BE TRUE TO YOU

“ Bridal trends change like the season , but it ’ s important to ensure that your dress fits your personality and your style . You don ’ t always have to wear the same vibe as someone you see on social media , or even a celebrity . Our best piece of advice when it comes to bridal trends is to pick the one that ' s the most “ you ” and the dress that you want to look back on thirty years from now and still light up at the sight of your wedding pictures .”

— Alexia Botelho , Alexandra ’ s Boutique , alexandrasbridalboutique . com

DREAM DRESS

“ When it comes to shopping for your dream wedding dress it is important to do a little bit of research , and what we mean by that is to scroll through Pinterest and screenshot some pictures of dresses that catch your eye . Just having some idea of the aesthetic or silhouette you want is the first step to get closer to your dream dress .”

— Alexia Botelho , Alexandra ’ s Boutique , alexandrasbridalboutique . com

PHOTOGRAPHY : ( TOP ) BLUEFLASH PHOTOGRAPHY ; ( LEFT ) FLAVIO D PHOTOGRAPHY .

When Anna and Matt ’ s wedding venue canceled on them a few months before their big day , the two were quick on their feet about how to solve the issue . Brainstorming alternatives , Matt thought of a relative of his who owns a spacious property in Tiverton near the charming New England village , Tiverton Four Corners . This allowed the pair to keep the original date and most of the vendors they had booked .

Once the beautiful day concluded , the couple realized this sudden adjustment was meant to be . “ It turned out to be the perfect day ,” says Anna . “ Not many people get to visit their wedding venue multiple times a year .”

For this casual coastal boho wedding , the first look and private vows took place on a private beach near the venue . Back at the private property-turned-wedding reception area , the vendors were ironing out small details to ensure the day went smoothly .

“ The vendors were the glue to our wedding ,” says Anna . “ It was amazing to see every vendor come together and work with us to help make our tricky situation still the best day . Keane ’ s Wood-Fired Catering has incredible food and the staff were some of the nicest people . Our photographer , Emily [ of EEW Photography ], is such a good , genuine human . She took the time to get to know us as people and this certainly helped her capture us on our most important day .”

Besides other contributing vendors , including EZ Bar as the bartender , DJ Sean from South Coast Entertainment and Pranzi Catering providing the tent and other rentals , Anna and Matt mastered many DIY tasks for the decor , signage , florals , cigar and whiskey bar and more . Homemade desserts — Italian wedding cookies , snickerdoodles and chocolate crinkle cookies — were baked by Matt ’ s brother , Andrew .

If a backyard wedding in Tiverton with Mount Hope Bay in the background isn ’ t Rhode Island enough , Del ’ s frozen lemonade kept guests hydrated , Ocean State-style .

Hosting a wedding at a relative ’ s backyard also meant allowing beloved furry guests to attend . Gunner , Anna and Matt ’ s dog , has been a huge part of their lives for six years and was able to trail behind his newlywed owners throughout the night .