A BELLE MER WEDDING IN NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND

Shelly + Mike met at Bentley college when Mike was a junior and Shelly was a freshman, in 2010. While they dated for a bit in college, after Mike graduated they went their separate ways, running into each other here and there around Boston. It wasn’t for another seven years that they would get back together, this second time around leading to a memorable European engagement and planning their big day. It was Shelly’s vision to have a romantic, destination wedding with an estate-like feel and a gorgeous ocean view. Belle Mer in Newport checked all of those boxes!

On a beautiful May morning, Shelly, her family and her bridesmaids were pampered by Lyndsay Simon Beauty, while they toasted with a personalized bottle of “Shelly’s Bridal Bubbly.” 

Shelly’s mom helped her into her chic mermaid cut v-neck crepe dress from Pronovias, before her dad came in to see the finished look. As Meredith Jane Photography snapped away during this special moment, he never took his eyes off of his little girl.

Then the three of them climbed into a white vintage Rolls Royce to head to the church. 

Meanwhile, Mike and his groomsmen slipped on their classic black tuxes at the Newport Marriott Hotel. Dapper as ever!

As Shelly walked down the aisle with her father at Kay Chapel in Newport, Mike was beaming as he took it all in.

After a moving ceremony in front of their closest friends and family, they sealed their love with a kiss and cheers were heard throughout the chapel.

As they drove from the chapel back to Belle Mer, Shelly + Mike made stops along Bellevue Avenue to capture some fun shots with the Rolls Royce. 

Back at Belle Mer, the bridesmaids in their petal pink full-length gowns and the groomsmen in their black tuxes, gathered with Shelly + Mike for some group pictures.

Shelly + Mike also took advantage of the beautiful view from Belle Mer of the Newport Bridge and the ocean for these absolutely stunning sunset portraits.

Cocktail hour was held outdoors at Belle Mer’s Lawn where glass tables and couches were scattered for guests to relax as they watched the sunset over the bridge. 

On either side of the seating chart, flutes of champagne sat on glass and gold shelves, with little white buds and greens scattered between for some color. 

Inside the Water Salon, pink and lace clothes were draped over the tables beneath pink and white calligraphed table numbers in gold cube holders. Light pink and white pillar candles in glass holders alternated with white compotes of white and pink spring blooms.

At each place sat a white scalloped plate with a light pink napkin, a menu and a gold-rimmed champagne flute.

Behind the head table atop the marble fireplace was a selection of pink, peach, mauve and white flowers, as well as several candles. At each place at the head table, a calligraphed name tag was hung from a gold-rimmed champagne glass.  

On either side of the top of the Salon’s grand staircase, where Shelly + Mike made their dramatic entrance, were large arrangements in white fluted vases, and at the bottom were sprawling floral installations dotted with pink pillar candles and scattered white rose petals.

After entering to Beyonce and Jay-Z’s “Crazy in Love,” Shelly (who had changed into a stunning lace mermaid gown) and Mike enjoyed their first dance to “Everything,” by Michael Buble.

If you’re looking to plan a destination-style wedding, it doesn’t mean you have to look far! Shelly + Mike, who call the South Shore of Massachusetts home, found their perfect location less than two hours away. At Belle Mer we were able to create the estate celebration of their dreams and because it was so close, all of their friends and family could be there to commemorate the occasion. 

It was our pleasure, Shelly + Mike, to help you create the most special day of your lives. Here is to your happily ever after!

Wedding Planning + Design: Jessica Hennessey Weddings
Photography: Meredith Jane Photography
Floral Design: Wild Dahlia
Entertainment: Closing Time Boston
Venue: Belle Mer - A Longwood Venue
Rentals: Peak Event Services, BBJ Linen
Hair + Makeup: Lyndsay Simon Beauty
Videography: Chris Thomas Weddings
Transportation: Limos of Newport
Bridal Attire: Pronovias + Martina Liana Bridal
Men’s Attire: Classic Tux
Stationery + Paper Goods: Blu3 Designs, Allison Kathleen Calligraphy + Design