a stunning, nautical-inspired wedding in new england

After one of the longest, coldest winters in history, we are finally basking in the heat and humidity again, so to celebrate, I thought I’d share one of the most stunning nautical-inspired weddings I’ve ever seen in person, since warm weather makes me want to break out ALLLLLLL the nautical everything!  You guys might remember that three weeks after having Luca, the hubby and I packed up the littles and drove north – way north – to Newport, Rhode Island, for my cousin’s wedding.  Lydia was the flower girl, Daddy walked her down the aisle and I squeezed my post-partum body into a gown as matron of honor (thank the Lord it was navy blue and forgiving!)  My aunt and uncle have a beautiful home in Newport, which served as a gorgeous spot for pictures before heading to the always enchanting Castle Hill Inn for the wedding ceremony and reception, where the sea provided the most amazing backdrop.  My cousin wanted a nautical-inspired reception that reflected her and her now-husband’s love of the sea as well as the town they now call home and they got it in spades with a navy and white color palette, gold accents and pale pink, white and peach flowers.  I kid my aunt all the time that she should go into even design because she didn’t miss a single detail when planning this wedding; it was seriously magazine-worthy.  From my cousin’s incredible, vintage-inspired gown and the crystal chandeliers and twinkle lights that lit the tent for the reception to the hand-engraved dessert forks and antique cake topper, it was truly one of the most magical evenings that we are all still talking about, a year and a half later!  I couldn’t be more proud – of my beautiful cousin for finding such an amazing guy and for my aunt for an unforgettable, truly magical night!

The flower girl and the bride-to-be:

The detailing on her dress was breathtaking:

The flowers were absolutely INCREDIBLE!  These pictures just don’t do them justice; cabbage roses, hydrangea, dahlia, anemones as far as the eye could see:

A peek at the bridesmaid’s bouquets (and the cutest little flower girl I ever did see!):

The beautiful couple and another shot of the gorgeous lace and beading on the back of her gown:

Crystal chandeliers, twinkle lights and candlelight in the tent:

Baby’s breath garland and simple navy and white striped grosgrain ribbon on the bride and groom’s chairs:

Hand engraved dessert forks for the bride and groom: