Rhode Island Weddings

Admittedly, I get a wee bit excited (OK, maybe a lot) when I see a wedding come through the door featuring a handful of our Little Black Book members. Case in point? This sweetly nautical-detailed wedding from Carla Ten Eyck and Buzz Media Company. Drenched in navy and blush and sitting pretty at the Ocean House, it’s everything a seaside soiree should be. Head to the gallery for even more!

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From Josh Chalmers…You couldn’t ask for a sweeter and more gracious couple than Cecile and Travis…or for a more beautiful day of sunshine and first-weekend-of-Autumn breezes to accompany the Ocean House setting.

After some magical First Look moments and wedding party photography from the gardens to the beach, we began with a moving ceremony, in both English and French (in honor of the Mother of the Bride’s family), accompanied by The Woodvale String Quartet, at the Watch Hill Chapel. Guests paraded across the street to The Ocean House to enjoy a festive cocktail hour on the Terrace.

The NYC-based band Live Wire welcomed guests into the Seaside Ballroom for dinner, toasts and dancing, until a collection of school buses whisked them to an after-party in nearby Westerly.

Photography: Carla Ten Eyck | Videography: Buzz Media Company- Wedding Films | Event Coordinator: Josh Chalmers | Floral Design: Hana Floral Design | Wedding Gown: Paloma Blanca | Cake: Something Different Cake Couture | Stationery: Two Ems | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Makeup: Jennie Fresa Brow & Beauty Bar | Hair: Posh Salon | Calligraphy: Ellen Sayers | DJ: Live Wire | Grooms Attire: Macy's | Officiant: Reverend Nancy Leckerling | Transportation: Durham School Services | Card Box: Heartifacts Gallery | Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Music: The Woodvale String Quartet | Chair Signs: Romantic Planet | Food & Beverage: Ocean House | Ocean House: Ocean House | Paper: Two Ems | Programs: Marrygrams | Reception Music: Live Wire | Save The Dates: Smitten Boutique | Totes: The Sunny Sides Up

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Hana Floral Design

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When a hurricane misses you by one day, giving way to the most picturesque skies imaginable, I’m pretty sure some major luck is on your side. I adore Belle Mer; add in elegant florals and candlelight and it just shines. April K Photography and Ready Set Film captured everything but the smell of the sea, but if you spend some time in the full gallery, you may just start to feel a ocean breeze before long.

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From The Bride…Jake and I attended the same college together in Boston, but met many years after graduation and became fast friends. After a couple of years of friendship, our relationship developed into something more… just as Jake was accepted at a California graduate school. We decided to both make the 3,000 mile move to northern California and it was the best decision we’ve ever made. We had a thousand adventures throughout our time on the west coast – many of which included day and weekend trips to Napa and Sonoma!

After we got engaged (4 years and another cross country move back to Boston later) we were deciding between a local wedding in New England vs. a destination wedding in California. Ultimately we decided to have the wedding near our home and families. We envisioned finding a venue with a blank canvas so that we could create an elegant wedding with vintage touches throughout. We instantly fell in love with Belle Mer’s neutral palate, open space, high ceilings, and perfectly manicured lawn. We booked a wedding on July 5th.

After Hurricane Arthur rolled through on July 4th, the skies cleared and everything about our day was sunny and perfect. Our vendors made planning a breeze! Moira from Stoneblossom took my vision of combining the vintage feel and neutral palate of California wine country with the modern elegance of Belle Mer. My mom sowed a piece of my childhood blanket into my dress as my “something old” and my grandmother gave me a beautiful diamond necklace to wear that my grandfather had given her years ago. My father surprised us by writing a welcome toast using a metaphor about “filling a mug” with adventures, love, laughter, and children – everyone in the wedding received an actual mug with our photo on it as a favor.

Because of the hurricane, the July 4th fireworks were cancelled and rescheduled to take place on our wedding day. One of the most memorable moments of our wedding was when the fireworks began and our entire party watched them together outside. Jake and I toasted our marriage with a glass of champagne and went inside to dance the night away with all our family and friends. It was truly a magical day!

Photography: April K Photography | Flowers: Stoneblossom | Wedding Gown: Judd Waddell | Reception Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Shoes: Michael Kors | Bridesmaids Dresses: Love Lane | Calligraphy: Jan Garver Of Jan Script | Ties: Bows And Ties | Men's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Hair Piece: Vintage Hair Pins | Music: Wilson Stevens | Signage/ Menu/ Programs: Just My Type | Video: readyset[film]

Summers in New England may come and go a bit too quickly for my liking but we make them worth it with some pretty fabulous weddings. This truly elegant affair at the historic Linden Place takes full advantage of the natural beauty of both the venue and surrounding area, with every moment captured by Rebecca Arthurs. Soak up everything from the dress details to the sparkler sendoff right here.

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Photography: Rebecca Arthurs | Flowers: Golden Gate Florist | Wedding Cake: Dianes Delectables | Brides Shoes: Nordstrom | Bridesmaids Dresses: Nordstrom | Caterer: Russell Morin | Makeup: Sara Faella | Hair: Astoria Salon | Harpist: Shelley Otis | Brides Gown: Paloma Blanca | Brides/MOH Earings: Amanda Masson | Flower Girl Dresses: Nordstrom | Historic: Linden Place Mansion | Invites: delphine | Wandies/Italian Cookies: Wandies By Pina

There’s no doubt that the New England coast is sprinkled with lots of lovely locations boasting beautiful waterfront views. But Newport? It’s a dream. And it’s one of my personal faves. So when Grazier Photography and EFD Creative sent over this coastal soiree, I couldn’t wait to peruse the gallery. Bonus? Long Haul Films is taking us through every moment of this day in their sweet film below.

