Dana & Mark's Newport, Rhode Island Wedding at Salve Regina & The Astors' Beechwood Mansion

This Newport Wedding Planner is so excited about today's feature wedding- Dana & Mark's Newport, Rhode Island Wedding!  

The Snap! ladies ROCKED it again- thank for sharing Dana and Marks amazing wedding photos- we can't wait to see them all!!

Raina Dawn Events felt honored to not only be Dana & Mark's wedding planner-

 we also worked closely with them on all of their wedding invitations and reception pieces

 using our retail invitation line from the fabulous Haute Papier!

Dana's stunning Monique Lhuillier wedding dress...hanging so peacefully.

Paul and his team from Broadway Florist of Newport- you outdid yourself!  

I love white bridal bouquets- so pretty...

Mike Cyr of Buzz Media- what my vendors won't do for the best angle and shot...

can't wait to see the video-Mike you ROCK!

Ready for the bride!

Our groom... running around The Pearls getting ready!

So dapper!

The girls!  Such pretty bridesmaids & loved the green for Lauren, Dana's sister, the MOH!

Gorgeous!

The team at work- all cameras on the bride!

Now me at work : ) getting my bride in her dress...

using a must have crochet needle to get all those little satin covered buttons!

Dana & her amazing mother- a big high five as they are ready to head to the ceremony!

pretty...

Always love the traditional tux- can't go wrong- think James Bond!

Maybe one of my all time favorite shots... 

and I have to give it up to the groom who had the concept for this shot- yes it was ALL Mark!

This Animal House inspired photo ROCKS!!!

Dana's brother sees her for the first time- so sweet!

Some beautiful shots of the bride before the ceremony...

Off they go to the trolley...

A stunning location at Salve Regina, where Dana & Mark went to school and are college sweethearts...

I love this shot as Dana walks up to see Mark for the first time...

I mean the photo says it all...  :)

a special moment...

the bridal party...

what a great looking group!

the first portrait... happy & gorgeous!

an action shot of the happy couple...

love this bridal party- what an awesome shot... super stylish!!

Salve Regina, the home they met at : )

Inside the home- I mean how stunning is this room 

& of course my bride & groom in it...  timeless!

As Trish was Snapping this shot (no pun intended : )

I exclaimed- this is amazing... 

the sky and grass match the bridesmaids dresses and all the colors of their wedding!

It was hot out there, but you couldn't get a more beautiful Newport day... perfect!

another gorgeous portrait!

the rings on the alter

Dana & mom peering into Salve Regina Our Lady of Mercy Chapel, as the last of their guests arrive...

waiting for their moment...

patiently waiting to walk down the aisle... it's all in the details

Dana & the Mother-of-the-Bride's walk down the aisle!

Her sister gently adjusting her veil... as Dana and Mark walk up to the alter and Dana lights a candle in memory of her father... 

it was an emotional and beautiful moment...

This was a very special ceremony especially because it is the second wedding ceremony to ever take place at the brand new Salve Regina Our Lady of Mercy Chapel! 

On that note, I now know all of the ins and outs of orchestrating a ceremony here... 

there were a number of logistics to make sure it was all orchestrated perfectly.  

I worked closely with the sister in charge and between the two of us 

it of course went off without a hitch!

I will say I now know what works and what doesn't at this chapel...

 feel free to contact me if you are one of those lucky couples getting married here- 

I have some really good and important tips!! : )  

BTW I loved Dana's cathedral length mantilla veil... they are exchanging rings!!

WHOO HOO- they are married!!

Trish said this best!  : )

"The chapel is so beautiful and bright, and new smelling. I told Mark how lovely the natural light was and he said just wait until 4:30, there is a giant sun streak that comes right on to the alter. He was not kidding! Of course it was right on Dana, the only one in white. She asked if she was sun burned after the wedding, she was cooking! I'm going to put in a request to frost those windows..."

Mr. & Mrs. !!!

Off to the reception at The Astors' Beechwood Mansion! 

So sad to think that this will be my last wedding at this stunning property 

now that it has been sold to a private owner they will no longer be hosting weddings here- 

Dana & Mark were one of the last lucky ones to grace this estate as bride & groom! 

breathtaking...

More Raina Dawn Events retail line from Haute Papier... 

we custom designed the color on all the pieces to match her colors perfectly- 

there were matching menu cards, escort cards...

the cake... the details... something blue...

the home...

Dana so excited as we reveal the ballroom to her! : )

Love how the chartreuse table linens with the gold china, stemware and flatware pulled in all the colors... it truly complemented the room and it looked stunning - WOW!!!

Broadway Florist and Rentals Unlimited

Dana and Mark having lived in Newport during college at Salve Regina 

personalized their wedding with so many little touches... 

including naming all the tables after their favorite streets in Newport, RI... 

all 20 tables had these beautiful matching street name cards!

delicious and pretty- thanks to Cappuccinos Bakery!

Magical!

Ethereal!

Paul at Broadway, you pulled it all together beautifully of course... 

like you always say Paul- think of it like this is your home and you are having your friends and family over to your home to entertain them...well that is what it felt like-

I am sure they wouldn't mind if this was their home- well it was for that night! : )

My bride Dana- relaxed, so happy & ready for the party!!

This shot really feels like she does live here... : )

Blackstone Catering delicious cuisine was fabulous as usual!

Another awesome personal touch... and a BIG SURPRISE from the bride to her groom!!

This was under wraps!  

Always Mark's favorite, especially in their college days... 

Dana couldn't wait to surprise him with the Dell's Lemonade Cart!! 

And yes it was spiked with vodka : )

poor Trish figured that out before I could let her know when she downed (on a very hot day)

 what she thought was a icy cold glass of lemonade, to her surprise it was spiked! : )

Yes, that's me, my clipboard serves multiple purposes- now serving as a tray 

-making sure my bride & groom are fed and tasting all of their delicious hors devours!

Let's get the party started!!

first dance...

the biggest smiles!!

outside for a few more pics while the sun isn't hot overhead...pretty!

relaxed and enjoying every moment...

by the way those are cuff links Dana gave Mark in the morning as a wedding day gift : )

so cute... Dana not so sure if she is cutting is right... 

BTW how cute is her reception headband- LOVE!

The Knights rocked it out and EVERYONE was on that dance floor all night long- 

what a party! what an awesome group!!

that's what I'm talking about!! : )

it is like they live here and are happy to see you : )

enough pics...back to the party!

Dana and Mark - thank you again for having me be a part of such a special time and day in your lives. 

 You both are blessed with amazing family and friends who adore you both- and I am so lucky to now call you my friends!  

Congratulations and can't wait to hear all about Anguilla!! ; )

To a long, healthy and happy life together!

xo Raina Dawn Events

Thanks to the amazing team of vendors that made this day so special!

Photography: Snap!

Wedding Planner & Event Design: Raina Dawn Events
Florist: Broadway Florists
Caterer: Blackstone
Reception Venue: Astors Beechwood
Videographer: Buzz Media Company
Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Hair and Make-up: Leah Rust/La La Luxe Salon
Bridesmaids Dresses: Priscilla of Boston
Cake: Cappucinos
Invitations/Programs: Raina Dawn Events/Haute Papier
Band: The Knights
Trolley: Vikng Tours of Newport
Lodging: The Pearls
Ceremony: Salve Regina Chapel