📸: Just Float Photography // @just_float_photography
Elizabeth McLaughlin of Johnston, Rhode Island and Matthew Sweeney of Ashby, Massachusetts are engaged! This Tinder match will spark a celebration on Aug. 19. 2023 at The Villa in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts.
How We Met
I met my fiancé Matt on Tinder. My first message said, “Hey, do you like traveling?” He proceeded to message me back, “I travel from Newport to Providence everyday.” The sarcasm made me laugh. Our first date was at Providence Oyster Bar. From there, our next few dates involved arcade games, salsa dancing and stargazing.
Our Proposal Story
There’s a special cliff in Newport I would frequent in the summers, where I spent my time reading and enjoying nature. I fell in love with the area so much that I started a painting. Eventually, I took Matt to my “secret” cliff. Although he is originally from Ashby, he has lived in Newport for six years and proceeded to tell me my “secret” spot isn’t so secret after all. Among the Newport locals it is a well known spot, called “Secret Beach.”
April 30 was a special Sunday. After a block clean-up in Providence, we headed home and I started gardening, but Matt kept reminding me we were heading to Castle Hill for drinks and then dinner in Newport. I should have been alarmed because he does NOT enjoy anything fancy. I had just started my new job, so I assumed we were celebrating. When we arrived in Newport just in time for sunset, though, Matt drove past Castle Hill and parked at Brenton Point State Park for a “quick walk” before drinks. We climbed down to the beach area and a random person asked to take a Polaroid picture of us. Then. we climbed up to our favorite cliff where Matt held me tightly and said how much he loved me. All of a sudden, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. The beautiful engagement ring is a round brilliant, hidden halo by designer Sylvie from Providence Diamond.
The Planning
Planning for our wedding has been easy and fun. We are getting married at the Villa in East Bridgewater. The staff have been incredible to work with. My family is of European decent, and the Villa is a Mediterranean dream. I was envisioning blue and white vintage vases for our centerpieces. After searching on Facebook Marketplace and local thrift stores, I found them. We will be pairing those with candles. Our first dance will be quite the performance, but that is a secret.
