Today we share this amazing seaside ceremony and reception in Newport, RI. Having planned the bride’s best friends’ and business partner’s wedding a year prior, this one was especially near and dear to us. And, quite a change of scenery for us, since the coastal landscape here is so different than ours on the Southeast coast. The ceremony starts at a private home owned by friends of the family. Afterwards, the reception follows at the New York Yacht Club. All of the gorgeous images are by Corbin Gurkin.
As her something old, the bride’s wears her grandmother’s pearl earrings. And, the something new is the gown designed by the bride, along with her matron of honor and business partner in Dee Hutton/Dee Hutton Bridal. For something borrowed, a diamond bracelet from a best friend. And, her sapphire engagement ring is of course “something blue”.
Having family from France, our bride wanted to incorporate that through much of the design. From lavender throughout the floral design, to the Chantilly lace in the bride’s gown, French elements make themselves known.
Here, Lettered Olive uses the coordinated pastel color palette to weave together modern and whimsical influences on traditional wedding stationary. The guest bags are drawstring bags printed with a hand drawn map of Newport. Also included are lots of sweets and treats like Swedish fish as a playful nod to the coast. And, NYC black and white cookies are a hometown fave.
Instead of having the wedding party in matching gowns, the ladies wore shades of pastels in different styles by Dee Hutton. That way, when all together, a stylish “rainbow” array come together.
Heel savers and umbrellas were available to guests for walking across the grand lawn of the ceremony venue.
A custom bridge lined with boxes of lavender buds carries the bride across the pool. An amazing “aisle” for an amazing bridal entrance.
A spectacular view of boats in the harbor adds to an amazing ceremony. This is one of my favorites we have ever done!
At the New York Yacht Club, guests enjoy Rose and Seafood on the lawn overlooking the water. Having gorgeous weather all weekend certainly helps. Our lovely fabric lined umbrellas shade the lounge seating and oyster bar. The escort “cards” are housed in a French farmer’s market. For example, cones of toile paper holding stems of lavender are calligraphied with guests’ names and table numbers.
Here, a grand tent with curtains reveals sweeping sunset views housed dinner and dancing. A little “porch” is even built off of the main tent for part of the after dinner lounge. A little way for us to bring the south to Newport!
We were working with a summery pastel wonderland, so draping the ceiling in complimentary shades transforms the huge white tent. Long tables with French toile linens are lined with varying centerpieces containing lush blooms like peonies, roses, hydrangea, and ivy greens.
A tired cake from Confectionary Designs has perfect pink rose accents. And, a variety of rainbow macaroons and other sweets accompany the cake, complete with vintage china.
After a night of dancing on a custom dance floor (mint green and white checkered), the bride changes into a second Dee Hutton Little White Dress. Also, designed by best friend and business partner.
The couple says goodbye with a sparkler send off and departed in a vintage yacht. And, a late night after party is held at the Tennis Hall of Fame, where the couple joins guests into the wee hours.