Sammy + Frankie's

Elegant Newport Wedding at Rosecliff Mansion by Contagious Events

While researching venues for Sammy and Frankie's wedding day, we knew exactly what we were looking for: timeless elegance, but not too stuffy. We set out looking for a wedding venue with lots of character, and we knew a Rosecliff Mansion wedding would be the perfect choice! This beautiful mansion is located in Newport, Rhode Island, and it has been the setting for many glamorous events over the years. The ballroom is classic in style, with beautiful chandeliers and marble floors. It was the perfect backdrop for Sammy and Frankie's romantic wedding ceremony!

Sammy and Frankie's wedding day was filled with fun surprises, thoughtful details, and the most romantic, classic wedding design set the scene for their guests to enjoy an evening of celebration.

Groom and groomsmen in tuxedos posing outdoors at Rosecliff Mansion, showcasing a classic wedding style with lush greenery and elegant architecture in the background.
Gold skull cufflinks in a black box next to white bow ties and a Brooks Brothers garment bag, reflecting a stylish wedding accessory choice.Groom adjusting his bowtie with help from a friend in a stylish bathroom, surrounded by other groomsmen preparing for a wedding at Rosecliff Mansion.
Bridesmaids in floral pajamas smiling together on a bed, capturing a joyful moment during wedding preparations at Rosecliff Mansion.Bridesmaids in pink dresses holding lush floral bouquets, posing near a white statue in a beautifully landscaped garden at Rosecliff Mansion, Newport, Rhode Island.
Bride in a white wedding gown descending the elegant spiral staircase of Rosecliff Mansion, surrounded by lush greenery and classic decor, capturing a moment of timeless romance and celebration.
Groom in tuxedo with bow tie and boutonnière, smiling in preparation for wedding at Rosecliff Mansion.
Bridesmaid helping bride with hair in elegant room with vintage mirror, preparing for wedding at Rosecliff Mansion.
a furry surprise

Once the venue was booked, Sammy's mother asked us for a little help coordinating a surprise: although dogs aren't permitted to attend Rosecliff weddings, we were tasked with the duty of finding a way to escort Sammy's fur babies across three states to get them to greet Sammy and Frankie during their first look. Even harder than coordinating doggy transport is keeping it all a secret during the planning process! Watch the video below to see the big moment:

wedding ceremony at rosecliff (and a second surprise!)

Guests were treated to an outdoor ceremony on the Rosecliff lawn and enjoyed spectacular views while surrounded by the most amazing blush and white wedding flowers designed by Beach Plum Floral. We worked with Maureen Cotton Ceremonies who wrote and officiated the wedding ceremony script that moved us to tears. It was such an incredible moment to witness. The setting was so classic and elegant that guests had no idea a surprise was awaiting: at the end of the ceremony, once Sammy and Frankie were pronounced, a New Orleans style second line band began playing and led the wedding recession to the patio area of Rosecliff for the cocktail hour. The jazz and musical stylings from the horns was a great build up to the dance party that would ensue.

Elegant outdoor wedding ceremony setup at Rosecliff Mansion, featuring white chairs lined along a floral aisle adorned with white and blush roses, lush greenery, and a floral arch in the background.Bride and groom celebrating their wedding at Rosecliff Mansion, surrounded by floral arch and bridal party in elegant attire, capturing a joyful moment post-ceremony.New Orleans style second line band performing with trumpet, saxophone, and drums during wedding recessional at Rosecliff Mansion, bride in elegant gown walking with groom, floral arrangements in background.
Bride walking down the aisle, holding a large bouquet of pink and white flowers, accompanied by her father in a tuxedo and her mother in a sparkling gold dress, with guests in the background at Rosecliff Mansion wedding ceremony.Bride and groom embracing under a floral arch adorned with pink and white roses, celebrating their wedding ceremony at Rosecliff Mansion.Bride and groom kissing during wedding ceremony at Rosecliff Mansion, surrounded by floral arrangements and guests, with ocean view in the background.
Wedding ceremony at Rosecliff Mansion, bride in white gown with veil, walking down the aisle with mother and officiant, surrounded by guests in elegant attire, floral arrangements lining the aisle, ocean view in the background.Groom smiling during wedding ceremony with groomsmen in formal attire, surrounded by lush greenery and floral decor at Rosecliff Mansion.Bride adjusting her dress during an outdoor wedding ceremony at Rosecliff Mansion, surrounded by a floral arch and guests, capturing a moment of joy and elegance.
The Grand Ballroom Reception

There is nothing quite like dining and dancing in the historic ballroom of the Newport Mansion. Adorned with period art pieces, we accentuated the architectural details of the room with floral and a strategic lighting design to showcase the room to Sammy and Frankie's guests. We wanted to design a reception that the original owners of Rosecliff would be proud to host, while injecting some of Sammy and Frankie's fun and quirky personality.

Elegant ballroom reception at Rosecliff Mansion, featuring lavish floral centerpieces, gold chiavari chairs, sparkling chandeliers, and candlelit tables, showcasing a classic and sophisticated wedding atmosphere.
Gold dinosaur cake toppers in tuxedo and veil on a wedding cake adorned with pink peonies and greenery, symbolizing a fun and quirky wedding celebration at Rosecliff Mansion.
Floral table centerpiece featuring elegant number three sign, surrounded by candles and decorative elements, enhancing the romantic ambiance of a wedding reception at Rosecliff Mansion.
Couple dancing during their wedding reception in the elegant Grand Ballroom of Rosecliff Mansion, surrounded by guests in formal attire, featuring ornate chandeliers and classic decor.
Guests toasting with champagne at an elegant wedding reception in Rosecliff Mansion, surrounded by floral centerpieces and candlelight, capturing the joyful atmosphere of celebration and dining.Bride and groom smiling joyfully beside a beautifully decorated wedding cake in the elegant Rosecliff Mansion, capturing a moment of celebration and love during their reception.
Elegant ballroom reception at Rosecliff Mansion, featuring guests dining and dancing under a grand chandelier, accented by floral arrangements and strategic lighting, creating a classic and sophisticated atmosphere for Sammy and Frankie's wedding celebration.Bride smiling during the wedding reception at Rosecliff Mansion, with guests enjoying the elegant setting, floral arrangements, and celebratory atmosphere.
Woman joyfully capturing a moment with her phone at an elegant wedding reception, surrounded by floral arrangements and guests enjoying the historic Rosecliff Mansion ambiance.Elegant table setting with floral arrangements, candles, and gold-accented glassware in the historic Grand Ballroom of Rosecliff Mansion, showcasing a refined wedding reception atmosphere.
Elegant Grand Ballroom at Rosecliff Mansion, adorned with floral centerpieces, golden chairs, and a chandelier, set for a wedding reception.Elegant wedding reception table with gourmet desserts, including layered chocolate and raspberry cake, lemon cake, and cocktails, amidst refined tableware and floral accents at Rosecliff Mansion.

We Love Planning Weddings at Historic Mansions like Rosecliff!

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