WEDDINGS
of the East Bay & South Coast
of the East Bay and South Coast
Published by East Bay Media Group, Bristol, R.I.
Here comes the guest The package deal
From all about the dress to all about the guest — a new trend of amping up the guest experience is on the rise
Venues that once hosted just a reception, or just a wedding, are now full-service providers, presenting package deals for vendors, events and settings
After saying ‘Yes,’ wedding planning typically hits full force — but for some, it’s getting simplified
The trend for wedding hairstyles is becoming whimsical — brides are asking for free-flowing hair that feels more natural on their wedding day
Live painter edits in elements from the bride and groom’s ‘wish list’ — in a different type of wedding ‘photography’
PHOTO BY BRIANNA RITOLI PHOTOGRAPHY
Wildflowers from a nearby farm placed into glass vases made up the seating chart at a local wedding.
COVER PHOTO BY DEVON MCWILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY
Here comes the guest
From all about the dress to all about the guest — a new trend of amping up the guest experience is on the rise
RHODE TRIPPER PHOTOGRAPHY
Tim McGinnis (left) and his new wife Janae McGinnis (right) tied the knot at Castle Hill in Newport.
BY MICHELLE MERCURE
mmercure@eastbaymediagroup.com
When planning a “traditional” wedding, the dress, the venue, the food, and the flowers are at the top of the list, followed by ensuring the bridesmaids get their “ugly” dresses. Not anymore — it’s time to welcome the guest.
The notion that bridesmaids’ dresses have to be “ugly” to keep the bride in the spotlight has been tossed into the crowd just like the bouquet. The wedding day is no longer only for the bride — it’s about the guests, too.
Meaghan D’Abrosca, an alternative photographer at Rhode Tripper Photography, said the trend she’s observed in recent years is a growing emphasis on making the guest experience just as, if not more, important than the bride’s. “There’s a newer push to enhance the guest experience and make sure guests feel welcomed, wherever
they’re celebrating,” she explained.
From sailing trips to board games, couples are getting creative with ways to keep guests engaged. One couple who recently married in Newport invited their entire guest list on a sailing excursion the day after the ceremony. “They got married at Castle Hill, then took all their guests sailing the next day because they wanted them to feel wowed and fall in love with Newport,” D’Abrosca recalled.
Such thoughtful touches require careful planning, and this is where a new trend comes in — weddings designed with the guest experience in mind.
For example, one couple considered their guests’ preferences, especially those who didn’t enjoy dancing. Instead of a traditional dance floor, they set up tables with games like UNO and Sushi Go, offering a fun alternative. Many guests who typically
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RHODE TRIPPER PHOTOGRAPHY
Janae McGinnis (left) and Tim McGinnis (right) took their guests sailing the day after their wedding in Newport.
shy away from dancing were thrilled to join in the games.
Micro weddings feed the need
D’Abrosca, who identifies as an “alternative” photographer, notes that wedding trends have changed drastically, particularly since the pandemic. With micro-weddings on the rise, the focus on the guest experience has become even more important.
A micro wedding typically has 50 guests or fewer in attendance as the couple gets married and throws their celebration. Many venues in Rhode Island accommodate much larger guest lists, so alternative venues and unique places to get married are also on the rise.
Janae McGinnis and her husband Tim got married on Oct. 10, 2024, at Castle Hill in Newport with only 32 guests in attendance — a micro wedding. The guest experience was top on their list when planning their wedding. McGinnis commented, “Since most of our guests had never been to Rhode Island, it was important for them to be able to choose their experience.”
Some of her guests traveled from long
distances like Chicago, West Virginia, and Maryland. It was important to her that they get the chance to experience all that Newport has to offer, without worrying about an itinerary. “From our own experiences at weddings — especially destination weddings — we don’t want
an itinerary when we go,” she added. Another aspect of planning for the guest experience was tied to having a smaller wedding. She and her husband were able to gift a sailing trip to their
Continued on page 8
PHOTOS BY RHODE TRIPPER PHOTOGRAPHY
Guests of Tim and Janae McGinnis went sailing as a gift from the bride and groom the day after their wedding.
entire guest list because they had a micro wedding, instead of a larger one.
