From the interactive wedding program to the VW photo booth bus, Vanessa and Jason sprinkled in elements of fun to enhance the guest experience.
Photography by Kim Lyn Photography // @kimlynphotography
The Meet Cute: Vanessa and Jason met as computer science majors at the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2019.
The Engagement: After Jason bought the engagement ring in 2022, he wasted no time. At home, Vanessa was in her pajamas when Jason asked her to dress nicely — mostly for the hidden camera capturing the moment. Vanessa refused to change out of her comfy attire, though she realized why he requested the outfit change when she walked into the kitchen to see him on one knee. Immediately the waterworks began as she shouted “Yes!” to her boyfriend of three years.
The Venue: Newport Beach House in Middletown matched their beachy theme of pearly accents and dusty shades of blue. “We really wanted a bright, modern venue that exuded romance, and Newport Beach House was just perfect,” Vanessa says.
The Guest Experience: The fun and interactive Newlywed Times wedding program contained a crossword puzzle about the new spouses and fun facts about the bridal party. Another showstopper was the decked-out VW bus photo booth. The VW bus from Long Beach Photo Bus had a trunk full of props and allowed guests to take creative photos to take home as a keepsake. The couple also incorporated their cat, Stewie, on their big day by placing his face on the cocktail napkins and signature drink sign.
The Outfit Change: Vanessa loves an active dance floor. Her reception look — a strapless mini dress elevated with a pearly bolero, hairstyle update and customized Converses — fit the occasion, allowing the bride to dance freely. Jason also took part in changing his shoes to match his wife. “Jason and I both love Converse sneakers,” says Vanessa. “When I learned that you could get customized wedding Converse sneakers, it was a no-brainer. Between my heels and his dress shoes, we were both very glad to be switching into something comfier to dance the night away in.”
The Highlights: The ceremony was one of the biggest highlights for Vanessa and Jason. Even as the cameras clicked away and all eyes were on them, they like the only people in the world. “If I could replay any moment of my life, it would be seeing his face for the first time as I walked down the aisle,” Vanessa says. The pair also enjoyed the five-tiered cupcake tower topped with a mini-cake for cutting; the desserts offered a variety of flavors and gorgeous buttercream flowers.
The Advice: “Don’t worry too much about making everything ‘perfect.’ At least one thing isn’t going to go 100 percent according to plan!” says Vanessa. “At the end of the day, it’s about you and the person you’re committing your life with. Everything else is just a bonus!”
The Details
Venue and Catering: Newport Beach House, Middletown | Cake and Desserts: Awesome Sweets, Pawtucket | Jewelry: Dareth Colburn | Hair and Makeup: Ali Lomazzo Beauty | Bridal Attire: Berta NYC | Groom’s Attire: The Modern Groom | Decor: String lights from Marx Entertainment | Photo Bus: Long Beach Photo Bus | Newspaper Wedding Programs: The Ceremony Club | Entertainment: (Ceremony) Vintage String; (reception) Elite Entertainment | Florals: Just Bloom’d Weddings, Sudbury, MA | Videographer: Move Mountains Co.
