Destination Weddings

Oceancliff Newport Wedding: Ashley & John

Newport Weddings

Ashley & John’s Oceancliff Newport Wedding

Invitation suite, bridal shoes and peach florals before an Oceancliff Newport wedding

Bride and bridesmaids getting ready in matching pink robes

Bride in a robe reading a letter beside her gown at Oceancliff Newport

Bride getting ready with her bridesmaids and peach bouquets

Smiling bride beneath her veil before her Oceancliff Newport wedding

Black and white portrait of the bride looking over her shoulder

Bride hugging her father in a navy suit, a handwritten note, and her father and bride sharing a quiet moment with a bouquet

Bride in a beaded gown with a peach bouquet, and bridesmaids in champagne dresses laughing and gathering around her

Groom in a navy vest and suit getting dressed, pink tie details and a boutonniere, and sunglasses portraits on a leather sofa

Groomsmen in navy suits and pink ties standing around a trolley bus, with shots of them riding inside the trolley

Groom standing alone near a stone lighthouse at Oceancliff Newport, plus details of his blue suit, brown shoes and navy tie

Couple's first look beside a white picket fence on the water, ending in a kiss with the bride's veil trailing behind her

Close shot of the groom in a blue suit holding the bride's peach, orange and white bouquet, plus kissing frames by the water

Wedding party in navy suits and blush dresses lined up on a waterfront terrace, and the couple smiling together

Bridesmaids in blush dresses lined up with bouquets, then gathered around the bride, and the bride spreading her long veil

Bride resting her head on the groom's shoulder in a blue suit, in a close portrait and three similar vertical frames

Wedding party standing tiny on a rocky ledge against a pale sky, and the couple kissing in a vertical portrait

Couple kissing on a flat gray rock shelf beside a rocky shoreline, the bride's long veil trailing behind her

Groom in a blue suit by a hedge and hydrangeas, then waving and waiting at the ceremony, and the bride leaving a stone house

Bride in a low-back lace gown and long veil walking down the grass aisle on her father's arm, with guests applauding

Vows under a peach and white floral arch with an officiant in a blue dress, a hug, and the wedding party watching

Outdoor ceremony on a lawn with a floral arch, guests on white chairs, and the couple at a signing table

Couple kissing under a floral arch, and walking back up the grass aisle past cheering guests as newlyweds

Couple posed under a floral arch with both sets of parents, in one large group shot and several smaller family portraits

Couple with the wedding party and family under a floral arch, with parents in navy and gray in smaller group frames

Reception details: a white mobile bar van with flowers and a mirror sign, floral arrangements, an easel sign, place settings

Groom kissing the bride's cheek as she hugs him with a bouquet, a big laugh, and smaller portraits by the water

Reception room with long tables, gold chairs and tall floral centerpieces, plus a menu card and chandelier with greenery

Bride's veil blowing in a close portrait with the groom, and the bridesmaids and groomsmen walking on the rocks

Reception room with a vaulted ceiling and set tables, a monogram napkin, white cake with orange flowers and champagne glasses

Couple entering the reception with bridesmaids and groomsmen cheering, and the groom dipping the bride in their first dance

Reception toasts: the groom, family and friends speaking at microphones, with a hug, applause and the couple raising a glass

Couple cutting and feeding each other cake under hanging greenery, and black and white hugs and dancing with relatives

Band with a saxophone player and guests dancing at the reception, with the bride hugging family and friends in a lively crowd

Couple kissing and dancing on a dark lawn at night, in a vertical portrait and a wider frame with a lit stone house

Ashley and John’s love story began in Kindergarten, where they quickly formed a deep bond that would last a lifetime. John surprised Ashley with a vintage locket on her birthday in first grade, a symbol of their enduring connection even at a young age. Fast forward twenty-four years later, John proposed at the very school where their journey began, solidifying their commitment to each other. Here’s a look back at their Oceancliff Newport wedding.

Planning Priorities: Personalized Ceremony and Ultimate Dance Party

For Ashley and John, the most important aspects of their wedding planning were ensuring a deeply personal ceremony and an epic dance-filled celebration. They worked closely with their officiant to craft a ceremony speech that captured their unique essence and shared story. Additionally, they aimed to create a lively reception where their friends and family could dance the night away, just as they love to host joyful gatherings themselves.

The Wedding Theme: Whimsical and Dreamy

With a rich history and a love story that spanned decades, Ashley and John infused their wedding theme with whimsy and romance. The decor and ambiance reflected their personal journey, from customized signs highlighting special moments to incorporating sentimental treasures like a treasure chest covered in pictures from their high school days.

Planning your own Oceancliff wedding? A few things I’d suggest: the ceremony lawn sits right above the water, so an open floral arch frames the view without blocking it. Newport can turn foggy, and even on a grey day the rocky shoreline makes dramatic portraits, so bring a pair of flat shoes for walking out on the rocks. The white railings along the water are an easy spot for bridal party photos between the ceremony and cocktail hour. Inside, the reception room has a high white ceiling and plenty of windows, so light, airy florals suit it beautifully.

Favorite Wedding Memories

Ashley and John hold many cherished memories from their wedding day, but a few stand out above the rest. The intimate moment of reading their heartfelt vows to each other before the ceremony was incredibly special. Another unforgettable memory was John’s playful and charismatic entrance down the aisle, setting a joyful tone that resonated throughout the ceremony. Their interactive bridal party added to the genuine and authentic atmosphere, creating a true celebration of love and friendship.

When Ashley and John reflect on their wedding day and envision sharing it with their future children, they describe it as absolutely magical and filled with overwhelming love. Every moment was infused with genuine emotion and joy, from heartfelt tears to spontaneous kisses during the ceremony. Their love for each other was palpable and set the stage for a lifetime of happiness together.

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About Vanessa

Weaving together moments of intimacy and grandeur to create alluring, romantic, and moving portraits.

Vanessa Joy is a highly sought-after wedding photographer known for her stunning imagery and artistic vision. She is internationally recognized for her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to her craft. From elegantly composed photographs to a seamless blending of timeless sophistication and modern flair, Vanessa Joy's work has captivated audiences worldwide. 

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