A Classic-Chic Wedding at Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island

When you marry at St. Mary’s Church Newport, where John F. and Jackie Kennedy wed, a classic celebration is in order. “I am a sucker for a traditional wedding,” Vanessa says. She and Franklin (Frankie) planned a timeless seaside reception at Belle Mer, filling the clean space with white flowers, silver frames and lots of glass to create a sophisticated mood. “I was afraid to look back at our photos in 30 years and wonder what were we thinking,” Vanessa says. “We thought, less is more.” The understated palette kept the focus on the newlyweds and the sweeping views of Narragansett Bay. 

Vanessa and Frankie released doves after the ceremony at St. Mary’s Church Newport.  Once the newlyweds arrived at the reception, they rolled right into their first dance to “You & I (Nobody in the World),” by John Legend. Orchids, calla lilies and hydrangeas decorated tables. Large mirrors, with names printed on vinyl, directed everyone to their tables for a dinner of filet mignon and cod with crabmeat stuffing. Guests took in the sunset during cocktail hour, sipping dark-and-stormys and grazing on mini lobster rolls and mac-and-cheese balls. Fire pits drew them outside later that night.The couple’s new shared initial, in crystal, topped layers of chocolate, lemon-raspberry and Grand Marnier cake.