Alex Chiaramonte & Taylor Stephen

Real Wedding

Alex & Taylor September 5, 2021

Throughout the annals of history, couples have been divided by pestilence and political upheaval. But how many can claim their relationship was threatened by a game of ultimate frisbee? Friends and classmates Alessandra “Alex” Chiaramonte and Taylor Stephen were practicing the sport at Worcester Polytechnic Institute when Taylor accidentally smacked Alex in the face. orrifi ed, he turned to fi nd her completely unfazed and ready to proceed with the next drill. A few weeks later, they went on their fi rst date he pair continued to date o er the ne t fi e years (while li ing in different states much of that time), until a weekend rendezvous in a hotel penthouse in Boston changed the course of their lives. Working with his brothers, aylor erected a fl owercovered swing in the middle of the hotel room, recalling the garden where he and Alex used to meet in college. Ushering her into the room, Taylor got down on one knee in front of the swing and said, “Alessandra Chiaramonte, will you marry me?” Of course, she said “Yes!”

To the Lighthouse

On Labor Day weekend, beneath threatening skies that suddenly cleared as they walked down the aisle, the two were wed in front of the majestic Newport Harbor Lighthouse on the grounds of Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina. As boats bobbed in the harbor around them, a string trio accompanied Alex as she paraded down the aisle in a intage-inspired artina iana gown with scalloped train, joining Taylor, who wore a black Kenneth Cole tux. The pair wrote their own vows and were amused to discover they both mentioned how much they enjoyed beating the other at cards.

The Perfect Moment

As guests entered the reception, they were invited to inscribe a wooden sign bearing the hashtag “#TaylorMadeForAlessandra.” Florals in vintage hues such as desert rose, sage, mauve and cream adorned the tables, which boasted a half-bottle of sparkling rosé at each place setting as a wedding favor. The couple took to the dance fl oor as d heeran and ndrea Bocelli sang Perfect — a tune the pair used to listen to during quarantine while making homemade pizza and dancing around their living room.

Where Are They Now?

The couple plans a 2022 honeymoon in Greece, and are living in Tuckahoe, New York, where Alex is a veterinarian and Taylor is an IT strategist. — Fred Albert

Featured Vendors

PHOTOGRAPHER: Simone Plus Photography VENUE, CATERER, CAKE: Gurney’s Newport

Resort & Marina BRIDAL GOWN: Martina Liana, Be Unique

Boutique BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Azazie TUXEDO: Kenneth Cole HAIR: Curl Up & Dye NAILS: Lily Nail & Spa FLOWERS: Floral Designs by LiRog CEREMONY MUSIC: Golden Scroll Soloists RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: Music Machine

Entertainment

Additional vendors & inspiration at NewportWeddingMagazine.com