Anna and Alec’s wedding at Belle Mer was an elegant blend of personal warmth and coastal sophistication — a day where intentional details met heartfelt hospitality.
Their celebration was inspired by two of their favorite places: the mountains and the beach. The floral design beautifully captured this balance with a palette of soft blue, peach, and burnt orange, reflecting both the serene coastal tones and the richness of early autumn. Burnt orange linens and light blue accents set a cozy yet refined tone, while florals draped from staircases and adorned tables in lush, natural arrangements that felt both fresh and timeless.
A defining detail of their day was their love for artisanal charcuterie. Guests were welcomed with curated boards — a nod to the couple’s favorite way to gather around food — and later treated to mini personalized boards before a scenic boat tour around Newport Harbor. The intimate blend of good food, meaningful touches, and stunning seaside views created a sense of warmth and gratitude that carried through the evening.
At the reception, handwritten notes from Anna and Alec were tucked behind each guest’s menu, a touching expression of appreciation that made every person feel seen and celebrated. It was a day rich in love, intentionality, and connection — the perfect reflection of a couple who value shared moments above all else.
“We tried to express our gratitude for each person through handwritten notes on each guest’s menu.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
We first met in college PE class freshman year! Note – Alec literally took the wind out of Anna when she was placed as goalie and he was on the opposing team. Hence a friendship started when Alec would apologize every time he saw Anna on campus for the next week. We were friends throughout college, including study abroad together, but didn’t kindle a dating relationship until 2 years out of college. I guess we realized the feelings we had for each other but took some time to admit it! We started dating long distance (Chicago to LA) before both moving to San Francisco together in 2018.
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
We live Baltimore and make the drive up to Rhode Island / Jamestown frequently each summer to spend time with Anna’s family. The week before our wedding, we were anxiously but excitedly making the drive up with the wedding dress, tux, and the family cats (who were going to stay with Anna’s parents during the honeymoon) all in tow. We got pulled over for going slightly over. But when the cop saw all of the wedding stuff and the cats he laughed a little, smiled, and sent us on our way with just a warning. Good start to the week!
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
Anna’s mother’s side of the family has a heirloom pin (small brooch) that has been passed down many generations. Each woman in the family has worn it on their wedding day, pinned to a part of their wedding dress. It was special to have Anna’s mom pin it on the inside of her dress the morning they were all getting ready.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
The people! I know its cliche but it truly was amazing to be surrounded by the people who have loved us and supported us throughout many stages of life. We tried to express our gratitude for each person through handwritten notes on each guest’s menu. We also talked with Felisha our photographer before the wedding about how capturing photos of the guests, not just us, was important to us. She did an amazing job, and it was so heartwarming being able to re-live our wedding day through the photos that resulted.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
Being a good friend to each other is the best basis for a relationship 🙂 It comes with respect and humility!
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
One thing we tried to do throughout the wedding day was stick together during the reception and “mingling”. We knew going into the day that it would easy to be pulled in different directions, different conversations, but we actively tried to navigate the day as a team and stay by each other’s sides. That helped make it about us, about our love, and make the day something we truly remembered as our day together. We would recommend doing so for any couple! But also acknowledge it takes effort 🙂
Photographer / Felisha Lees Photography / @felishaleesphotography
Planning & Design / AMC Weddings / @amc.weddings
Venue / Belle Mer / @longwoodvenuesanddesitinations
Florals / The Secret Garden / @thesecretgardenri
Entertainment / Luke Sent Entertainment / @lukesent
Entertainment / Allegro Chamber Players
Signage / Something Borrowed Event Décor / @somethingborrowedeventdecor
Hair & Makeup / Bella Beauty Bridal / @bellabeautybridal
Cake / Confectionery Designs / @confectionerydesigns
Charcuterie / The Perfect Parcel / @the.perfectparcel
Transportation / Rockstar Limo / @rockstar_limo
Transportation / Conanicut Marine Services, Inc.
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
NO COMMENT