Erica & Kenneth

“Newport is special to both of us for so many reasons…Although I have only lived in Newport for eight years, from the moment I first stepped onto this island, I knew it was special and that this would be my home.”

Erica Kana & Kenneth Grauer on October 3, 2015

Published in Newport Life Magazine July 2016 issue

Erica Kana and Kenny Grauer both knew they could not let their relation-ship sail away. Kenny, a native of Newport, met Erica while he was a student at the International Yacht Restoration School where she worked as an events assistant. After Kenny’s graduation, the two would see each other occasionally until Erica finally reached out. One year and nine months after their first official date at Perro Salada in Newport, Kenny asked Erica to marry him while at her beloved Mull Creek Park in her home state of Ohio. Erica explains, “Because I only see my family a few times a year, it was so special for me to be able to see them in person and share our first toast of champagne with them as an engaged couple.” –SK

Tradition

The couple chose Gooseberry Beach for their wedding, where Kenny’s grandparents were two of the original founders. Kenny spent his entire childhood on its shoreline and plans to continue making memories there with his new bride as the couple inherited a share of the beach from his grandmother.

The Detail is in the Dessert

Erica was especially excited to put her wedding planning expertise to use on the dessert display. She wanted it to be a memorable personal touch so she incorporated the northern-Ohio tradition of a cookie table. The dessert table included 15 different types of cookies and eight round cakes in flavors such as salted caramel, Oreo, and coconut with pineapple.

Coincidence or Fate?

Erica’s grandfather’s homemade wine was “a must” at the wedding. His most historied wine just happens to be Gooseberry, which he makes from berries he grows himself.

Where are They Now?

After roaming through unspoiled beauty on St. John of the Virgin Islands, they began their new life together in Newport, where Erica is the sales manager at Castle Hill Inn and James is the generator technician at CAT Entertainment Services.

Featured Vendors

Bridal Gown: Alexandra’s Bridal Boutique,
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Nordstroms, J-Crew, The Brial Shoppe, and Alexandra’s Bridal Boutique
Tuxedos/Suits: Jos’ A Banks
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Rehearsal Dinner: Salvation Café
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Gooseberry Beach
Hair/Make-up: Alagria Salon
Nails: Star Nails
Flowers: Stoneblossom
Caterer: McGrath Clambakes
Cake: Confectionay Designs
Transportation: All Occasion Transportation
Music: DJ Bells
Photographer: Vanessa Walsh
Tent Rental: Newport Tent
Linen/Décor Rental: Exquisite Events
Welcome Reception: The Mooring