Marielle and Matt’s love story began in New York City in January 2022, shortly after Marielle moved to Manhattan. What started as a dinner party at the groom’s apartment quickly evolved into something more, though both knew from the beginning that friendship would remain the foundation of their relationship. Two years later, the couple became engaged during a belated Valentine’s Day dinner. As they watched what the bride remembers as “the prettiest sunset ever,” the groom proposed, creating a moment that felt both intimate and unforgettable.
Their wedding weekend at Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island reflected that same balance of warmth, joy, and intentionality. Set along the water’s edge and planned with the help of Henderson Weddings & Events, the historic oceanfront venue provided a breathtaking backdrop for a celebration filled with vibrant color, meaningful traditions, and thoughtful design details, all captured by Lena Mirisola Photography.
Nautical invitation suite inspiration
The couple’s invitation suite by Wouldn’t It Be Lovely offered guests a beautiful introduction to the wedding weekend. Featuring nautical-inspired details, custom watercolor artwork, and a regional map, the paper goods perfectly reflected the coastal setting while establishing the tone for an elevated Newport wedding celebration. The thoughtful design seamlessly connected the wedding’s oceanfront location with the couple’s vision for a colorful and welcoming guest experience.
A charming Newport wedding weekend
When selecting a location for their celebration, the couple found the perfect balance between destination wedding charm and close-to-home convenience in Newport, Rhode Island. Castle Hill Inn felt undeniably special from the start, offering sweeping ocean views, classic New England architecture, and an atmosphere that encouraged guests to fully immerse themselves in the wedding weekend experience.
Bridal fashion: Ines Di Santo
For the ceremony, the bride wore a timeless lace wedding gown by Ines Di Santo, pairing it with an elegant long-sleeved lace topper that added classic sophistication to her bridal look. The versatile design allowed for a seamless transition into the reception, where she removed the topper to reveal a second look while maintaining the romantic aesthetic that defined the day.
Ceremony design at St. Mary’s Church
The couple exchanged vows during a traditional church ceremony at St. Mary’s, honoring both their Catholic and Episcopal backgrounds. The ceremony served as a meaningful reflection of their families, faith traditions, and shared commitment, creating a foundation for the celebration that followed.
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Choosing a vibrant color palette
Unable to settle on a single wedding color palette, the couple embraced a joyful spectrum of vibrant hues throughout the celebration. Bright wedding flowers by The Secret Garden, lush greenery, and colorful floral installations became defining elements of the design. The result felt cheerful, welcoming, and perfectly suited to a late-season coastal wedding.
One of the most striking floral moments was the altar installation at Castle Hill Inn. Overflowing with greenery and vibrant blooms, the statement arrangement framed the waterfront beautifully and created a breathtaking focal point overlooking the ocean.
An escort display that doubled as favors
The couple incorporated thoughtful details throughout the guest experience, including escort cards that doubled as wedding favors. Each guest’s name card was paired with a nautical bottle opener finished with a tassel, creating a keepsake that felt both functional and reflective of the wedding’s coastal setting. These personalized details added another layer of intention while reinforcing the Newport-inspired aesthetic.
Tented Castle Hill Inn celebration
Following the ceremony, guests gathered at Castle Hill Inn for an oceanfront tented reception filled with color, texture, and energy. Inside the reception tent, vibrant floral arrangements transformed the space while soft draping and strands of twinkle lights created a warm and inviting atmosphere. The layered design struck a beautiful balance between elegance and celebration, allowing the colorful palette to shine against the classic coastal backdrop.
Dancing under the disco ball
As the sun set over Newport Harbor, the reception transitioned into a lively evening of celebration. A dramatic disco ball installation suspended above the dance floor became one of the reception’s most memorable design features. As evening fell, the mirrored display reflected the glow of the twinkle lights woven throughout the tent ceiling, creating an energetic atmosphere that kept guests dancing throughout the night.
On trend: late-night espresso martini bar
To keep the celebration going well into the evening, the couple introduced a playful late-night experience: the “Matt-ini” espresso bar. Located just steps from the dance floor, the espresso station quickly became a guest favorite, providing the perfect boost of energy while adding another personalized touch to the reception experience.
A celebration centered on joy
Rather than building their wedding around a specific theme, Marielle and Matt focused on something even more meaningful: the energies of life, love, and joy. From the vibrant wedding flowers and thoughtful coastal details to the unforgettable dance floor and oceanfront setting, every element reflected the spirit of their relationship. The result was a Newport wedding that felt timeless, colorful, and completely their own.