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From Grazier Photography…The soft pink, lavender, and white color palette was a perfect compliment to a fresh early June day. The combination of Charlene’s gorgeous look and fun attitude with Max’s classic style and confidence made for really fun portraits. Their day was planned to allow them to enjoy it without being rushed. We loved that Max and Charlene chose to walk each other down the aisle to enter their ceremony: it was a beautiful way to begin a marriage!

From EFD Creative – Event Planning & Design… The venue set the tone for the wedding of Charlene and Max. This European-style mansion embodied the feel of old time romance. From the moment you pull into the estate driveway you instantly go back in time. The goal was to fuse together the unique setting along with incorporating the personalities of the couple.

The lawn overlooking the ocean was the location for the ceremony, the views were spectacular especially on this perfect day. During the cocktail hour guests were treated to refreshments and lawn games along with oysters and unique tasting from Australia the brides homeland. The patio off the back held the intimate dinner and was styled with soft tones of pinks and creams and purple. The draping and lighting helped create a comfortable setting. The detailed touches from the menu, table numbers, cake pops – that doubled as favors and place cards were designed to match the look and put their personal stamp on the event.

As the sun went down, the colors in the sky, along with the lighting on the patio which included uplights and string lights came to life, and the with a fire pit for s’mores you could not dream up a more romantic elegant illuminating view.

From the beautiful Bride… As soon as we walked into The Chanler in Newport, RI we knew that it was the perfect venue for our wedding. It had ocean views; a beautiful mansion set on top of a cliff and was the perfect size for the intimate wedding we envisioned. Food is very important to us and we wanted our wedding to feel like an elegant dinner party with delicious and plentiful food. Being Australian, it was also a great way to incorporate my Australian background into the festivities and The Chanler went above and beyond to accommodate this by making Australian meat pies and serving our signature cocktail, Lemon Lime and Bitters, which our guests loved.

I also love flowers and wanted grand, romantic floral arrangements. Flowers by Semia captured my ideas flawlessly and the mix of tall and low centerpieces was so gorgeous, it was hard to leave them at the end of the day. I tried to take home as many arrangements as possible!

We are so grateful to Edna from EFD Creative – Event Planning & Design who helped put together every single detail for our day. She was such a great help in organizing our wedding that we were even able to buy a house a week before our wedding! During the wedding, we did not have to worry about anything logistical, we were able to enjoy it stress free surrounded by friends and family. It truly was one of the happiest days of our lives.

Photography: Grazier Photography | Event Design: EFD Creative - Event Planning & Design | Wedding Planning: EFD Creative - Event Planning & Design | Florist: Flowers By Semia | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: The Cupcakerie | Invitations: Allure Invitations | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Makeup: Lynn Liu Makeup | Hair: Fringe Salon | Favors: Amy's Apples | Officiant: Sacred Spirit Sanctuary | Venue: The Chanler At Cliff Walk | Lighting & Draping: Exquisite Events | Music: Jazz In The Air | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited | Video: Long Haul Films

Classic with the perfect hint of modern elegance, this stunning Belle Mer soiree from as seen through the lens of Kate McElwee is one seriously stylish way to start your work week. Sprinkled with beautiful details that really wow and so much love, this gallery will have you pinning the day away. See exactly what I mean here.

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When looking for a wedding venue, we wanted to find a place that expressed who we are, a Southern California girl and classic New England boy. We knew we had found the spot the moment we stepped inside The Salon at Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island. The clean white palate, stunning chandeliers, and waterfront setting left us speechless.

Our goal was to create a spectacular party for our closest friends and family, while honoring the importance of our marriage. We kept the guest list intimate and opted for no bridal party. We wanted our friends and family to enjoy the day on their own terms, wearing outfits of their choosing. I asked a small group of my closest girlfriends to be “honorary bridesmaids” for the day. We all went to a Barre Pulse class in the morning and then laughed over champagne while I got ready.

We left our color palate fairly neutral, opting for black, gold, and white, with a pop of red, drawing inspiration from Old Hollywood glamour. And nothing is more glamorous than a Vera Wang wedding gown! My dress was utterly outrageous and so exquisite, it still gives me goosebumps. I paired it with non-traditional Christian Louboutin black heels, a Valentine’s Day gift from very thoughtful husband.

Nate looked so handsome in his custom fit Alton Lane midnight blue tuxedo with a silver paisley lining, a tribute to his adorable goddaughter, Paisley. Complete with patent leather Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, he looked like he stepped right off the red carpet.

Unfortunately no great love story is complete without tragedy. We were heart struck as we watched the Boston Marathon bombings unfold on the Monday of our wedding week. It put into sharp focus the brevity of life and the importance of every moment. Our wedding became a pillar of hope and strength among the sadness and chaos.

On such a monumental day we made sure to surround ourselves with people we truly respect and love, including our vendors. To say that our photographer, Kate McElwee, was phenomenal would be an understatement. She was a breath of fresh air amongst the stress and nerves of the day. From reminding me to eat, lending me her flats for our “rock climbing adventure,” and snapping hundreds of photos in the wind and rain she truly is a “kick ass photographer.”

