Wedding Recap: Liz & Jeff Lansiti Tie the Knot with High Minded Events
Sam and Claire’s Dream Wedding at One of the Top Wedding Venues in Newport, Rhode Island
We’re always drawn to weddings in breathtaking locations, so when we came across Sam and Claire’s celebration at one of the top wedding venues in Newport, Rhode Island, we knew it had to be featured on Bespoke Bride. To get the full story behind these stunning images, we caught up with Sarah from Sarah Surette Photography, the talent behind the lens. Dive into their love story, soak up the gorgeous details, and don’t miss our insider picks for the best wedding venues in Newport, Rhode Island at the end!
Sarah Surette Photography
Sarah Surette Photography
Sarah Surette Photography
“Sam and Claire’s wedding at The Atlantic Resort in Newport, Rhode Island, was an absolute dream. From the stunning location to the heartfelt moments and fun surprises, their day was a perfect reflection of their love story.
A Love Story 7 Years in the Making
Sam and Claire’s relationship began at the University of Rhode Island, where they met during Sam’s senior year and Claire’s freshman year. Fast forward seven years, and their love has only grown stronger. Thoughtfulness defines their relationship. When they planned to get engaged in 2022, they held off to avoid overlapping with other friends’ weddings and events. Ultimately, Sam orchestrated the sweetest proposal—with some behind-the-scenes help from his sister—to give Claire her dream moment.
Sarah Surette Photography
Sarah Surette Photography
Sarah Surette Photography
Sarah Surette Photography
Sarah Surette Photography
Sam’s sister convinced Claire to get her nails done for their dress-fitting appointment. Kind of weird but Claire made one anyway. After getting her nails done Claire ate some nachos, which made her belly hurt, she knew they would. She reluctantly agreed to a hot, 90-degree walk afterward with Sam, complaining the whole time unsure why he wanted her to go on a walk with him so badly. Little did she know, Sam planned to propose during that walk. Despite Claire’s dramatic complaints about the heat, the moment was pure surprise when Sam popped the question.
Morning Prep: Taylor Swift and Handmade Details
The morning of Claire’s wedding was a celebration all on its own. Surrounded by her bridesmaids, she sang and danced to Taylor Swift classics while getting ready. Claire even brought back the nostalgia with an old bottle of Taylor Swift’s Wonderstruck perfume that we included in her detailed photos. As a nod to her love for Taylor, her stepmom created a custom reception dress adorned with 22 flowers, inspired by the song “22,” and embroidered with “Love Story 9.6.24” on the inside.
Sarah Surette Photography
Sarah Surette Photography
Sarah Surette Photography
A First Look at Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge
Claire and Sam’s first look took place at Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge, the same spot where we shot their engagement photos. Despite being sick and going to the ER the night before, Sam showed up with his whole heart, ready to marry the love of his life. Their emotional first look had everyone teary-eyed. Afterward, we captured some gorgeous portraits, taking full advantage of the Refuge’s natural beauty.
We headed back to the Atlantic Resort where they got married outside on the lawn under the white pergola adorned with gorgeous florals by The Dirt Empress.
Sarah Surette Photography
Sarah Surette Photography
Sarah Surette Photography
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a gorgeous cocktail hour on the lawn while we photographed golden hour husband and wife portraits. The light was dreamy, and the love between Claire and Sam radiated in every shot. These are some of my favorite wedding portraits I’ve ever taken—the combination of perfect lighting and their undeniable connection made for pure magic.
Sarah Surette Photography
Sarah Surette Photography
Sarah Surette Photography
The Atlantic Resort: Elegance with a Sparkle
The Atlantic Resort’s upper ballroom provided a stunning setting for their reception. With its incredible window light and sparkling ceiling, the space perfectly complemented the bright and airy aesthetic Claire and Sam envisioned. Funny enough, the couple realized during their venue tour that they’d attended a college formal together in the lower ballroom years ago—talk about meant to be!
Claire and her dad also poured their creativity into the seating chart, which they handmade together. Claire even framed some of the old friendship bracelets she’d given Sam over the years, weaving sentimental touches throughout the day.
Claire and Sam’s reception was a party to remember. DJ Alex Brown Entertainment kept the energy high, playing everything from Taylor Swift’s hits to “Hot to Go” by Chappell Roan—the perfect cue for Claire to debut her special reception dress. The dance floor was packed all night with friends and family celebrating this incredible couple.”
