villas all combine to create this “heaven-on-earth” feel that I envisioned for our intimate event.

Unfortunately, due to the difficulty in having a Catholic wedding ceremony overseas, we had to alter our plans a bit (and by a bit I mean not getting married in Italy); however, I hadn’t completely let go of my “Italian Dream”, and figured I could still incorporate the same warmth and romance in a destination wedding in the United States. Like most brides, I spent a lot of time scouring Pinterest for the perfect venue. One day, I came across a pin of a gorgeous chateau that I was convinced had to be somewhere in Europe. I was (luckily) wrong – it was the Glen Manor House in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, just five hours north of where we lived! The Glen Manor House, with its elegant Versailles-inspired interior and beautiful Italian gardens overlooking the Narragansett Bay, had everything I was looking for to carry out my “mini-destination” wedding day plans.
Though the number of guests who attended our black-tie wedding (50 in total) was small in comparison to the burgeoning size of many guest lists today, it was truly a memorable event nonetheless. The Catholic ceremony was held in St. Mary’s Church in Bristol and was full of personal touches – I walked down the aisle with my father to my favorite classical piece, Clair de Lune, John’s cousin presided over the ceremony, and we exchanged rings that John had carved and cast himself. For the reception, our florist was able to create a warm, romantic atmosphere reminiscent of an Italian villa – the manor was teeming with sprawling vines and wine-hued florals that looked organic and untouched, as if they had been allowed to grow on the tables and furnishings for several years; flickering candles cast an amber glow in the mirrors and on the mantelpieces and were reflected back in the smiling faces of our closest family and friends. Dinner, which consisted of five separate courses, embodied traditional Italian fare, including monkfish, roasted rapini, and pappardelle in a forest mushroom cream sauce. The “cake” was actually a multi-layer Italian pastry known as a millefoglie decorated with fresh berries and displayed on a wooden cake stand that was also made by John.

We concluded the night dancing to live swing and jazz music, with a cigar and armagnac table set up outside for the gentlemen (and a few ladies!) who wanted a night cap. As an homage to our traditional side, we spent nine months before our wedding learning how to foxtrot and performed our first dance to “L-O-V-E”. It was the perfect ending to the perfect day that was in every way a reflection of us.

Photography: Rebecca Arthurs | Event Planning: Merren Events | Floral Design: Greenlion | Wedding Dress: PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com | Wedding Cake: Confectionery Designs | Invitations: DIY Bride | Reception Venue: Glen Manor House | Bride's Shoes: Gianvito Rossi / Valentino | Catering: Blackstone Catering | Hair + Makeup: Jennie Kay beauty | Groom's Attire: Ede and Ravenscroft | Bridesmaids' Dress: Halston Heritage | Ceremony Church: St. Mary's Church of Bristol, RI | Reception Music: Jan Marie Olownia | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited

Fabulous Wedding Ring Trends for 2016

You’ve been dreaming of saying “I do” for what seems like forever, so when it comes time to put that ring on your finger, you want to get it RIGHT. Enter Long’s Jewelers, our go-to experts for all things jewelry who also happen to know everything there is to know about this year’s most anticipated styles. Think gorgeous bands that will stay timeless even beyond 2016. Scroll below for a look.

Trend #1 – Unique Wedding Bands

You + yours are unlike any other couple you know, so obviously your wedding rings from Long’s Jewelers should be as unique as you are. From crazy cool details to uncommon designs to colorful gemstones, choosing a one-of-a-kind look is the perfect way to stand out amongst the crowd, add that extra spice to your classic e-ring or mix together two very different tastes and styles. It’s letting your personality shine through your jewelry and we.are.obsessed.

Trend #2 – Stacking Bands

Let’s be honest, you’re a total fashionista… and staying ahead of the style game also means showing off your wedding rings with a little more “flare” than the usual one band + one engagement ring. Which is why Long’s Jewelers’ stacking bands are the perfect option. Think thin rings that sit flush with one another to form a beautiful grouping OR a fabulous look spread out across each finger. Plus, with different shapes, colors, designs and price points, stacking bands are most definitely chic and original.

Trend #3 – Mixing Metals

You’re the type of lady who throws rules out the window and mixes and matches metals until your hearts content. In other words… those gold earrings and platinum bracelet? Perfect for your night out on the town. So why not apply those same principals to finding your wedding ring and choose a hue from Long’s Jewelers that is totally opposite to your engagement jewelry. I’m talking an e-ring in rose gold meets a platinum band that is super sparkly. It’s bold, fashion-forward AND unique. We love that.

Trend #4: Meaningful & Sentimental Wedding Bands

Your wedding ring is one of THE most important pieces of jewelry you will ever own, so why not make it extra special by adding an additional touch of sentimentality to this already meaningful piece. With Everband rings from Long’s Jewelers, you’ll start with a band that holds one interior diamond for your wedding day and, with each passing anniversary, add a diamond to the inside or outside of the band as a symbol of your love and partnership. Such an amazing statement.

Trend #5 – Halfway or Three-Quarter Diamond Bands

If you fell head over heels in love with eternity bands last year, you were not alone… 2015 was the year of the diamonds. This year, however, it’s all about scaling back to a half or 3/4 eternity band. Think cost-effective, more practical and easier to handle if you work with your hands. (Read: no cracking or damaging a diamond or losing a stone.) It’s rockin’ the bling from Long’s Jewelers sans the anxiety… we can get on board with that.

