📸: Sabrina Scolari Photography // @sabrina_scolari_photography
This country lovin’ couple tied the knot at Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island.
The Meet Cute: Sydni and Edmond met through mutual friends when the group went to a Zac Brown Band concert in Saratoga Springs, New York. “That’s when we really hit it off,” Sydni says. “We haven’t gone a day without talking since!”
The Engagement: In June 2020, when on a weekend trip to celebrate Ed’s father’s birthday, the couple dined out at a nice restaurant along the Hudson River and Ed’s mom suggested they take some family photos by the water. While posing for the photos, Ed pulled the classic “my shoe is untied” move and dropped to his knee. When he asked for Sydni’s hand, she just thought he needed help getting back up, only to be caught off guard. To add to the surprise, Sydni’s mom and brother came running from the parking lot, where they had watched the whole proposal from afar. What Sydni thought was a birthday celebration for her now father-in-law ended up being a surprise proposal and an engagement celebration.
The Day of: Lucky for them, the couple was fortunate enough to keep their original wedding date and the timing was perfect: All COVID-related restrictions were lifted just in time for their big day. To boot, the vendors were incredibly accommodating. “Castle Hill made everything seamless,” says Sydni. “Our families and friends supported every decision we made along the way.” Despite some morning showers, the skies cleared in time for the outdoor ceremony, just as they had hoped. The only challenge? The coastal breeze, as it was tugging on Sydni’s veil and pushing around Ed’s hair, but it most definitely worked in favor for their wedding photos.
Back to Black: Guests were given a simple dress memo: classic black. The sleek guest and groomsmen attire and the deep navy bridesmaid gowns highlighted Sydni’s dress. “There are so few occasions to really get dressed up and attend a formal affair these days, so we figured why not!” she says. “We wanted the aesthetic to feel classy and timeless.”
The Highlights: The band’s performance came as a surprise to the couple, as they hired them sight-unseen during the height of the pandemic and relied solely on reviews. “[Clockwork New England] kept the party going, brought friends and family up on stage to sing — their energy was infectious,” says Sydni. The icing on the cake was the final song of the night: Guests and the bridal party all stood in a big circle and sang their hearts out to “Colder Weather” by Zac Brown Band, a full-circle moment for the couple’s love story.
The Details
Ceremony, Reception, Catering and Decor: Castle Hill Inn in Newport, RI | Hair and Makeup: Allison Barbera Beauty | Bridal Attire: Custom Monique Lhuillier from L’elite Bridal in Boston, MA | Bridesmaids Gowns: BHLDN by Anthropologie | Groom’s Attire: Max Davoli Baroni, Frank’s Custom Tailoring in Boston, MA | Decor: Poppy Floral; Peak Event Services | Entertainment: Clockwork New England | Florals: Poppy Floral | Videographer: Adam Quinlan Films | Transportation: Viking Tours of Newport