: Sabrina Scolari Photography // @sabrina_scolari_photography

The Meet Cute

It doesn’t get more New England than this, folks. “We both went to Boston College but did not meet until about five years after we graduated through the dating app Hinge,” says Kaitlin. “On our first date we found out our parents (John’s dad and my mom) grew up blocks away from each other in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.”

The Engagement

“Nantucket has always been a special place to us as a couple and each year we go for the annual Christmas Stroll,” Kaitlin recalls. “During our third visit together we went for a walk to Steps Beach where John got down on his knee and proposed.”

The Venue

Kaitlin had always dreamt of an Ocean Cliff wedding. “From our perspective, it is the best view in all of Newport!” she says. It also flawlessly fit her concept of a fun, New England summer wedding with hydrangea hues and coastal elements. Plus, “We loved that the venue offers amazing outdoor and indoor spaces so we didn’t have to worry about what the weather forecast would be on our wedding day.” More perks included catering and décor provisions, onsite accommodations and a fantastic onsite afterparty locale complete with dueling piano players.

The Ceremony

“We have a great relationship with Fr. Hanwell and he brought so much energy to the day,” Kaitlin says. Meanwhile, Our Lady of Mercy Chapels’ unique U-shape enabled the couple to be surrounded by their guests as they exchanged vows. “It was amazing to feel so connected to our family and friends throughout the ceremony.”

The Details

“My family grew up boating, so the beverage boat was a fun, nautical detail,” Kaitlin says. “It was handmade and had a real sail from Anderson Gray and Co. My dad and brother rigged it the night before the wedding and added the personalized decals.” They also a made a burgee from one of the newlyweds’ custom wedding koozies, which featured nautical flags spelling out their last name. Meanwhile, shell escort cards added another perfect Ocean State touch. “Oyster escorts are very popular, but we wanted shells that looked more like the Rhode Island clam or quahog,” Kaitlin explains. During her search, she stumbled upon Sharon Morgera’s portfolio and quickly made the connection that she had gone to high school with Sharon’s daughter. “It was great to work with a talented local artist who we knew because we didn’t have to worry about shipping the shells, and she was able to take care of last-minute changes with ease.” The escorts were also a big hit with the guests, who got to take them home as favors.

The Hiccups

Five days before the wedding, the couple received invitations to ‘Anthony’s 50^th birthday party’ instead of their programs. Knowing there wasn’t enough time to re-order through the same company, John immediately contacted their invitation designer, Taylor Near of Mulberry and Elm. “She was amazing and quickly designed us a program that we could get printed locally,” Kaitlin says. “We definitely learned a lesson that working with trusted vendors and small businesses makes a difference!”

The Highlights

“Marrying Kaitlin,” (John)

“Of course, marrying John was my favorite moment, but another that will always stick with me is seeing all of our loved ones having a great time on the dance floor. It was packed all night and people only took breaks when Ben and Jerry’s showed up. With COVID, we really weren’t sure our wedding would happen in the way we originally envisioned, so seeing everyone celebrating was surreal!” — Kaitlin