September 19, 2015

📷: Seth Jacobson Photography

 Does it get any more romantic than saying “I Do” with the sand between your toes and the sound of crashing waves in the background? It does when you’re saying it to your best friend after fifteen years of ups and downs, surrounded by the love and support of all of your nearest and dearest.

How did you first meet?

We met in 1999 at the Newport Naval Health Clinic where James was stationed and I worked as the command dietitian.

How long were you together before you were engaged?   

We were together on and off for 15 years. We were separated for the times that James was deployed overseas and stationed in North Carolina for 6 years.

Did you know the proposal was coming?

The proposal was a surprise to me!  I had no idea that James had asked my father for my hand two weeks prior. He kept trying to get me to go to the beach for an evening walk as he knows it is my favorite place. I kept saying I couldn’t go for one reason or another. The day before Thanksgiving that year I came around a corner in our home and James was on one knee with Ebony and Bryce, our two rescue dogs sitting on either side of him. It was just perfect. We were hosting Thanksgiving that year and he wanted to announce it then; thanks to me he was running out of time!

How would you describe the overall theme of your wedding?

Beach theme, casual. We wanted a relaxing day with our families and friends. Being a little older getting married, I knew what was important….family and close friends.

Did you always know that you wanted a beach wedding?

I grew up on George’s beach and always knew that if I ever got married I wanted to get married on the beach. It signifies happiness and peace. My favorite memories of my childhood were on the beach. James knew that I wanted the beach wedding and was on board. My mother was an amazing wedding planner and had heard the Galilee Beach Club was available for weddings. Once we saw the venue, we were sold. I loved having our ceremony, cocktail hour and reception at the same location. It allowed us more time to spend with our guests.

Were there any vendors that you were particularly happy with that day?

We were very happy with all of our vendors. Kevin Millonzi was so helpful at designing a dinner menu and appetizer ideas.  He was so patient with a nervous bride. Kevin Johnson did an amazing job with the music for the ceremony, the cocktail hour and the reception. He kept everyone dancing and having a great time. Seth did an great job capturing the special moments of the day, he even put together a slide show that had some of the special pictures playing during the reception. CC Floral Design came up with the perfect combination of flowers and glassware. I knew I did not want a large display on the table that people had to talk around. The flowers were beautiful. Hair and make-up were perfect for the day. The Narragansett Trolley service from Corey Sullivan picked us all up on time, made a few stops to pick up some guests, had cold beverages on board to keep us cool and even had snacks for the kids!

What was each of your favorite moments from that day?

My favorite moments were having my father walk me down the aisle to marry my best friend with both of our families and closest friends there to witness. James’ favorite moment was having his family there from Florida to celebrate our marriage.

Did you run into any issues that day?

The only hitch was that it was a little warm for a September day and each of our ring fingers were a little swollen. We had a little trouble getting the wedding bands on but it did make us laugh looking at the video.

Do you have any advice for recently engaged couples?

Planning advice: Plan the big things early — date, venue, caterer, DJ etc… If there is a glitch on the wedding day with a detail, remember your guests will not know. They will only remember the beautiful celebration.  Enjoy every moment, it goes by so fast.

Marriage advice: We take the time to nurture what is important to one another. We stay best friends, keep talking and keep listening, don’t change who each other is, keep loving the person you fell in love with.

Featured Photographer: Seth Jacobson Photography  // Ceremony & Reception venue: Galilee Beach Club // Hair: Jeanine Caswell, Creative Hair Salon // Makeup: Nicole, RGE Salon // Bride’s & Bridesmaid’s dresses: David’s Bridal // Bride’s Veil: Kristin’s ‘something borrowed’ from her sister/matron of honor Heather Thomas // Groom’s, Groomsmen’s & Ring Bearer’s Suits : Vera Wang, Men’s Wearhouse // Catering: Kevin Millonzi, Millonzi Fine Catering //  Cake & Desserts: Sweet Cakes Bakery // Flowers: CC Flower Design //  DJ: Kevin Johnson, DeeJay KJ // Invitations, Programs & Menus: Wedding Paper Divas // Transportation (trolley): Narragansett Trolley Service (owned and operated by Corey and Betsy Sullivan)