A Sacred Seaside Wedding at Aldrich Mansion

Set along the shores of Narragansett Bay, Brooke and Alex’s wedding balanced New England formality with coastal modernity. 

The ceremony at Our Lady of Mercy in East Greenwich, framed by lush green and white florals punctuated with violet accents, felt timeless in its restraint. A space defined by symmetry and light. Ornate woodwork framed the altar with sunlight pouring through stained-glass panels and casting painterly reflections across the marble floor. 

The reception unfolded at Aldrich Mansion, a Gilded Age estate with sculptural staircases and sweeping water views. Inside, architectural symmetry guided the design: gold-framed tables layered with fruit and florals, mother-of-pearl oyster shells engraved for each guest, and polished mantels adorned with family photographs. The palette (sage, ivory, and antique gold) played against the building’s rich patina.

The bride wore a Dana Harel gown with Black Suede Studio heels.

Our Story

Names / Brooke Elaina Hassett & Alex Joseph Rohmann

Location / Warwick Neck, Rhode Island USA

Wedding Date / August 8th, 2025

Guest Numbers / 220

Budget / $120,000

How We Met

Alex and I met at Providence College when we were 19 and 20. One night, at a downtown party, I caught his eye. He approached me a few times, checking if I was having a good night, apparently, my face said otherwise, and eventually convinced me to share my number to make sure I had a good time at my next party (smooth, right?) The very next day, his first text arrived, and we’ve been talking every single day since. That was over nine years ago.

Our relationship took off immediately. Just days before Alex moved abroad to Florence, he asked me to be his official “girlfriend.” Several people thought we were crazy for making a commitment right before a long-distance stint, but it felt completely right. Later, I went abroad myself, to Paris, and we navigated our second round of long-distance. Through those experiences, plus college, post-grad life, a pandemic, and eventually diving into the chaos of New York City together, we learned that no matter where we were, we were always stronger and happier together.

Being college sweethearts was only the beginning of our story, but it set the tone for a life full of shared dreams, steady support, and everyday joy. From 19 to 29, through every challenge and milestone, it’s always been us, and we’ve had so much fun building this life together.

Our Engagement Story

After seven years together, Alex proposed in Rhode Island, my home state, the place we met, and where so many of our favorite memories have been made. The ocean has always been where I feel happiest, so Alex told me we had dinner reservations at one of my coastal favorites (which made it easy to get me dressed up). On the way, he suggested we “kill time” with a walk at Newton Rocks, a beautiful tucked-away spot where we spent so much time together in the early days of our relationship. Standing there, overlooking the ocean in the late afternoon light, Alex got down on one knee and proposed.

Following the proposal, he had planned a series of surprises. Our families were waiting for us at Plum Point Bistro, where we celebrated over dinner before heading to Clarke Cooke House, another favorite of mine, where a group of my closest friends were waiting. The night was filled with Rhode Island favorites, breathtaking views, and the people who have witnessed our love story unfold.

What we love most about each other…

What I love most about Alex is his kind, calming nature. From the day I met him, he has felt like my best friend. I fell in love with the way I feel around him, at peace, content, and truly happy. He’s the kind of person who makes everyone feel seen, and having him in my corner is one of the greatest blessings in my life. He’s also the person I can do absolutely anything with and never tire of, no matter where we are or what we’re doing, life with him feels effortless.

When I asked Alex what he loves most about me, he smiled and said it’s the little things. He affectionately calls me “Franklin,” after the turtle, because I tend to take my time with everything, something I once thought annoyed him, but he insists he loves. He also told me how much he loves hearing my laugh.

The Setting

Wedding Location

We had a traditional Catholic ceremony with a full Mass at my hometown parish, Our Lady of Mercy Church in East Greenwich. OLM has been central to my faith journey, it’s where I received each of my sacraments, beginning with my baptism as a baby. Both of our families are Catholic, so it was deeply meaningful to all of us to celebrate our marriage in a church. Having it take place in such a sentimental setting was truly special, and even more so because all three of my older siblings were married there as well. I’ve envisioned walking down that aisle for as long as I can remember, and experiencing it in reality gave me chills.

