Photo: Snap! Photography
It's no surprise that Jacqueline Conese and Matthew Johnson, both 24, decided to say "I do" in the picturesque coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island. After all, it was their love of the sea that brought them together in the first place! "We met as freshmen on the sailing team at Boston University," Jackie remembers. And Matt used that love of being on the water to his advantage when he decided to propose in 2013. After a sunset sail on the Charles River, he brought Jackie to an Italian restaurant in Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood for a romantic dinner. "He was so nervous, he barely ate. The whole restaurant applauded when he got down on one knee!" says the bride.
A year later, on June 7th, 2014, the pair headed to Rhode Island, inviting 175 guests to Castle Hill Inn for a ceremony with ocean views and an elegant night of dancing. Stephanie Frazier Grimm of Couture Parties combined Jackie's passion for sustainability with a formal feel, and Snap! Photography was on-hand to take the gorgeous photos. Keep reading to see them!
The invitation set the tone, combining traditional wording with more whimsical script and sea glass hues.
Jackie's desire to keep things local also applied to the flowers, including the groom and groomsmen's coral ranunculus boutonnieres.
The bride wore a fit-and-flare Alencon lace gown designed by Anne Barge. "I had my heart set on a v-neck with cap sleeves, but wasn't finding exactly what I was looking for. I went to an Anne Barge trunk show, and she was there! She helped me customize the dress to get exactly what I wanted," says Jackie.
Her bridesmaids wore coral chiffon dresses by Amsale. The bride and her 'maids all carried bouquets of soft peach, blush, and cream spray roses, ranunculus, and peonies.
The altar followed suit, bedecked with cream and blush hydrangeas and ranunculus and framing a gorgeous ocean view.
Photo: Snap! Photography
Jackie and Matt wed in a traditional ceremony before walking up the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. to a string trio's rendition of "All You Need is Love" by the Beatles.
Photo: Snap! Photography
Upon entering Castle Hill Inn's sailcloth tent, guests found their seats on ivory cards arranged in wooden boxes full of moss.
The tent was draped in sheer white fabric and strings of lights. Down the center was a long table for 40 with a runner made of moss and topped with coral and peach peonies and roses. Nearby tables featured wooden lanterns and boxes full of ivory, blush, and coral peonies, roses, and stock flowers.
Guests dined on a local and sustainable menu of beef tenderloin, hake, and seasonal vegetables. The bar was local, too, featuring wines, beers, and spirits from the Massachusetts and Rhode Island area. "Of course, we had to have rum from Bermuda, tequila from Mexico, and Champagne from France!" says Jackie.
The places of honor were marked with calligraphed wooden signs and stems of white roses. Votive candles in mercury holders cast a warm glow over the space as the sun went down.
Photo: Snap! Photography
The four-tiered cake featured alternating layers of carrot cake and chocolate cake with vanilla icing and strawberries. The cake was frosted in buttercream, with petal details and sugar roses on each tier.
After a night of dancing, Matt and Jackie took off for a honeymoon in the Cook Islands. "It was so special to have our friends and family all together to celebrate with us," Jackie says.
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Castle Hill Inn || Wedding Planner: Couture Parties || Bride's Wedding Dress: Anne Barge || Shoes: Jimmy Choo || Hair & Makeup: Jennie Kay Beauty || Groom's Attire: Brooks Brothers || Engagement Ring: DeScenza Diamonds || Wedding Bands: ADCO Diamond || Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale || Groomsmen's Attire: Viking Tuxedo || Florist: Greenlion Weddings || Invitations: Bella Figura || Other Paper Goods: How Lovely Paper, KRUSHgraphics || Music: The Sultans of Swing || Catering: Castle Hill Inn || Cake: Confectionary Designs || Rentals: Rentals Unlimited || Lighting: Ryan Designs || Videography: Amor and Martel || Photography: Snap! Photography