Melissa and Ari’s Castle Hill Inn wedding was a magnificent blend of cultural traditions, a stunning venue, and the perfect weather to bid farewell to summer. Their journey together, their shared interests, and the love that blossomed during unique circumstances culminated in a celebration that was both personal and elegant.
Meeting and Bonding: A Journey Through Uncertain Times
Melissa and Ari met while pursuing their MBAs and quickly formed a bond. Their relationship deepened during the COVID-19 lockdowns, as they spent an extended amount of time together in close quarters. While many couples found this period to be challenging, Melissa and Ari emerged stronger, learning more about each other and forging a lasting connection.
The Perfect End-of-Summer Wedding Day
The setting of this Castle Hill Inn wedding couldn’t have been more ideal. The late-summer weather was flawless—cloudless skies and a balmy 80 degrees, perfectly encapsulating the magic of an end-of-summer celebration. Castle Hill Inn, one of Newport’s most prestigious venues, provided a stunning backdrop for their wedding.
The historical charm of Castle Hill Inn, which was built in 1875 as a summer home for Harvard naturalist Alexander Agassiz, added a timeless quality to the event. The inn’s position on a 40-acre private peninsula, with sweeping views of Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, offered the couple and their guests breathtaking scenery throughout the day.
Grace Kelly Beach: A First Look to Remember
Melissa and Ari chose the iconic Grace Kelly Beach for their first look. The beach, named after the famous actress who frequented Castle Hill Inn during the filming of High Society, is a secluded and intimate spot. The significance of this location only added to the emotion of the moment as they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day.
Standing together at Grace Kelly Beach, with the ocean stretching out behind them, they shared a private moment filled with anticipation and joy. It was a quiet yet powerful start to a day filled with love, laughter, and celebration.
A Ceremony of Tradition and Culture
Melissa and Ari’s ceremony was a beautiful fusion of their Jewish and Chinese heritages, each tradition adding layers of meaning to their vows. Under the Huppah, the couple honored Jewish wedding traditions, such as the seven circles and the ceremonial wine drinking. These ancient rituals symbolize the binding of their lives and the love they share.
Incorporating Chinese culture, the wedding decor included delicate blue-and-white china that housed the floral arrangements throughout the venue. The addition of Chinese lanterns above the dance floor provided a warm, inviting glow as the sun set over the inn.
Lion Dancers: A Reception Like No Other
The reception kicked off with a burst of energy as traditional lion dancers took the floor. Lion dancing is a deeply rooted tradition in Chinese culture, symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and driving away evil spirits. The dancers, in their vibrant costumes, captivated the guests with their lively performance, which culminated in the symbolic consumption of red envelopes (Hongbao) for luck.
The lion dancers brought an unforgettable element of excitement to the reception, setting the tone for the evening’s festivities. Melissa and Ari’s guests cheered as the lions performed intricate movements, eating the red envelopes passed out by the couple, a gesture that carries significant meaning in Chinese culture.
The Venue’s Timeless Beauty
Castle Hill Inn itself played a pivotal role in creating the enchanting atmosphere of Melissa and Ari’s wedding. The sailcloth tent, set up on the inn’s expansive lawns, provided an elegant space for the reception. Guests enjoyed the sweeping views of Narragansett Bay as they mingled during cocktail hour, with the inn’s staff serving expertly crafted drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
The tent was decorated with understated luxury—soft lighting, floral arrangements in blue-and-white vases, and the delicate glow of lanterns overhead. Castle Hill’s famous Adirondack chairs lined the lawn, allowing guests to relax and soak in the views during the quieter moments of the evening.
For Melissa and Ari, the venue represented everything they had envisioned for their wedding: elegance, history, and a connection to nature. Castle Hill Inn’s historical charm, coupled with its modern amenities, made for a setting that was as grand as it was intimate.
A Day to Remember
As the night drew to a close, Melissa and Ari reflected on the journey that had led them to this day. Their Castle Hill Inn wedding had been everything they had hoped for and more—filled with love, laughter, and meaningful moments that they and their guests would cherish for years to come.
The combination of their personal story, the stunning venue, and the seamless integration of their cultural traditions made this wedding truly one of a kind. Melissa and Ari’s end-of-summer celebration was a testament to their love and the bright future that lies ahead for them.
Melissa and Ari’s wedding is a perfect example of how Castle Hill Inn can bring your wedding dreams to life. Whether you’re drawn to the stunning views, the historical charm, or the exceptional service, Castle Hill Inn provides an unmatched setting for your special day.
If you’re envisioning your own wedding at Castle Hill Inn, I’d love to help capture those unforgettable moments. Contact me today to learn more about how we can work together to make your wedding day as special as Melissa and Ari’s. Let’s create something timeless together.