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Excited to see these new trends in person? Head to Long’s Annual Wedding Band Weekend on March 18-20, 2016 for wall-to-wall wedding bands (including the new Everband collection!), chit chat with fab wedding ring vendors and selection and pricing that is all sorts of ah-mazing. You’ll even have a chance to win $1,000 off your wedding ring, plus even more spectacular prizes. Think a dream honeymoon, groomsmen suits, dinner + wine, a shopping spree, a pair of TAG Huer watches, gift certificates and MORE. RSVP here, because you absolutely don’t want to miss a moment.

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Rhode Island Wedding at the Ocean Cliff

There is no denying it, a wedding in Newport is always magic, but when it takes place at the stunning OceanCliff Hotel with EFD Creative – Event Planning & Design at the design helm and Allegro Photography behind the lens, everything just gets that much more special. Not a detail was missed during this elegant day, and it’s all waiting for you right here. See even more in the VAULT.

From EFD Creative – Event Planning & DesignIt was an honor to be part of Sally and David’s Thanksgiving wedding weekend. The goal was to create a warm and intimate atmosphere, and the Ocean Cliff Inn was the perfect location. With the property privately tucked away from the road on one side, and the water views on the other, it was exactly what the couple wanted to create a home style personal environment.

For the overall design we wanted to take advantage of the beauty of the Inn and incorporate the couple’s personal touch on the day. Blues combined with golds and flowers to compliment, together it created an overall beauty that was highlighted throughout with candlelight.

When you entered the venue you had the experience of being in your own personal home and having this wedding on the Thanksgiving weekend – it truly made it feel like it was a home away from home.

From Allegro PhotographySally and Dave chose to celebrate their wedding in Newport right after Thanksgiving with two days of spectacular events. The timing was perfect for their family and friends and everyone enjoyed gathering together in this beautiful locale.

As photographers, we figured there was no chance of us getting outside for photos at that time of year. But Sally and Dave had great luck- the weather on Friday (part 1 of their festivities) was gorgeous. We were able to do their first look outside overlooking the water as well as their couple portraits and family portraits. As the day turned to night, we were treated to even more beauty- from a spectacular sunset during their wedding vows to the warmth of candlelight for their reception.

Photography: Allegro Photography | Cinematography: readyset[film] | Event Planning + Design: EFD Creative - Event Planning & Design | Floral Design: Flowers By Semia | Wedding Dress: Pnina Tornai | Cake: Something Different Cake Couture | Invitations: Invitations & Company | Makeup: Jane Sincere | Hair: Jude Supplice | Lighting: Suzanne B Lowell Lighting Design | Band: Night Shift Entertainment | Transportation: Rockstar Limo | Venue: Regatta Place | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited

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Classic + Elegant Newport Fall Wedding

The only way to make a beautiful autumn wedding even better? The addition of an adorable pup dressed up for the occasion, because when you’re getting married in glamorous Newport, Rhode Island, only black-tie will do. Head to The Vault to see all the pretty from this sweet couple’s big day thanks to gorgeous photos from Janet Moscarello Photography.

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From Janet Moscarello PhotographyMary + Shane radiate with tremendous energy. From our first meeting I knew that the day of their wedding would be filled with laughter, tears of joy, and an abundance of good vibes. They meticulously planned a gorgeous fall wedding in the place that held so much meaning to their relationship. It was one of those weddings that I would like to put on repeat, like forever!

From The Bride + Groom…In 2010 we were placed on a mutual friend’s beach volleyball team in Long Beach, NY. The water has always been a special place for us. It is where we fell in love. For the next few years we had a long distance relationship in three different cities (Buffalo, Philadelphia and New York). In 2013, we moved to Newport, RI together and were engaged at Castle Hill in 2014. While planning our wedding we knew it had to be in Newport. Newport has such a special meaning to us and our relationship. Mary worked at Salve Regina University so we were lucky to be able to have the reception at Ochre Court.

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Photography: Janet Moscarello Photography | Cinematography: Mike Picard Videography | Floral Design: Sarah Rodgers Florals | Wedding Dress: Cosmobella | Cake: Mad Hatter Bakery | Invitations: Minted | Ceremony Venue: Saint Mary's Church | Reception Venue: Our Lady Of Mercy Chapel | Hair + Makeup: The House Of Makeup | DJ: All That Events

Vintage French Affair Wedding at Rosecliff Mansion

Her vision was to make her guests feel like they walked into a vintage Christian Dior perfume advertisement, and after spending some serious quality time with these gorgeous images from Christian Oth Studio, I think it’s safe to say this stunning Bride succeeded. With the absolutely perfect venue, Rosecliff Mansion, the talents at Stoneblossom whipping up some swoon-worthy blooms and Em Devaud Events making sure not a detail was missed, this gallery defines elegance.

