The theme for Amanda and Michael’s Castle Hill wedding was romance and fun and I’d say they over achieved on both counts!
Amanda and Michael magically stumbled upon Newport, and consequently into Castle Hill on an impromptu holiday weekend trip (romantic and fun)! They had already been engaged a year and hadn’t really made any big wedding decisions but they quickly realized that Castle Hill would be the perfect setting for their day. Once decided and confirmed, they had less than nine months to make their vision a reality. Luckily, Amanda has impeccable taste! Although she had a short time frame to work with, every detail felt special to her because each decision she made was serendipitous.
She chose Kim and Chris of Green Lion to create her romantic florals.
Is this not the dreamiest spring bouquet you’ve ever seen?
Although most of Amanda’s vendors were Newport based, she did choose Hudson Paperie, in her hometown of Hoboken to create her invitation suite.
Mike’s family jeweler created their custom rose gold rings.
Blooming beauties in soft floral jammies. So pretty!
Amanda took a moment to read her card and open her gift from Michael. He gave her a custom engraved love lock to take on their honeymoon to Paris.
You fasten a love lock to a bridge, fence, or gate to symbolize your love and then throw away the key to symbolize unbreakable love (romantic and fun)!
Chanel of course.
Amanda got ready at the Hotel Viking, we had a time for a lovely bridal portrait before heading to church.
Jennie Kay created Amanda’s bridal hair and Jessica D’Amore was her makeup artist.
Amanda told us that she was overwhelmed by the amount of love and support she felt on her wedding day.
I agree, I felt it too.
Michael and his groomsmen also got ready at the Viking. This is pretty typical groomsmen activity. LOL.
Mike’s dad loves to sing and play his guitar. He preformed for Michael and Amanda at the reception. He also sang a song for Michael before the ceremony. If you’re not in the mood to cry like a baby then don’t read the lyrics to the song he sang below…
Father & Son, Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam)
It’s not time to make a change
Just relax, take it easy
You’re still young, that’s your fault
There’s so much you have to know
Find a girl, settle down
If you want you can marry
Look at me, I am old, but I’m happy
After everyone recovered from that emotional moment…
The men made their way to the church and Trish took a handsome portrait of Mike. I like Mike’s style. He could give Amanda a run for her money in the style department. He customized not one, but two tuxedos from Indochino in Soho NY. He felt as though the “groom gets no love regarding his attire” on the big day. He chose a black tux and a white, ultimately he went with the classic look of the white jacket and black pants as a surprise for Amanda. Sharp!
Oh the cuteness… it hurts me.
The moments at the back of the church right before the doors open and the bride walks down the aisle are some of my favorite moments of the day.
It’s important to get some air under that veil for the grand entrance.
In keeping with their love of tradition, Amanda and Michael had a Roman Catholic full mass ceremony at St Josephs Church.
Amanda told us she was glad not to do the first look, but rather have their first moment together be at the altar because, “The moment was so emotional and special while the Ave Maria played.”
Newlyweds! It doesn’t get much more traditional than this photo. Is this 1950 or 2017? Hard to tell!
Amanda and Michael took a deep breath and a moment to enjoy the spectacular view at Castle Hill.
Snuggling with their minis.
Kim of Green Lion “out florals” her self each and every time. I don’t know how she does it!
Amanda wore a Lela Rose gown from Gabriella’s. This was the second dress she tried on out of FIFTY. She says she knew the entire time she had already found the “one” but felt it was too soon to say yes. Good thing she didn’t adopt that same attitude with Mike! 🙂
Fun friends, good times.
Having some fun with the natural, quintessential elements of Castle Hill.
Amanda and Mike couldn’t stop smiling all day because they felt the whole day was, “pure magic.”
Mike has got the romance part covered.
Swoony swoon swoon.
Amanda says, “Our lovely florist, Kim of Green Lion, transformed the tent into a romantic garden for us. It was complete with luscious, natural, spilling floral centerpieces and arrangements.”
“Our room was filled with the glow of the candles and our guests danced under the strung market lights… pure perfection.” ~ The Bride
Amanda and Michael enjoyed a little break in the dancing action for a snuggly sunset photo.
Sweethearts at their table.
Amanda and Michael’s biggest concern leading up to the wedding is that their guests would have a good time and enjoy the party. Check!
I asked them what their favorite part of the wedding was. Amanda said, “Everything! I wish I could re-live it every single day! We’re not one for cliches, but it really was the best day ever!”
BEHIND THE SNAPS
Amanda said that she and Mike weren’t nervous about anything because they had such an incredible experience planning with all their top notch vendors and had the most amazing wedding coordinators, Infinite Events! They feel the day went off without a hitch.
Here’s lovely Lauren of Infinite Events giving Amanda top notch train carrying and limo escorting service.
And of course, no Behind the Snaps post would be complete without a Trish compilation. This girl is working it!
I also want to give a shout out to our friends and go documentors at Stop Go Love, who were awesome to work with as usual!
