Romantic Castle Hill Inn Newport Wedding

Weddings

Castle Hill Inn Spring Wedding in Newport, RI

Alayna and Jon’s wedding at Castle Hill Inn in Newport, RI exuded joy from start to finish! Alayna is one of the kindest, sweetest brides I’ve ever worked with. The connection between her and Jon was undeniable!

Neither Alayna nor Jon is from the Boston area. They both ended up in Chicago for work and met in an adult kickball league! They dated for a few years before Jon’s job brought him to Boston. A year later, Alayna joined him and they were engaged shortly after. By that time, Boston was home to them! With family all over the country, anywhere would have been a “destination wedding”. So, they decided to bring their family and friends to their new home region, New England!

Joyous Spring Newport, RI Wedding at Castle Hill Inn

Castle Hill Inn is a luxurious venue full of classic New England charm. Alayna and Jon each got ready at the Inn, Alayna in one of the beach cottages, and Jon in the Chalet Suite overlooking Narragansett Bay. Creating intentional time to pause and enjoy the day with their closest friends and family was a huge priority for Alayna and Jon. I really felt that intentionality starting with the getting ready portion of the day.

Alayna had lost her own mother but shares a very special connection with some other key women in her life — her sister and niece, her beloved aunt, and her soon-to-be mother-in-law. In their own times and ways, they each shared some special time with Alayna while she got ready for the day. It was impossible not to be moved by the love and connection they all share. After getting dressed, Alayna shared a heartfelt first look with her father.

Planning Your Wedding Photography Timeline

Alayna and Jon shared their first look at the Castle Hill Lighthouse, before beginning the first set of their portraits together. Jon is someone that really dislikes having his photo taken, so Alayna and I were very intentional about structuring the photo timeline. It is so important to share these preferences with your photographer and create a realistic photo timeline! Compromising with your partner will keep everyone relaxed and happy, and allow you to get the portraits you are hoping for! Check out my timeline planning tips here!

They then joined the wedding party and families on the Chalet Lawn for group portraits overlooking the water. It was an overcast day with a cool, April breeze. Most of their guests were from warmer climates and definitely a bit chilly, but the groups rallied to get the photos done for Alayna and Jon!

Castle Hill Inn, A Charming New England Venue

One of the absolute visual highlights of the day was the chuppah created by Sayles Livingston for the ceremony. It was covered in hues of pinks, neutrals, and greenery — truly a vision all on its own, but also a gorgeous centerpiece to the ceremony itself! As Alayna walked down the aisle with her father, Jon was glowing with adoration for her. He lit up in such a special way and focused completely on her the entire ceremony.

As cocktail hour began, I continued to feel that sense of community and celebratory comradery through the group. There were lots of happy hugs, festive cheers, and a continuation of that “just married glow” on the newlyweds.

Pink and White Spring Color Palette

The Chalet Terrace at Castle Hill Inn is naturally beautiful. It takes the tented wedding to the next level. Alayna’s vision came to life with spring pinks and neutral whites with greenery throughout the decor. It was soft and romantic with a touch of glam. As a nod to her late mother, butterfly place settings decorated the tables and helped guests to their seats.

From our first conversation, they noted that the format of the reception was very important to them. They had attended several weddings with long, drawn-out dinners and limited dance time. They worked alongside the catering and entertainment teams to structure the evening in a way that kept guests moving and didn’t linger on the formalities of the evening for too long. Alayna and Jon shared a first dance before the dance floor opened up for an initial set from the band. After dinner and toasts, the band kicked off once more, beginning with the hora!

Their family and friends celebrated with them on the dance floor for the rest of the evening! It was an honor to capture this incredible day from start to finish.