Our last minute decision to add a videographer was epic! McKenzie Miller, the sweetest, most humble woman, captured our day perfectly and has allowed us to experience our wedding all over again…and again…and again.

The team at Belle Mer was remarkable. They easily adapted to our last minute decision to move the ceremony inside and had the room reset and ready for our reception without missing a beat. Our guests were floored by their impeccable service and attention to detail.

No great party is complete without an awesome soundtrack and DJ Seth Isaacs went above and beyond our greatest expectations. Nate and I danced the night away to all of our favorite jams, ecstatic to be Mr. and Mrs.

Photography: Kate McElwee Photography | Videography: McKenzie Miller Films | Florist: Hanaya Floral | Cake: Momofuku Milk Bar | Bride's Shoes: Louboutin | Bridesmaids' Dresses: N/a | Hair: Jennie Kay beauty | DJ: Seth Isaacs | Officiant: Victoria Burdick | Bride's Gown: Vera Wang | Ceremony & Reception: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Ice Cream: Ben And Jerry's | Invitation Suite: Lettering By Liz | Linen: BBJ La Tavola | Photobooth: Photobooth Planet | Popcorn: FunFlicks

You know those weddings that’ll be just as utterly chic today as they are 10 years from now? Well this, my dears, is that kind of wedding. It’s a timeless Belle Mer ballroom affair complete with florals from Greenlion Design, invitations by Christina D’asaro Design, and gorgeous photos all thanks to Suzanna March. See more right here!

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From Christina D’asaro Design… Every last detail at Cristina and John’s elegant wedding at Belle Mer, in Newport Rhode Island was just perfect, as beautifully captured by the talented Suzanna March Photography.

Custom save the dates set the tone, with a full color photograph of the venue, and a custom monogram. Invitation suites were letterpress printed on a luxurious white cotton paper stock, with grey ink, and included custom designed patterned envelope liners. Day-of paper details included escort cards and signage (including a framed sign honoring the father of the bride, who hand-crafted the incredible farm table!), as well as menus and programs. Cristina even incorporated the custom monogram into the favors – adorable mason jars complete with ingredients & a recipe for homemade cookies! It was such an honor to work with this very special and loving couple on all of the pretty paper pieces for their extraordinary wedding.

Congratulations again, Cristina and John!

Photography: Suzanna March Photography | Floral Design: Greenlion | Wedding Dress: Saks Fifth Avenue | Invitations: Christina D'Asaro Design | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Hair & Makeup: Jennie Kay beauty | Band: Night Rhythm | Ceremony Music: Gig Masters - PartyPosh | Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue

Once the BIG question has been popped, there are a lot of other important asks that take place along the way to the altar. We love that asking your maids to join you in this adventure is a chance to celebrate your friendships. Brought to us Made In March and Gwen Studios, it’s a party so fresh I can practically smell the baked goodies, champagne, and sweet florals right through my computer… you can see it all right here in the gallery.

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From Gwen Studios…In my quest to create a unique bridal editorial shoot for Made In March, I wanted to think of a fun new way for a bride to pop the question to her closet girlfriends; “Darling, Will You Be My Bridesmaid?” This exact question was printed on some lovely stationery that I discovered on Etsy, which became the inspiration for the shoot. Nothing is better than spending some quality time together with those you love. It seems as we get older our hectic schedules take up the majority of our days, leaving little to no time for our girlfriends. So what better way to celebrate friendship than with a Bridesmaid’s Brunch?

The bubbly bar – which was placed close to the table by fault- has become an increasingly popular trend making it a staple at any event. Select juices and fruits adorned the bar while peonies, hanging wine glasses and a crystal ball were added accents.

The tablescape showcased mercury glass candlesticks and vases, filled with pink and white peonies. Each place setting featured name cards with potential Bridesmaid’s initials, while vintage glassware, plates and silverware (all hand-me-downs from my late, Great Grandmother) made a collective statement. The table cloth was a purchase in France by my Mother that I flipped it to the back side, naturally creating a thin decorative pink border. Stationery was laid on every chair, so as the girls found their seats they were greeted with “Darling with you be my Bridesmaid”? or “Darling will you be my Maid of Honor”? Head chairs for the Bride and Mother of the Bride were draped with coral peony chair covers, custom made by 40winkz Shop on Etsy. Ribbon chairs were specially designed for the Maids of Honor.

Placement of the table had the ultimate jaw dropping effect. The fixed branch of the birch tree created a natural embellishment while acting as a chandelier, arranging itself over the table.

What a fabulous way to celebrate the closest ladies in your life, not to mention one of the most important milestones!

Photography: Made In March | Event Design: Gwen Studios | Venue: Private Residence

To say that I’m obsessed with coastal Rhode Island weddings as of late is quite an understatement. I’ll be tying the knot there next summer, so when a pretty like this pops up in my inbox? I get a little pin-crazy. Understandably so… Mirelle Carmichael‘s captures of this sweet summer day are unbelievably beautiful, and the overall feel is just the right amount of nautical loveliness. Head to the gallery to be charmed.

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From the beautiful Bride… After one of my closest guy friends from Colby College introduced me in DC to his best friend from high school, the rest was history!  We were so happy to have our wedding in my home state of Rhode Island, celebrating our special day in May when spring was in full bloom during Memorial Day weekend.  Being a sailor from the South Shore of Massachusetts, the groom loves all things nautical.  My goal was to find a balance between coastal-antique elegance and nautical charm.  From a picture I came across on Pinterest of beautiful blue/green sea-glass, that jump started my wedding inspiration board.  I knew I wanted to tie into the wedding shades of nautical navy blue, gold tones and pops of bold pink and fuchsia colors.

