I can’t say enough about the Michaels. From our first chat on the phone (where I feel like I was squealing on the inside, and quite possibly it was on the outside!) after hearing how excited they were to marry each other with the love and support of their friends and family at one of the most beautiful venues in Newport… Castle Hill..(!) I just couldn’t wait to see how it all unfolded. How dashing they would look in their tuxes. How they would so tenderly look into each others’ eyes as they exchanged vows. How loudly they would be belting out Mariah Carey songs on the dance floor as they danced the night away with one another! In the end, despite the spotty weather (that proved to just be a little psych-out!) we had the most glorious day together and I got some of the most amazing images of my Michaels. So happy. So glow-y. So in love! Thank you for having me for the day with you all, it was a magical day!! XOXO
‘Our wedding day could not have been more perfect, or more us. Cocktails, good food, family and friends, dancing – these are our favorite things. Where better to experience it all and delight our guests than Castle Hill? Beyond Castle Hill’s reputation, we share so many memories at this venue, including our engagement, so we knew this was where we wanted to marry one another. Everything about Castle Hill exceeded our expectations, and we hope it did for our guest, too..
We wouldn’t have changed a thing leading up to our ceremony, besides perhaps a few meltdowns over the weather (Michael G!!!) which only resulted in gorgeous photos and two-wheeling on a golf cart to find shelter. It was nothing a consoling glass of Vueve couldn’t fix! The skies cleared to the most beautiful sunset and it set the tone for what would become the greatest experience of our lives.
In hindsight, our favorite experience from the day was the cocktail hour which started with a cosmo at the end of the aisle. Being with our family and friends at that moment was important to us, and we did just that. It brought us into the rest of the night with more food, champagne, and even some dancing to Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You, which happen to be another favorite of the night. Perhaps the second greatest moment was a Defying Gravity sing-along where Michael Grabo, the more shy groom, was hoisted into the air and performed a Tony Award-winning solo to the song. We were surrounded by so much energy and love from our closest friends and family – we’ve never been so happy.
Carla is incredible. No one can see and capture the world so purely, so artistically and emotionally through a lens. We saw this in her portfolio long before we booked her for our wedding, and she exceeded our expectations at our own wedding. Working with Carla during the process was fun and simple (her staff is wonderful too (Ryan!)), and her energy during the day was contagious. She said “&%$#@ you guys are so hot” enough to make us feel sexier than Bradley Cooper! We had so much, she captured it all beautifully, and now we can remember it all through her photographs.’
Venue: Castle Hill, Newport Rhode Island
Videographer: Sean McVeigh
Band: Night Rythm
Florist: Golden Gate Studios
Grooms’ Attire: Ludlow Tuxedo from J Crew; Allen Edmonds ‘Park Avenue’ Oxford Shoes
Tent Decor: (White Draping & Crystal Chandeliers) – Exquisite Events
All I can say is i love you two so much. What an amazing day with two amazing people. Thank you both for giving me the happiest day of my life.
I love when I visit your blog, I find something real. This is beautiful. The Michaels seem like sweethearts and their wedding looked absolutely gorgeous.