WEDDINGS

Planning a wedding can be as simple or complex as you want it to be; there is no wrong answer. The most important underlying factor is that the day is personal to you and your intended. In this first-ever special Weddings section, find information and advice for planning the big day in the smallest state.

Wedding Season

Four local couples share how the time of year inspired their special day

One of the first decisions the newly engaged must make is when to tie the knot. Whether you pick the sun-soaked days of summer or snow-covered serenity of winter, chances are the time of year finds its way into every aspect of your plans. Meet four local couples who found ways to seamlessly incorporate the season into their colors, flowers, menus, and more – and the Rhode Island vendors who helped it all come together.

The Spring Wedding

“We believe the season symbolizes beginnings and positive changes, with warmer weather, blooming flowers, birds chirping, and a palpable buzz for the year to come,” begins Brenda Maher of her and husband Dan’s late-April wedding. “We viewed it as a great time of the year to celebrate the beginning of our marriage with friends and family.”

Brenda and Dan both hail from Connecticut, spent summers in Rhode Island, and attended UConn – but their paths never crossed until one fateful January night at a bar in Hartford in 2016. As Brenda puts it, “we literally danced the night away and our lives were changed forever.” Four years later on a much-needed family getaway, Dan popped the question as the sun set over Narragansett Town Beach. “We ate, we laughed, we drank. It was a very special night.”

After soaking in their engagement, Brenda and Dan began to plan their springtime nuptials with the season in mind, inspired by beautiful blooms and a palette of peachy pastels that enhanced the historic beauty of their venue, Shepherd’s Run in South Kingstown.

The Colors

“We chose neutral, airy, light colors featuring peach, blush, and off-white tones,” Brenda explains. These choices appeared in the floral-embroidered table linens, invitation suite, and flowers.

The Venue

Brenda and Dan set their sights on the Ocean State, a place near and dear to both of them, and stumbled across Shepherd’s Run, a winery that was scheduled to open later that year. They were charmed by the sprawling field of grapevines, gleaming stone mansion, and, of course, the delicious wines. But what made it extra special were the estate’s gardens, which would serve as the perfect, flower-filled ceremony space.

The Flowers

Late April o ered plenty of options, including ranunculus, parrot tulips, hydrangeas, roses, baby’s breath, and white O’Haras, which were carefully curated by Wakefield-based floral studio Flowerthyme.

The Dress

Even Brenda’s dress featured floral lace, a purposeful touch to complement the season.

Rhody Resources

PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER:

MOVE MOUNTAINS CO. | Pawtucket

CATERER:

BLACKSTONE CATERERS | Middletown

FLORIST:

FLOWERTHYME | Wakefield

HAIR & MAKEUP:

JACLYNN KATE HAIR & MAKEUP

ARTISTRY SALON | Cranston