From Katie and TJ’s rooftop proposal at Aloft Providence Downtown to a grand reception at Ballroom at the Providence G, here are some details on how to pull off a lavish black tie soiree in the city.
Photography by Mel Colvin Studios | @melcolvinstudios
TJ knew Katie well enough that a private proposal at the Aloft Rooftop in Providence was the perfect choice. After planning a “girls’ day” decoy with Katie’s best friend, Lauren, he booked the rooftop on a day it was closed and hired Mel Colvin Studios to capture the special moment. Everything was set until TJ broke his hand in a Jiu-Jitsu accident. But the show went on; when the time came, he dropped a card that read “1 > 7,000,000,000,” a nod to when Katie once told him he was her one among seven billion. “This is also for you,” he said, getting down on one knee and holding out the ring. Katie said yes without a second thought. After the proposal and some cocktails for a toast, they went to dinner followed by a surprise engagement party with some of their family and friends.
Inspired by their love for fashion, the couple envisioned a timeless, black-tie wedding. The elegant Ballroom at the Providence G was the first and only venue they toured, and it immediately felt right. The 4,800-square-foot space reflected the sophisticated aesthetic they desired and comfortably hosted their crowd of enthusiastic dancers. “We wanted our wedding to be a true reflection of who we are — not just as individuals, but as two families coming together,” says Katie. Guests enjoyed an Italian meal, a French song in memory of her grandmother, a Polish crystal cigar jar and an Irish bagpiper, all to honor Katie’s diverse heritage. TJ’s Cape Verdean roots came to life through the music that filled the dance floor.
One of Katie’s favorite details were the custom hat boxes made as their card box, an homage to her performing days in Cabaret at Bay View. “It was such a sentimental touch and a way for me to honor my choral teacher, Christine Kavanagh,” she says. The couple also had an audio guestbook so guests could leave voicemails instead of signatures. “You’ll always have someone’s signature, but you won’t always have their voice,” says Katie.
The bride advises all to “stay true to who you are.” Fun fact: After planning her wedding, she became a wedding planner. “Your wedding should reflect you as a couple and what is important to you. It should be uniquely you!”
The Details
Ceremony: St. Mary’s Parish, Bristol | Reception: Ballroom at the Providence G | Catering: Blackstone Caterers, Middletown | Cake: Ninth Cake | Ice Cream: Ben & Jerry’s | Hair: Hair by Alexandra Lee | Makeup: Joyce Alina Beauty | Jewelry: Baxter’s Fine Jewelry, Warwick (Bride’s wedding band); Etsy (Groom’s wedding band) | Bridal Attire: Kitty Chen Couture from Ve’Lace Bridal in Bellingham, MA (gown); Sherri Hill (reception dress) | Groom’s Attire: Aldo’s House of Formals, Cranston | Florals: In Bloom at Quality Fruitland, Seekonk, MA | Decor: Katie Tavares Events | Rentals: PEAK Events | Entertainment: St. Mary Academy Bay View Chamber Ensemble, with violinist Kelsey Foeller (ceremony); DJ Corey Young (reception) | Wedding Coordinator: Casey & Co. Events | Videographer: Backstory Wedding Films | Content Creator: The Social FRM