Traci and Justin
Traci and Justin Kleinman woke up the morning of their wedding day to clouds and rain. And though the precipitation finally eased up, the wind-factor moved the service indoors. Thankfully, the inside of their seaside venue was just as breathtaking as its views, but all that really mattered to the couple was being surrounded by their 150 loving guests.
The Setting
The pair chose a special location for their destination fete: Newport, Rhode Island. The bride grew up vacationing there with her family, and the Manhattan-based couple love its energy and classic appeal. On June 2, 2012, three years to the day of their first date, they tied the knot an the oceanfront property, Belle Mer.
The Fashions
Traci donned a custom Modern Trousseau gown and her mother's veil, while her five bridesmaids sported Amsale dresses. They all carried bouquets of peonies, sweetpeas, phalaenopsis orchids, tulips, lisianthus, and roses made by Greenlion Design.
The Entrance
The bride descended a grand staircase to Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" and met her parents at the foot of the stairs.
The Ceremony
Traci and Justin wed under a huppah of grapevine and orchids. "We wanted something organic, but with structure. And large enough so our immediate family members could stand underneath it with us" she said.
The Rings
The groom's "little" cousin (he's 21!) served as the ring bearer. The quirky twist on tradition was a fun way to lighten up the ceremony.
The Escort Cards
Plum cards simply calligraphed with guests' seating assignments were set out in front of a tall floral arrangement.
The Reception
For the evening reception, Traci and Justin wanted something warm and classic, yet clean and contemporary, so they decorated the mostly white room with pops of violet and eggplant.
The Centerpieces
To add visual impact, tables were topped with alternating centerpieces. Half were adorned with groupings of tall arrangements surrounded by candles.
The Centerpieces
The rest of the tables were dotted with large, low vases of flowers.
The Decor
The couple's sweetheart table was situated in front of the venue's mantle. The fireplace was decorated with orchid garlands that had decorated the chuppah during the ceremony.
The First Dance
The newlyweds swayed to "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers.
A Special Number
The bride and her dad danced to Paul Simon's "Father and Daughter" played by Creations Music.
The Cake
A four-tier confection, made by Scrumptions, was garnished with piped buttercream icing and fresh blooms. Bite-size desserts were also set on each table for munching after dinner.
The Favors
When it was time to go, guests swung by a dessert table where jars filled with saltwater taffy and some of the couple's favorite treats awaited. Monogrammed bags, labels, and decorative ribbons in the event's color palette added a pretty design element to the end of the evening.
Sources
Photography: Scott Andrew Studio
Location: Belle Mer
Planning, design, and coordination: Tracy Taylor Ward Design
Florist: Greenlion Design
Stationery: Paper With Benefits
Cake: Scrumptions
Music: Creations Music
Rentals: Rentals Unlimited
Videography: Armor & Martel
Hair and makeup: Jennie Kay Beauty