Before the Champagne & Ink Blog was born, a very special couple got married; this weekend marks their one-year anniversary and we're so thrilled to finally share their amazing wedding day. Chuck and Ashley have been close friends of ours for many years. Chuck grew up with our guys, running through backyards, playing WWE, and digging up dirt piles. We’ve had the pleasure of watching Chuck and Ashley meet, fall in love, and journey to their wedding day. They are both incredibly kind, funny and a perfect match for each other. When they asked us to help them with their wedding we were honored to be able to play a part in their story. They of course knew we were gearing up to launch Champagne & Ink to the public a few months later, and they happily offered to be our first official C&I couple.

When we scheduled our first meeting with Ashley, we had our list of questions prepared and a few notes on things to remind her about, but somehow we forgot that Ashley is a go-getter. She came prepared with photos, lists, and websites marked of the things she liked and the things she wanted to incorporate into their wedding. She had already picked her colors, lined up a venue, hired a photographer, bought a dress and shoes, her invitations were printed and she and Chuck had already done a good amount of DIY projects. Yet, she still felt like she needed a hand, a creative eye to bring all of her elements together for an overall look. We had a great collaborative vibe with her; she had a strong vision and knew what direction she wanted for the larger elements, making it easy for us to fill in with details, and other things she had not considered.

We followed up her invitations with an additional info card to compliment the original design and then continued it into her day of paper. We created a special 'Thank You' to her guests that were set at each chair, custom wine labels for her bridesmaids, table numbers, guest place cards, and Instagram hashtag signs.

One of our favorite pieces from that day was the custom arbor for the ceremony. We had an idea of how we wanted it to look, the only preference Ashley and Chuck had was that it did not compete with the natural backdrop of 1st Beach. We took a few trips to fabric and hardware stores and found the perfect fabric and just the right stain to make the arbor come to life. Carlone’s Florist created two beautiful sprays for the corners and the finished piece was just as we had envisioned.

Ashley and Chuck have great taste, and it's no surprise that they chose photographer Joe Laurin to capture their day. The images are stunning, and the intimate beach ones are some of our favorites (the lift? AMAZING). We love Joe for his ability to simultaneously capture a couple's love for each other and that incredible glowing light.

Chuck and Ashley’s love is effortless and we wanted their wedding to reflect that. We opted to keep things simple, clean and elegant in the welcome area and ballroom with bright whites, pink and navy. We hand painted a pink ombre pennant for the ‘Cards’ greenhouse and found just the right color pink pearlized beads for her guest place cards display. We gifted them custom cocktail napkins, a favorite decor item that got slashed in early budget meetings. On the tables, we adorned her Mason jar centerpieces with a thick white lace wrap covered in a blush pink satin ribbon. Carlone’s Florist filled in with gorgeous pink and white blooms to offset the navy 'Thank You' cards.

Ashley & Chuck, we're so happy that you have found each other, and on your one-year anniversary we wish you a lifetime of adventures, practical jokes, romance and happiness.

Our words are strong and our hearts are kind.
Let me tell you exactly what's on my mind.
You are the best thing.
You are the best thing, baby.
The best thing that's ever happened to me.
-Ray Lamontagne

Also In: Newport Life Magazine

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Atlantic Beach House | Newport, RI Wedding