When asked what three words best describe how today’s featured bride felt in her wedding dress, Lauren said: Special, beautiful and sophisticated…and I couldn’t agree more! In true ‘Ocean State’ fashion Lauren and Mike’s Rhode Island wedding is a delightful display of New England charm and classic elegance. I LOVE this couple’s tented reception over looking the harbor complete with chandeliers and twinkle lights; the tasteful wardrobe choices for the bridesmaids and groomsmen; and the brides beautiful and unique Pronovias wedding gown. Enjoy!
Lauren + Mike | May 21, 2011 | Newport, Rhode Island
The Ceremony
We had a Catholic wedding ceremony at Our Lady of Mercy Chapel at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI. Our Lady of Mercy is a small chapel; recently built on the college campus a year ago. At first we thought it was too small as it only holds 240 guests and we had 210 attending. The wedding was very intimate and all of our guests loved it because they said they felt like they were part of the ceremony. The ceremony took place in the middle of the chapel with the pews in a circular form around the altar so everyone was able to see and hear everything. Many of our guests told us it was the best wedding ceremony they had ever attended.
The Reception
We love Rhode Island. I grew up in Rhode Island and Mike lived there for many years. When we got engaged we knew we were getting married in Newport. We regularly vacation in Newport and have a special fondness for Southern Rhode Island.
Our wedding was held at the Newport Yachting Center, an outside tented venue on a wharf overlooking the Newport harbor. The location was quintessential Newport with views of boats sitting in the harbor and the Newport Bridge in the background. The tent was white with a draped ceiling and hanging chandeliers; we added twinkle lights throughout the tent for sparkle. The wedding colors were blue and purple with grey and silver accents. The flowers were blue and purple. The table lines were lavender with a silver napkin and silver chairs. The centerpieces were tall and short, some tables had a tall vase and some had short. The tall vases were 20-inch cylinder vases with purple and blue hydrangeas with other purple accents and a blue silk ribbon Lauren’s aunt made tied around the top of the vase. The short centerpieces were square vases with mostly hydrangeas, dark blue and purple and deep purple lisianthus.
How Lauren Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Special, beautiful and sophisticated
Why Lauren Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
My dress was a unique style that at first my mom and sister did not like. Mom and sister told me when I purchased it that it was one of their least favorites I had tried on. But I loved it. On my wedding day I received a ton of compliments on it. And my mom and sister said they could not imagine me in any other gown. So after the wedding I decided to sell it because I want another bride to feel special and get the opportunity to wear a gown that is not like all the others. The dress makes a statement and it is memorable because it is so different.
