We loved this seaside rehearsal dinner in downtown Newport, RI. It was the perfect compliment to the formal wedding held the next day, and a fantastic way to welcome guests in for the weekend. Held at a local restaurant, friends and family joined the couple for an intimate rehearsal dinner, followed by a dessert and dancing party for all guests. Corbin Gurkin captured all of the events of the weekend.

Guests enjoyed popular favorites like New England Clam Chowder and mini lobster rolls. Keeping in line with the sea colored palette, escort cards were nautical inspired flags displayed on a watercolored board.

Keeping the decor natural and simple made the most sense for a nautical inspired feel. Table runners were of a french linen flour sack feel. Potted rosemary topiaries and simple hydrangea blooms dotted the length of the tables.

One of my new favorite design elements are colored border linen dinner napkins. So simple but they lend such an elegant touch. And, how cute were these white nautical rope balls which we used to “anchor” the place cards. White ink on navy paper is an unexpected but pretty way to present the dinner menus.

No seaside rehearsal dinner in New England would be complete without a lobster course.

Spectacular views were offered as desserts and drinks were served to the tunes of a DJ so  the couple had many moments to enjoy chatting with guests before the big day…