I loved working with a few highly recommended vendors through experience, but I was thrilled to be working with a couple of vendors from my hometown of North Providence.

We selected Castle Hill Inn to get ready the day of our wedding for its spectacular views and suites. This is now a sentimental location where we can celebrate future anniversaries together.

The ceremony took place in the perfectly sized, Our Lady of Mercy Chapel on the Grounds of Salve Regina University, nestled among the Newport Mansions, which provided an intimate wedding we hoped for.  The Robert Stern designed chapel displayed simple, elegantly curved lines outside, and a horseshoe setting inside, which surrounded us with our family and friends on all sides, like a loving embrace.  It was so special to be surrounded by loved ones as the Groom’s family priest conducted the wedding mass.

The reception would capture the soft tones of gentle spring flowers contrasted with the sharp ocean blue and luscious green lawn of the Glen Manor House perched on the east side of Aquidneck island in the middle Narragansett Bay.  The breathtaking day was matched with the dramatic, foreboding clouds of an afternoon thunderstorm that would threaten, but luckily never damper.  The sun shown bright on the luscious garden as we progressed through the family photos.  The pastels of the groomsmen’s ties complimented with the sea glass green bridesmaids dresses for a preppy New England atmosphere sprinkled with some southern comforts.

Throughout the French Chateau perched on the waters of the Sakonnet River, sea-glass soft blues and greens, antique lace, punctuated by gold-rimmed place settings and elegant floral centerpieces (perfect pops of color), matching its historic beauty.  I loved how our flowers matched perfectly to our mother’s dresses!  The bouquets were collections of the delicate spring flowers of late May – most predominantly the explosive peonies, crowned with their coral centers.  I smiled when I saw them!  (When my then fiancé picked me up from the bridal salon with my wedding dress all covered up tight, there was a single peony on the passenger side seat of his car.  I was all smiles from that point on!)

The sprawling greens hosted our guests, and the bountiful gardens giving way to green lawns hosting boisterous games of corn hole before slopping away to the cool waters of the North Atlantic.

The elegant beauty of the dining room gave way to the sharper contrasts of the ballroom.  The bold tablecloths of navy and white stripes, the beauty of a perfectly crafted nautical cake, were matched by a dynamic light show dancing up the walls and matching the beat of Boston Common.  The dancing was enhanced by the wedding’s signature nautical drink, the Dark and Stormy.

It was the perfect day. We couldn’t be happier!

Photography: Mirelle Carmichael | Videographer: Michael Alan Films | Floral Design: Flowers By Semia | Cake: Something Different Cake Couture | Invitations: Simply Letterpressed | Stationery: Sakura Paper Inc | Ceremony Venue: Our Lady Of Mercy Chapel | Reception Venue: Glen Manor House | Engagement Ring: DeScenza Diamonds | Bridesmaid Dresses: Shoshanna | Caterer: Plantation Catering | Hair And Makeup: Wedding Tresses, Inc | Band: Boston Common Band | Bow Ties: The Belle and the Beau | Groomsmen Attire: Brooks Brothers | Transportation: Academy Express | Transportation: Viking Tours | Transportation: South County Trolley Of Rhode Island | Accomodations: Castle Hill Inn | Bridal Gown: Vera Wang | Bridal Hairpin: Jane Tran | Bridal Jewelry: Dana Rebecca | Bridal Salon: Saks Jandel | Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaid Necklaces: C Wonder | Custom Koozies: Custom Ink | Flower Girl Dress: Olive And Fern - Etsy | Oyster Bar: Hungry Pilgrim Oysters | Patio Lighting: Exquisite Events | Photography - Assistance: Mirelle Carmichael

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A Newport mansion wedding is basically a dream come true for me. I can’t think of a more elegant or timeless place to say I do. So when I opened this stunning Rosecliff Mansion wedding beautifully captured by Studio Atticus Photography, I had to catch my breath. With gorgeous florals from Sayles Livingston Flowers and details that will stand the test of time, this gallery is sure to take your breath away too.

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From Studio Atticus Photography… Geneva and John’s wedding was one of the most moving weddings I have ever documented. John’s first wife passed away and left him with their sweet daughter, Kaitlyn. I can only imagine what Kaitlyn experienced due to the sudden absence of her mother. Childhood loss is a baffling and overwhelming experience. On many occasions leading up to the wedding, I thought about Kaitlyn and wondered how she would respond to the impending celebration.

Throughout the course of the wedding day, it became apparent to me that Geneva had truly embraced Kaitlyn as her own daughter. She took time out of her own preparations to focus on Kaitlyn’s needs, giving her affection and treating her as a very special part of the morning. During the ceremony, Geneva surprised Kaitlyn with a little ring of her own, and during the reception John and Kaitlyn shared a father daughter dance. At one point in the afternoon while speaking to Kaitlyn, I referred to Geneva by her first name and Kaitlyn immediatly corrected me, saying “No-it’s Mommy”. Clearly Kaitlyn had welcomed Geneva as her mother as well.

Geneva and John also made sure to remember Kaitlyn’s mother on the wedding day. In lieu of favors, a donation was made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in her honor. The thoughtfulness that had been attended to in order to simultaneously pay loving tribute to one family and also create a beautiful new one nearly brought me to tears numerous times during the event. Life is such a glorious construction of sorrow, joy, creation, and loss, and this jubilant day seemed like a perfect illustration of all of those things.