Our reception took place at Aldrich Mansion, a historic estate set on the shores of Narragansett Bay in Warwick Neck, about thirty minutes from East Greenwich. The venue truly speaks for itself, an elegant, storied mansion with sweeping water views. We had always envisioned a reception overlooking the ocean, since Rhode Island’s coastline has been the backdrop to so many of our memories together. Being able to gather all of our loved ones in such a breathtaking setting felt like the perfect continuation of our story.

Aesthetic

When envisioning our wedding, I wanted to weave together the charm of New England coastal elegance with antique-inspired touches. Those inspirations carried through every detail of the weekend.

Our welcome party embraced the coastal side with a white-and-blue palette and a “sea of blue” dress code for guests. On the wedding day itself, I leaned into varying shades of green, soft neutrals, lace, and gold accents to reflect my personal style. The florals and the intricate details of Aldrich Mansion helped bring that vision to life seamlessly.

Family heritage was also central to our aesthetic. I’m very nostalgic, so incorporating vintage jewelry and meaningful heirlooms was especially important to me. From our family cake topper, to my grandmother’s pearls and diamonds, to symbols honoring Alex’s grandfather, these pieces layered history and love into the day. For both of us, family is everything, and those touches made our celebration not only beautiful, but deeply personal.

Preparation

I got ready at my parents’ home with my mom, Alex’s mom, my bridesmaids, nieces, and closest friends. The morning was filled with music, laughter, and calm energy, exactly what I’d hoped for. My mom made a beautiful breakfast spread, and I gifted each woman a pair of earrings as thanks. My dad was there too, and I gave both my parents letters and embroidered handkerchiefs, an emotional start to a perfect day.

Photography

Our wedding was photographed by Abigail Hart. The moment I discovered Abby’s work online, I knew she had to be the one to capture our weekend. She is not only incredibly talented and artistic, but also such a kind and calming presence to have with us during those two days.

Her style blends documentary and candid storytelling with an artistic, editorial edge. Having both digital and film photography was a non-negotiable for me, and Abby delivered that beautifully, even adding in drone shots that are nothing short of breathtaking. The way she plays with light is unlike anything I had seen before, it gives her work a distinctive quality that feels both timeless and uniquely her own.

I wanted our photos to feel editorial yet still authentic to the emotions and personalities of the day, and Abby captured that balance perfectly. I cry every time I look through our gallery, which I think speaks volumes to how well she preserved not just the moments, but the feeling of it all. Her second shooter, Elyse Lane, was equally wonderful and such an incredible addition to the team, we truly feel so lucky to have had them both.

Videography

We chose not to have a traditional videographer, and instead worked with a Rhode Island-based content creator we already knew, Nicole Pallozzi from Love and Waves Social. She spent the day with us capturing both the big highlights and the small, in-between moments that made our wedding so special.

Nicole filmed primarily on an iPhone, which I loved as someone who enjoys playing with clips and editing myself. She also incorporated a camcorder, which gave our videos a nostalgic, vintage feel. Those camcorder clips, in particular, are some of my favorites, they have the warmth and intimacy of old home videos, with so much love radiating through them. That was exactly the feeling we hoped for, and she brought it to life perfectly.

“The moonlight spilling over the water made the mansion sparkle in a soft, magical glow – it felt like the entire property was glowing just for us.”

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

Since our ceremony took place in a church with so much natural charm, we chose to keep additional décor minimal. I was very particular about the flowers, and our florist created stunning arrangements that wove together lush greens, crisp whites, and delicate pops of purple. Being able to admire them throughout the ceremony from the altar made the space feel both personal and beautiful.

Reception Décor

When selecting our venue, we wanted it to speak for itself, and Aldrich Mansion truly did. I envisioned much of our wedding’s style being conveyed through the architecture itself: the ceilings, stairwell, and intricate details of the mansion perfectly embodied the aesthetic I had in mind.

