THE WEDDING OF MICHELLE + PHILIP

May 25, 2018

Newport, Rhode Island

By Rachael Devaney

Tears streamed down Philip Connor’s face the first time he saw his bride, Michelle Audain, in her wedding gown. But, Michelle says, the emotion of their ceremony was a contrast to their nine-year relationship, which has rested on a lifelong friendship and playful nature.

The newlyweds, who tied the knot last May, grew up in Stoughton, Massachusetts, and attended Northeastern University together. After seven years of dating, Philip creatively popped the question at their Boston home.

“He filled our condo with 86 balloons, one for each month we had been together,” Michelle says. “Dangling from each balloon was a memory, or a life milestone. I’m usually not emotional, but it was so thoughtful that I found myself crying hysterically.”

Eighteen months later, they were wed at The Bohlin in Newport, Rhode Island. Standing on the docks overlooking Narragansett Bay, the couple read their vows before 194 guests. Says Michelle, “It was surprising for people to see the rawness of our relationship… it felt really special.”

Because it was Memorial Day weekend, the couple made the trip worthwhile for guests with a welcome party, a chartered schooner ride around the bay and a barbecue. Michelle says, “We wanted people to feel like it was a destination wedding.”

But it was during the first dance, which featured both Beyonce’s “Love on Top” and Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” that the energy of the weekend came to fruition. The couple invited guests to join them, and Michelle says, “It was electric. Everyone’s energy matched ours, and you could feel the happiness and love radiate from everyone there.”

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