Photography: Studio Atticus Photography | Floral Design: Sayles Livingston Design | Catering: Plantation Catering | Hair Stylist: Brady Brumfield of James Joseph Salon | Wedding Venue: Rosecliff Mansion | Bridal Prep At: The Chanler At Cliff Walk | Bride's Makeup: Stacey Frasca | Invitations And All Paper Products: Chandra Wroblewski | Reception Music: Wilson Stevens

Glamour can mean so many things but for this Rhode Island wedding it’s all about the sparkle. A classic affair with a dash of sequined chevron or peonies by Stoneblossom mixed with gold rimmed glasses and chandeliers strung from the tree branches. Those little details crafted by the Bride and coordinated by True Event take this wedding from traditional New England to an affair that truly sparkles. See even more captured by Rebecca Arthurs right here.

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From Rebecca Arthurs…Liz & Alex’s wedding at the historic Linden Place Museum, was inspired by rustic romanticism. A combination of sas and cool, Liz and Alex perfectly compliment each other to make a drop dead gorgeous couple. Their fun personalities came though all day in every detail of the wedding. Rustic farmhouse tables and glowing chandlers transformed the Linden Place Carriage House into a fairytale setting. The flowers by Stone Blossom complemented Liz’s palette of soft vintage hues. With the help of True Event and a team of amazing vendors, Liz’s vision shown through in all of the creative details.

Photography: Rebecca Arthurs | Videography: Buzz Media Company- Wedding Films | Coordination: TRUE Event | Flowers: Stoneblossom | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Invitations: Julie Song Ink | Caterer: Blackstone Catering | Makeup: Jennie Fresa Brow & Beauty Bar | Hair: Salon Acote | Ceremony & Reception: Linden Place Mansion | Lighting & Decor: Exquisite Events | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Live Music: The Free Downloads | Other Live Music: Mark Greel Music Sambita | Rentals: Sassafras Vintage Rentals | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited | Rentals: New England Country Rentals

I’m a major fan of Rhode Island and it’s for reasons like this chic affair. A seaside wedding that so embodies the classic beauty of New England along with a healthy dose of prep. It’s a combo that Rhodi does so, so well and with the help of Greenlion Design along with elegance folded into every blushing detail, this gallery captured by Melissa Robotti is where it’s at.

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From the Bride… We define our wedding theme as “simple, New York City prep” – the style marriage of two NYC professionals and their New England roots. It was important to us that this nautical elegance also included some more personal experiences, as the typical Newport wedding experience is a story already told. Our photographer, Melissa, took us to the daffodil fields on the Newport Cliffwalk for pictures (as opposed to the standard mansion and ocean shots). This field only blooms for about one week out of the year, so it’s not every day that other brides get these gorgeous shots. As for the reception details, personal touches like pylons were created by the bride’s parents (and of course with the help of our florist) to bring in the nautical feel to each table and carry through the simple elegance. What resulted was a beautiful uniqueness and fabulous day of celebration that we’ll have in our hearts forever!

Photographer: Melissa Robotti Photography | Florist: Greenlion | Wedding Dress: Liv Harris | Invitations: WedSpring | Ceremony Venue: St. Lucys Church | Church: St. Lucys Church | Reception Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Jewelry: La Bijouterie | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Donna Morgan | Hair And Makeup: SERAI Beauty | Calligraphy: Amanda Masson | Band: Night Rhythm | Ties: Vineyard Vines | Suits: 9tailors | Save The Dates: Preppy Paperie

Choosing your wedding venue sets the tone for your entire wedding weekend. So why not pick a locale that’s totally unique? Enter, Peabody Essex Museum. Located in the heart of historic Salem, Massachusetts, this stunning space has three incredible rooms, as well as an outdoor garden area, that will have your guests wowed.

The Peabody Essex Museum is the perfect combination of warm + historic along with clean + modern, which makes it easy for any couple to see their wedding day vision come to life! Featuring the contemporary Atrium (which transforms beautifully from daylight to dramatic evening light), the historic + elegant East India Marine Hall and the Bartlett & Copeland Galleries which open up to the stunning Asian Gardens, this venue simply has it all.  The central location puts guests close to restaurants, attractions and hotels all within walking distance!

Thanks to changes in their renovation schedule, there are still lots of Saturday night dates available at the Peabody Essex Museum in 2015. For tons more information and to book your wedding date, head over here!

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Photo Credits: Ned Jackson Photography | Kevin Liang Photography | Sherrell Photography

SMPers, get ready to feast your eyes on some seriously pretty flora and fauna goodness. Inspired by vintage Audubon prints, this shoot is the perfect marriage of masculine and feminine, including the wildly beautiful invites from Paper Moss, braided leather hairstyle, rich hues, and even a signature whiskey cocktail. All in all, it’s sweet rustic wedding heaven. We’re sending Erin McGinn, Greenlion Weddings and the entire vendor team a big ol’ virtual hug for sharing this gorgeous gallery with us.