Many venues in the East Bay area have a large capacity for weddings. Linden Place, with a capacity of 120, is one of the smaller well-known venues for weddings in the area, especially compared to other well-known locations like Blithewold, which can accommodate up to 225 guests, and Herreshoff Marine Museum, which fits 300 guests, if needed. All the mentioned venues can accommodate smaller weddings, though, and the need is definitely there.
Cara Massey, executive director at Linden Place, commented on the increase in micro weddings, saying, “We used to get inquiries all the time about people requiring space for 200-plus guests, and now we hardly get any.” Weddings are trending smaller.
D’Abrosca, a photographer who specializes in alternative weddings, confirmed that many of the ceremonies she’s photographed
A recent bride and groom added tables with board games for their guests to play, focusing on the guest experience.
in the last few years have been geared toward fewer than 20 guests in attendance. “The micro wedding, born from COVID, seems to be here to stay,” she said. “I’ve seen simple ceremonies at the courthouse, chapel weddings with 20 or fewer guests, and elopements with hardly any guests at all.”
Personalized party favors take on new meaning
Gone are the days when a wedding guest would leave with a personalized wine glass etched with a photo of the bride and groom. As the guest becomes more important, the party favors are becoming more personal and useful — to the guest.
D’Abrosca said, “Vendors that align with values and support local and guest experiences are becoming part of the planning, too.” At one recent wedding in Newport, party favors included popcorn in flavors like sea salt, cotton candy, and more — all from local businesses.
As weddings become more centered on the guest experience, the once-expected personalized trinkets
are being swapped for items that not only delight the guest but also tie into the local culture, the couple’s values, or the unique nature of the wedding itself.
McGinnis, who took her entire guest list sailing in Newport the day after her wedding, planned her party favors according to usefulness and the local culture of Newport. At her wedding reception, the guests had to find their table using a real compass — and that was their parting gift, something useful and connected to Newport.
Also, once guests found their table with the compass, sitting in place of a typical placard was a cookie with their name displayed in royal icing on it to show them their seat at the table.
So, what about the ugly dress?
That old wedding trope of the “ugly bridesmaid dress” might be another trend soon to be tossed overboard. As the guest experience takes center stage, the focus is shifting to everyone’s enjoyment — from the bride and groom to the guests, and yes, even the bridesmaids — with the not-so-ugly dress.
A recent bride and groom added a game of bingo for their guests to play.
To plan or not to plan — that is the question
After saying ‘Yes,’ wedding planning typically hits full force — but for some, it’s getting simplified
BY MICHELLE MERCURE mmercure@eastbaymediagroup.com
She said yes, but she didn’t say when. A typical wedding takes nearly a year to plan. But these days, with wedding traditions getting a modern twist, nearly anything goes. Some couples are skipping the big event altogether and eloping. Micro weddings are on the rise. And for some, the planning stage is getting simplified — at least, for a few daring souls. Take Tim and Kim Gray. The couple tied the knot on Sep. 1, 2024, after only two months of planning. They’d been together for 12 years before Tim finally popped the question. Kim explained, “He’d been married twice before and was super hesitant about doing it again.” She added, “I had taken a brief break to
PHOTOS BY BRIANNA RITOLI PHOTOGRAPHY
Kim (left) and Tim Gray (right) eat dinner outside on their wedding day.
Wildflowers from a local farm placed into glass vases made up the seating chart at Kim and Tim’s wedding.
work on myself and help my son, and that time away made Tim realize, ‘Okay, I do want to marry her, and I’m not letting her get away!’ ”
“So once he did ask me, we decided we weren’t going to wait a year to plan a wedding. We wanted it to be within that year since we waited long enough,” Kim laughed.