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From The Bride…I had a specific image in mind for our wedding from the very beginning! I wanted it to be an experience, to feel like you’ve walked into a vintage Christian Dior perfume advertisement – French, feminine and classic. The first step towards my vision was our venue which was modeled after Versailles – I’d say it’s the next best thing to getting married in Europe! The Parisian-style mansion and ballroom excited me and my husband since our first visit to Newport, RI. We knew this was it. Alex and I had met in dental school at Boston University. Today, we live and practice in NYC. Since I grew up in the NYC area, and Alex in Boston, we decided that Newport would be the perfect meeting point for our family and friends. Likewise, we think it’s one of the most beautiful summer destinations in the Northeast, and we were excited to offer that experience to our guests.

The beautiful venue was my inspiration for the remainder of the wedding planning. The flowers were lush and romantic, with soft pinks and whites amidst the golden ballroom. We had my dad’s vintage Jaguar parked in front as guests arrived and walked through the rose garden, past outdoor French Victorian furniture and down the staircase to the ceremony, while a string quartet was playing “Moonlight Serenade” by Glenn Miller. I ended up designing my dress since I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for. I matched a lace corset top to a tulle skirt by Pnina Tornai. Alex wore a Ralph Lauren Tuxedo. I matched my mom’s and bridesmaids’ dresses to the characteristically French pink-and-white-striped awning over the balcony where cocktail hour was held. I also used the awning as inspiration for the guests’ welcome bags. For cocktail hour, we had a Gypsy Jazz band play music we felt would transport our guests to a 1930s-style Woody Allen film. Our signature drink was inspired by Rosecliff itself – a Cardamom Rose cocktail. The ballroom was lit in a soft blush glow to go along with the color scheme and we danced the night away to the amazing Kenny Ford band from Hank Lane! Guests took pictures in a fresh rose-draped photo booth, and ended the night in a dessert room filled with crepes, French macarons, pink cotton candy and our red velvet wedding cake. It truly was a dream come true!

 

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Photography: Christian Oth Studio | Cinematography: Hello Super Studios | Event Planning: Em Devaud Events | Floral Design: Stoneblossom | Wedding Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal | Cake: Confectionary Designs | Invitations: Petite Paperie | Shoes: Rene Caovilla | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Blackstone Catering | Makeup: Natalie Shafie Makeup | Hair: Rachael Rubin | Lighting: Ormonde Productions | Band: Hank Lane Music | Groom's Attire: Ralph Lauren | String Quartet: Gig Masters - PartyPosh | Venue: Rosecliff Mansion | Bridal Boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal | Furniture Rentals: New England Country Rentals | Groom's Alterations: Monsieur Brunold | Gypsy Jazz Band: Gig Masters - PartyPosh | Ketubah: Reyna's Paper Dolls Etc | Photo Booth: Candid Photo & Video Booth | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited | Teeth Whitening: Dr. Alex Vasserman

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Glamorous Newport Rosecliff Mansion Wedding

This glamorous Newport wedding is an absolute fairytale—the Rosecliff Mansion setting, the Carolina Herrera gown, and gorgeous hand-lettering from Laura Hooper Calligraphy. And, if this day is a fairytale, then the fairy godparents were Details With Love, who planned the whole fabulous affair, and Christian Oth Studio, who captured it all beautifully. See all the pretty in The Vault!

From The Bride…Joe and I were reluctantly (mostly on my part) set up by two of our best friends. They had been dating for a few months, and put their heads together to try their hand at match making. Fortunately for us, it worked. When we began dating I was living in Boston and Joe was living in Rhode Island. Since we couldn’t see each other all the time, we spent our weekends checking out the latest foodie spots in Boston, walking around gorgeous little Back Bay neighborhoods, and spending summer weekends in Newport.

Joe proposed almost three years to the day that we began dating. We had dinner at the North End restaurant where we had our first official date. He proposed in the governor’s suite at the Boston Harbor Hotel surrounded by roses and candlelight. It was nothing short of amazing.

When it came time to select a location for our wedding, we wanted somewhere that was not only meaningful to us as a couple, but also a place that could serve as a weekend getaway full of fun and festivity for our guests. A summer wedding in Newport immediately came to mind.

While we knew we wanted a wedding that embodied our fun loving, laid back personalities, we also wanted a formal venue that evoked the grandeur of Newport’s history. As soon as we drove up the majestic tree lined driveway of Rosecliff, we knew it was the perfect spot. And let’s face it, there’s nothing better than wearing a fabulous outfit while drinking champagne in Jay Gatsby’s home!

We wanted our wedding to feel classic, romantic, and glamorous, with a vintage twist. The design ascetic of the wedding began with selecting my lace, peach toned, Carolina Herrera gown. To me, the dress embodied everything that I wanted my wedding to evoke – softness, glamour, and old world beauty. From there we selected amazing hand calligraphy Sugar Paper wedding invitations, swapping out the matching white envelope for a peach one. We also chose flowing, off the shoulder Amsale bridesmaid dresses in a similar color.

It was very important to us that we let the beauty and grandeur of Rosecliff speak for itself. We collaborated with Dennis Delsignore of Stoneblossom Floral and Event Design to create a soft, romantic color palate throughout. We utilized florals in shades of cream, blush and peach, with accents of greenery and draping dendrobium orchids. Touches of gold were utilized throughout to bring in the amazing ceiling and fixtures around the room. Gorgeous table linens from La Tavola added texture and helped to accentuate the overall design ascetic. To top it off, lighting in a warm, golden tone was utilized to bring it all together.