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From the vendor team… Mount Hope Farm, a national historic site with over 325 years of history, was the jumping off point for our springtime shoot. We wanted to create ambiance that highlighted the natural aspects of the Farm and the brilliance of the Spring season by choosing elements that complimented the property and all of its surroundings in a fresh and unique way. Inspired by vintage Audubon prints as well as birds, honeycomb, and other springtime fauna our vision seamlessly came to life. Paper Moss even incorporated some of the Audubon inspired prints into the stellar invitation design. We used rich and deep tones everywhere, leather, tobacco leaves, whiskey and wood to bring an almost masculine and moody, romantic feeling to the shoot while still allowing femininity to come across in the sweeping flowers, linen textiles, and gold rimmed place settings. Jennie Kay braided leather into our bride’s hair, and bedecked her Tony Hamawy gown with leather accents, while her dapper groom wore light-weight spring wool and season-appropriate corduroy with brown suede shoes and leather belt. As a reflection of the Farm’s natural abundance and life, farm fresh eggs were hand lettered by Heather Belle as place settings, local honey and farm-to-able ingredients were used in the cuisine prepared by Russell Morin Fine Catering, and Greenlion Design used some elements foraged from the 127 acres of land in the floral design to create a farm fresh vibe that matched the stunning natural surroundings.

Photography: Erin McGinn | Cinematography: Ella Iannotti Photography And Films | Coordination: Glass Event Planning | Floral And Event Design: Greenlion | Wedding Dress: Andria Bird Bride | Catering: Russell Morin Fine Catering | Wedding Venue: Mount Hope Farm | All Other Calligraphy: Heather Belle Ink | Dress Designer: Tony Hamawy | Earrings: Francesca's Collections | Envelope Calligraphy: Kristen Henderson | Groom's Attire (Jacket, Ascot, Pants): Royal Male | Groom's Attire (Shoes, Shirt, Belt): Island Outfitters | Hair, Makeup, And Fashion Styling: Jennie Kay beauty | Invitation And Paper Design: Paper Moss | Shoes And Belt: TJ Maxx | Table And Chairs: True North Rentals | Table Settings: Rentals Unlimited

Newport is one of my favorite places on the planet, so when I see a party from that pretty little city by the sea, I can barely contain my excitement. Particularly when it’s as gorgeous as this beauty captured by Sabrina Scolari. Filled to the brim with some of the most steal-worthy details, every image sitting in this gallery deserves your undivided attention – and you can get to swooning here.

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From The Bride…Courtney and Tony’s romantic journey around the world began almost three years ago. The couple had always spoken about traveling to Paris one day after Courtney fell in love with the city while studying abroad. Tony—who has traveled just about everywhere in the world, but Paris—had been waiting to visit the city once he met a very special girl.

And meet—they did. The couple began dating in February 2011 and over a year later, Tony decided it was time to make that special trip. On April 11th, 2011, Courtney thought it was just an average day. Little did she know that Tony would pick her up from work with a suitcase packed and surprise her with a trip to Paris.

Courtney and Tony set out on a private tour of the city and Versailles during their first full day in the city. They experienced the beauty of Luxembourg Garden, the architectural masterpiece known as L’Arc de Triomphe among many other monuments, and then set out for Versailles where they toured the gardens. As the day came to a close, there was one last stop they would make on their way back home—a trip to Parc de Saint-Cloud where they would overlook the city and reflect upon their incredible journey.

Their journey was just beginning there. As the couple looked out over the city, Tony got down on one knee and asked Courtney for her hand in marriage. An ecstatic Courtney screamed “yes!” and the celebrations began.

The couple have continued their around-the-world journey together during their 15-month engagement, which they have spent in London. Tony, a Lawyer for Latham & Watkins, and Courtney, an Account Director for McCann Erickson Advertising, knew that New England would be the perfect location to return and reunite with friends and family for their summer 2013 wedding. The couple—who have strong ties to Boston, the city where they fell in love, and Newport, where they spent much of their time—worked with many Boston and Newport creatives to help bring their romantic, summer wedding to life. The couple focused on the unique little details they knew would be enjoyed by friends and family. Highlights include: custom boarding pass wedding invitations, wedding time capsules, a grooms’ football garter belt toss, and many more.

Photography: Sabrina Scolari | Floral Design: John Orton Design | Wedding Dress: L'elite Boston | Makeup: Dani Wagener Beauty | Hair: Lindsay Griffin | DJ: Moondance Productions | Photobooth: ShutterBooth | Trolley: Viking Trolley of Newport

You know what I love?  This bride.  A crazy cool fashionista who isn’t afraid to buck tradition and totally rock a stunning silver gown.  And not only does she have some killer fashion sense, she also happens to know how to throw one seriously amazing party.  One that celebrates her gorgeous Belle Mer I do’s with fab paper goods from Lauren Chism Fine Papers, lush florals from Green Lion Weddings and beautiful images from Snap! Photography.  See them all in the full gallery.

From The Bride… As part of a New Year’s Resolution, Peter and I promised to plan a trip together in early 2013. His choice was London and my first choice was Paris, so agreed to visit both cities. I’ve always dreamed of going to Paris, but little did I know this trip would be extra special. Moments before we left for the airport, while I was still frantically packing before heading out, Peter called from the other room. He started by saying he bought me something to take on the trip and before I knew it, he was down on one knee asking me to be his wife. Moments later we were off to London and Paris for what I know call “our engagement-moon”. Fast forward four months after our engagement when we finally started to seek out venues. We took our time, found our dream location and quickly secured a late winter wedding date.

