Newport Destination Wedding | Belle Mer

This Chicago-based couple was drawn to Belle Mer’s modern and minimalist approach for their destination wedding, where the natural beachside beauty – and Longwood’s attention to detail – could shine.

At a Glace

  • Destination wedding | Modern “garden party” approach
  • Water salon | Organic indoor-outdoor transition
  • Raw bar with accent ice sculpture

This Chicago-based couple wanted to keep their wedding planning as simple as possible, which can be challenging when coordinating from almost 1,000 miles outside of their wedding destination of Newport, Rhode Island. That’s one of the reasons Laura and Justin chose Belle Mer, though. With Longwood’s vast experience, strong vendor connections, and unmatchable in-house catering headed by Chef David Blessing, they got to truly enjoy their last months as an engaged couple, and look forward to the magic moments ahead at Belle Mer’s unparalleled location nestled in quintessential New England beauty.

The Big Little Things

Creative Spaces

The sophisticated and simplistic atmosphere of the Water Salon – the largest un-tented, four-season event space in Newport – was what first lured Laura and Justin to Belle Mer. The clean and sheer whites of the Salon with a wall of glass doors boasting unobstructed views of the ocean wowed friends and family, and comfy-chic hangouts like round couches and rocking chairs helped the flawless indoor-outdoor transitions, encompassing the couple’s vision of a modern garden party vibe. Plus, the Salon’s refined design aesthetic allowed statement pieces – like the mermaid ice sculpture – to really stand out.

A Raw Bar with More

As self-proclaimed foodies, a memorable culinary experience was vital to Laura and Justin. Not just great food for a wedding, but the type of fare that could stand up to the best restaurants in the Newport (and Chicago) area – and Longwood’s Chef David Blessing delivered.  The night’s winning culinary touch was the raw bar during cocktail hour. Set up in the water salon with open nana walls, the fresh-caught oysters, clams, and shrimp were accompanied by the inspired mermaid ice sculpture that dazzled with the sunlight’s kiss and open ocean backdrop.

longwood venues belle mer levin lagrotta wedding

Help from Our Friends

Photos| Steve DePino | Guilford, CT

Video | Artistic Wedding Films | Newport, RI

Florals | Greenlion Design | Newport, RI

Band & DJ | Boston Common Band | Boston, MA

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