1. Real Weddings

An Indoor Wedding in Newport, RI

Ali was buying coffee at Starbucks when Matt asked her to join him at his table. After several hours of talking, they decided to move to Ali’s apartme

Ali was buying coffee at Starbucks when Matt asked her to join him at his table. After several hours of talking, they decided to move to Ali’s apartment to cook dinner. After eating, Matt invited her out for the night with him and his friends. From that point on, the two were inseparable, and two years later, Ali was already planning their wedding -- despite the tiny detail that Matt hadn’t actually proposed yet! The Bride Ali Roche, 28, an MBA student The Groom Matt Ellinger, 30, a graphic designer/freestyle ski coach The Date May 16 When the couple was visiting Newport, she insisted they stop at Castle Hill to meet with a wedding planner. After checking out a venue, Matt asked her to walk near the cliff on the property, which overlooked the waves. He proposed and, despite all of Ali’s planning, she was shocked!

Before the wedding, Ali visited the Boston Flower Exchange and picked out her blooms and then arranged them herself. For her bouquet, she chose peonies, stock, viburnums, and roses. The bunch was tied in ribbon and decorated with a family brooch.
Eight-page, pocket-sized programs were printed with an antique-gold ink and fuchsia border, coordinating with the save-the-dates and invitations. The tree design gave guests a peek at the ceremony, which included the couple planting a unity tree.
Ali and Matt spent six months brewing custom beer for their 200 guests to take home in personalized bottles. The beer labels included the couple’s tree motif and wedding date.
The couple took photos at the lighthouse at Castle Hill near the same spot where Matt proposed. Even on a cool, foggy day, the site made for a classic New England backdrop.
A soft, fabric ceiling, ornate chandeliers, and chiavari chairs provided a formal flair for the indoor reception space, which was made to feel like a tent.
Pink shawls -- a last-minute touch due to the colder weather -- added a burst of color to the bridesmaids’ full-length, champagne gowns by David Meister.