📸: Laura Ink Photo // @laurainkphoto
This couple’s wedding was the epitome of summertime, with a wooden surfboard guest book and color-coordinated sunnies as the seating chart.
By Lauren Clem
The Meet Cute: Although they lived within ten miles of each other and received their master’s degrees from the same school, they didn’t connect until years later on Hinge.
The Engagement: Matt brought Shannon to Portsmouth for the weekend to visit his sister and invited both of their families to join. After an early-morning surf session, he proposed on the beach while they were both still in their wetsuits.
The Venue: The couple enjoyed a private first look and exchanged personal vows away from the bustle of the wedding party. After an ocean view ceremony and cocktail hour at the Casino Courtyard at the Towers in Narragansett, the whole crew headed upstairs for a massive dance party with all their family and friends. “The rustic romantic look of the Towers was a huge selling point for us,” Shannon says. “Coupled with the ocean, including one of our favorite Rhode Island surf spots, it was the perfect location for us to start our lives together.”
The Highlight: “The dance party was unreal,” Shannon says. “The goal we had for our wedding was for it to be a fun time and for everone to let loose. Being surrounded by our friends and family while we all danced was a dream come true.”
The Accents: Along with the enthusiastic wedding party, the couple recruited loved ones to fill in as adult flower men and women at the kid-free ceremony. Upstairs, they gave out color-coordinated sunglasses to indicate where guests should sit. At the dinner tables, guests could take a look at the table sign and see one of the many locations Shannon and Matt have surfed. The guest book matched the theme as a glossy wooden surfboard for loved ones to inscribe their well wishes to the newlyweds.
The Advice: “The best advice we got was that no one will know the minor imperfections except you, so don’t think twice, and enjoy your day!” says Shannon.
The Details
Ceremony and Reception: The Towers, Narragansett | Catering: Emery’s Catering, Warwick | Hair and Makeup: Petal and Blush Beauty, West Warwick | Bridal Attire: Made with Love, from the White Dress by the Shore, Clinton, CT | Groom’s Attire: Etro | Florals: Weedweavers, Wakefield | Wedding Planner: Ashley Lynn Weddings & Events | Entertainment: (ceremony) Virginia James Music, Tiverton; (reception) DJ Jonathan of Epic Entertainment, Boston | Videographer: Endeavor Weddings | Hotel: The Shore House, Narragansett