Saturday’s blizzard wedding was on the coast of Newport, Rhode Island at Ocean Cliff Hotel. The pandemic caused Ashley and Alec to have to postpone their wedding celebration to January of 2022. However, they did get married last year, by sharing an intimate ceremony back at Ocean Cliff with just their parents and siblings. Needless to say, these two were ready for their big wedding day celebration to come! It was super unfortunate for them to get hit with a blizzard on their rescheduled date, but about 60+ guests came in the night before and stayed at the hotel, determined to give them the wedding celebration these two deserved. Despite some setbacks, their wedding was full of so much joy and all of the guests stayed warm inside the cozy hotel, with the fire burning.
They got ready separately, with their bridal party, before sharing a first look together. Ashley also shared a sweet first look with her father as well, which definitely brought tears to your eyes. They took portraits in the ballroom before the ceremony since the winds were way too strong to take any snowy pictures. Luckily the florals by Botanica Wedding Floral helped bring so much life to the ballroom and their photos. Everything looked absolutely beautiful! They got to mingle and really spend time with their guests during cocktail hour. Then their reception was filled with so many heartfelt moments, special dances, and fun. The Hora was probably the most epic part of the reception and of course, the DJ helped keep everyone on the dance floor the entire night!
Ashley and Alec met in college, back when they were at UCONN for their undergrad. They officially started dating in 2014 and have endured a whole lot together over the past 6 years; from going through Grad school, Alec being in the military, causing them to live in different states, countries, and time zones. It had been very challenging enduring a long-distance relationship for years, but they made it work and always put their relationship first. Especially in that season of life, they were very intentional about not taking one another for granted. Luckily, they’ve made really fun and memorable memories together whenever they did get to see one another; like eating ramen and sushi in Japan, going to the Monterrey Bay aquarium in CA, paddleboarding in Miami, and sky diving!
These two are adventurous, down-to-earth, intellectual, and a family-oriented couple. Alec admires how incredibly driven and future-oriented Ashley is. He loves how she can make herself laugh so hard she gets tears in her eyes. And in his own words, “She’s my ride or die – always ready for our next adventure.“ Alec is Ashley’s go-to for everything, he’s always there when she needs him and he really puts her first. She loves the way he loves his family and takes that very seriously. And of course, she can’t help but love how handsome he is. They enjoy hiking, binging shows on Netflix, eating at yummy restaurants, sharing a bottle of Tempranillo, and of course playing Mario Kart and chess together.
Alec did a good job surprising Ashley when it came time for their proposal. To throw her off, he kept expressing needing more time, as well as waiting for a later point in time when things were more settled anytime she would bring up an engagement. Little did she know, that was all part of his plan. They were home for the holidays, out at a waterfront restaurant in Mystic, CT, with both of their families and her three best friends. He calmly brought her outside by the water to take “family pictures,” where then he surprised her and got down on one knee. He knew she would say, “yes!” And the rest is history, these two have been married for just about a year now and are so excited to continue to build a future together.
It was evident by the smiles on all of the guest’s faces, how loved and happy everyone is for the beautiful couple. They have endured so much together already and without a doubt, everyone knows their love will withstand the test of time!
The beautiful details.
Ashley got ready with her bridesmaids and mother inside the bridal room at Ocean Cliff Hotel.
They of course had so much fun and had to celebrate together with champagne for making it to this day!
Ashley looked simply breath-taking in her dress, paired with the emerald green bridesmaids dresses.
After adding her gorgeous veil and bouquet, it was unbelievable how stunning she looked!
Every detail was stunning.
Then all of her ladies left the room so that she could have a private moment & first look with her dad. It was the sweetest, watching how emotional the two of them got when they saw one another.
Final touches before heading down to the stairwell where Alec was waiting for her for their First Look together.
Love the way they smiled at one another.
Then we headed into the ballroom, ceremony space to take portraits before the ceremony, due to the weather conditions outside.
Needless to say, the big windows and florals allowed their portraits to still be unbelievably beautiful!
Ashley, you are a dream!
Still can’t get over how perfect they look together.
Ashley and her bridesmaids looked so gorgeous. So in love with their dresses!
The groomsmen looked so sharp in their black tuxes.
Both of their families are the sweetest! It was so nice getting to see them again after the couple decided to still get married last year.
A private toast before the ceremony began.
Botanica Wedding Floral decorated the ceremony space so beautifully, it was unbelievable.
This moment gets me every time.
They exchanged vows, laughs, and renewed their commitment to one another in front of their guests who were able to make it. It was so beautiful and heartfelt.
Time for the celebration to begin!
The couple and all of their guests mingled by the fire or open bar, enjoying cocktail hour together.
So many beautiful touches. In love with the personalized, antique mirrors by Details & Swirls.
The ballroom was transformed into a gorgeous reception space, with florals, gold accents, candles, and emerald green touches that tied everything together.
Welcoming, Mr. and Mrs. Weiner! They went right into their first dance together.
Then they asked all of their guests and other couples to join them. It was so sweet!
Ashley’s father gave a heartwarming welcome speech.
And each of their Maid of Honor’s and Best Men gave speeches as well. They definitely had everyone laughing.
The couple got to enjoy so private moments together at their sweetheart table during dinner.
After dinner, they went into parent dances.
The father-daughter dance gets me every. single. time.
Alec’s bond with his mother is the sweetest! Loved watching them during their special dance.
Well, they of course ended up doing the Hora and it certainly was the highlight of the night!
The joy on everyone’s faces says it all! The rest of the night was spent with every single one of their guests dancing the night away.
Ashley was so happy that her ATL ladies could make it!
Truly an unforgettable night.
Ashley and Alec,
Thank you so much for allowing me the privilege and honor to document (again) such a special day in your lives! I’m so happy it was able to happen despite all of the setbacks – pandemic and snow blizzard (to name a few, haha). But you two handled it with grace and I know everyone who was able to make it was happy to have been there. Everything turned out perfectly and y’all looked so amazing!!! I adore you two and continue to pray so many blessings over your marriage!
Much joy,
Charity Hope
Vendors
Florals @botanicawedding
Antique mirror pieces @detailsandswirls
Gown @bridalgardenri
Venue @oceancliffnewport
MUA @makemeupri
Dj @djvicb07
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