I collaborated with our amazing wedding planner, Kristin Love of Details With Love, to add elements throughout the wedding that our guests may not have seen before. We opted to have an ornate gold-framed mirror made in lieu of escort cards, on which table seating was written with hand calligraphy. A flowing garland of greenery and flowers was draped around the mirror as an accent. Our welcome boxes contained a note and customized watercolor map highlighting all of the places in Newport that we love to visit as a couple. We also arranged to have a gourmet taco food truck (one of Joe’s favorites) arrive towards the end of the evening to send our guests away with a little post bubbly snack!

Our wedding day couldn’t have been more perfect from start to finish. The day began with breakfast and mimosas while the team at Jennie Kay Beauty made us all feel and look so beautiful. By the time I was finished getting ready, I put on my custom Prada shoes (complete with my new initials on the bottom!) and with help from my mother and sister, slipped into my dress.

Our traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony was held in a tiny Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Newport. Following the ceremony, old-fashioned trolleys transported guests to Rosecliff, where they were met by waiters holding coupes full of champagne. Guests were then welcomed to the back lawn where amazing views, delicious appetizers, and a champagne bar awaited them.

We spent the rest of the evening making memories with our loved ones, snapping hilarious pictures in the photo booth, and dancing the night away to the unforgettable sounds of Vali Entertainment. (I’m pretty sure a rap battle broke out at one point!)

None of this would have been possible without our amazing parents, vendors, and of course our fantastic wedding planner. We couldn’t have asked for a more spectacular wedding, and it was the perfect way to kick off our life together as husband and wife.

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Photography: Christian Oth Studio | Cinematography: Christian Oth Studio | Event Planning: Details with Love | Floral Design: Stoneblossom | Wedding Dress: Carolina Herrera | Cake: Ana Parzych Cakes | Invitations: Sugar Paper Los Angeles | Stationery: Heather Belle Ink | Bride's Shoes: Prada | Catering: Russell Morin Fine Catering | Hair + Makeup: Jennie Kay beauty | Calligraphy: Laura Hooper Calligraphy | Band: Vali Entertainment | Venue: Rosecliff Mansion

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Classically Elegant Rhode Island Spring Wedding

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; there’s a reason classic elegance will never go out of style. Add in a venue that feels like a French chateau, blooms by Sayles Livingston Flowers, and a princess-like gown from Lovely Bride, and this elegant affair shines ever brighter. Erin McGinn snapped it all and LMV Productions filmed the love and the fun – see every beautiful bit in our VAULT right this way!

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From the Bride… Dale and I really wanted our wedding to be relaxed and elegant – with a focus on celebrating our love and having fun with our closest friends and families. We’ve always loved the Glen Manor House in Portsmouth, RI. It has so much charm and vintage detail, is surrounded by a beautiful garden, and it’s on the water. When we were picking a venue for our wedding, we knew it was the perfect place for us. Besides celebrating our marriage, our goal for the wedding was for the guests to have fun – we got a great band, had a photo booth, and even a cigar roller. We also tried to
include some unique and meaningful details that would make people smile and remember how much fun they had on our special day.

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Photography: Erin McGinn | Cinematography: LMV Productions | Floral Design: Sayles Livingston Design | Wedding Dress: Watters | Cake: Scrumptions | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Bride's Shoes: Freya Rose | Catering: Blackstone Catering | Hair + Makeup: SERAI Beauty | Band: Night Rhythm | Transportation: Rockstar Limo | Venue: Glen Manor House | Bridal Boutique: Lovely Bridal Shop | Cigar Roller: Boston Cigar Factory

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Colorful + Elegant Linden Place Wedding

This wedding is one thoughtful affair. From the date chosen, to the groomsmen’s socks, every detail holds significance beyond measure. For it was when the groom was on active military duty that the Bride who dreamt up the a vintage elegance celebration laced with small town charm and thanks to Emily Delamater because we’ve got it all in THE VAULT!

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From the Bride… Planning for our wedding day was a much-needed distraction from the fact that William was deployed overseas. Missing him fueled my desire to create a day that celebrated our story, past, present and future. #VlovesW became more than just a wedding hashtag, but a mission to create a day that showed him just how much I love and appreciate him. From the date chosen to the color of the groomsmen’s socks, every detail had meaning.

William’s love of history and my appreciation of architectural design made Linden Place Museum the perfect venue. The fact that it was located in Rhode Island, where we first met, made it even more perfect. From there, everything else seemed to fall into place. Seriously, how could we not be married in a small seaside New England town that is home to the longest continuous 4th of July celebration in America?

Stylistically, we were inspired to create an atmosphere of vintage elegance infused with organic whimsy and undertones of patriotism. We wanted the reception to be a mixture of structured indoor dining and dancing blended with relaxed outdoor lounging. The Linden Place carriage house and rose gardens fulfilled such a desire for a fluid and open setting. Our first dance photographs taken from outside the carriage house doors embody this vision for the day. The VW Photobus parked in the gardens helped to bridge the indoor-outdoor space, and made for a playful addition that provided guests with photo-shoot entertainment throughout the night.

