1. Real Weddings

A Rustic, Nautical Wedding at the Towers in Narragansett, Rhode Island

With a rustic, nautical theme in mind, Katelyn Angelo (25 and a nursing student) and Ryan Angelo (34 and a US Coast Guard helico

With a rustic, nautical theme in mind, Katelyn Angelo (25 and a nursing student) and Ryan Angelo (34 and a US Coast Guard helicopter pilot) knew that a wedding in a Rhode Island seaside town was a must. After visiting countless venues, the couple stumbled upon the Towers in Narragansett, Rhode Island, and were blown away by its history, architecture and old-world charm. “It just grooved with us,” Katelyn says. The day started with a ceremony at Point Judith Lighthouse, where the couple exchanged vows in front of the 19th-century structure, with miles of deep blue waves in the distance. Ryan and his groomsmen were dressed in their crisp white Coast Guard uniforms, perfect for the setting, while Katelyn’s bridesmaids channeled the day’s nautical theme in classic navy dresses. The reception at the Towers was a mixture of elegant, nautical and rustic styles, tables dressed in textured neutral-colored linens and boasting arrangements of cheery green hydrangeas and baby’s breath, all grown in Katelyn’s mother’s garden. Lanterns added a nautical note to the tablescapes, while birch rounds and gilded frames played up the theme’s rustic yet refined vibe. Blackstone Catering wined and dined guests before Katelyn and Ryan led everyone onto the dance floor. A tip from Katelyn: “Keep it simple. Let everyone know what you expect before your wedding day. My husband and I made a huge point to be present at our wedding. We had guests coming from all around the United States, and we wanted more than anything to get to spend time with them and make memories with our people.”

Katelyn wanted a gown that exuded sophistication and elegance and a beautiful lace mermaid-style number certainly filled the bill. To accentuate her waist and give her gown just a hint of glamour, she added a crystal-embellished belt. And as a finishing touch, she wore a pair of colorful crystal drop earrings.
Wanting the wedding’s nautical theme to have a slight rustic twist, Katelyn and Ryan incorporated elements like twine, birch wood and nontraditional blooms into the decor. Katelyn’s bouquet was made with flowers straight from her mother’s garden, including bright blue delphiniums, purple thistle and fresh green ferns, which introduced country charm to her elegant bridal look.
Katelyn had seven ladies standing by her side and wanted all of them to feel comfortable and confident in what they were wearing. She allowed the bridesmaids to choose their own dresses, asking only that they choose a style in a shade of navy blue to suit the day’s nautical theme.
Instead of traditional bunches of summer blooms, Katelyn had her bridesmaids carry bunches of pale purple lavender down the aisle. The twine-wrapped bouquets of fragrant flowers fit the wedding’s rustic undertone perfectly and matched the navy hue of the lace bridesmaid dresses.
Ceremony Processional at Point Judith Lighthouse
A historic property with turn-of-the-century charm, the Towers offered a stunning backdrop for Katelyn and Ryan’s wedding day. The day kicked off with a ceremony at Point Judith Lighthouse, only a few minutes away, exchanging vows against an expanse of lush green lawns and the bright blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Since Ryan is in the US Coast Guard, the location couldn't have been better.
Waterfront Photos at Point Judith Lighthouse
With a wedding in the seaside town of Narragansett, Rhode Island, Katelyn and Ryan knew a nautical theme would be perfect. Instead of taking things down a classic preppy route, the couple opted for a more rustic vibe, incorporating elements into the decor like dried lavender, wood slices and textured neutral-colored linens.
Instead of a traditional guest book, Katelyn and Ryan wanted something they could display in their home, serving as a daily reminder of the fun-filled event. The couple had their guests sign a framed mint-colored print of Rhode Island, accented with a heart to show the very spot where they said their “I dos.”
The couple kept things on the simple side when it came to the decor, not wanting to take away from the setting. The tables were dressed with textured, neutral-colored linens and topped with bright bunches of green hydrangeas and baby’s breath, arrangements that spoke to the day’s subtle, rustic vibe.
Engagement Ring With Floral Diamond Band
White Ruffled Buttercream Cake With Succulents
With many guests coming from out of town, it was important to Katelyn and Ryan to spend as much time with them as possible. While they decided against a first look, Lovely Valentine Photography made sure all their couple shots were taken in 45 minutes, so they would have plenty of time to enjoy the evening’s festivities.