As for additional décor, we incorporated touches that complemented the space without overwhelming it. We sourced gold frames for the tables, which we styled with fruit arrangements and florals, and my mom created mother-of-pearl and gold-painted oyster shells for each place setting. The venue offered so much character on its own, from the grand piano, which we adorned with framed wedding photos of our parents and grandparents, to the library room filled with charm, and the beautifully detailed mantles in the two dining rooms. These elements made the space feel personal, elegant, and effortlessly cohesive.

Wedding Planner & Stylist

We didn’t have a wedding planner or stylist, I took on most of that role myself, which was certainly a big undertaking, but also such a rewarding project. I truly enjoyed the creative process, and Pinterest quickly became my most reliable assistant.

Our florist was instrumental in bringing the aesthetic to life, helping me refine and execute the vision I had in mind. Additionally, our venue’s in-house team played an essential role in making the day come together seamlessly, both logistically and visually. Between their support and the creative planning I poured into the details, everything felt exactly as we had hoped.

Flowers

My mom and I had several meetings with our florist to bring my Pinterest board to life. I drew inspiration from garden-style weddings with a touch of coastal, antique flair. Collaborating on the flower proposals was one of my favorite parts of planning, and our florist executed everything beautifully.

My bouquet featured green anthurium (my favorite flower), white and blush ranunculus, and other white blooms with subtle hints of purple for depth. My bridesmaids, mom, and mother-in-law carried personalized bouquets of white ranunculus, mini hydrangeas, and other unique flowers for a cohesive yet individual look. For the four flower girls, we created floral hairpieces instead of tossing petals, adding a delicate, whimsical touch.

Alex, our fathers, and his groomsmen wore calla lily boutonnières, a detail that held personal meaning as I had worn calla lily earrings at our welcome party and heels with calla lilies for my bridal shower.

At the outdoor bar, guests were greeted by a vibrant arrangement of green hydrangeas, ranunculus, amaranthus, and anthurium. I wanted this piece to feel full of personality, setting the tone for cocktail hour as guests enjoyed the view and their first drinks.

Stationery

Our save-the-dates featured a photo from our engagement shoot in Newport, Rhode Island. I wore a high-neck lace mini dress, and Alex wore a beige linen suit. Shot on both film and digital at a Newport mansion, the photos perfectly hinted at the aesthetic of our wedding day.

For the invitations, I wanted the paper to feel natural and tactile. We chose letterpress on off-white, deckle-edge paper with green envelopes lined in a watercolor painting of our venue. Inside were the invitation, weekend timeline, and RSVP card, tied with lace ribbon and sealed with a pearlescent shell wax seal. The design reflected our coastal and antique inspirations and offered guests a preview of Aldrich Mansion.

We worked with Jennifer Fitz Designs for the invitations and menus, which paired beautifully with our minimal table settings. For the seating chart, Paper Moon created a traditional display in a grand gold frame.

My mom handwrote the table numbers and place cards, incorporating her love for writing and crafting into the décor and making it feel deeply personal.

Favors

In the months leading up to August 8, my mom and I sourced oyster shells from local oyster bars and restaurants. Each shell was carefully cleaned and sorted so that every guest could take one home to use as a ring dish or a decorative keepsake.

My mom was incredibly helpful, painting each shell to resemble mother-of-pearl with a delicate gold trim along the edge. She also added a pearl to each, which doubled as a holder for our guests’ place cards. The shells looked beautiful on every table setting, and I hope many of our guests took them home to enjoy as a small, meaningful reminder of our day.

Cake

We chose a gluten-free chai cake with cinnamon buttercream, caramel, and cookie dough filling. With my gluten allergy and our shared sweet tooth, flavor was a priority, and the bakery nailed it. It was the best cake I’ve ever had. We kept the design simple and elegant, with vintage-style piping and my parents’ original cake topper, a sentimental touch I’ve loved since childhood.

Food & Beverages

Guests were greeted with champagne and a cheese board display, a nod to our shared love of cheese boards. Cocktail hour featured Rhode Island classics like mini clam cakes with chowder, shrimp cocktail, and scallops, giving guests a true taste of New England while enjoying the water views.

Dinner was a seated service with entrée options adaptable for all dietary needs, including gluten-free dishes for me.