As I reflect on our wedding, I am overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude for the all the family and friends that made our vision a reality. Most of the décor was a labor of love involving many helping hands. From the vintage furniture, to the living family tree, the day was brimming with detailed significance and beauty.Everything about our wedding day makes my heart happy. It was the day that celebrated #VlovesW to perfection.

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Photography: Emily Delamater Photography | Floral Design: Greenlion | Wedding Dress: Paloma Blanca | Invitations: Minted | Reception Venue: Linden Place Mansion | Bride's Shoes: J.Crew | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Hair + Makeup: New Leaf Salon | Groom's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Vintage Car: South County Trolley Of Rhode Island | Bride's Earrings: BHLDN | Brides Cuff: Johanna Johnson | Groom's Shoes: Johnston & Murphy | Groom's Ties: The Tie Bar | Photobus: Photobooth Planet | Save The Dates: The First Snow | Velvet Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Vintage Stamps: Verde Studio

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Get Married at The Chanler at Cliff Walk

Newport, Rhode Island is synonymous with classic glamour and exceptional elegance. Housed in a mansion on Newport’s famed Cliff Walk, The Chanler at Cliff Walk is no exception, offering twenty distinctive Newport hotel rooms elegantly decorated in various period styles. With expansive lawns, an open air terrace and grand, glamorous architecture inside and out, The Chanler at Cliff Walk is the perfect venue for any New England wedding.

Sparkling views of the Atlantic will dazzle you and your guests from any one of the three ceremony and reception options, and on-site planning and event services will work to ensure your wedding day at The Chanler at Cliff Walk is every bit as beautiful as the venue itself.

What are you waiting for? Start planning your happily ever after and dream wedding today at The Chanler at Cliff Walk!

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Classic + Nautical Seaside Garden Wedding

Get your tissues ready, because the reason this couple chose Newport’s Castle Hill Inn to host their wedding is sure to bring a tear to your eye. But as soon as you see this Bride and Groom’s love and all the pretty details from Eventfully Planned and Sayles Livingston Flowers, the only tears you’ll be shedding will be tears of joy. See it all—from the maple syrup favors (he’s Canadian!) to the gorgeous Romona Keveza gown—from Erin McGinn in THE VAULT!

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From Erin McGinnKatherine and Chris’s wedding had a fun garden party vibe, with vibrant kelly green, nautical navy, and sweet pink touches, all carried together with a custom crest monogram created by Penmagic and appeared on everything from the invitation to cocktail napkins and the bar.

From The Bride…Our focus was always on a fun celebration of marriage, love and happiness with our friends and family. As I’m Irish Catholic, I have a huge family on both sides (26 first cousins!). My family always had an open door policy when I was growing up and welcomed everyone in the neighborhood over at any time. I have continued that tradition in our new house in Chicago and we are always entertaining whether it is a summer bbq, hosting bachelorette parties or our now annual Christmas extravaganza. We wanted the wedding to be a big gathering of everyone we love most in the world!

My mother passed away when I was 21 and Newport was always a special location for her and our family. She attended college at Salve Regina and my parents were married in Newport in the middle of a snowstorm in January. We still have family and friends in the area and return every year to visit. Newport will always have a place in my heart and I couldn’t wait to share it with Chris when we started dating.

I always wanted to get married in Newport and follow in my parent’s footsteps. I chose our venue (in my head!) when I was with my father at an event at Castle Hill. It was the year after my mother passed away and we were there for a research benefit for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute where she had received treatment. I remember looking across the lawn and falling in love with the ocean view and charm of the Inn. When it came time to look at venues for the wedding, we did not even bother to look at other places as I had my heart set on Castle Hill for years. I read somewhere that it was a trend in 2015 to “personalize weddings” and I thought that was the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. How could a wedding not be personalized? When I originally thought about the wedding and style, I wanted it be reflective of us as a couple and be a fun and unstuffy event. For example, I wanted the cocktail hour to have a slider bar and late night grilled cheeses. I want people to be able to wear whatever they wanted and be comfortable. I want everyone to dance the night away to Motown classics and take cheesy photos in the photo booth and leave with a big smile on their faces!

Chris is from Vancouver, Canada so we also wanted to make sure we brought in some of his style as the wedding was held in Rhode Island. To showcase his love of the outdoors and camping, we will have smores outside on fire-pits. We also brought in mini bottles of maple syrup as favors that included tags that directed guests to their seats. He has memories of tapping the sap with his grandfather and making maple syrup as a young boy. If anyone has seen Chris at another wedding, they also know he loves air guitar so we have blowup guitars to pass out on the dance floor so everyone can mimic his signature move.

I’m not a crafty person but was saved by one of my girlfriends who provided all of our DIY items as a wedding gift including cocktail napkins, koozies, straws and all of the signs. I found our paper & calligraphy vendor on Etsy and Brenda at Penmagic saved the day. In additional to the save the date Newport maps and invitations, she designed a special crest for us incorporating our initials. We used this crest as a beginning design point for all different items including napkins, the program, thank you cards, table numbers and it was even screened onto a flag that was given to us as a gift.

