Real Wedding: Katrina & TJ’s Newport Wedding

I was super excited to receive this adorable childhood sweetheart wedding from Armor and Martel Photography.  Chris Martel’s photography is amazing and he captured such a sweet wedding day with child sweethearts, Katrina and TJ in Newport, Rhode Island.  The wedding was held at the gorgeous OceanCliff Hotel right off the Narragansett Bay.  In addition to sharing some gorgegous photos from this wedding, Chris shared an awesome video he filmed of the couple just a few months before their wedding telling of their first 7th grade encounter. YES, they met in Junior High! Don’t miss it- the video is below.

It’s Friday and I know you’re already in weekend mode- so go ahead and take a few minutes to enjoy these breathtaking views, lovely wedding, and learn more about this sweet couple’s love tale.  I warn you though.  You might easily slip off into a deep daydreaming state of mind and not return. Chris Martel sure knows how to get us there!

From the bride: TJ and I are from Worcester, MA. We met when we were 12 years old in Junior High School. We went to school together until we graduated.  We are truly high school sweet hearts, sounds cliché but its true. We were best friends before we started dating, and remain best friends to this day.

We chose Newport because of its laid back and beautiful setting. We did not want a wedding in our home town because I have family traveling from out of town and I wanted a really great place for them so they could also vacation. We didn’t want a huge wedding which would have been the case if we stayed close to home. When we went to Newport to look (our first time there) we fell in love. Newport really describes our personality and it just worked!

There was also one thing that was done during the ceremony that we loved and so did our guests. Our officiant had all of our guests stand up and hold each others hands and then had our wedding party and parents touch our arm or back, this was a way to feel connected and our guests made a wish, a thought or even a prayer for us. Right after that she pronounced us Husband and wife, when we kissed it was great because everyone was close to us!

Also for the parent dances, TJ’s cousin sang for his dance with his mother, and I also added a special surprise dance with my mother.

We had wishing rocks that were on the guests seating card, they were to make a wish for us and place it in a jar. The rocks are now in my home on display.

We also had our guest sign vinyl records. Tj and I have an old record player and we love playing records. So my mom thought of the idea to have the guest sign those with a silver pen rather than a guest book. Its great, I now have them hanging in my living room on a large white canvas, it looks great.  Also for favors we made a donation to Boston Children’s Hospital on behalf of TJ’s cousin who at a very young age passed away there.

What challenges (if any) did you face while planning your destination wedding?

None, thank God.

What was the best thing about having a destination wedding? Share your best wedding weekend moment!

The best thing was that our family and friends had a mini vacation.  It was great most of our family was at the same hotel and the hotel had a pool so they pretty much had pool parties all weekend.  We have awesome friends and family and most of them know each other so it felt like a weekend long party.  The best wedding weekend moment was by far the WEDDING!

What is your best advice for other couples considering a destination wedding?

My destination wasn’t too far so It wasn’t too difficult. I would just say, let friends and family help you if they want to. You cant do it all yourself its too stressful. Find a location where they are willing to help you. Our Venue Ocean Cliff Hotel was great. They really took the pressure off of a lot of tasks.

I love hearing about the unique journey couples take to get to where they are today. And who doesn’t love a good childhood sweetheart story?  This is a cute video of the couple sharing their sweet love story of growing up together, falling in love, and finally the big proposal! Check it out…

Thanks again Armor and Martel Photography for sharing this wedding and congratulations to Katrina and TJ!

Couple: Katrina & TJ

Wedding Date: August 13, 2010

Destination Wedding Location: Newport, Rhode Island

Approximate Guest Size: 150

Ceremony and Reception Location: Ocean Cliff Hotel

Photographer: Armor & Martel / Videographer: Mike Picard / Dress: Sottero and Midgley ASM3278 / Cake: Cappucino’s – Middletown R / Flowers: Toni Chandler / Invites:  Hallmark / Hair: Elisha Kline from New Leaf Hair Salon / Makeup: Allison Barbera / Rings: Sachs Jewelers (Hearts on Fire collection) / Officiant: Rev. Lark d’Helen / Strings: Music Performance Service