This Castle Hill Inn wedding is a feast for the eyes, the colors and details are rich and beautiful and the traditions are deep and touching. Get ready to be dazzled by Chris and Sophia’s great taste and perfectly planned sea side wedding. If it’s gloomy where you are today like it is here, this collection of photos will be a warm and welcome break from the grey 🙂

We started our day at the Grace Vanderbilt Hotel with Sophia and her bridesmaids.

 

Sophia had her grandmother’s wedding rings sewn to the side of her dress so she could carry her with her on her wedding day.

 

Don’t worry, the bridesmaids made sure those rings were nice and secure.

 

They also kept Sophia laughing {to keep her from crying} so that she didn’t ruin her makeup.

 

Chris’ gift to Sophia was a beautiful pink diamond necklace to match her wedding band. Ooooh!

 

The gift was a  lovely and thoughtful accessory to complete her bridal look.

 

Sophia and Chris threw a Mehndi party at the Newport Marriott, Sophia had this elaborate design drawn on her hands.

 

Meanwhile, the men got ready at the bar at Castle Hill.

 

Chris looking a little nervous, but nonetheless very dapper.

 

Sophia gave Chris a watch to wear with his tux. He also had a custom label for the inside of his jacket and a little Mehndi reminder of his bride on his palm.

 

Chris waited in the garden for Sophia to arrive by trolley.

 

Sophia wanted to do the traditional, “tap the groom on the shoulder” for their first look.

 

Chris was blown away by Sophia. He told us, ‘She looked stunning and glowing with happiness.” He also said that, “She was all smiles and looked like a princess.”

Sophia recalled feeling really nervous about what Chris would think but she was excited to show him her dress after so many months of planning. It was hard for her to keep it a secret from him. She also thought he looked really handsome in his tux.

 

The bridesmaids looked so beautiful in their sparkly gowns. I love the different dresses in the same palette. It always photographs so nicely.

 

Of all their design elements, Chris and Sophia loved the florals the best. It’s easy to see why. These stunning bouquets are by Stoneblossom.

 

So many beautiful women in one spot!

 

Sophia and Chris have fantastic, supportive {and cooperative!} friends.

 

We took a little field trip by trolley down to the beach for photos. We don’t always have the opportunity to do this but Chris and Sophia built plenty of time into the photo portion of the day.

 

Chris and Sophia were most nervous about the weather. Sophia told us, “Until two days before, the forecast looked like rain on our wedding day. We were so nervous, as it would have really thrown a wrench in our plans to take photos all over the CH grounds and hold our ceremony outside by the sea. We did our best to keep positive and sure enough, it turned out to be a beautiful, unseasonably warm day!”

 

Don’t you just love a beach day in October?!

 

Seaside sweetness.

 

We also took a golf cart out to the lighthouse, a must-do at any Castle Hill Inn wedding!

 

The family met us back at the garden for formal photos. We love shooting the family portraits in this spot. The light is dreamy and flattering!

Meet Cobalt and Seivert, Sophia and Chris’ Italian Greyhounds. They had custom designed doggie tuxes and boutonnieres too.

 

Can you stand it?

Cobalt and Sievert were the official ringbearers. Their handler for the day was professional dog walker, Merritt Walsh.

 

Some of Sophia and Chris’ amazing details. Clockwise from left: The ceremony program by Champagne and Ink. These were the thickest most luxurious programs I’ve ever touched! A Pashmina and Dancing Shoes table with adorable signage as well as lemonade and iced tea for arriving guests. Ceremony Florals by Stoneblossom.

 

Sophia and Chris loved the invitations that Champagne and Ink designed for them. They said, “Danielle and Ellen are incredibly talented and put together several of our custom details including the programs, signs, napkins, table numbers and escort cards. They came up with a really unique olive branch theme while working on our invites that they were able to carry through many of the details.”

Ink Revival created the calligraphy for the escort cards, Mr and Mrs signs, menu and welcome mirrors and the signature cocktail sign.

 

“We had a nod-to-nautical theme outside, with a unique and elegant feel inside the tent. We had the pleasure of working with Joyce of Stoneblossom for more than a year leading up to our wedding. She put us at ease, helped us build our vision, and exceeded every expectation in the execution. Our guests were blown away by our florals.”

 

Sophia and Chris each had a grandparent pass away in recent years. In memory of them, they had each one of their wedding photos enlarged and framed and hung inside the tent. Sophia said, “Our grandparents who are still present really appreciated the gesture and we were happy to be able to remember them on our special day.”

 

Sophia’s 91 year old grandfather walked her down the aisle. He’s a WWII veteran who traveled from Illinois to do the honors!

 

Married!

 

Sophia and Chris said that they were, “Really nervous about all the details falling into place. It was a tremendous amount of planning, and we wanted our guests to enjoy themselves, in addition to emerging happily married! Key to making the day a success was Emily DiBello at CH, she pulled through and brought everything together. She guided us through a year of planning on top of our two busy careers.”

 

That classic Castle Hill sunset.

 

“We were surprised by all of the boats that were out on the bay. Our guests loved this! A beautiful sailboat went by during the ceremony and a giant barge during the cocktail hour.”

 

One thing that made Sophia and Chris really happy is that they could tell all of their guests were really enjoying the wedding right along with them. They told us, “The bar did a really good job! We have gleaned wild stories from friends and family since the wedding!” Do tell! 😉

 

There was a surprise for Sophia’s Mexican family during the reception, a Mariachi Band!

 

The wedding cake was a special element too. Sophia said, “Marie and Mark of Confectionery Designs did a phenomenal job with our cake. Just beautiful and delicious! They coordinated the design with the beads, lace and other details of Sophia’s dress. They were able to combine a few different styles of inspiration we had given them, and we were happy with the result. We had a custom cake topper made with our two Italian greyhounds as well.”

“We also loved hanging out with the guests outside of the tent near the fire pit. We had smores and cigars outside. You could hear the waves crashing and see the bridge in the light of the full moon. It was nice to get some fresh air and we came in ready for another round of dancing.” Sophia and Chris’ DJ was: DJ Mike Amado.

 

Chris and Sophia have some advice to help future couples get a day as seamless as theirs. “Book your vendors early! They really made our day a success. They are in high demand and we were fortunate to have them. Also, get a videographer! We weren’t sure if we would need one, but looking back, the evening just flew by and there was more to see and do then we had time for. We’re really excited to get our video so we can relive it all. {FYI: Sophia and Chris’ videographer was: Artistic Wedding Films.}  Lastly, enjoy every moment. The planning was really stressful at times, but it was also an adventure for us as a couple and we grew in our ability to work together and rely on each other. When the big day finally arrived it was worth every bit of stress and more.”

 

BEHIND THE SCENES

As much as we loved working with this fabulous couple and all these amazing vendors- I’m not going to lie. Highlight of the day?

These guys… OMG Love them.