Our favorite highlight was the dessert room, opened after the cake cutting. Just off the library bar, it featured cakes, cupcakes, parfaits, ice cream, cannolis, coffee, tea, and a made-to-order bananas foster station, creating a fun and sweet ending to the evening.

We offered an open bar on the back patio and in the cozy, book-lined library, with simple signature cocktails like Aperol Spritz and Palomas to get everyone on the dance floor.

“Weddings are deeply personal, and everyone has opinions, but ultimately it’s your love and your celebration – it should look exactly how you want it to, reflecting the vision and energy that are uniquely yours.”

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

I wore the Hailey gown by Dana Harel, a strapless A-line with an inner corset and layers of hand-sewn lace appliqué. The ivory lace and sheer skirt were exactly what I envisioned. After trying on over a hundred dresses, I knew this was the one the moment I saw it at Mark Ingram in New York. My mom rushed in from Rhode Island and immediately shed tears.

For shoes, I chose ivory satin heels by Black Suede Studio with a subtle lace detail that complemented the gown. I completed the look with a custom lace-trimmed cathedral-length veil from Etsy, echoing the intricate details of the dress.

For the night before, I wore a dress by The Own Studio, purchased through Moda Operandi. The team from London helped rush it to Rhode Island for alterations, where we shortened the train and neck tie. I styled it with calla lily drop earrings by Chan Luu and soft blue ribbon lace-up wedges by Jeffrey Campbell, a nod to the “sea of blue” theme for our welcome party.

Wedding Rings

My engagement ring is a toi et moi style with a round diamond from my late grandmother paired with a pear diamond Alex added, set on a gold knife-cut band. Having my grandmother’s stone in the ring means so much, and I felt her presence on our wedding day.

For our wedding bands, we worked with Verstolo in New York City to create custom pieces. Mine is a thick brushed-gold band scattered with diamonds, and Alex’s is a classic thick brushed-gold band engraved with “adore you” and our wedding date. My band is engraved with a saying from the start of our relationship.

Jewelry has always been a passion I inherited from my grandmother. I wanted our rings to feel like vintage treasures while remaining uniquely ours, and I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out.

Jewelry & Accessories

Nostalgia truly gets me every time. I had originally planned to wear a tennis necklace and matching earrings, but on the morning of the wedding, my mom handed me the pearl necklace she wore on her own wedding day, a gift from my grandmother. The moment I put it on, I fell in love with how beautifully it complemented my gown, and I knew it was what I was meant to wear. My sister also brought over the pearl and diamond earrings she had worn on her wedding day, which paired perfectly with the necklace. Wearing these heirloom pieces filled with so much history and love made me feel deeply connected to the women in my family.

I also wore a gold-set tennis bracelet that Alex had surprised me with after our welcome party the night before. It was the perfect final touch, elegant, timeless, and very me.

Hair & Makeup

I wanted to feel like the best version of myself, natural but elevated. I told both my hair and makeup artists that my inspiration was effortless beauty, though I know how much artistry goes into creating that natural look.

For my hair, I wore it half-up with soft, bouncy waves and shorter face-framing pieces. I’ve never felt fully like myself with my hair completely up, so I always envisioned it down, long, and a touch beachy.

My makeup leaned bronzy and dewy, with a focus on high contour and strategic highlight: cheekbones, the tip of my nose, and the inner corners of my eyes. I kept blush to a minimum but embraced a smoky eye paired with lashes for a subtle cat-eye effect. A few non-negotiables I did myself: curling my own eyelashes and applying my favorite lip stain, Wonderskin in shade Whimsical.

Groom’s Attire

Alex and his groomsmen wore timeless black tuxedos, a look we both envisioned from the very beginning. We wanted the men to look classic and refined, and they truly did. As a personal touch, I gifted Alex and my dad custom cufflinks engraved with their initials and our wedding date, along with embroidered pocket squares to carry throughout the day.

Alex’s look, in particular, was everything we imagined: sharp, elegant, and perfectly complementing the romantic, classic feel of my lace gown. Standing side by side, our styles felt cohesive.

