OceanCliff wedding in Newport Rhode Island

Weddings

Rachel and Phil’s OceanCliff wedding in Newport Rhode Island, was the perfect continuation of the timeless, personal aesthetic of their engagement session last summer. Set against a dreamy Gilded Age backdrop and infused with heartfelt traditions, their celebration was a beautiful blend of elegant styling, joyful energy, and meaningful moments. Every detail – both big and small – reflected their love and intentional approach to the day.

Newport Rhode Island wedding at Oceancliff Hotel

Their wedding day festivities began at the Newport Marriott, where both Rachel and Phil got ready (and where they had also hosted their welcome party the night before). While Phil and his groomsmen shared relaxed laughs and suited up, Rachel and her bridesmaids enjoyed a fun, relaxing morning of glam. Naturally, their beloved pup Daisy – viral TikTok star and certified scene-stealer – was there getting pampered with Rachel.

Once at OceanCliff, Rachel slipped into her breathtaking Mark Ingram gown with the help of her bridesmaids, mom, and mother-in-law. With its ruffle accents, detachable sleeves, and flowing Toni Federici veil, the gown gave her the romantic, Bridgerton-esque look she envisioned. She looked every bit a vision, one that felt perfectly at home in the historic elegance of OceanCliff Hotel.

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a client with a clear vision and Rachel knew exactly what she wanted. After her first look with Phil (and a few sweet portraits with Daisy, of course), we made our way to capture her “must-have” image: a striking portrait with OceanCliff’s iconic tower as the backdrop. With a little teamwork and a minor wall climb, we got the shot – dramatic, editorial, and uniquely hers. I’m not supposed to play favorites but it may just be my favorite frame of the entire day.

Phil also had a clear vision for his portraits, wanting Narragansett Bay in the background as a nod to his love for the water. The sunny skies made for striking groom and groomsmen shots full of crisp contrast and classic Newport charm.

Wedding ceremony with Jewish traditions

Rachel and Phil’s ceremony took place inside the OceanCliff ballroom, with Narragansett Bay just beyond the windows and romantic florals by Be Grow Co enveloping the chuppah in soft spring hues. In a beautiful tribute to their Jewish heritage, they included several meaningful traditions – from the ketubah signing and circling each other seven times, to the joyful breaking of the glass. It was heartfelt, reverent, and undeniably them.

Oceancliff Hotel wedding reception in Newport Rhode Island

The reception was held in the same ballroom as their ceremony, now transformed with pastel florals, coastal-inspired table accents, and the palpable energy of celebration. Rachel and Phil entered to cheers, a champagne tower, and shared heartfelt toasts with loved ones. As soon as they cut the cake, they took part in one of the most spirited horas I’ve ever witnessed!

Later in the night, Rachel changed into an adorable second dress – perfect for dancing. Upon re-entering the ballroom, the band surprised everyone with a personalized version of “Stacy’s Mom,” reimagined as “Daisy’s Mom.” It was a moment of light-hearted fun that had the entire room laughing, singing, and dancing!

Gilded-Age inspired wedding in Newport

Rachel and Phil’s wedding day was the perfect mix of history, style, and deeply personal touches. From honoring their traditions to letting Daisy play a supporting role, they crafted a day that was elegant, heartfelt, and so uniquely them.

If you’re planning a Newport wedding that blends old-world charm with personal flair, OceanCliff is a truly magical setting and I’d be honored to help you bring your vision to life.