But Kim’s first idea was an even speedier option — eloping. “I actually wanted to elope and have a party later,” she said. “But Tim said, ‘This is your one and only wedding, and I want you to have the full experience!’ ” And just like that, wedding planning kicked off at full speed.
The dress shop is the first stop
With a proposal and a ticking clock, Kim quickly got advice from her friends — especially about where to find a dress. Within a week, she had an appointment at Alexandra’s Boutique in Fall River, Mass., and tried on as many dresses as she could in one hour. After a quick search, she found the one, and thanks to the end-of-year timing, she got a great deal. With the dress chosen she moved on to the next item on the list — finding the perfect venue.
Five Bridge Inn was chosen as the venue
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Guests make their way to the dance floor at the wedding.
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rather quickly in the planning process — within two weeks of the proposal. Kim sited Facebook as being her source for finding the venue.
According to her, MA & RI Planning and Resale was an incredible tool for her to use in planning such a quick wedding. The couple originally wanted to get married in October, but Sep. 1, 2024 was available at the venue and so the date for the big day was chosen, too.
Food is one of the most important parts of planning a wedding, as social gatherings center around good food. Another idea that emerged from MA & RI Planning and Resale was catering from Cask & Pig in Dartmouth, MA.
Kim explained how the menu for the wedding came together quickly, stating, “The first time we went, we tried samples of everything we had picked for the wedding menu and it was all so good, we didn’t need to change anything.” They had it set up buffet style so people could eat as much as they wanted. The menu included chicken, haddock, steak, mac and cheese, potato salad, macaroni salad, cornbread and more.
“Everyone raved about the food,” Kim said with a sound of success in her voice. She added, “We haven’t been back since the wedding but now I am craving some Cask & Pig.”
The DJ — who also brought a photo booth — was recommended through the same Facebook group. The photo booth helped make the experience fun for guests and gave them a keepsake, as they could take home a strip of photos.
Photographer Brianna Ritoli, of Ritoli Photography, was a friend’s recommendation. It was a “two-for-one” deal, as the married couple, who would be taking the photos, were able to set up from multiple angles.
The wedding barn vibe
Kim wanted things simple. She chose to use wildflowers from a local farm that she placed into glass vases for her seating chart which only enhanced the barn vibe she was going for — and the guest were able to take them home as a souvenir. The other flower arrangements at the wedding were made of wood, colored and assembled by Kim.
The venue they chose was rustic and simple, and came with an added perk — the ability to use anything in the barn left from previous weddings as a part of the decor, free of charge. Kim allowed her made of honor to make the decisions and decorate as she pleased on the day of the wedding. This was the last decision in the planning.
Kim’s final thought on her streamlined wedding planning: “I totally would have eloped and had a big party like I wanted to, but our wedding was amazing, and people still talk about it to this day when they see us.”
BRIANNA RITOLI PHOTOGRAPHY
Kim and Tim Gray kick off the night with their first dance.
Unplanned memorable moments
Some of the most memorable moments at a wedding go unplanned. These are some of Kim and Tim Gray’s most noteworthy unplanned moments.
1. The videographer was supposed to be Kim’s son and he did an excellent job setting up the camera to shoot the entire wedding, but someone — unknowingly — stood in front of the camera the entire evening. There was no footage of the wedding, just of someone’s behind.
2. Kim and Tim have an inside joke about crocs, and Tim was unaware that Kim switched her formal wedding boots over to a pair of crocs at dinner. The big reveal came with a snapshot of Tim laughing and Kim with a big grin on her face.
3. One of Kim’s bridesmaids told Kim she cannot wear make-up because it irritates her skin. Kim replied, “I want you to be in the wedding because I love you.” Kim let her entire wedding party pick whatever they wanted to wear — for make-up, shoes and dresses.
4. Kim and Tim were waiting on things to be ready for a photo shoot outside and the photographers kept attending to their needs as they waited, bringing them snacks, water — even their phones.
BRIANNA RITOLI PHOTOGRAPHY
Kim (right) reveals to her new husband Tim (left) that she swapped out her dressy boots for some Crocs at the dinner party.
