Nov
18

Pops of Pink at Castle Hill

Venue: Castle Hill Inn

Photographer: Lauren Methia Photography

Florals: Sayles Livingston Design

Wedding Cinematography: Chris McClain of Visual Masterpiece / Wedding Stationery + Invitations: Jillian Macey of Weddings and Wellies / Ceremony Music: Sukada / Reception Music: Played Out / Wedding Dress: Alvina Valenta / Hair + Makeup: Jennie Kay Beauty

From the Bride… My fiancé, Peter, and I have a deep-rooted past — both of our families have known each other for almost four decades. We did not start dating until later in life, but we both had the advantage of already knowing each others’ family very well, so no awkward “meeting of the parents!” Peter proposed to me at the gorgeous White Elephant on Nantucket the weekend of the Christmas Stroll in 2011. He planned a post-proposal intimate dinner where both sets of our parents surprised me at the restaurant. I was in complete shock, and I look back at that day as one of the greatest moments of my life!

We knew from the start we wanted our wedding to be more than just about two people. It was about two families coming together after many years of friendship and officially being able to say we are “family.” In addition to becoming a big family and a wife, I was also lucky to have the honor of becoming a step-mom to a precious little girl. I wanted a soft, romantic candlelit evening on the water: a quintessential New England occasion. A few weeks later Peter, my parents and I only had to see two venues when we made our decision at the second stop at Castle Hill in Newport, Rhode Island. For several years, Newport has had such a special place in our lives — our families have gone boating, sightseeing and watched the Blue Angels fly over head. I had always dreamed about get married at Castle Hill to the man of my dreams on a perfect summer day, and we got just that! Peter’s uncle was our officiant, my close friend sang Adele’s rendition of “Make You Feel My Love,” and my dad surprised us with a plane fly by during cocktail hour with a sign dedicated to Peter and me! And just when you thought the night was over, my dad surprised us again with the most spectacular firework display on the water… let’s just say the entire night was magical.

I had always heard the horror stories of planning a wedding, but I never really knew what it was like until we went through it ourselves. Looking back, part of me wishes I had taken in the little moments more, but at the end of the day everything was beyond my expectations, and I do not have any regrets. Our photographer, Lauren Methia, was able capture every perfect moment, and she was a joy to work with.  We are so thankful for our families, friends and the vendors who helped make our day the most beautiful and spectacular weekend of our lives.

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