Real Wedding
L
ike many legendary romances, this one began … at Subway. Brianna McShane was working behind the sandwich shop’s counter when a new recruit, Alex Narodowy, joined the team. (In fact, Brianna was the one who had to train him.) In time, friendship turned to romance, and in the blink of an eye (nine years later, to be precise) the two found themselves sitting in front of a roaring fire one hristmas night as Alex handed Brianna a watchband engraved with her “married initials,” then proceeded to pull out a ring and propose.
Fort-uitous
As with many couples in this age of - , the pair had to be nimble in their wedding planning, adjusting their locations and guest list in order to stay one step ahead of the pandemic. The only constant was Newport, which Alex had visited since childhood and Brianna cherished for its beaches. With its rustic casemates and waterfront setting, Fort Adams proved to be the perfect setting for their nuptials. “Fort Adams is a historic venue that not only provided an ocean view, but had a beautiful indoor option in the event there was rain,” Brianna says.
Don’t Delay, Downsize
Under a vaulted brick ceiling washed with light, the bride wore a Willowby strapless -line dress with a sweetheart neckline, while her intended rocked a na y-blue tu edo from oseph bboud The bridesmaids wore sage gowns that matched in color, but not design. After the “I do’s” were spoken and the newlyweds were showered with bubbles, guests moved on to the reception, where they dined at tables dressed with candles and greens. In lieu of a guest book, they were invited to sign a handcrafted wooden bench for the couple’s future yard — “something that we’d use and enjoy forever,” Brianna says. After the meal, an assortment of cupcakes (in fla ors like snickerdoodle) was arrayed on wine crates to complement the natural, woodsy decor espite the obstacles presented by the pandemic, Brianna was glad she and Alex decided to downsize instead of delay. “Tying the knot was more important to us than having a large wedding and having to wait,” she says.
Brianna & Alex August 29, 2020
Where Are They Now?
he couple spent a week on ape od before returning to Providence, where Brianna works as a licensed clinical therapist and Alex is cannabis production operations manager for a marijuana dispensary. — Fred Albert
