Summer weddings at Belle Mer, lawn ceremony and water salon reception

A Seaside Dream: Lindsey and Frank's Newport Wedding at Belle Mer

There are weddings, and then there are Newport weddings. Perched on the edge of Narragansett Bay, where sailboats glide across waters that shimmer with the day's fading light, Belle Mer stands as one of Rhode Island's most enchanting wedding venues. This past weekend, I had the privilege of witnessing a celebration that captured the very essence of coastal elegance.

The Ceremony: As guests gathered on Belle Mer's immaculate lawn, the Newport Bridge stretched majestically across the horizon. The late afternoon sun cast everything in a soft, golden glow that photographers dream about. Lindsey chose a color palette of delicate pinks that complemented, rather than competed with, the natural beauty surrounding them, while incorporating playful nautical touches that reflected her deep connection to the ocean. White chairs lined the grass, adorned with simple arrangements of pale pink garden roses and eucalyptus. The ocean breeze carried the scent of salt water and flowers, while seagulls soared overhead, as if they too had been invited to witness the occasion. Just as the couple began their vows, a regatta sailed into view—a fleet of white sails catching the golden light, creating an almost cinematic moment that no wedding planner could have orchestrated. There's something about the unpredictability of nature that adds magic to outdoor ceremonies, and this was a perfect example.

The Light: Photographer's Golden Hour The timing couldn't have been more perfect. Scheduled for that magical hour when the sun begins its descent, the ceremony was bathed in what photographers call "the golden hour"—when light turns warm and soft, casting a gentle glow that flatters everything it touches. Lindsey seemed to radiate in this light, her gown catching hints of pink and gold as she made her way down the aisle. What truly set this bride apart, however, were the absolutely stunning bouquets – intricately crafted entirely from seashells. This personal touch revealed Lindsey's deep connection to the ocean, as she and her mother co-own Seashells in Bloom, a charming boutique on Bowens Wharf in Newport specializing in shell artistry. Each bridesmaid carried a similarly exquisite shell bouquet, creating a unique and conversation-starting alternative to traditional flowers that perfectly complemented the coastal setting. Against the backdrop of Narragansett Bay, with the iconic Newport Bridge stretching across the water, every photograph captured looked like it belonged in a wedding magazine.

The Reception: Dancing the Night Away After cocktails on the terrace, guests moved into Belle Mer's stunning Water Salon for the reception. The space lives up to its name—floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the water, while the all-white interior creates a canvas that can be transformed to match any vision. For this celebration, Lindsey and Frank continued their theme of soft pinks accented with thoughtful nautical elements. Stunning driftwood centerpieces created by Kim of Greenlion Designs incorporated soft pink blooms and sea elements, perfectly bridging the elegant and coastal themes. These artistic arrangements sat atop tables dressed in crisp white linens, while charming tea towel favors featuring an octopus design awaited each guest. In the entryway, an antique oar served as a unique guest book, collecting signatures and well-wishes for the newlyweds. Votives added warmth as daylight faded from warm to pink to firey hot pinks and oranges, and the Newport Bridge began to sparkle with lights of its own. What struck me most was the seamless transition from elegant dinner to vivacious celebration. As the excellent band took the stage, any remaining formality melted away. But before the dance floor opened to everyone, Frank had a surprise in store. In what became the most touching moment of the evening, Frank invited his mother to the center of the floor for what guests assumed would be a traditional mother-son dance. Instead, the pair launched into a perfectly choreographed routine that left everyone—including bride Lindsey—absolutely stunned. Their performance, which moved from an elegant waltz to a playful medley of popular hits, showcased not only impressive dance skills but the special bond between mother and son. Lindsey's expression of delighted surprise was priceless, and the room erupted in cheers and applause as the dance concluded. After this heartwarming surprise, the dance floor quickly filled and stayed that way until the final song. Beantown never fails to deliver an incredible party.

There's something about being by the water that seems to inspire celebration—perhaps it's the feeling of freedom that comes with open horizons. Why Belle Mer? Speaking with Lindsey and Frank, they shared that they had fallen in love with Belle Mer the moment they saw it. "We wanted something that felt distinctly 'Newport' while still allowing us to add our own nautical touches," Lindsey explained. "Belle Mer gave us that perfect balance—it's undeniably coastal but with a modern, clean aesthetic that we could personalize with elements from our shop." As the creative force behind Seashells in Bloom, Lindsey was able to incorporate her artistic talents into the wedding in a way that felt both authentic and distinctive. The venue's versatility is indeed one of its strongest features. While the island setting and water views provide natural beauty, the contemporary architecture and minimal design allow couples to create their own vision without competing elements.

As the night came to a close and guests departed with smiles and tired feet (the sure sign of a successful wedding), I couldn't help but feel that we had all experienced something special. A wedding at Belle Mer isn't just about beautiful surroundings—though it certainly offers those in abundance. It's about the way the venue connects you to the natural beauty of Newport: the water, the sky, the golden light, and even the unexpected delight of seagulls and sailboats passing by at just the right moment. For couples dreaming of a coastal wedding that balances natural beauty with refined elegance, Belle Mer delivers a setting that feels both timeless and distinctly memorable. As Lindsey and Frank danced their first dance with the Newport Bridge twinkling in the background, it was clear they had found their perfect place to begin their journey together.