Real wedding · Watch Hill, Rhode Island
Avery & Dan
Ocean House
A yellow hotel on the bluff, a floral arch, and sand in everyone's shoes
- Venue
- Ocean House
- Location
- Watch Hill, Rhode Island
- Setting
- Waterfront
- Photographs
- 24 selected
The morning started in matching floral robes, the bridesmaids crowded around Avery in a bright room while her gown came off the hanger. When she stepped out ready, the whole group of navy dresses went up in one cheer. Outside, a vintage black car waited in front of the big yellow facade of Ocean House, which is about as Watch Hill as a frame can get.
The ceremony faced the water from the lawn, under an arch of white drapes loaded with anemones, ranunculus and delphinium in every color. Guests wore kippot, the sea breeze kept tugging at the fabric, and when the kiss came the wedding party was already clapping. The walk back up the aisle was pure grin, bouquet swinging, and friends met them at the end with champagne raised.
Then everyone went down to the sand. A crowd of friends piled in for one loud group photo, and the two of them stayed on for a slow walk as the sun dropped behind the dunes. I barely had to direct anything, the evening light off the water did most of it. Under the tent, string lights, chairs lifted overhead and a white cake finished the night.
Getting ready
Floral robes, a big bright room and a bridal party that could not stay quiet.
Details
Ceremony
An ocean-facing lawn ceremony under a draped arch heavy with color.
Portraits
Beach portraits moved from soft blue evening light to a warm sunset glow behind the dunes.
Celebration
A string-lit tent where the chairs went up and the dance floor never cleared.
Planning a wedding like this?
At a bluff-top hotel like this, the beach below is the best portrait spot, so leave 20 to 30 minutes for the walk down and back near sunset. Lawn ceremonies facing the water are windy, so pin veils well and weigh down any draped arch. A tent with sidewalls ready is the smart rain plan on the shoreline.