In loving color
Live painter edits in elements from the bride and groom’s ‘wish list’ — in a different type of wedding ‘photography’
BY MICHELLE MERCURE mmercure@eastbaymediagroup.com
We live in a digital age where AI can create anything. In some respect, AI is a collage of sorts — merging reality and fiction in the same moment. Art, in a sense, is the AI of the past, merging elements of reality and imagination to create new meaning — giving it a physical presence on a canvas instead of a digital one on the web.
A local artist takes his time using all elements of the wedding to create, recreate and capture what the bride and groom “wish” to remember from their
special day, sometimes merging elements that did not appear on the “big day,” creating a magical moment that did occur, but not exactly as it occurred — the moment is “wished” into existence.
The important part is being a part of the “big day,” for Mark DeSilva, Rhode Island live event artist — which means he needs to attend the live event. He commented on being present on the day of the wedding saying, “All the wonderful elements of the wedding and the efforts put into it, I capture it all in one painting.”
Even though being at the wedding is important, he uses still photographs to assist him in his painting both during and after the event. He cited, “I rely on photographers a lot because they get
“There are unlimited possibilities before, during and after the wedding for what direction it will go in.”
MARK DESILVA
the lighting just perfect and I use elements of their photos when I take the painting home to finish it,” remarked DeSilva. He uses their photos in his studio, after the event takes place.
The process of a live painting at a wedding does not require the couple to stand or sit still. DeSilva uses photogra-
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PHOTOS BY RICHARD W. DIONNE JR.
Mark DeSilva puts some finishing touches on his latest oil painting.
Mark DeSilvia edits in different elements into his paintings, based on the bride and groom’s requests.
Sometimes a bride and groom ask Mark to paint in a pet, like this dog.
phy while he is at the wedding, too — to capture a still image that he then uses to create a portrait of the couple. He often stands behind the hired wedding photographer snapping photos and then chooses one of the couple to recreate into an oil painting while at the wedding.
The time spent at the wedding doing the live painting is spent mostly on capturing a special moment between the bride and groom. The process of painting them takes about six hours, so DeSilva is very much a part of the wedding. Guests can watch DeSilva paint and interact with him while he works — some guests have even become artists themselves, using his paint brush to add to the portrait.
The important part, however, actually occurs after the wedding is over. DeSilva takes the painting he began at the wedding home with him to create it into
whatever the couple “wishes” to see in their live painting.
The ‘wish’ list becomes real
“Paintings are like a collage. I can put anything anywhere,” remarked DeSilva of his experience with the painting after the wedding is over. He went on to say, “I do try to keep it accurate to that evening, but it depends on what the couple wants to see.” He asks the couple questions before he creates, recreates the live painting into something new.
Some couples request to add in loved ones that have passed away or guests that could not make it to their special day. DeSilva remains open to what the couple wants to see, and adds it into the painting. He said he has had people request anything from no guests in the background to images of “fake” guests in the background.
One new addition in recent years, post-pandemic, has been the inclusion of pets into the portrait. “Often, couples will have their dogs at the actual wedding, but even some who don’t, are requesting to have them added into the portrait later,” detailed DeSilva.
There is one simple question DeSilva asks the couple before the wedding. He asks, “Do you want me to paint a moment from the first dance, the reception or something else?” Post ceremony he asks them to choose what they want in the painting — the “wish list.” DeSilva clarified that the entire process is open from beginning to end. He said, “There are unlimited possibilities before, during and after the wedding for what direction it will go in.”
The oil canvas is a free space to add in what was wanted, but not necessarily present at the wedding.
PHOTOS BY RICHARD W. DIONNE JR.
The beginning of a live painting starts with a still photo of the bride and groom on their wedding day.
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The package deal
This August 2024 wedding shows how venues like Blithewold are now full-service providers. With its vast grounds, Blithewold can host a wedding in one area, a cocktail hour in another, and a sit-down dinner reception under its large tent.