The Details

Transport

My dad and I rode to the ceremony in a vintage ivory Chrysler, a quiet and special moment that became one of my favorite memories and photos. After the ceremony, the same car carried Alex and me to Aldrich Mansion for our first ride as newlyweds, a joyful and peaceful pause in the day. Burgundy trolleys transported our families and friends from the church to the venue, adding a charming, classic touch.

Honeymoon

The Monday after our wedding, Alex and I flew from Boston to Hawaii, our first time visiting the islands and a long-held travel dream for both of us. We wanted to spend our honeymoon soaking up the sun, exploring beaches, and simply relaxing with breathtaking views. Hawaii was the perfect place to do that. We began in Maui before flying to Kauai for the second half of our trip.

Every day was filled with sunshine, adventure, and gorgeous scenery. I would highly recommend staying at The 1 Hotel in Hanalei Bay, easily one of the most stunning hotels we’ve ever been to. The rolling views of the Napali Coast were unforgettable, which we explored by boat. We also loved trying the local cuisine, from coconut curry to fresh mango sticky rice from Maui food trucks.

My biggest piece of advice: take your honeymoon as soon as possible. We debated waiting but are so glad we didn’t. There’s something truly special about riding that post-wedding high together, just the two of you, and reliving the magic of the day while it’s still fresh.

Gift Registry

We used Zola for our gift registry, which I loved because it allowed us to include items from any site and gave us complete flexibility.
One gift I used immediately and absolutely adored was an L.L. Bean boat tote from my friends. Embroidered with Alex’s last name, it was the perfect companion for our honeymoon. Not only was it green, one of our wedding colors, but it also gave me a sweet way to see and embrace my new last name on something personal. I carried it every day while lounging in the sun, and it already holds so many special memories from that trip.

Wedding Songs

Ceremony Processionals – Air in D from Water Music
Bridal Processional – Canon in D
Recessional – Wedding March
First Dance – Work Song by Hozier
Father Daughter Dance – My Girl by The Temptations
Mother Son Dance – Days Like This by Van Morrison
Cake Cutting/Dance Floor Opener – Adore You by Fred Again
Reception Closing Song – Next to Me by Rufus du Sol

Entertainment

We hired a Boston-based band who were incredible, reading the crowd perfectly and keeping the energy high all night. A highlight was hearing ‘Next to Me’ by Rüfüs Du Sol, one of Alex’s favorites, which made for an unforgettable moment on the dance floor. For the after-party on a downtown rooftop in Providence, we created a playlist with friends and danced the night away over espresso martinis.

Celebrant

Our ceremony was officiated by Father Mark Nowel from Providence College, where Alex and I met. He’s known us since we were 19 and 20 and beautifully blended personal stories with the meaning of marriage. Having someone who’s known us from the start made it incredibly special. Later, Father Nowel offered a blessing by the water, a perfect transition into dinner that grounded the evening in faith and gratitude. Guests kept sharing how meaningful and memorable his words were.

Readings

Because we had a Catholic ceremony, our readings were traditional passages from the Bible, along with the Prayer of the Faithful. Two of our best friends read from Genesis 1:26–28, 31a and Corinthians 12:31–13:8a, while my two cousins read the Prayers of the Faithful. For our vows, we followed the church script. Even though they weren’t written by us, this part of the ceremony ended up being one of our absolute favorites. The emotions I felt reciting those vows back to Alex are something I’ll never forget. I was moved to tears in the moment.
The night before the wedding, we privately exchanged vow books with personal notes to one another, which we read separately before bed. They felt so intimate and true to our voices, and we plan to revisit and add to them each year on our anniversary.

Our Advice

A memorable moment…

When I think back to our wedding day, so many moments come to mind, but the one that stands out the most is right before our first dance. We had all of our guests gathered on the patio of the mansion, and Alex and I stepped out the back doors facing the water. The view was unreal, sailboats drifting by under a clear blue sky, green hills in the background, and over 200 of our favorite people looking back at us. Waving to everyone in that moment felt so surreal. Standing there next to Alex, I was just flooded with gratitude, happiness, and excitement for everything that was still to come that night.
Another unforgettable moment came later that night with the (almost) full moon. Alex and I snuck outside for a quick minute to ourselves, and the moonlight was just unreal. It spilled over the water, making it sparkle, and lit up the mansion in this soft, magical glow. It felt like the whole property was glowing just for us. Some of our favorite photos ended up coming from that little moment, just the two of us, dancing in that moonlit magic.