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Photography: Erin McGinn | Cinematography: JB Horn | Event Planning: Eventfully Planned | Floral Design: Sayles Livingston Design | Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza Legends | Cake: Confectionery Designs | Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade | Hair + Makeup: Jennie Kay beauty | Band: Sweet Tooth And The Sugar Babies | Ceremony Music: Chris Phillips | Transportation: Viking Tours | Venue: Castle Hill Inn | Bridal Boutique: Ultimate Bride Boutique | Invitation + Paper Design (including Crest): Penmagic Cards | Lighting + Decor: Exquisite Events | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited

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Romantic Destination Wedding on Block Island

Allison and Derek’s was your typical New England affair, or in other words: perfect. It’s the ultimate Block Island celebration that’ll have you pinning the entire day away (and honestly, who can blame you). Ryon:Lockhart Photography was on hand capturing every moment of merriment and as luck would have it – we’ve got it all waiting in THE VAULT!

From the Bride…My husband and I first visited block island a few years ago for a friend’s wedding. It quickly became one of our favorite places. On one of our trips, memorial day 2014, we hoped on a moped, grabbed some snacks, our favorite champagne and headed to a little picnic on a remote beach by a beautiful light house. To my complete shock after he popped the champagne he then popped the question. By that evening we knew that we’d be returning to this very island to get married – Block Island style.

The island was a perfect place for us. We have always liked the idea of a destination wedding but didn’t want to create too much of an obstacle for our guests. For most, Block Island is a mysterious destination but in reality it’s actually a very convenient option, especially since most of our family and friends were coming from Long Island, Brooklyn or Manhattan. It was very exciting for us to introduce this island to our guests as most had never been. The weekend really had that destination feel as if we were on vacation with 100 of your favorite people.

Block Island is a pretty tiny place, just 17 miles around, and that actually worked in our favor. Everybody seems to know everyone “on island” and you won’t have to go to far into your planning before you realize that all of your options will be decided between a few select vendors. We chose the Rose Farm Inn as our venue for its amazing antique character, its sprawling land and it’s rolling green hills. Our ceremony was held at the iconic Southeast Lighthouse. This picturesque location provided panoramic views of the ocean while also giving us the most quintessential and authentic block island backdrop.

Being that I’m a graphic designer the pressure was really on. I hit Pinterest hard. I wanted something rustic yet glamorous. I love the contrast between mixed metal mercury glass and raw weathered wood. Our palette was ivory, cream, soft blushes, raw neutrals and gold. Our flowers we’re unbelievable thanks to the super talented Melissa from Painted Rock Designs. My father in law was tasked with collecting wood palettes and making flower boxes. We crossed our fingers and let him run with this DIY project. Thankfully no fingers were lost and the end result was awesome.

Designing my invitations was a very special experience for me. I have gone through this process with many brides but never truly understood how personal it was. Once everything was designed I worked with Kon from Coeur Noir Specialty Printers. These guys are the best and the day I picked them up I actually cried. Wedding stationary sets the scene of an event and it really got our guests excited for the weekend.

On to our best decision. Our photographers! They rock! It’s that simple. Everything they do is amazing we felt especially grateful and honored to have Ryon:Lockhart photography document our wedding day. They definitely nailed all of the classic shots but what really impressed us were all of the small moments, nuances and expressions of ourselves and guests. They captured the feeling and essence of our wedding perfectly and exceeded any expectations that we could have imagined.

We laughed all day, we danced for hours, we got to celebrate with everyone we love and I got to marry my best friend. All in all it was the perfect day.

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Photography: Ryon:Lockhart Photography | Event Planning: Summer Sisters | Floral Design: Painted Rock Designs | Wedding Dress: Karen Willis Holmes | Cake: Sugar Rush Designs | Invitations: Allison Rhodes Designs | Catering: Kimberly's | Hair + Makeup: Salon Sena | DJ: Marc Scortino - Island Wedding DJ | Suit: Black Lapel | Wedding Venue: Rose Farm Inn | Musician: Marc Phillip | Rentals: Block Island Party Rentals | Specialty Printing: Coeur Noir | Wedding Rings: Lori Mclean | Wine Favors: Village Wine Club

Romantic + Glamorous Newport Wedding at Rosecliff Mansion

I’ve never really been the girl who wanted a glamorous, princess wedding (in fact, I want to elope), but there’s something about this wedding that has me completely enchanted. The stunning Rosecliff Mansion (where The Great Gatsby was originally filmed). The Bride’s Ines Di Santo dress. The oh-so-elegant reception designed by Sayles Livingston Flowers. It all adds up to one truly magestic day. Get inspired with gorgeous images from CLY by Matthew assisted by Matthew Ree in THE VAULT!

From The Bride…To us, wedding was both a scene out of a chapter from our favorite book, and a nostalgic moment from our dreams. We kicked off the wedding celebration the day before with a picnic-style polo match. The players, Suleman, his family and friends, played as we cheered and enjoyed Ghanian, Eritrean and American cuisines–dishes representative of our cultural origins. Our venue, Rosecliff Mansion, has special significance; it was a historic home that we visited while in college. During this visit we joked about the idea of having a wedding at Rosecliff without having any clue that years later this would foreshadow our wedding. Rosecliff is also the backdrop of where the story from our favorite book, The Great Gatsby, was originally filmed. The orchids adorning various tables and corners of the venue were also symbolic. Orchids are the flowers Suleman sent me every Valentine’s Day for the past 7 years. As a tribute to our engagement, we featured Tuscan wines native to the local region where Suleman proposed. Our signature drink was a concoction created by our friends from Newport, RI using apples from their Newport orchid. On each table we placed a card to have our guests play a game of “I Spy.” With the provided disposable cameras, our guests snapped “spy” moments on the list such as a moment where the groom was caught playing with his ring or a group photo.

