Scarlet Shore and Tom Clifton’s love story began in Notting Hill, London, almost 10 years ago. Tom was Scarlet’s resident advisor and although sparks flew, the timing was not right and she returned to the States to finish school.

Fast-forward a few years later to downtown Manhattan where unbeknownst to Scarlet and Tom, they were once again neighbors, separated by just five blocks. After a random reconnection via email, the two started dating, which ultimately culminated in a magical proposal on a misty New York City evening atop a friend’s restaurant, with the glowing Empire State Building in the background.

Their NYC love affair led to the planning of an epic wedding weekend in Rhode Island, where Scarlet’s parents reside.

“We viewed our wedding as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring together everyone we loved for a magical summer weekend,” says Scarlet.

Throughout the planning process, the couple hired vendors that they felt a connection with and that shared their vision, including Exquisite Events,Sayles Livingston Flowers, photographer Steve DePino and the bandDjore!. They chose OceanCliff as the venue because, Scarlet says, “It has the perfect balance of Newport’s rich and opulent history and the sense of intimacy we wanted.”

The night before the wedding, all guests were invited to Rose Island, a tiny, private island off the coast of Newport, for a traditional New England clambake. “This gave everyone a chance to meet and connect over great food, a beautiful sunset, meaningful toasts and a fun boat ride both ways,” says Scarlet.

The wedding was “garden-party formal” and the atmosphere festive with lots of personal touches. A close friend of the family became ordained to officiate the wedding, there were several readings encompassing multiple religions and traditions and one of Scarlet’s bridesmaids sang their first dance song. To match the serene beauty and color of the Atlantic Ocean, in which the ceremony overlooked, bridesmaids wore mint green gowns and the groom donned a sharp blue suit.

The wedding weekend was capped off by a farewell brunch on OceanCliff’s patio.

Story by Allie Herzog

Photography by Steve DePino Photography

Featured Vendors: Reception + Catering: OceanCliff // Linen Rental: Rentals Unlimited // Flowers: Sayles Livingston Flowers // Transportation: The Wedding Trolley

Additional Vendors: Wedding Planner: Exquisite Events // Tent: Newport Tent // Hair Stylist: Kristen Moshlek // Makeup: Deb Houghton // Ceremony Music: Intermezzo Chamber Music // Reception Music: Djore! via Elan Artists