An Intimate Newport Wedding at a Historic Waterfront Venue

Back in 2011, Jackie DeHoney befriended a coworker, who thought she'd be a good match with her brother, Alejandro Makarem. They were introduced at the sister's birthday party to great success. The connection was immediate, and Jackie and Ale have been together ever since. Four years later, the New York City-based couple (she's the head of buying and planning at Scotch & Soda, and he's a web developer at Amazon), took the next step, when Ale surprised Jackie on their beloved rooftop garden. On the way up, he gave her a letter about a stage of their lives together and the importance it held for him on each stair landing. When they finally arrived at the top, there were flowers on the table, quite a scene was set, and he popped the question.

And so, about a year after, on September 10, 2016, it was time for another special setting and significant milestone. The couple chose Newport, Rhode Island, for the destination wedding, as Jackie's parents have a vacation home there and the pair has come to love the locale. Wanting to share the area with their guests, they specifically chose Fort Adams because of its history and charm, and the space in which they could host their reception. With a moody Scandinavian aesthetic, they made the day their own, blending the old and the new, his culture and hers, and surrounding themselves with loved ones (just 80 guests) for a wedding they'll never forget. The soft neutral color palette stemmed from a Leslie Weaver painting the bride had spotted, making the day all the more personal too.

Libby Tipton designed and calligraphed the bespoke stationery suite, which incorporated copper ink and vintage postage. The suite merged two equally strong elements—bold typography and understated watercolor foliage, as well as a map of Newport, including the historic gilded-age mansions adorning the seascape and some other noteworthy sights.

The bride and groom first saw each other a couple hours before the ceremony, inside the fort walls. They then took portraits throughout the space—including a location first discovered by the bride when she attended the Newport Folk Festival the July prior. "they are my favorite photos from the wedding," Jackie says of these photos taken before the ceremony.

Jackie opted for separates—creating something totally unique in the process. First she found an Alexandra Grecco tulle skirt, and then the mission to nail down the perfect top to pair it with began. While on a shopping trip with her sister, Jackie tried on a Sarah Seven sequined silk top, and her sister suggested she remove the sleeves. With that, the ensemble was set, and so was a plan to try to rewear the sparkly top again on her first anniversary. There was a bit more sparkle, thanks to her crystal earrings and bracelet by Ben-Amun.

Ale donned a navy tuxedo with a black bow tie and studs from Suitsupply.

Playing up the Scandinavian design loved by the bride, Forêt Design Studio balanced that clean look with moody dark pops in the florals throughout the day, including the bridal bouquet, which boasted locally-raised dahlias, hellebores, japonica, garden roses, anemones, chocolate cosmos, and clematis.

Jackie showed her maid-of-honor and bridesmaids the image that inspired the colors for the wedding's designed and asked them to choose a dress in light pink, light green, gray, or navy blue. "My friends and sister have great style, so I knew that they would choose something beautiful," Jackie says.

Ale selected a slim yellow gold band with squared edges from In God We Trust while Jackie's platinum Satomi Kawakita ring features diamonds throughout. On the wedding day, they were transported in the box Ale used when he popped the question with a vintage engagement ring for Jackie.

The custom arch was covered by Forêt Design Studio with trailing clematis and crab apple branches for a simple, seasonal New England vibe. The ceremony was set on a grassy lawn outside of the fort's walls, and just before it began, the fog rolled in. "It added such a beautiful element to the wedding," Jackie says.

The setting of the historic American town, gave the Venezuelan guests a true introduction to a beloved spot of the couple's and the country from which Jackie hails.

Boats passed by as Jackie and Ale became husband and wife, in a service led by a close friend. The bride and groom each selected a poem to be read by the maid-of-honor and best man, 1920s French music played by a band provided the soundtrack, the couple exchanged vows they'd written themselves, bringing a very personal element to the wedding.

Due to the intimate guest list, the bride loves that she felt so comfortable speaking their vows in front of loved ones. "Although the moment was shared with them, we felt like we were alone in a way," she says. "Telling each other how much we love and appreciate one another, while making each other laugh. It was such a great feeling."

The couple and their attendants posed for a photo by the water. As for the guest star that photo bombed—the old ship pulled up with perfect timing, it was as if it was staged.

During cocktail hour, guests were invited to write well wishes to the couple, which they'd open on future anniversaries.

Navy blue escort cards calligraphed by Libby Tipton in copper ink were set out on a table designed in a "still life" aesthetic, with golden pears, black grapes, crab apples, begonia leaves, and seasonal blooms spilled from aged vintage serveware to provide a scenic landscape.

A lush garland of agonis, assorted eucalyptus, and dark foliage dressed up the bar, which served up two signature cocktails—a beet margarita (it's a drink the couple always makes for their friends) and a cocktail called the "fields of gold," which is a spin on a classic whiskey sour.

After cocktail hour, everyone moved to the casemates of Fort Adams for a seated dinner, at one long row of tables. Gray taper candles ended up complementing the serendipitous evening fog, and add a warm glow to the space.

The navy paper and copper ink combination appeared once more—this time as place cards atop each setting. Taupe linens, gold-and-black flatware, and three glasses, including a coupe for bubbly, surrounded the plates, which were topped with a menu in the same design as the invitation. It outlined the meal, which began with an heirloom tomato and burrata salad, and continued with the choice of a 13-spice flank steak or pan-seared bronzino.

Local dahlias, distant drum roses, japonica, and autumnal clematis came together in the centerpieces.

The newlyweds' chairs got special attention, thanks to kale, pampas grass, and japonica clustered together.

After their introduction, the couple took to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. They chose Hector Lavoe's "La Murga," which they had a choreographed dance for—a salsa routine as a nod to the groom's culture. It was a surprise for all, and the groom's family was touched at the song selection and dance style.

The plan was to split the playlist in half and play some Latin songs and some American tunes, but everyone was having so much fun that they kept the Latin music going throughout the night. Being that the groom hails from Venezuela, they also incorporated the hora loca (crazy hour), and had a cat theme thanks to props brought by a bridesmaid. It was a natural way of incorporating the couple's beloved pet into the celebration.

An impromptu limbo broke out, as guests saw how low they could go under the glow sticks that were connected to form a "bar." A conga line followed, with everyone snaking their way through the space, outside, and then back in.

One of the bride's best friends made the cake, as he is a hobbyist baker. The duo came up with a flavor combination of chocolate devil's food cake with whipped dark chocolate ganache, and vanilla sponge cake with lemon cream filling—all enrobed with vanilla Swiss buttercream. The two-tier confection was topped with fresh flowers and a sweet ending to a wonderful celebration.

Photography, Cambria Grace Photography

Location, Fort Adams

Event planning, L. Brook Events

Catering, Gourmet Galley

Flowers and Lounge rentals, Forêt Design Studio

Stationery and Calligraphy, Libby Tipton

Music, Sounds Buono

Rentals, borrowed BLU; La Tavola Fine Linen; Peak Event Services

Bride's ensemble, Sarah Seven top, Alexandra Grecco skirt

Hair and Makeup, Leather and Lace Artistry

Groom's suit, Suitsupply

Lighting, Newport Tent Company

Transportation, Rockstar Limo