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Photography: CLY BY MATTHEW | Cinematography: D.P. Weddings | Floral Design: Sayles Livingston Design | Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo | Bride's Shoes: Sergio Rossi | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Watters | Catering: Blackstone Catering | Makeup: JOANNA PETIT-FRERE | Hair: Nancy V Brown | Groom's Attire: Black Lapel | Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux | Venue: Rosecliff Mansion | Groom's Shoes: Louis Leeman | Photography - Assistance: MATTHEW REE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Black Tie Garden Party Wedding in Newport

You know that couple who’s so effortlessly chic that basically everything they touch turns to gold? I think that’s this couple who pulled off a East Meets West Coast Black Tie Garden Party. It’s every bit as cool as it sounds, complete with wild foliage, flower crowns and farm-to-table fare. Thanks to Sally Pinera for adding these gems to our inspiration hub, The Vault.

From Sally PineraThis wedding is a Black Tie Garden Party where East Coast meets West Coast. With Bobby growing up in classic New England and Molly growing up in hipster Portland, Oregon, they were determined that their wedding showcase both old world glamour and new world bohemian aesthetics. The ceremony took place in the great oval room inside the Newport Country Club (a historic private golf club that hosted the first U.S. Open in 1895). Wine barrels overflowing with wild foliage lined the front of the aisle while a string trio played some of their favorite songs by Coldplay, Lana del Rey, and Kishi Bashi.

The tent was transformed into a secret garden with foliage and glass orbs hanging from above and large floral table runners cascading over the edges of each table. Hundreds of votives lighted each long farm table while vintage gold frames featuring hand painted rose watercolor table numbers with love quotes from classics such as Pride & Prejudice, Maya Angelou, Henry David Thoreau, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Rose colored quartz pieces held each guest’s calligraphy name card in place.

Guests feasted on “farm to table fare,” such as beef tenderloin, swordfish, and roasted corn & caprese salad with bundles of haricot verts. Dessert consisted of a chocolate cake with vanilla bean frosting and fresh raspberries with rose watercolor streaks and gold foil cascading down the layers. A dessert bar featured dozens of macaroons in the bride’s favorite flavors: earl grey with honey, lavender with blackberry and rose with raspberry, while miniature limoncello cones were passed around on painter’s palettes.

Guests danced the night away while a 10-piece band played everything from Frank Sinatra to Pharrell. At the end of the night, vintage trolleys took guests to their accommodations.

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Photography: Sally Pinera | Coordination: Exquisite Events | Floral Design: Stoneblossom | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Bride's Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Makeup: Joanna Petit Frere | Hair: Lawrence Hamilton | Invitations + Calligraphy: Cast Calligraphy | Venue: Newport Country Club | Earrings: BHLDN | Hair Accessories: Mignonne Handmade | Veil: Saks Jandel

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Elegant Rhode Island Coast Wedding

When your love knows a thing or two about flowers (he’s a landscape artist after all) and proposes at the US Botanic Gardens by a Hellebore, it’s only fitting to incorporate that pretty little thing into all sorts of wedding details. Kim Lyn captured all the beautiful blooms by Busy Bee Florist and more at this summer celebration and like the flower itself, this fete was as sweet as can be. More in our VAULT right this way!

From Kim Lyn… They were highschool sweethearts. He loves the passion he sees in her eyes when she looks at him, the determination and confidence she exhibits is what inspires him to do his best. Simone and Bryan were married at the Dunes Club in Narragansett, RI on August 30th, 2015. It was the perfect summer’s day with a light breeze over the ocean. Their wedding was one that I will never forget, the love their family shared, the laughter, it will stick with me forever.

Simone and Bryan had the sweetest first look which allowed them to spend time alone before the hustle and bustle of the big day. They were also able to spend time with their immediate family during formals before the ceremony. The sweet looks they kept giving each other literally made me swoon. Bryan had the most adorable reaction to seeing Simone for the first time. He was full of smiles and kisses and of course those tender touches. I swear they are the cutest couple EVER.

They planned their perfect Rhode Island beach wedding from Washington, DC with the help of family. There were so many special touches at the wedding, the beautiful florals, her dad’s old porsche, Bryan’s family even sang a song during the ceremony. Each intricate piece of their wedding day flowed flawlessly into one another.

Simone was absolutely glowing from the moment I walked in. She told me how much love she has for her new husband and is taken away by how much he takes care of her. She is smitten by him because he is helpful, supportive, dynamic, ambitious, intelligent, and fun. He keeps her laughing and she knows she can count on him 100% forever and ever. I know they will live happily ever after.

From the Bride… Bryan and I grew up in Rhode Island, so it only seemed natural to get married back home. Although we met in high school, we spent many ensuing years in a long‐distance relationship. Silly things like higher education kept us trekking between New Brunswick, Nashville, and Amherst before we were finally able to settle together in Washington, D.C.

