This past weekend, my family attended a wedding in Newport, Rhode Island. Located on the Atlantic Ocean and known as a New England summer resort and for the famous cliffside Newport Mansions, Newport is a superb location for a wedding. Weddings aside, Newport would make an ideal romantic weekend getaway, particularly in the June - October season when weather conditions are most favorable. Great seafood, charming shops on Thames Street, beautiful beaches, majestic cliff walks, mansion tours and the Tennis Hall of Fame are just a short list of the attractions!
As it turns out, my cousin is the banquet manager at the OceanCliff Resort in Newport, and was able to negotiate an attractive package for this family event. This was a second marriage for the bride and groom, Caryl (my Aunt) and Dan. The guest list was composed primarily of family and long-time friends, and was slightly less formal than the typical wedding reception. The couple took their vows on the lawn of the resort, with beautiful background views of the water, cliffs and bridge... and to the pleasant sounds of wildlife and sea birds.
An afternoon of cocktails, delicious food, dancing and conversation ensued. Many of the vendors were personal friends of the bride and groom. For music, Caryl and Dan used musicians from a local favorite band of theirs. A longtime family friend served as videographer. My sister Heidi, who has always been talented in cooking and baking, made a beautiful and delicious beach-themed wedding cake (see below).
This was a daytime wedding, and the Ocean Cliff Resort, as an option, offers a sunset cruise on a 66 foot schooner called the "Aurora." Some 75 guests boarded the boat and enjoyed a sail around Newport viewing the sites from the water. While the weather was a bit too cool and overcast by then, it was still an amazing experience. Please enjoy photos from the weekend posted below.
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| My niece, and Flower Girl, Julia Grace |
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| The Schooner Aurora |
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