Peter and I love Boston and I always thought we would get married in the city, where Peter is from and where we call home. We looked at a few venues and felt overwhelmed in the beginning so we stopped searching and took a break from wedding planning during the summer months. While chatting with girlfriends, it was suggested we look at Belle Mer, a modern seaside venue with beautiful views and a simple yet elegant setting. Upon arrival at Belle Mer we immediately knew this was our spot and worked quickly to secure a date and start the planning process.

While I never had a dream wedding, décor or inspiration in mind. I did find my dress prior to finding a venue and my dress really helped guide me towards a color palette. My dress, the venue and time of year influenced the neutral and soft palette. After meeting with Kim from Greenlion and describing our desire to have natural materials – wood, lots of candles, pale blush and white flowers our vision really started to come together. Overall, our goal was to have a modern, yet classic wedding.

We both love food and enjoy a good party, so immediately we knew that a cocktail style reception is the direction we wanted to go in. This type of reception lends itself to some flexibility with the room setup and tables, which allowed us to have fun with the table décor. With a mix of high and low tables we incorporated floral vignettes throughout and whitewashed manzinita branches with hanging votive candles to help add some depth, warmth and height to the space. We also had fun with the seating arrangement since we wanted to encourage our guests to “mix & mingle” and spend time on the dance floor. Our theme really involved into a simple and modern seaside cocktail party.

It was important to us that we get married in a Greek Orthodox church and deciding on the location was an easy decision. We incorporated his family and parents into the ceremony by using the candles and stephana they used for their wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony incorporating all of the Orthodox traditions.

The wedding reception was a direct reflection of our personalities and it was so fun to plan and incorporate elements that were important to each of us. Peter was laser focused on food and entertainment and I took on the overall design elements. Peter was able to get his 80’s dance party, which included a Karate Kid montage with a Peter Cetera’s song playing in the background and I had fun picking out all the flowers and table décor and bringing together the details with the help of Kim from Greenlion. Kim really took my vision and helped tie it all together with the flowers and she deserves all the credit.

Our wedding turned out perfectly and we are so fortunate to have worked with amazing vendors that helped make our dream wedding a reality. It was truly the perfect day and we couldn’t have been happier with how everything came together.

Photography: Snap! Weddings | Floral Design: Greenlion | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Invitations: Lauren Chism Fine Papers | Ceremony Venue: St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church | Reception Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Hair And Makeup: New Leaf Salon | Calligraphy: Lettered Life | DJ: Victor Events | Boutique Hotel: The Attwater Hotel

Let’s talk about the perfect ingredients for a drop-dead gorgeous e-session, shall we?  I’m talking a breathtaking sunset, a glistening beach and an adorable duo who know a thing or two about romantic moments, toes in the sand included.  Now add the crazy talented Lindsey Mae Child to capture every stunning moment and, voila!  An entire day of awesome.  Click here for sooo much more.

From Lindsey Mae Child… Liliana has been my friend for years, so when she asked me to do her engagement photos I didn’t hesitate to say yes. I love shooting just before sunset, and the beach was a perfect setting for their session. The warm glow set the tone for the evening, and I had so much fun capturing their sweetness. It was the first time I met Josh, and their love for one another is so evident from the photos that I was just constantly smiling.

From the Bride… When I first met Josh we immediately realized how much we had in common, but one of the things we both loved the most was the summer and especially the beach. Josh started taking me to South Shore Beach in Little Compton, RI our first summer together and I instantly fell in love. It became our favorite place to go, whether it be a relaxing drive in the fall or a beautiful beach day in the summer. There was just always something about going to South Shore that really brought us together and every time we went it was nothing short of special. That’s why when Josh proposed to me there on June 8th it left me speechless; it was undoubtably one of the most beautiful moments in both of our lives. So when it came time to pick a spot for our engagement photos, it wasn’t even a question. We chose the beach that has helped us create so many amazing memories for so many years and I’m sure we’ll continue to make more as time goes on.

Photography: Lindsey Mae Photography | Venue: South Shore Beach

Happy, happy 4th , m’dears! By now you’re probably prepping for a day of sparklers and grillouts, but if you’re in need of a little last-minute Americana inspiration we’ve got just the ticket. Thanks to Jennifer Gee and Sarah Del Buono we’re diving into red, white and blue party ideas you can pull off in a cinch. So what are you waiting for? Get started right here.

From Jennifer Gee… Who doesn’t have a party to throw or attend on Independence Day? With the nation’s birthday steadily approaching, it only seemed fitting to style an editorial shoot with my favorite photographer, Sarah Del Buono of Made In March.

Unlike many other 4th of July parties, I wanted this styled shoot to remain chic with touches of vintage and natural elements. The setting sun provided the perfect stage for our session as it gave us great natural light to highlight this table scape. The mood was heightened with unique vintage plates that my Mother found while perusing a local antique shop here in Jamestown. Sea grass and touches of bamboo added some natural elements while giving a nice contrast to the trendy, oversized mercury mason jars.

The drink station came together beautifully draped in printed linen table cloths, as decorative summer elements such as lanterns, sea glass and buoys anchored and adorned the table. To add some extra flare (and keep the kid’s busy throughout the day!) we added a suitcase full of goodies that really helped enhance the look. Finally, what better way to celebrate our patriotism than with gold spray painted sparklers? The perfect finishing touch!

Photography: Made In March | Event Design: Gwen Studios

Little Compton is a magical little corner of the Ocean State, so when you host a wedding as pretty and as personal as this one captured by Joseph Laurin magic inevitably happens. With florals from the lovely Sayles Livingston Flowers adding to all the heartfelt DIY details, it goes without saying that we have one pretty gallery on our hands. 