A true landscape architect, Bryan proposed at the U.S. Botanic Gardens. He had stealthily planted a sign under a drooping Hellebore – a flower that would later be depicted on our wedding stationery and featured in our floral arrangements. Between the fickle New England weather and my rather inflexible medical school schedule, we were looking at a mere five month engagement. We would have been lost without the support of our families and our amazing vendors, but the condensed timeline kept us honest about our wedding priorities. It was important to us that our wedding reflected who we were as a couple, incorporating elements from our home state, our family, and our proposal. We wanted the event to be tasteful, simple, and approachable.

We knew we wanted a water view, and the Dunes Club provided a beautiful venue and excellent accommodations. Planning from afar, we loved that we could arrange our ceremony, reception, catering, cake, and wedding coordination all through a single source. Foodies at heart, it was the tasting that really sold us. Who can resist an oyster bar and mini clam cakes and chowder for cocktail hour?!

One of our most difficult searches was for a florist that fit our budget and Bryan’s standards. Clueless, I fell in love with any flower that bloomed in April. Giti, from Busy Bee Florist, did a fantastic job deciphering my hodge‐podge Pinterest boards. She created the most stunning floral arrangements – elegant, unassuming, natural, and undeniably gorgeous. Our color palette was inspired by my bouquet, and featured navy, dusty greens, and pops of blush.

For stationery, we enlisted the help of my stepfather, a graphic designer. We wanted something modern and fresh; sophisticated, not stuffy. My stepmother proved jack‐of‐all‐trades: providing beautiful calligraphy, spray‐painting lanterns, and assembling signs for our photo booth, seating chart, and card box. It was so fun seeing our ideas realized, and knowing they had a personal touch.

The ceremony was no less personal. We asked my grandfather, who had previously attended divinity school, to officiate. We were fortunate enough to have his son and daughter‐in‐law as professional musicians in our family, and couldn’t believe how lovely they sounded as a string duo. Bryan’s mother and sisters also sang in the ceremony, while my sisters performed the readings. To round out the wedding party, we had nieces, nephews and cousins serve as our four flower girls and two ring bearers!

Lastly, we needed someone to capture the moments. As you can see for yourself, Kim Lyn Photography did a phenomenal job. It was so important working with someone we trusted, and Kim went out of her way to make our day seamless and special. We will cherish these pictures for years to come.

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Photography: Kim Lyn Photography | Floral Design: Busy Bee | Wedding Dress: Cicada Bridal | Hair: Serai Beauty | Groom's Attire: Calvin Klein | Venue: The Dunes Club | Bridal Boutique: Andria Bird Bride

Elegant New England Nautical DIY Wedding on Block Island

We have this theory that Arielle Doneson attracts the coolest clients – just look at Ayla + Brian’s wedding and you’ll understand just what we mean. For with the help of Jaime Nelson they planned the perfect party complete with homebrew, s’mores, and some seriously stunning Sayles Livingston Flowers. It’s the type of celebration that’ll have you craving the summer season and we’ve got it all in THE VAULT!

From The Bride…When we started talking about locations for our wedding, Brian and I were all over the map (literally!). We toyed with the idea of a destination wedding because our favorite weddings have been those where family and friends were together for a weekend exploring a new place, but we struggled with how much we wanted to ask of our guests. We did know that we wanted to combine Brian’s love of sailing and the ocean with my love of rustic farms and local food. Born and raised New Englanders, we started our search on the eastern coast and landed on Block Island, a small island off the coast of Rhode Island, a place where Brian had camped growing up but I had never been. The moment I stepped on the Island I was sold! It is quaint, charming and absolutely stunning with a beautiful coastline that has the quintessential New England rocky cliffs and bluffs but also has some of the top rated beaches in the world. Much of the island is devoted to farming and land conservation, while the rest is filled with rustic farm houses and Inn’s. We chose a beautiful private estate that had views of both the ocean and Great Salt Pond and a farmhouse on the property. The goal of the wedding was to be casual and relaxed yet elegant. I think we achieved that in the details. As guests arrived for the ceremony they were greeted with lavender lemonade or prosecco as they enjoyed the beautiful views and light sea breezes. During the cocktail hour, we had a local musician play acoustic music while guest enjoyed appetizers, a raw bar, and lawn games that Brian and I had made. Our reception was elegantly decorated with a light, romantic color scheme and lit by twinkle lights and candles. We made a DIY photo booth in one corner that was a huge hit all night. We loved that the cool ocean breezes flowed through the tent and guests enjoyed the whole property throughout the evening. The evening ended with a wind-down beach bonfire right across the street where we roasted smores and drank Brian’s homebrew beer under the stars.

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Photography: Arielle Doneson Photography | Event Planning: Eventfully Planned | Floral Design: Sayles Livingston Design | Wedding Dress: Watters | Invitations: Tabitha Garner | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Anthropologie | Catering: Block Island Gourmet | Hair And Makeup: Caitlin Murphy Stylist | Groom's Attire: Michael Kors | Corhole Boards: DIY | Groom's Shoes: PF Flyers | Tent Rentals: Exquisite Events

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