AN OCEAN HOUSE WEDDING IN WATCH HILL, RHODE ISLAND

Gina + Nick, what can I say! These two found such a special place in my heart.

Gina is a nurse and Nick is a first responder. When Nick popped the question in 2019, they decided to enjoy a long engagement to plan their big day. Enter the Covid-19 pandemic - and through their exhausting days and long nights working on the front lines, they stayed excited with their eyes set on that prize of a dream wedding. And BOY did they have it! Even with their busy schedules, I worked closely with this wonderful couple to fully design a picture-perfect celebration that they will remember forever.

First impressions are everything and this gorgeous invitation suite from Callidora Designs made quite the impression with Gina + Nick’s nearest and dearest. A sketch of the Ocean House added an elegant, personalized touch. 

Gina + Nick had a beautiful June day for their “I Dos”. Gina and her bridesmaids wore matching pajamas and sipped on champagne as they got wedding ready at The Whaler’s Inn in Mystic, CT. 

Before her mother helped her into her beautiful lace wedding gown from I Do Wedding, Gina snuck in a snuggle with her pup, Millie. 

Right before she showed off her bridal look to her closest friends, Gina shared a sweet moment with her father who was absolutely stunned at how beautiful his little girl was. 

Meanwhile, Nick and his groomsmen were busy putting on their blue suits with white rose boutonnieres. How handsome does he look?!

With everyone ready, the bridal party headed to The Ocean House in Watch Hill, RI for the ceremony.  

On the South Lawn of the Ocean House, rows of white Chiavari chairs led to a lush, romantic arbor of beautiful garden roses and peonies. 

A tear came to Nick’s eye as he watched Gina and her father make their way down the aisle.  Gina’s friend Devin was dressed in pink to match the bridesmaids as she led Gina + Nick in their vows. 

Following the ceremony, the wedding party gathered near the beach for pictures. The men looked sharp in their Bonobos suits with matching blue ties, while the bridesmaids looked so chic in their blush pink slip dresses from Petal & Pup. 

While guests enjoyed cocktail hour, Gina + Nick snuck away to capture these gorgeous portraits with Lauren Dobish Photography by their sides. 

The Ocean House and its grounds served as a stunning backdrop for this equally stunning couple, as did the nearby beach.

Even their pup, Millie, snuck into a shot or two!

It is always magical when a couple sees their wedding vision come to life, but I particularly loved showing Gina the reception decor. We both cried! It had been such a long road to get to this point that we became emotional seeing it all finally come together so perfectly.

Blush napkins sat atop silver-trimmed charger plates at each setting. Fluted glass vases brimming with floral bouquets towered above tables, alternating with floral runners and arrangements in glass compotes. White pillar and tapered candles in glass holders cast a romantic glow on the room. 

The flower wall was definitely a statement piece and doubled as the escort wall and photo backdrop. Beach Plum Floral really outdid themselves with the gorgeous selection of blooms, and the custom initial crest for Gina + Nick was the perfect final touch! 

Once the guests were seated, the festivities could really begin! Nick + Gina entered the Ocean House’s Seaside Ballroom to John Legend’s “All of Me” before taking the floor for their first dance as husband and wife. 

As they made their welcome toast, Gina’s mom and dad thanked me for creating the wedding of their daughter’s dreams - a first for me and a moment I will remember forever!

When Gina and her dad shared their father/daughter dance, they swayed to Bob Carlisle’s “Butterfly Kisses,” while Nick and his mom chose Zach Bryan’s “November Air” for their turn around the floor.

The night ended with a bang! Gina + Nick left the reception to rows of cold sparks that lit up the Ocean House grounds. Then they slid into the back of a classic vintage car while guests gathered on the balcony to send the happy couple off. 

Gina + Nick, thank you and your families so much for allowing me to take part in your special day. I am so happy to call you both friends and I look forward to watching your love grow!

Wedding Planning + Design: Jessica Hennessey Weddings
Photography: Lauren Dobish Photography
Floral Design: Beach Plum Floral
Entertainment: Elite Entertainment
Venue: Ocean House Rhode Island
Rentals: Peak Event Services
Makeup Artist: Amanda McCarthy Beauty
Hair Stylist: The Bridal Bar
Video: Matt Forcier
Cold Sparks: Eduardo Alves Events
Stationery + Paper Goods: Callidora Designs
Bridal Attire: I Do Wedding Boston
Bridesmaids Attire: Petal and Pup
Mens Attire: Bonobos