{Tied The Knot} April 27. 2013

What an honor it was to be a part of Ashley and Stephen’s day! Sara and Ashley have been friends for years, having first met way before she started working at the Omni Hotel (then The Westin Hotel). When Ashley met Stephen, her Mr. Right, Sara could see by the way that Ashley looked at him that he was definitely “The One”.

Stephen is in military law, and the couple met when Stephen was living in Newport. When his job took him to Virginia, Ashley followed her heart and went with him. Planning their wedding while they set up their new home in Virginia brought them even closer together. Because Newport is such an important place to the lovebirds, they chose it as the location for their very beautiful, very grand, wedding. Let us say it again…it was VERY GRAND! It was important to Ashley and Stephen to capture the essence of Newport for their friends and family.

The ceremony was at the gorgeous St. Mary’s church, which is in downtown Newport, and is as historic and stunning as they come. After the ceremony, the bridal party headed to the Vanderbilt Grace Hotel for cocktails and pictures. Heading up to the roof of the hotel, we spent some time capturing images with the Newport skyline as the most breathtaking backdrop. With Ashley in her exquisite gown, and Stephen in his elegant tuxedo, they made our job easy!

The reception at Rosecliff (the grandest of the Newport mansions) was one of a kind. The room was decorated in white flowers and gold accents, and fit perfectly into the elegant setting.

Before the guests entered the room for the reception, Ashley and Stephen entered alone so that Ashley could give Stephen his wedding gift: she hired a painter, who was there to paint a portrait of the reception as it happened. So thoughtful!

The food was phenomenal. Stephen is a foodie, which Sara know first-hand from the double dates she and her own fiancé has been on with Ashley and Stephen. He definitely knows his way around Rhode Island restaurants! Russell Morin outdid himself – he provided a top-notch, four-course meal for this wonderful event.

There were many meaningful moments on this day. One of the most special to Ashley was a performance by two family friends, who played a lovely piano set for the couple.

This was a special day for us. Sara helped Ashley plan the wedding, and it was wonderful for Sara to see Ashley’s vision come together. Now Ashley is starting to help Sara plan her wedding!

 

 

Wedding Song: You Are the Best Thing

Vendors

Viking Trolley
Stone Blossom Florist
Victor Events – DJ
Louis Vaughn – Band and Ceremony Music
Confectionary Designs – Cake
Russell Morin – Catering
Rentals Unlimited – china and linens