After a first meeting while in their college years at Bentley University, Kayla and Steve happened to meet up in years later when they both lived in NYC. All it took was one date for the couple to “go steady”. Their relationship eventually blossomed into an engagement and they started planning their Newport Wedding. The couple loved the City by the Sea’s convenient location and sea side charm. Plus, as they later found out, the bride’s grandparents met in Newport at the Hotel Viking at a Greek dance. Continuing on the family history, the couple choose Hotel Viking as their getting ready spot and captured some truly beautiful first look photos captured by Molly Anne Photography. Carrying on the festive fell that comes into Newport with the fall breezes, the couple choose rich reds and golds to decorate their wedding weekend.While looking for venues, Kaya first fell in love with Atlantic Resort Newport while on a girls weekend. Hesitant to book a venue that was not yet completed, the couple held off booking until the venue officially opened and by that point the Atlantic Resort was almost fully booked! The couple so loved the venue and trusted venue’s coordinator that they booked a date just 2.5 months out! From a 6-week turn around time for a bridal gown to booking the bride’s friend Molly Anne as a photographer, everything fell into place just in time for their big day.
In case you were wondering about the story of how the bride’s grandparents met at Hotel Viking… we have the grandfathers account of the moment he met his wife.
“How Yiayia (grandmother) and I met at the Viking Hotel”.
It was at the Ahepa District #7 that was held in late May 1952. Of course I drove to Newport with my cousin George Leaska. We stayed at the Viking. I met Yiayia at the Grand Ball. She knew the fellow that was with me who introduced her to me. I was dancing to the Tennessee Walz when I introduced Yiayia to a friend and while I was dancing my friend stole my darling from me while they were playing the Rhode Island Waltz. I thought that was funny. Anyway Tina (Yiayia) was my dancing partner that evening. We waltzed and did other dances while I think we knew we were meant to be together.”
Photographer(s): Molly Anne Photography | Getting Ready Location: Hotel Viking | Reception Venue: Atlantic Resort Newport | Invitation, signage, guest book, programs, and Snap-Chat filters: Miss Design Berry | Bridal Gown: Made with Love Bridal | Bridal Shoes: Vince Camuto | Bridal Veil: Made with Love Bridal | Bridal Jewelry: Kenneth Jay Lane | Hair and Makeup: New Leaf Hair Studio and Jennifer Viveiros Make Up | Grooms Outfit: My.suit custom tux | Bridesmaids Dresses: Adrianna Papell, BHLDN, Badgley Mischa, Show me Your Mumu, Davinci, David Meister | Florist: Michelle Jeanne Floral Design | DJ/Band/Entertainment: C-Zone Entertainment, DJ Mike Paganelli | Ceremony Officiate: Dr. John E. Afendoulis | Ceremony Venue: St. Spyridon Greek Church, Newport RI | Transportation: Rockstar Limo | Wedding Cake/Dessert: Mad Hatter Bakery – Additional assorted desserts done by Atlantic Resort Newport