One thing I wish I knew before I started my wedding plans…

With a two-year engagement, we had a good amount of time to choose our vendors, but also plenty of time to overthink and agonize over decisions. As someone who can be pretty indecisive, I wish I had focused more on what Alex and I truly wanted from the beginning. I spent so much energy worrying about the opinions and expectations of others instead of just trusting what felt right for us. In the end, we did what we wanted anyway, but I could have saved myself hours of stress if I had tuned out the extra voices sooner and kept my eyes on our dream weekend.
The truth is, weddings are deeply personal, and everyone has strong opinions, sometimes even shaped by what they didn’t love about their own. Whether it’s speeches, ceremony timing, travel logistics, or even the dress code, there will always be outside noise. What I wish I reminded myself more often is this: it’s your love, your celebration, and it should look exactly how you want it to.
That said, there’s nothing we would change. The flow, the details, and the energy of our day were everything we could have hoped for and more.

If I could give other couples one piece of advice…

Our number one piece of advice is this: you set the tone for your wedding weekend. Alex and I made a promise to each other that no matter what happened on the day, we would have the best time together. We wanted calm, peaceful mornings, a ceremony that let us lean into the emotions, and a reception overflowing with music, cocktails, and dancing. By committing to that vision ourselves, our guests naturally followed our lead.
Having attended plenty of weddings before ours, we noticed a simple truth: when the bride and groom are genuinely having fun, everyone else does too. So we made it our mission to smile, laugh, and soak up every moment. From 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., I don’t think I stopped grinning once. Our energy absolutely carried over to our guests. Of course, it helps that our families and friends are some of the most fun people you could imagine, but the lesson is clear: set the tone you want, and everyone else will follow.

Sources of inspiration…

I drew a lot of inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok. Funny enough, during our engagement, we actually modeled for The Lane (which was one of my main sources of inspiration long before) and the Four Seasons Kyoto. That entire shoot was absolutely gorgeous and felt so us, unique yet natural décor with hints of antique inspiration, and an overall aspirational vibe in such a beautiful setting. I wanted our wedding photography and venue to capture that same feeling for our guests, and I leaned heavily on that shoot, along with posts from The Lane in general, for ideas.
Working in fashion also provided endless inspiration, from stalking runway shows to editorial shoots. I had a blast incorporating my favorite trends and looks from the 2025 collections into the wedding, blending them with more personal touches.
I also loved revisiting my parents’ wedding album, along with other vintage wedding photos and celebrity weddings. I wanted our day to echo that same sense of timeless elegance while also including fashionable, on-trend statements that felt uniquely ours.

Our Contacts

Wedding Venue / Aldrich Mansion

Photography / Abigail Hart

Videography / Nicole Pallozzi from Love and Waves Social

Bride’s Dress / Dana Harel from Mark Ingram Bridal

Bride’s Shoes / Black Suede Studio

Bridesmaids Dresses / Jenny Yoo

Bridesmaids Shoes / Schutz

Flowergirls & Pageboys Outfits / Azazie and Men’s Wearhouse

Grooms Formal Wear / Suit Supply

Wedding Rings / Verstolo

Jewelry & Accessories / Vintage Pearls from Grandmother, Sister’s Pearl Earrings, Providence Diamond Engagement Ring, Hannoush Jewelers Tennis Bracelet

Hair / Michelle Murphy

Makeup / Katie Andrews

Stationery / Jennifer Fitz Designs and Paper Moon Stationery

Florist / Plant Girl Floral

Cake / Celebrated Bakery

Catering / Aldrich Mansion Chef

Celebrant / Father Mark Nowel

Entertainment / Protege Band from Wilson Stevens Events

Transport / Newport Viking Tours and Princess Rolls Royce

Gift Registry / Zola