THE DETAILS
Chelsea & John
June 17 , 2023 Laura Ink Photo
PHOTOGRAPHY : CHRISTI CHAMBERS .
Chelsea and John experienced every couple ’ s worst nightmare when their beautiful beach wedding turned into a three-day washout . While John went into problem-solving mode to salvage their special day , Chelsea ’ s panic set in . Devastated that their original plans were a complete bust , the rainy weather ultimately transported them back to the carefree days of their teenage years when they first met .
After taking time to grieve their disrupted wedding , the couple decided to embrace the rain and all its glory . “ We both looked at each other feeling like nothing could phase us because we just had the most special moment of our lives ,” says Chelsea . “ Leaning into the adventure is when the magic really happened .”
Their photographer , Laura Sarlitto of Laura Ink Photo , captured the memorable day , taking photos both inside and outside with clear umbrellas . Eventually , she managed to convince Chelsea and John to ditch them and run through the pouring rain .
“ All of a sudden the church door flew open and the three of us came running out in the pouring rain and crossed the street into the woods ,” says Chelsea . “ We took moody photos on a trail in the woods , then ran up the middle of the street giggling and went all the way down onto the beach to dance in the rain like we were in The Notebook .”
Although Chelsea ’ s dress was completely destroyed , the stains remain to tell the story of their amazing day . Chelsea and John quickly changed out of their soggy clothes to join family and friends on the dance floor at their afterparty . The bridal party even created their own official wedding hashtag # LetsGetWet to commemorate the occassion .
Despite the couple ’ s day not going as they planned , Chelsea and John were happy to experience the chaos together . “ We feel we got a bonus experience that most people don ’ t get ,” says Chelsea . “ The excess details that really didn ’ t matter were forced out of focus .”
For others who worry about what Mother Nature may have in store , Chelsea offers her advice on how to handle the unexpected weather . “ Nothing else matters other than the love that the two of you share for each other . Connect with your family and friends . They don ’ t care about the weather , they just can ’ t wait to celebrate your love ! Lean in and repeat : no rain , no flowers !” says Chelsea .
The Details
Ceremony : South Ferry Church Reception : Plum Beach Club , Saunderstown Catering : West Bay Gourmet , Narragansett Hair : Jess Facey of Painted By Jess , Newport Makeup : Shelby White Beauty , Warwick Bridal Attire : Alexandra ’ s Boutique , Fall River Groom ’ s Attire : State & Liberty Clothing Florals : Robin Hollow Farm , Saunderstown
Transportation : Limousines of Newport and Providence
Entertainment : Jalen Young of Young Sound & Lighting Production
PHOTOGRAPHY : JENNIFER MANVILLE .
The Write Way
We asked Hailey Kisseberth of Hailey Kiss Creative for some stationery tips and tricks .
“ The couple ' s wedding details often lead to the inspiration for their stationery design whether they realize it or not . Their venue , floral choices , color scheme , etc ., are all reflections of their style . This usually sets the tone for their invitation suite . The goal is to make sure their stationery feels cohesive with their wedding day .”
“ Your stationery details are the first thing your guests see before your event so it ’ s a really fun way to set the tone . Have fun getting creative and bringing in elements that speak to you , your relationship and your style .”
“ An invite suite can be as simple as the invite and envelope , or it can be as elaborate as the couple desires ! I think what really makes the invite suites are the personal touches and originality . People are used to getting bills in the mail so it ’ s fun for guests to receive something that feels exciting and fun to open .”
“ A big trend for invites and signage is lots of texture ! I ’ ve been seeing a lot of letterpress and embossing , which is such a nice way to elevate your paper suite . On the contrary , I ’ ve been seeing ( and loving ) more whimsical designs with bold color choices and funky hand-painted fonts , which offer a lot of personality .”
“ Always have your full invitation suite weighed at the local post office to make sure you have the correct postage .” haileykisscreative . com
28 | ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2024