Nestled in the heart of Bristol, Rhode Island, amidst the tranquil embrace of nature, lies the enchanting Blithewold Mansion. Once a summer retreat for the illustrious Van Wickle family, this architectural marvel stands as a testament to the opulence of the Gilded Age. Today, its sprawling lawns, majestic gardens, and grand terrace offer the perfect backdrop for couples seeking a wedding venue that exudes timeless elegance and natural beauty.

Recently, I had the privilege of capturing a wedding shoot at Blithewold Mansion that epitomized the essence of a Gilded Age meets fairytale romance. Inspired by the luxurious ambiance of the wedding venue itself, my vision was to weave together elements of grandeur, sophistication, and ethereal charm to create a day that would be forever etched in the memory of our couple.

At the heart of our look were the soft hues and elegant details that characterize our classic Blithewold wedding. Drawing upon a palette of white, blush, green, and pops of coral, the vendors and I sought to harmonize with the natural tones of the surroundings, infusing the ambiance with a sense of romance and grace.

The bride, radiant in her Marigold gown designed by Giovanna Alessandro and provided by I Do Weddings in Boston, MA, was the epitome of ethereal beauty. The fit and flare silhouette, adorned with intricate beadwork and flowing tulle, exuded an air of refined luxury that perfectly complemented the grandeur of Blithewold Mansion. Her look was completed with a loose romantic updo from Hair, heart & soul, which is conveniently located a mere ten minutes from the venue, and soft glowing makeup from Makeup your Mind makeup therapy, a high-end makeup artist from Rhode Island.

Adding to the splendor of her ensemble was the bride’s ivory cathedral-length veil and blush Emmaline sheer pumps from Bella Belle shoes. And the last finishing touch, a pear-shaped diamond ring, a dazzling creation from Baxter’s Fine Jewelry. Nestled upon her finger, this exquisite piece of jewelry sparkled in the sunlight, a symbol of enduring love and commitment to her love of five years.

Not to be outdone, the groom cut a striking figure in his tuxedos from Aldo’s House of Formals. Pulling off an outfit switch from a classic lightweight jacket with a white and green boutonniere for the daytime festivities to a sumptuous velvet jacket with a blush rose boutonniere for the evening soirée, his sartorial choices exuded sophistication and style, mirroring the timeless elegance of the wedding venue. Who says that only brides can have multiple outfits?

As the sun bathed the grounds of Blithewold Mansion in a golden hue, the florals provided by Stoneblossom Floral and Event Design, a well-renowned florist, added a touch of soft romance to the proceedings. Two exquisite bouquets, resplendent with white, green, blush, and coral hues, captured the essence of springtime beauty and sophistication. The delicate fragrance of fresh lilacs mingled with the subtle scent of garden roses, creating an olfactory symphony that enchanted all who beheld it.

One of my favorite personal touches was the wedding invitation suite, serving as a timeless memento of the occasion. Featuring a watercolor rendering of Blithewold Mansion as the envelope liner, each invitation was crafted with handmade paper and adorned with wax seals bearing floral motifs—an homage to Blithewold Mansion’s enchanting flower gardens. Every detail, from the torn edges of the paper to the color of the envelopes, was meticulously chosen to reflect the elegance and romance of the occasion.

As day turned to evening and the setting sun turned the sky into a lovely pink hue, Blithewold Mansion transformed into a scene straight out of a fairytale. The grandeur of the architecture, the beauty of nature, and the warmth of love converged to create a moment that transcended time—a celebration of timeless romance amidst the splendor of the Gilded Age.

In the end, it was not just a wedding shoot but a testament to the enduring power of love—a love that, like Blithewold Mansion itself, stands the test of time, glorious and everlasting. And as our groom carried his bride across the sprawling lawn, with a sunset over Narragansett Bay behind them and surrounded by the fragrance of blossoms, they knew that their love story was just beginning—a story that would unfold in the pages of history, forever intertwined with the legacy of Blithewold Mansion.

You can find out more about our vendors here:

Venue: Blithewold Mansion

Dress: I Do Weddings

Tux: Aldo’s House of Formals

Hair: Hair, heart & soul

Makeup: Makeup your mind makeup therapy

Flowers: Stone Blossom Floral & Event Design

Ring: Baxter’s Fine Jewelry

Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes

Earrings: Everything Bride

Invitations: Dubay Photography