Venues that once hosted just a reception, or just a wedding, are now full-service providers, presenting package deals for vendors, events and settings
BY MICHELLE MERCURE mmercure@eastbaymediagroup.com
Gone are the days when a venue is just a venue, at least for some local venues that are taking a more seamless approach to hosting weddings. A new “package deal” is being presented to couples who choose venues like Linden Place, Blithewold, and Mount Hope Farm. Picking a package means the venue handles more than just providing a location for the wedding. Karen Tungett, owner of Blackstone Caterers, discussed how Blackstone shifted its focus in 2019 when she and her husband took over. They decided to invest more in the planning of weddings to ensure a seamless process. She cited the venue’s contract with Blithewold as one of the driving factors. “It’s such a large property with a lot going on every day, which makes it important to
have caterers and vendors who know the ins and outs, rules, regulations, and schedules,” Tungett said. “Having everyone involved be knowledgeable of Blithewold is integral to making the wedding a well-planned event,” she added.
Tungett said 90 percent of couples who choose Blithewold also get married there. “It’s important to encourage couples to use the specific recommendations from Blackstone’s list, as those vendors will help make the wedding seamless,” she said.
Linden Place Mansion follows a similar model with Russell Morin Catering & Events, which began handling wedding plans post-pandemic. “We’ve used Russell Morin as a preferred caterer for years, but we entered into an exclusive agreement with them in December of 2020,” said Cara Massey, executive director of Linden Place.
“Post-COVID, we partnered with Russell Morin because they have more resources to offer, which makes the entire experience better for everyone,” Massey explained. “They also provide the couple with a list of trusted vendors, like flo-
rists and musicians, to help them find exactly what they need.”
The type of things that Russel Morin and companies like Blackstone are helping with are the elements of the wedding that are correlated with the couples venue of choice.
“First and foremost we are a caterer, but we also help plan the timeline, floor plan and design of the wedding venue — even finding appropriate linens that will fit the venue,” commented Maggie Shields, the director of event success at Russell Morin Catering & Events.
The mocktail makes its debut
The “package deal” doesn’t limit the couple’s choices. “It’s not like this is the package you have to have,” said Melissa Avedisian, director of special events at Blithewold Mansion and Blackstone Caterers. The venue offers lists of caterers, florists, and photographers who are familiar with the venue and can help couples throughout the planning process. Shields of Russell Morin echoed her statement, saying “Even though we show our couples our list of recommended vendors that
TREVOR HOLDEN
Venues
know the space well, that doesn’t mean they have to choose from that list.”
Having options limited is not the goal of companies like Blackstone and Russell Morin. It is still very much about what the couple wants to see on their special day. Incorporating as many trusted vendors that know the venue space well is simply a tool to make the day run smoothly. Couples are still encouraged to make choices and incorporate their wishes into the planning process.
When a new trend pops up, or a wedding party wants a family-style dinner with personal recipes, Blackstone and Russel Morin make every attempt to incorporate it into the planning of the wedding event at the venue of choice.
One trend Russell Morin is seeing these days is the addition of an espresso martini, so that is being added whenever requested. Blackstone is seeing a trend with cocktails, as well — with more of its couples opting for a cocktail-style party instead of a sit-down dinner. Guests mingle, snack, and enjoy drinks.
More recently, mocktails have become a popular addition to these cocktail-style parties. Signature mocktails crafted with berries, ginger, and other flavors are becoming a staple. When couples express a want to be added, behind the scenes work gets done to make that occur, by seeking out trusted vendors that can assist in adding it into the wedding — seamlessly, of course.
Though venues are often packaging up services for couples, that does not mean options are limited. There can be endless variety in food choices and food settings, for example, with many couples opting for cocktail-style parties, rather than full sit-down dinners.
OKSANA MIRO PHOTOGRAPHY
like Blithewold Mansion are presenting package deals to couples, bolstered by longtime relationships with caterers and other vendors. Shown here is the cocktail hour from a September 2024 wedding.
