: Mia Campopiano Photography // @miacampopianophotography

The Meet Cute

Though Alexa’s hometown is Jasper, Georgia, and John’s is Jacksonville, Florida, their paths first intertwined in Atlanta in 2017 thanks to a dating app.

The Engagement

Two years and eight months later, John had the plan in place for their summer trip to Newport. What he didn’t quite account for, though, was that their pre-fixe dinner reservation at Castle Hill might run over and impede his perfectly timed sunset proposal. So, he did some creative quick thinking and suggested they pause to take a walk down to the lighthouse—where photographer Mia Campopiano was lying in wait—before dessert. When he popped the question at dusk, Alexa recalls being “flooded with tears and emotions.” Mia beautifully captured the moment and the soon-to-be-weds returned to their table for not only dessert, but also some celebratory champagne.

The Vision

In December of 2019, the couple vacationed in Newport just as they were beginning to think about wedding planning. They booked a Christmas session with Mia and she, knowing they had a small guest list in mind and were considering an evergreen backdrop for their ceremony, decided to introduce them to Sweet Berry Farm. “We both loved the Christmas tree farm idea—we felt it had such a magical and romantic feel,” Alexa says. “When we got to Sweet Berry, I remember mentioning to John that we could have just found our venue!”

The First Look

With the ceremony time set for golden hour, taking post-vows snaps on the farm’s gorgeous grounds in the dwindling daylight would have proven difficult. A first look seemed like the best option, and in the end, Alexa can confirm it was. “We shared some tears and laughs, and I remember telling John, ‘I was so ready to see you!’” she says. “It really calmed my nerves and gave us a moment before all the celebrating began.”

The Ceremony

“The happiness I felt walking down the aisle after saying our vows was truly the happiest of my life, to date,” Alexa says. “The photos captured such raw emotion, and I am so thankful for that memory.”

The VIP(up)

It was never a question whether the couple’s fur baby, Molly, would be present for their big day. She got to hang out with the guys in the morning before linking up with her designated babysitter, John’s sister, for her parents’ “I Dos”. “When I arrived, I remember scanning for Molly,” Alexa recalls. “She had a floral collar which was one of my favorite touches of the wedding.”

The Highlights

The mark of a good wedding, there are several moments that stand out to the couple. “The first look, final moments of the ceremony and then the relaxed feel of the reception enjoying our family and close friends,” they say. “The day was the exact intimate, romantic feel that we wanted.”

The Details

Ceremony: Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown, RI| Hair and Makeup: New Leaf Hair Studio | Bride’s Dress: Mikaella Bridal, purchased from the White Magnolia | Bride’s Headpiece and Fur Shawl: The White Magnolia | Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo, purchased from Bella Bridesmaids | Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Tuxes: Brooks Brothers | Groom’s Cummerbund and Bowtie: R. Hanauer Fine Accessories| Groom’s Shoes: Stubbs and Wootton “I Do” Slippers | Flowers: Fig and Squill Floral Design | Stationery: Dogwood Hill | Vintage Car Rental: Newport Classic Car Co.| Rings: Beard’s Diamonds | Ceremony Music: Moondance Productions | Reception, Catering and Desserts: The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, RI | Officiant: Gary Smith | Wedding Planner: Patricia Dupont of Prepped and Primped | Chairs Rentals: Newport Tent Company (Peak Event Services)| On Location Dress and Tux Steaming: Nancy Spirito of Bridal Finery