Sarah Surette Photography
The Vendors:
Photographer: Sarah Surette Photography / website
Florist: The Dirt Empress / Website
Hair & Makeup: Ali Lomazzo Beauty / Website
DJ and Photobooth: DJ Alex Brown Entertainment / Website
Videographer: Zach Levenson
2nd Photographer: Victoria George / Website
Our Top Favorite Wedding Venues in Newport, Rhode Island
If there’s one place that knows how to do weddings with class, it’s Newport. Grand mansions, oceanfront estates, and historic landmarks—it’s a dream backdrop for any couple looking for a luxurious celebration. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of attending and covering some breathtaking weddings in this coastal gem, and I’m spilling the details on the absolute best wedding venues in Newport, Rhode Island. Let’s start with the one you just saw—Wyndham Newport at The Atlantic Resort, a breathtaking venue. Now, let’s explore the others…
The Chanler at Cliff Walk – Intimate Luxury by the Ocean
If you’re after that perfect blend of exclusivity and elegance, The Chanler is it. Perched right on the Cliff Walk, this boutique hotel feels like something out of a Gatsby novel—ornate, intimate, and oozing old-world charm. I once covered a wedding here where the bride and groom exchanged vows on the lawn with the Atlantic crashing behind them. The guests? Sipping champagne like royalty under a tented reception with twinkling chandeliers. The downside? It’s not the biggest venue, so if you’re planning a grand affair, you might need to trim the guest list. But honestly, that’s part of its charm.
Watch this video of a lovely wedding at The Chanler at Cliff Walk:
Rosecliff Mansion – A Gilded Age Dream
If you’ve ever fantasized about getting married in a place that looks straight out of The Great Gatsby, Rosecliff is your spot. This 19th-century mansion, with its sweeping ballroom and heart-stopping ocean views, is pure magic. I once attended a wedding here where the bride made her grand entrance down the iconic marble staircase—every guest went silent, and for a moment, it felt like we were in a classic Hollywood film. The trade-off? It comes with a steep rental fee, and you’ll need to bring in all your own vendors. But for couples who want jaw-dropping elegance, there’s simply no comparison.
Watch this video of a wedding at Rosecliff Mansion:
Castle Hill Inn – Sunset Perfection
Castle Hill Inn is where coastal romance meets laid-back luxury. Sitting on a private peninsula, this venue offers one of the best sunset views in Newport. I once interviewed a couple who chose Castle Hill because they wanted a relaxed yet elegant wedding. The groom told me, “We wanted something that felt effortless, but still luxurious,” and Castle Hill delivered. Guests dined on lobster tails, the bride’s veil danced in the salty breeze, and when the sun set, the whole sky turned pink. One downside? The unpredictability of coastal weather, but trust me—it’s worth the gamble.
Watch this video of a wedding at Castle Hill Inn:
Belle Mer – Modern, Chic, and Oceanfront
For couples who love clean lines and a modern aesthetic, Belle Mer is a dream. This venue is all white—white walls, white drapery, white flowers—and it lets the ocean views steal the show. A friend of mine had her wedding here, and she wanted everything minimal but luxurious. No frilly decor, just sleek candlelit tables, oversized floral arrangements, and a black-tie dress code. The open-air lawn is perfect for sunset ceremonies, and the reception space is just as stunning. Downsides? It’s pricey, and the blank canvas means you’ll need a solid vision for decor. But if you love modern elegance, it’s unbeatable.
Watch this video to get a glimpse;
OceanCliff – A Castle Overlooking the Sea
For couples who want their wedding to feel like a fairytale, OceanCliff delivers. This historic estate sits high on a cliff, giving you insane panoramic views of Narragansett Bay. I attended a wedding here where the couple arrived in a vintage Rolls-Royce, and it felt like stepping into a royal wedding. The reception took place in the grand ballroom, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and candlelit tables. The only con? The venue’s popularity means you’ll need to book well in advance. But if you can snag a date, it’s worth every penny.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
Newport is stacked with incredible venues, but these are the ones that truly stand out. Whether you’re drawn to historic mansions, oceanfront estates, or boutique luxury, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. If you’re currently venue-hunting, start by deciding what vibe you want—grand and opulent, modern and chic, or relaxed and intimate. No matter what, one thing’s for sure: wedding venues in Newport, Rhode Island, will never disappoint.
Sources:
- Preservation Society of Newport County: https://www.newportmansions.org/
- Belle Mer: https://longwoodvenues.com/venues/belle-mer/
- OceanCliff: https://www.newportexperience.com/oceancliff-weddings
