Perched above the Atlantic Ocean, Rosecliff offered a breathtaking setting where coastal scenery met timeless Gilded Age grandeur. The couple embraced the mansion’s elegance while drawing inspiration from the surrounding Rhode Island landscape. Painted shades of French blue echoed both the ocean beyond the estate and the intricate ceiling murals inside, creating a design that felt beautifully connected to its surroundings. Photographed by Hedi Field Photography and planned with Ashley Lynn Events, every space balanced historic architecture with fresh coastal romance.
A celebration inspired by the coast
From painted ceilings and ocean views to handcrafted oyster shell place cards and overflowing blue hydrangeas, every detail reflected the timeless beauty of Rhode Island.
Meaghan and Connor created a celebration that felt sophisticated without ever losing its sense of fun. A wedding where black-tie elegance, meaningful family traditions, and unforgettable surprises came together beneath one of Newport’s most iconic landmarks.
Rhode Island ceremony design
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Guests gathered on the lawn overlooking the water for an outdoor ceremony framed by expansive ocean views.
Before walking down the aisle, Meaghan arrived by trolley with her bridesmaids, laughing, singing along to the music, and soaking in every moment together. The joyful ride perfectly captured the excitement leading into the ceremony.
A striking blue-and-white floral arch by Floral Fixation framed the couple as they exchanged vows, allowing the Atlantic Ocean to become part of the ceremony backdrop.
Traditional New England wedding flowers
The floral design celebrated the timeless beauty of New England with layered shades of blue and white.
Inside Rosecliff, abundant hydrangeas and soft blue blooms mirrored the mansion’s dreamy painted ceilings, creating a seamless dialogue between architecture and floral artistry. Statement arrangements anchored the head table, while lush hydrangea runners stretched the length of guest tables, adding texture, movement, and a sense of effortless elegance throughout the ballroom.
The result was exactly as Meaghan had envisioned: “True perfection and everything we dreamed of.”
Custom oyster-shell place cards
Some of the day’s most memorable details came from the people who know the couple best. For all 185 guests, Meaghan’s mother personally collected oyster shells before decoupaging and hand-painting each one to create custom place cards. The thoughtful keepsakes celebrated the couple’s coastal setting while adding an unmistakably personal touch that guests could treasure long after the wedding ended.
Throughout the celebration, details like these transformed an already beautiful wedding into one that felt deeply meaningful.
A reception under Rosecliff’s hand-painted ceilings
As dinner by Blackstone Caterers concluded beneath Rosecliff’s soaring hand-painted ceilings, the celebration seamlessly shifted into an unforgettable evening of music and dancing.
Meaghan and Connor surprised guests with a beautifully choreographed first dance to Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” the result of secret dance lessons they had taken together throughout the summer. Watching their family and friends realize the performance had been carefully rehearsed became one of the evening’s most joyful moments.
On trend: live event painters
The surprises continued with live event painters from Curvy Q Studio quietly documenting the celebration – a detail Meaghan had kept completely secret until the wedding day.
Detail we love: custom cowboy boots
Later in the evening, the dance floor transformed once again as bridesmaids changed into playful mini dresses and slipped into custom cowboy boots tied with blue-and-white ribbons.
Meaghan joined them wearing a blue pair of her own, bringing an unexpected Nashville-inspired twist to the elegant Newport celebration.
Dueling piano after-party
Live music from a string ensemble and full band carried the evening before guests gathered for a lively dueling piano after-party – the perfect finale to an unforgettable day.
