• Real Weddings

It can be especially difficult to compromise on your wedding plans when there are specific details you've been dreaming of your entire life. This bride always dreamed of a destination wedding in Italy, where her mother is from. When their dream Italian wedding fell through, these two didn't give up. They found the perfect place to evoke their original destination and kept moving forward full speed ahead.

Stoneblossom took this couple's vision for their wedding and ran with it, Veronica Joy Events executed and coordinated all details with all vendors and made sure the day ran perfectly. The florals by Stoneblossom added an aura of romance and whimsy to the entire affair, especially the hanging floral installations at the reception. Elizabeth Messina developed a great rapport with the couple and took some stunning candids throughout the day. To see more from this gorgeous wedding, check out the full gallery. Keep reading to hear more from the photographer, Elizabeth Messina, about this beautiful day. 

A DIFFICULT DECISION

Adriana and Jeff’s original plan was to get married in Italy, as it’s one of their favorite places in the world and it’s where Adriana’s mom grew up. When the pandemic hit, they were hopeful they would still be able to make it happen but, eventually, they had to make the difficult decision to change their plans. It was more important for them to have all their friends and family together for their wedding.
So, instead, they brought Italy to Newport, RI.

A LUXURIOUS MORNING 

Wedding planner Veronica Joy Events wanted to create pure European luxury fun throughout the whole event. To begin the day, Adriana got ready at The Chanler, a gorgeous European-esque hotel that overlooks the water and features refined lines, delicate details, and a palette of blues and creams with crystal. Her morning was spent surrounded by friends and loved ones, enjoying music while Jamal Tadros worked on her hair and Maria Riskakis did her makeup.

A PHOTOSHOOT AMONG FRIENDS

When award-winning photographer Elizabeth Messina arrived she captured Adriana getting ready. Adriana wore a Reem Acra gown, which featured beautiful lace and elegant lines that flowed perfectly with the European theme. The whole way through their shoot, Adriana felt as if she had known Elizabeth her whole life. Meanwhile, Jeff got ready at the OceanCliff Hotel. Jeff and his friends were photographed goofing around, laughing, and enjoying drinks together. It rained that morning, so the timeline was adjusted so that the couple could do their first look in the Chanler. When Adriana and Jeff first saw each other, sparks flew and their smiles seemed to literally light up the room. They listened to Drake and danced while they had photos done—it was as if they were simply hanging out in their living room, except they were dressed to the nines, of course.

A MAGICAL CEREMONY

Liz Norment of Have Lover Will Travel was the officiant. She had interviewed the couple and truly took the time to get to know them and their families, so the ceremony was thoughtfully customized—absolutely poetic and personal. Cocktail hour was on the lawn before the guests moved inside. Adriana worked with Veronica Joy Events, Stoneblossom, and Ryan Designs to completely transform the room. From the lace overlays on the tables to the pink florals hanging from the trellis and the chandeliers that lit the whole place up, the space was a romantic, magical oasis.

ALL THE LITTLE DETAILS

There were many intricate details that helped personalize the event even more. For example, instead of typical escort seating, guests’ names were on little bud vases which they brought to their seating and doubled as elegant decor. There were even custom sketch drawings of guests by Shhh My Darling on their tables. There was also an espresso martini cart to top off the night, perfect for all the Italians at the wedding. And of course, guests literally danced the night away, thanks to the band Hank Lane who kept them on their feet. All in all, the entire day was like an Italian dream, while also distinctly Adriana and Jeff—and they wouldn’t have had it any other way. 

• Band: Hank Lane - Steve Delsi Band
• Couple: Adriana
• Couple: Jeffrey
• Event Planning & Design: Veronica Joy Events
• Flowers: Stoneblossom
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Jamal Tadros
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Maria Riskakis
• Lighting, Entertainment & Photo Booth: Ryan Designs
• Officiants: Have Lover Will Travel
• Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Cheree Berry Paper
• Rentals: Peak Event Services
• Wedding Films: Elysium
• Wedding Photographers: Elizabeth Messina