After an unexpected health setback postponed their long-awaited wedding, the couple celebrated twice—first with an intimate ceremony, then with the seaside celebration they’d always dreamed of.
Photography by Therese Iacono | @thereseiaconophoto
The Meet Cute: Sam and Emily met in May 2019 at Roseland Park in Connecticut. Sam was acquainted with one of Emily’s friends and heard she had recently adopted a little dog. Not only was he in his last year of veterinary school, he also had a dog of his own. Emily’s friend passed along her phone number and they set up a date to walk their dogs together through the park.
The Engagement: In June 2022, the couple were at the beach in Narragansett, taking in a beautiful sunset with family. Wrapping his arms around Emily, Sam told her he loved her more every day. He reached into his back pocket only to find it empty. Luckily, his sister (who he’d asked to hold the ring) delivered it squarely into the palm of his hand. Sam got down on one knee and Emily enthusiastically agreed to the lovely question.
The Change of Plans: In March 2023, Emily’s health took a turn, which landed her in the hospital for a month during the time of the couple’s original wedding date. In April 2023, after canceling the wedding they’d planned for more than a year, they tied the knot in a small ceremony in Woodstock, CT. “We always wanted the bigger wedding we had initially planned, and having the ability to celebrate a second time with our extended family and friends was the biggest gift we could ask for. It has been a long road managing Emily’s health and we are incredibly grateful we were able to make a second ceremony happen,” says the couple.
The Venue: Emily’s family has a summer home in Narragansett, where vacations are tradition. Sam and Emily greatly admire the historical architecture of The Towers and fell in love with the ocean view after touring the venue. “Our colors were inspired by the sea, sun and sky,” the couple says, and thankfully for them, they had beautiful summer weather to match.
The First Look: Sam was blindfolded the whole trolley ride to the ceremony, which built the anticipation for the big moment. When Emily removed the blindfold, Sam had a huge smile on his face. “As my eyes adjusted to the light and I finally saw her, I felt a profound rush of awe, gratitude and love,” he says.
The Vibe: The couple incorporated some historic and old-fashioned elements into the style of wedding dress, the ceremony inside historic South Ferry Church and riding in a 1966 Pontiac LeMans. A graphic designer by trade, Emily wanted to personalize a retro-style wedding favor that was fun and functional. The theme for the florals was romantic pastel, which FiftyFlowers’ soft and elegant Enchanted Garden package exuded perfectly.
The Advice: “Expect the unexpected, and if something doesn’t go according to plan, just roll with it,” says the couple. “Also, wait until the officiant says you can kiss the bride!” Sam adds.
The Details
Ceremony: South Ferry Church, Saunderstown | Venue: The Towers, Narragansett | Catering: Keane’s Wood-Fired Catering, Warwick | Cake: Celebrated Bakery | Hair: Hair by Holly Michele, Cranston | Makeup: Make Me Up, Cranston | Bridal Attire: Alexandra’s Boutique, Fall River, MA | Groom’s Attire: Generation Tux | Florals: FiftyFlowers | Entertainment: Daley’s DJ Service – DJ Colt Foley | Transportation: Newport Travel Trolley Tours, LLC, Newport