A stunning winter wedding at Rosecliff Mansion, Newport, RI
From our first meeting, I knew this couple was my kind of people. Mostly because they made me belly laugh, but also because they were very focused on delivering a wonderful, fun, memorable time for their guests to enjoy. Their family and friends were all intimately involved in planning, and everyone had a job and was just as excited as the couple. It felt like a huge celebration of everyone. This couple couldn't have been more fun and generous and open-hearted, I just loved working with them.
The priority was that everyone have a blast. Sounds simple, but it’s not, really. There are so many things to think about, envision, worry over, organize and select in wedding planning, it can be distracting. These two succeeded, in grand fashion. They spent the entire day together, from getting ready with each other and their bridal party at the Brenton Hotel, through the last sweaty dance, they brought their signature hilarity and happy vibes to everyone who came along for the ride.
Jen’s gown and cape were custom made by Daniel Foucher Couture. The look was formed from sketches (pictured below) that Daniel made on the spot in their initial meeting, based on Jen’s specific requests. Daniel himself came along for the entire wedding day to dress Jen and adjust her gown, adding sleeves, bustling, clipping the cape into place, etc. A very, very cool service.
There’s something undeniably romantic about a winter wedding in Newport, Rhode Island, and Jen and Nick's celebration at the historic Rosecliff Mansion perfectly captured that magic. With its Gilded Age grandeur and breathtaking ocean views, this December wedding combined timeless elegance with modern sophistication. Built in 1902, Rosecliff stands as one of Newport's most elegant venues, with its gleaming marble floors and sweeping staircases. The mansion's legendary ballroom, with its ornate ceiling and crystal chandeliers, created an atmosphere of old-world glamour that perfectly complemented the couple's vision.
The masterful team at Contagious Events orchestrated every detail with precision, ensuring the day flowed seamlessly from the ceremony at Channing Memorial Church through the reception. The talented artists at Semia Floral Design transformed the space with stunning winter-inspired arrangements. Mauve roses, silver brunia, and seasonal greenery created an elegant palette that enhanced Rosecliff's natural beauty while adding a contemporary touch. A Catered Affaircrafted a menu that delighted guests with seasonal New England flavors, featuring locally-sourced ingredients and innovative presentations that elevated the dining experience to new heights. The evening's entertainment, provided by 617 Events, kept the dance floor packed with an expertly curated mix of classics and contemporary hits that appealed to guests of all ages.
Every paper element, from the elegant invitations to the day-of signage, was beautifully designed by Champagne and Ink, whose attention to detail and artistic vision carried the wedding's sophisticated aesthetic through every touchpoint.
The bride stunned in her winter-white gown, which caught the light from Rosecliff's chandeliers as she descended the mansion's famous heart-shaped staircase. The couple's first dance in the ballroom, surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight and the mansion's gilded details, created an unforgettable moment. The celebration continued into the evening with guests enjoying signature cocktails in the salon before moving to the ballroom for dinner and dancing. The space was transformed with soft lighting, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the room's grand scale. As the night progressed, guests moved between the dance floor and various gathering spaces throughout the mansion, each room offering a different perspective on this magical evening. The terrace provided a stunning backdrop with its views of the Atlantic Ocean.
