JUNE 5, 2015
An intimate, romantic wedding at the Chanler in Newport.
By Kaitlyn Murray
Sometimes the heavens just need to intervene. When Leslie, the sister of Melissa’s late husband, thought that it was time for Melissa to have someone special in her life again she turned to her long-time friend, Peter. “She said, ‘I have an angel for you to meet,’” Peter recalls. “Truer words had never been spoken.” The two had an instant connection, one that culminated in a sweet proposal at their home on Christmas Day. Within an hour of the filmed proposal going up on social media, more than twenty of their closest family and friends arrived for an impromptu celebration. Little did they know, the get-together would foreshadow their intimate, oceanfront wedding to come less than six months later.
As it was the second marriage for both of them, the couple didn’t feel the need to go all out. In fact, Melissa recommends couples consider a shorter engagement and a smaller wedding. “We didn’t have time to worry about small, insignificant details. We just concentrated on the important things,” she says. Melissa’s and Peter’s loved ones were an integral part of their special day, so it was most appropriate that their matchmaker, Leslie, was the one to officiate. Now, thanks to her, Peter has an angel by his side for life.
The Details
Photography: Sara Desirey Photography
Ceremony and reception: The Chanler, Newport
Bridal gown: Badgley Mischka, Anthropologie
Groom’s suit: Brooks Brothers
Bridal hair and makeup: Ivy Goyenchea
Flowers: Marlee Santoro of MAR Floral, Old Saybrook, Conn.
Cake: Take the Cake, Gilford, Conn.