Every so often a wedding comes together with a vision so clear and so beautiful that it feels like a dream, and Hannah and Willy’s Newport wedding was exactly that. Think coastal chic with a whimsical, ethereal soul. A soft butter yellow palette, historic Newport Mansions, and a sunset ceremony at The Bohlin right on the water. This was Newport, Rhode Island at its most romantic. I’m Nicole Perfetuo of The Perfet Photo, and photographing this one on the coast was pure magic.
The Vision: Coastal Chic with a Whimsical Soul
Hannah and Willy wanted a day that felt classic and timeless, yet soft and dreamy in a way that reflected their own style. The visual heart of it all was that stunning butter yellow palette. Cose Bella Events helped shape the vision, and Rococo Floral brought it to life. Newport was the perfect backdrop, and the couple curated a seamless flow that let them soak in the very best of the coast.
A First Look at Elmhyrst
The day began at Elmhyrst, a historic estate home that offered a quiet, luxurious sanctuary for getting ready. It set the perfect tone. Calm, elegant, and intimate. It was here that Hannah and Willy shared a romantic first look before the celebration ahead. Starting the day in such a peaceful, beautiful setting made all the difference.
Portraits at the Newport Mansions
After the first look, the couple headed to The Elms, one of the iconic Newport Mansions, for wedding party and family portraits. The mansion’s grand architecture gave a regal contrast to the softness of the yellow gowns. Hannah’s bridesmaids wore a sophisticated soft yellow that felt fresh for September and glowed in the late-summer light. To lean into the whimsical theme, they carried delicate parasols, a charming nod to Newport’s Gilded Age.
Cliffside Portraits and a Sunset Ceremony
For their final couple’s portraits, Hannah and Willy moved to the rugged cliffs of Forty Steps. The crashing waves against their elevated fashion made for a cinematic, dramatic scene, captured beautifully from above by drone. From there, they headed to The Bohlin for a sunset ceremony, cocktail hour, and a high-energy reception right on the docks.
Elevated Florals and Coastal Details
The floral design by Rococo Floral was every bit as elevated as the setting. At The Bohlin, towering arrangements on pedestals were softened by romantic fabric draping that danced in the coastal breeze. Guests were welcomed by a timeless black and white sign accented with florals. And one of my favorite whimsical touches? A wooden sailboat whose sail doubled as the cocktail hour bar menu. On the tables, white, green, and toffee hydrangeas mixed with classic English roses atop patterned linens for a look that was luxurious and completely their own.
The Couple’s Best Advice
Hannah and Willy had wonderful advice for other couples. By completing their drone shots and mansion portraits before the ceremony, they felt completely present on the day. The transition from a dreamy morning at the estate to the fun, high-energy party at The Bohlin gave them the best of both worlds. High-fashion portraits and an uninterrupted celebration with the people they love. It’s advice I wish every couple would take.
Featured on Wedding Chicks
Hannah and Willy’s Newport wedding was so stunning that it was featured on Wedding Chicks. You can see even more from their butter yellow coastal celebration in the full feature on Wedding Chicks. I was thrilled to have my photography showcased alongside their story.
More Newport and Rhode Island Weddings
Newport is one of my very favorite places to photograph, and I’ve been lucky to capture some beautiful celebrations across the coast. If you love this one, you’ll want to see Caroline and Luke’s Castle Hill Inn wedding in Newport too. And for another timeless Rhode Island celebration, take a look at my Providence Public Library wedding.
The Dream Team Behind the Day
A Newport wedding this gorgeous comes together thanks to an incredible team of vendors. Here’s everyone who helped make Hannah and Willy’s coastal celebration unforgettable.
- Photographer: The Perfet Photo / @theperfetphoto
- Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Bohlin / @bohlinnewport
- Portrait Venue: Newport Mansions, The Elms / @newport.mansions
- Getting Ready & First Look: Elmhyrst / @elmhyrst
- Event Planning & Design: Cose Bella Events / @cosebellaevents
- Florist: Rococo Floral / @rococofloralco
- Cake & Catering: Wright’s Dairy Farm
- Wedding Dress: Alon Livne / @alonlivnewhite
- Videography: Amore Weddings Co. / @amoreweddingsco
- Hair & Makeup: Here for the Glam / @herefortheglam_ & Romina Hairstyles / @romina_hairstyles
- Lighting & Entertainment: Clockwork Entertainment / @clockwork.entertainment & Ryan Designs / @ryandesignsri
- Live Music: Golden Scroll Soloists / @goldenscrollsolosists
- Rentals: Peak Event Services / @peakeventservices
- Transportation: Viking Tours / @vikingtoursnewport
Dreaming of a Newport Wedding?
Are you planning a wedding at The Bohlin, the Newport Mansions, or anywhere along the Newport coast? I would love to hear all about it. As a Rhode Island and Boston wedding photographer, I’ve had the joy of capturing celebrations across the state, from the Newport shoreline to the Providence Public Library. I’m Nicole Perfetuo, the photographer behind The Perfet Photo. I’d be honored to capture your love story the way I captured Hannah and Willy’s. Get in touch here and let’s start planning.
