The Meet Cute: It was a Saturday night in South Boston when Tessa and Paul ran into each other at a bar. It was busier than ever, and Paul was trying to order a drink right where Tessa was sitting— that sparked a conversation that lasted all night.
The Engagement: After a long week, Paul suggested dinner at a new restaurant in Boston ' s Seaport district that the couple had been wanting to try. Before heading inside, they took a walk by the water and Paul got down on one knee. It was a cold, cloudy day, so no one was around except for Tessa’ s brother-in-law, a photographer, who was taking photos around the corner. The next day, Paul surprised Tessa with a celebration at a local bar with their friends.
The Venue: It was love at first sight for Tessa and Paul when they walked into Gardiner House. The location offered stunning views and a convenient spot for guests to explore downtown Newport. Its modern luxury decor and sunlit rooms inspired the couple’ s California-coastal theme. Tessa envisioned a relaxed and comfortable aesthetic with wood accents, ratan charger plates, wicker chairs and lush greenery that mirrored the natural seaside charm.
The First Look: The couple did their first look on the roof of the Gardiner House.“ We could see guests below taking their seats, which made it extra special to have a few moments to ourselves,” says Tessa.
The Personal Touches: Tessa and Paul’ s unique details reflected who they are as a couple. Being by the water was highly important to them because everyone understood Tessa’ s obsession with the beach. Sailboats were used as table seat numbers, a nod to Newport, and the venue’ s outdoor furniture was used on the lawn to encourage guests to sit outside by the water. They even designed match books with green leaves wrapped around, and Paul made a custom cornhole set in their wedding colors and added their wedding date and initials.
November 1, 2024
MORGAN WYNNE PHOTOGRAPHY @ MORGANWYNNEPHOTOGRAPHY
The Highlights: Aside from the first look, Tessa loved her dress’ intricate lace along with its detachable overlay skirt that made it easy to move around. The couple also relished their private morning where they read their vows.“ It kicked off the day in such a special way and made us even more excited to see each other later that afternoon,” says Tessa. And of course, the dessert bar was an undeniable success.
The Advice:“ If you’ re on the fence about a wedding coordinator, do it!” says Tessa,“ I went with a month-of-coordinator, and it was worth every penny. It was the best money spent knowing you had someone to help make decisions, oversee vendors, create a day-of-schedule and bring together your vision!”
104 | ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2026