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Rochelle and Jeremy have been together for 7 years. For their wedding, they had a 150 people guest list with friends from around the world, Jeremy’s from London & Scotland, and native Rhode Islanders on Rochelle’s side.

The wedding began in a small church, in a small rustic beach town of Little Compton. A favorite summer spot that Rochelle and her family would go to. Rochelle showed JJ Little Compton when they first started dating and he fell in love with it. The reception was held at the Stone House, an intimate venue with a large tent dimly lit overlooking the beautiful blue ocean.

Rochelle, being a native Rhode Islander, wanted to incorporate a lot of RI traditions, from the coffee milk favors to the clambake and chowder appetizers. Rochelle & Jeremy consider themselves foodies so when it came to picking the menu they knew they wanted local organic farm to table!

With Jeremy growing up in England it was important for them to incorporate some of the English traditions. The guests were encouraged to wear fascinaters and beautiful hats. The men were encouraged to wear bow ties and their summer best. English tea sandwiches were served at cocktail hour and English tea in vintage tea cups were served at desert!

Rochelle, her family, and her maid of honor Holly had so much fun being creative and doing a lot of DIY projects, The wedding was very much about bringing the whole family together throughout the wedding process.

The lace runners were made from beautiful French lace Rochelle’s mother had been given from a friend. The gold wooden flower boxes were made by Rochelle’s father, along with the gorgeous farm tables. All of the fun chalkboard signs were designed by a family friend, Chris and are hanging in Rochelle & Jeremy’s house. Rochelle & her mother made all of the place cards and stuck them in vintage forks.

This wedding had a lot of love that went into it and Rochelle & Jeremy both knew they wanted an unforgettable party!

Photography: Joseph Laurin Photography | Videography: Colby Blanchet | Floral Design: Sayles Livingston Design | Wedding Dress: Amy Kuschel | Cake: Jenny's Wedding Cakes | Ceremony Venue: United Congregational Church | Reception Venue: Stone House | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids Dresses: Flair Bridesmaid Boutique | Catering: Tom's Market | Makeup: Joli Visage Makeup Artistry | Band: Groove Authority | Tent: Newport Tent Company | Bags: Dream State | Clutches: Roeho | Earrings: Stella & Dot | Veil & Sash: Madeleine's Daughter

There’s something about a great film that tells a love story in a way nothing else can. It takes true pros like Artistic Wedding Video Group who filmed every detail – made beautiful by Details With Love, Ryan Designs and Greenlion Design – to perfection. Set aside five minutes and Prepare. To. Swoon.

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From Details With Love…On Wednesday, March 7th, a messenger arrived to Lisa’s office with an enormous bouquet of roses and a note that instructed her to go downstairs. Waiting was a car with her dog, Theodore Pickles inside. Theo was wearing a little doggy hoody, and inside the pocket was another note that said Rich couldn’t wait to see her. The car drove them to Union Park, a beautiful, private park near their home in London. She approached to see Rich waiting in the center of the park, down on one knee and holding a ring. She said YES!!!

When I received the call from the London couple for assistance in planning their designation wedding, I couldn’t wait to get to know them better and get started in planning and styling all of the lovely details of their signature coastal chic celebration…and of course for their arrival, to meet them in person and for them to experience and enjoy all that my hometown of Newport has to offer. A very special congratulations to Mr & Mrs! xo

Photography: chennergy | Event Design: Details with Love | Event Planning: Details with Love | Floral Design: Greenlion | Wedding Venue: Castle Hill Inn | Specialty Lighting: Ryan Designs | Video: Artistic Wedding Films

Last summer my hubby and I explored Newport, Rhode Island for first time and haven’t stopped talking about it since. With stunning seaside views that had our jaws dropped, it’s no wonder this couple choose the Belle Mer for their own special day. Greenlion Weddings designed the bloomage, Cmostr snapped the goods, and the full gallery? It’s a modern wedding lover’s paradise.

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From the Bride…John and I met in the sixth grade but despite knowing each other for most of our lives, planning a wedding still wasn’t the easiest thing to do. With Newport’s fickle fall weather in the front of our minds we initially couldn’t decide whether to have our ceremony in or outdoors. We were tempted to have it outside by past stories of warm and sunny November weddings at Belle Mer, but in the end wanted our guests to feel comfortable no matter what, so we decided to plan for the less-than-ideal and get married indoors.

I wanted the look and feel of the wedding to be light and very natural despite having an autumn date. The best part of Belle Mer as a venue was that everything was so open and white- almost like a blank canvas where weddings weren’t dictated by the room’s established decor so we really could make our Big Day look the way we wanted it to. I love when things mismatch to the point where they all look harmonious together- from the linens to the centerpieces to the bridesmaids’ dresses and the groomsmen’s boutonnieres, we were able to accomplish rustic, modern, natural and chic all the same time.

Even after all the planning, nothing could prepare us for the most perfect sunset that greeted us following our I do’s. It made for the most perfect backdrop for cocktail hour and completely set the tone for the rest of the night. The rest of a very perfect night.

Photography: Sam Nichols Photography | Florist: Greenlion | Dress: BHLDN | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Makeup: Jennifer Marcuson | Hair: Meg Ryan | Venue: Belle Mer: A Longwood Venue | Rings And Earrings: Tracy Dungo Porges Of Kalaki Riot