NICOLE MARCELLE
Hair, there, and everywhere
The trend for wedding hairstyles is becoming whimsical — brides are asking for free-flowing hair that feels more natural on their wedding day
BY MICHELLE MERCURE mmercure@eastbaymediagroup.com
The bride is more at ease, the hair is free to do as it pleases. Free-flowing hairstyles that are whimsical, comfortable and more practical are brimming down the aisle.
Soft waves are the new trend that create this free-flowing look. “A lot of people want to feel more like themselves, having an effortless look — adding soft waves — is becoming very popular,” said Janelle Traynor, owner of Mindset Beauty Lounge in Bristol, R.I. She captured that this free-flowing hairstyle isn’t limited to one specific season, stating, “Many want to have their hair down all year long.”
This doesn’t mean the bride-to-be is simply letting her hair flow freely down the aisle, without the need for a stylist. A free-flowing look that creates soft waves still requires a hair stylist to create and uphold the look for the entirety of the wedding day. Traynor identified two specific styles that she has seen rise to popularity with her clients in recent years.
Pamela Paquette opted for a free-flowing style that left most of her hair down in 2022 when she got married. And a soonto-be-bride, Nikola Francis decided on using both the looks by wearing her hair down and up.
For the ceremony, which takes place in June of 2026, she will wear it in a half-up, half-down style with soft waves and pieces pulled out in the front for a whimsical look. And for the after-dinner party, she has chosen to wear it in an updo, though she said even the half-up, half-down style makes it feel like it is an updo. She shared, “It is like having an updo feel without the updo.”
These two styles that Traynor’s clients are choosing incorporate comfort and a more “natural” look with the soft waves trend making its appearance.
The dress, venue and season make a difference
The important decision of how a bride
will style her hair for her wedding day takes preparation — knowing the venue, weather and style of the wedding dress. “If a client has a dress with a neckline, they might want a style that is up,” explained Traynor. One option she is seeing with a dress like this is to wear a low bun, but with elements that still give it a free-flowing “boho” kind of vibe.
The location matters, too. Traynor added, “Girls that have a wedding at Mount Hope Farm seem to opt for a very rustic,
textured low bun — a beachy waves kind of vibe.” She went on to discuss other locations, such as Blithwold, where brides opt for a more glamorous, structured look.
Either way, Traynor’s advice is always the same for the girls she has as clients planning their wedding day: “Be true to yourself,” she tells her clients. She said it is important that they feel like themselves and that the look they choose should be similar to what they look like daily — just
Janelle Traynor adds soft waves to a soon-to-be bride (Nikola Francis) to create this free-flowing look.
a more elevated version of it.
Traynor has each client attend a trial session to explore the different options and talk about all the above. She believes these are essential to ensure clients feel comfortable and confident in their choices, with plenty of time set aside to explore new ideas. She went on to say, “After the experience of a my own wedding in 2023, it’s clear to me how overwhelming the planning process can be, and providing a stress-free experience is a priority.”
One of her clients, Pamela Paquette who got married in recent years at Holy Trinity church in Tiverton had initially chosen a half-up, half-down look. The trial session proved that this was not the right look for her. She commented, “Both Janelle and I looked at each other, shaking our heads, ‘No!’ ” They went back to the drawing board and chose a more natural, romantic look with long wavy curls — that would be more casual and comfortable.
Paquette remarked, “I have never felt more beautiful in my life than I did on my wedding day,” citing Traynor’s efforts as the reason. Traynor did both her hair and makeup.
The future is hair up-dos
With 14 weddings already scheduled for 2025, two more for 2026, and additional inquiries coming in, there will be plenty of travel throughout New England for Traynor — to venues like Blithewold, Mount Hope Farm, DeWolf Tavern, Newport, the Cape and Boston. It promises to be an exciting and busy year ahead for Traynor and what’s on the future agenda seems to be up-dos, like French twists and sleek ponytails. Stay tuned…
LEFT: This romantic low bun is a mix between a sleek and structured look. RIGHT: Janelle Traynor sits in a chair at her salon, Mindset Beauty Salon.
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