Engaged 2020 | Page 148

October 7, 2018 | Olivia Gird Photography Rebecca & Joe The Meet Cute: Rebecca’s and Joe’s meeting must have always been in the cards. Despite each having lived all over, they both eventually settled in Rhode Island and found one another in a Providence bar. The Engagement: After being together for about two-and-a-half years, Joe asked for Rebecca’s hand in marriage while on the beach on July 4th. The Planning: On the bright side: “We liked meeting with our vendors, checking out sites and, of course, the tastings,” says Rebecca. But, on the other hand: “As people who were not dreaming of a certain wedding vision, we didn’t love all of the decision-making and logistics,” she adds. The Venue: Linden Place checked off all the major points on the couple’s list. “We wanted to have a possibility for an outdoor ceremony if weather cooperated, with an equally beautiful place to be inside,” Rebecca explains. “We also loved that we were able to go down to the water to get a few pictures.” The Tradition: Did the bride plan to partake in the tried-and-true tradition of including something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue? Well, sort of. “I mostly just wanted bright blue shoes!” she admits. “But I did have my grandmother’s wedding band along with my grandmother’s handkerchief in my dress pocket — my mom had also held it on her wedding day — which could count as my something old, and then I borrowed my grandmother’s earrings and I wore a new dress and shoes.” The First Look: It’s sometimes a point of contention for most of the wedding world, but for this couple, there was no question of whether they would do a first look. “We really wanted to be able to see each other before everyone else did and have that moment to ourselves,” Rebecca says. “It also gave us the opportunity to be able to enjoy the reception without having to leave for pictures.” The Family Affair: Both Rebecca’s and Joe’s families played integral roles in the couple’s union. “My brothers and sister-in-law read a modern interpretation of the Seven Blessings, a Jewish wedding ritual, during the ceremony, and Joe’s sister officiated,” Rebecca explains. The First Dance: They chose “You Are The Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne for the background melody. “It was a great match for us and it was fun to dance to,” Rebecca says. The Highlights: “Having our friends and family together; the fun, celebratory, relaxed vibe; our parents’ speeches; and the hora.” — Rebecca and Joe The Advice: “The wedding day really does go by as fast as everyone says!” Rebecca warns. “We spent five or ten minutes alone after the ceremony, which was a really nice time to connect and have some quiet moments for ourselves.” 146 | ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2020