This amazing seaside ceremony and reception in Newport, RI was such a fun event for us to do, as we had planned the bride’s best friends’ and business partner’s wedding a year prior. Also, the coastal landscape here is so different than ours on the Southeast coast, so it was great having such a lovely backdrop. The ceremony held at a private home owned by friends of the family and a reception followed at the New York Yacht Club. All of the gorgeous images are by Corbin Gurkin.
As her something old, the bride’s wore her grandmother’s pearl earrings, and something new was the gown designed by the bride with her matron of honor and business partner in Dee Hutton/Dee Hutton Bridal. For something borrowed, a diamond bracelet from best friend was perfect, and her sapphire engagement ring was of course “something blue”.
Having family from France, that was a huge influence on much of the design… From lavender used throughout the floral design to the Chantilly lace in the bride’s gown, French elements were predominant throughout.
Lettered Olive took the coordinated pastel color palette and made modern and whimisical influences on traditional wedding stationary. The guest bags were drawstring bags printed with a hand drawn map of Newport… Lots of sweets and treats like swedish fish as a playful nod to the coast, and NYC black and white cookies for 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, stylish “rainbow” array came 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 was built across the pool making a breathtaking aisle and entrance for our bride.
A spectacular view of boats in the harbor made for an amazing ceremony… this is one of my favorites we have ever done!
Guests enjoyed Rose and Seafood on the lawn overlooking the water, at the New York Yacht Club. So thankful for the gorgeous weather we had all weekend. We even able to use our lovely fabric lined umbrellas to shade the lounge seating and oyster bar. The escort “cards” were housed in a French farmer’s market… cones of toile paper holding stems of lavender were calligraphied with guests’ names and table numbers.
A grand tent with curtains revealing sweeping sunset views housed dinner and dancing. We even built a little “porch” off of the main tent for part of the after dinner lounge… A little way for us to bring the south to Newport!
The bride wanted a summery pastel wonderland, so draping the ceiling in complimentary shades transformed the huge white tent. Long tables with French toile linens lined with varying centerpieces containing lush blooms like peonies, roses, hydrangea, and ivy greens.
Confectionary Designs provided a tired cake with perfect pink rose accents, along with a variety of rainbow macaroons and other sweets served with vintage china.
After a night of dancing on a custom dance floor (mint green and white checkered), the bride changed into a second Dee Hutton Little White Dress. also designed by best friend and business partner.
The couple said goodbye with a sparkler send off and departed in a vintage yacht. A late night after party was held at the Tennis Hall of Fame where the couple soon joined guests into the wee hours…
Even though summer is wrapping up, here in Charleston, we still have plenty of opportunities for throwing fabulous porch parties. We teamed up with our friends at the Charleston CVB and Southern Living to give you our tips for throwing an impeccable fete on your porch.
Head over to the Explore Charleston blog for our tips (including a invaluable hostess trick sure to save you time in the kitchen)…
Recognized as one of the nation’s leading tastemakers, Tara Guérard has earned a widespread reputation for her ability to create spectacular settings celebrating life’s most anticipated occasions. As the visionary and founder of Tara Guérard Soirée, she is best known for her distinct style that honors the storied traditions of Southern hospitality paired with a modern aesthetic and flair for the unexpected.
