Mekenzie & Tyler’s OceanCliff Wedding

The Best Day Ever

This Springtime OceanCliff wedding was like something out of a magazine… with a vintage car, lush flower arrangements, and an adorable couple there was no shortage of pretty things for me to point my camera at. 😉 Their day began at one of my favorite getting ready locations in Newport, the Serrenity Inn. The girls had taken over the entire first floor while the boys hung out upstairs and enjoyed the fresh air on the deck.

Upon walking in I was immediately greeted by smiling faces and quickly caught on that today was going to be a P-A-R-T-Y! Mekenzie and her girls were dancing and singing along to their favorite tunes while they finished getting ready. I loved seeing our beautiful bride so full of joy and carefree, wedding day jitters were not a concern for Mekenzie, she knew it was going to be the best day ever… after all she was marrying her best friend.

Just before getting Mekenzie into her dress she shared a private moment with her bridesmaids, behind closed doors they gathered around her, saying a special blessing for her and sharing what they loved most about her. Mekenzie didn’t just have a bridal squad… she had a room full of life long friends, more like sisters. When it was time for her to get into her dress her bridesmaids left the room, leaving Mekenzie to get ready with her mom and sister. When we opened the door to reveal Mekenzie to her girls they gasped with delight. This reveal might be one of my all time favorites.

The First Look

Mekenzie and Tyler shared an intimate first look on the rocky outcrops of Brenton Point Park, with the waves crashing around them they saw each other for the first time that day, and it was absolutely perfect. Before leaving Brenton Point they hopped into a vintage car and were escorted to OceanCliff where we took a few more portraits with the car before the ceremony.

Ceremony and Reception at OceanCliff

The lawn at OceanCliff is the perfect location for an oceanfront outdoor ceremony. There was a refreshing breeze and the panoramic views of Newport harbor sat as a backdrop to the beautifully decorated pergola. The bride and groom exchanged their vows on the sunny lawn and smiled in appreciation as the grooms sister sang a special song for the newlyweds. The happy couple enjoyed cocktail hour with their guests on the patio outside the ballroom. Inside the existing beauty of the ballroom was enhanced with a pallet of creamy tones, and stately centerpieces.

The reception kicked off with a warm welcome of live music from Night Shift Entertainment and an epic bridal introduction when our bride and groom swept across the dance floor effortlessly into their first dance. The gorgeous cake by Sin Desserts looked almost too good to eat, but with the parent dances and the cake cutting complete it was finally time to hit the dance floor, the band kept the dance floor packed! Mekenzie and Tyler danced the night away, spending their first night as Mr and Mrs Gustafson laughing, smiling and filled with pure bliss.

Cheers to the talented vendor team that helped make this beautiful couples day such a success!

Venue: OceanCliff Hotel

Band: Night Shift Entertainment

Photography: Shannon Matos Photography

Video: Chris Walsh Productions

Makeup Artist: Aline Sarkis Beauty

Hair Artist: Studio Nine Beauty

Florist: Fleur Soiree

Cake Artist: Sin Deserts

Bridal Gown: Mikaella Bridal