Sheila’s dad is a retired Navy Captain so her family moved about every two years while she was growing up.  Born in Newport, she also lived all around the world but Newport was always home. Shiela sent us her lovely wedding photographed by Sara Zarrella Photography and sent us the following:

“Mike and I met during our senior year at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.  After a brief meeting in the fall semester at our Senior Ball, it wasn’t until Mike asked me out to lunch during finals in December that we really got a chance to talk.  We quickly realized we had a lot in common including our large Irish Catholic extended families and the fact that we are both the second oldest in our family each with two brothers and a sister. From that point on we grew close, but after graduation moved to separate cities where we each had jobs lined up (me to Boston, Mike to NYC).  After a year of traveling back and forth, Mike convinced me to move down to NYC (which wasn’t really a hard task since I was quite familiar with moving).

Newport was a constant in our relationship because my parents have lived there since I met Mike. We would visit a couple of times each year to see my family.  As a result of my family’s various moves and Navy upbringing, my siblings and I are spread out across the country (Boston, NYC, San Diego and Minneapolis).  We always enjoy our time in Newport especially when my siblings all make the trip back to spend time together.  Given the proximity to New York and Boston, it was a great choice for us and a fun opportunity to bring Mike’s family and our friends to Newport so they could enjoy all it has to offer as well.

We decided to invite nearly everyone in our large extended families which we knew would require a relatively large venue.  The Newport Yachting Center was our favorite because it was right downtown in the middle of everything which we felt would be perfect given that practically all our guests were traveling from out-of-town for the wedding.  Coming from a Navy family, being right on the water surrounded by boats was a plus too.  We loved the new Sperry tent that went up last year.  It is so elegant and creates a warm cozy setting.  We chose St. Lucy’s Church in Middletown for our ceremony since that is where my family attends mass and we just love Father John.  He is the sweetest man and we were so happy to have him marry us.  The reception entertainment was very important to us, especially Mike, while we were planning.  We were very fortunate to book Clockwork as our wedding band because they kept all our guests dancing the whole night.  Everyone had a blast!

I think our wedding day was so special for us because we were able to gather our immediate families, grandmothers, extended relatives and best friends all together in one place.  Given how large our families are and how far apart everyone lives, it was a once in a lifetime experience for us!

Photographer(s): Sara Zarrella Photography | Invitation/Paper Goods: Basic Invite | Bridal Gown designer and store purchased from: Romona Keveza purchased from Estee Bridal | Bridal Shoes:  Badgley Mischka purchased from Nordstrom | Bridal Veil:  purchased from Estee Bridal | Bridal Hair and Makeup: Bella Beauty Bridal | Grooms Outfit: Suit Supply | Bridesmaids Dresses designer and store purchased from:  Alfred Sung and Jenny Yoo purchased from Weddington Way | Bridesmaids Hair and Makeup: Bella Beauty Bridal | Groomsmen Outfits: Suit Supply | Florist: The Waters Edge Flowers | DJ/Band/Entertainment: Clockwork | Ceremony Officiate, music, and venue: St. Lucy’s Church | Reception Venue: The Bohlin at The Newport Yachting Center The Bohlin at The Newport Yachting Center | Event Rentals: Tent bistro lighting by Ryan Designs | Wedding Cake/Dessert: Scrumptions