Nathelie and Michael’s wedding is striking. We’re obsessing over all the graphic details like the white-on-white-on-white reception decor and the bride’s uber-editorial Inbal Dror gown. Our favorite part, though, are the super glam reception florals. Crazy-talented Green Lion separated the all-white arrangements by bloom for a graphic and totally luxe feel. Amaze!
What made the wedding special and unique?
The wedding was special and unique for us because we were able to have all of our family and friends to see us married in a town where we loved spending time as a couple. My family is from the NY area as well as most of our friends. Bringing them to Newport to share in the seafood and amazing sunsets was really special. Since for most this was their first time in Newport, we wanted to make it a true wedding weekend and not just a wedding day, by having welcome drinks Friday night and a farewell brunch on Sunday. As a couple we are really fun and love to have a good time and we really wanted our guests to feel our personalities in every aspect. We both come from large Italian families and frequent Miami a lot as I am half Cuban. We really wanted to incorporate our cultures as well.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
The gown was made by Israeli designer Inbal Dror. I bought it at Mark Ingram Atelier in NYC. It was the last appointment on my first (and only) day dress shopping. I didn’t know what style I wanted and was trying on everything. The incredible sales woman, Ayana, suggested this dress that she had from the back. I immediately fell in love with the dress, it was so different from a traditional wedding dress but so romantic with the lace and pearl details. It took about a week to think it over and after a quick second try-on I was sold.
What were some touches added to make it personal?
We tried to make lots of special details part of our day. The food was where we focused on personalization the most. Our cocktail hour included lots of Cuban passed hors d’oeuvre to honor my heritage and foods that we enjoy together when we are in Miami (mini cuban sandwiches, croquetas de jamon, beef empanadas, plantain chips) as well as lots of seafood to really highlight all that Newport and New England have to offer, especially local oysters. Our dinner menu featured 3 courses to include a risotto course which is the way we like to treat ourselves on date nights, by sharing a pasta course. The assorted Italian pastries to finish were inspired by the dessert plate served at our favorite restaurant in Miami. Mike absolutely loves Del’s Lemonade, so I surprised him at the end of the night with a stand at the reception. Other little details included custom match books for guests to take since we both love to collect match books from restaurants we visit. Lastly, the personalized light-up foam sticks was true to our party side and allowed our guests to keep the party going with our amazing band.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
There are so many! If I had to pick, I would say: when my sister sang Ave Maria at church during our ceremony and our first dance.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
We met in college at Syracuse University. We became engaged on our 6th dating anniversary on a weekend trip in Miami. We were relaxing on the balcony in my family’s condo on the beach. Mike had just taken a nap right before.
Photographer: Steve DePino // Event Coordinator: Jamie Nelson // Florist: Green Lion // Makeup Artist: New Leaf Studio // Band: Eye 2 Eye // Venue: Belle Mer