Jamie & Jonathan

“As soon as we were engaged we knew we wanted to have a summer wedding in Newport.”

Jamie Souza & Jonathan Holaday on August 8, 2015

Published in Newport Wedding Magazine 2017 Issue

South Carolina native Jonathan Holaday created an unforgettable birthday for Jamie Souza who hails from Bristol, RI. Since meeting in Virginia in 2011, the couple has been notorious for planning grand birthday surprises for one another, but this Washington D.C. celebration really takes the cake. Jamie was given a day of pampering, including a massage and a mani-pedi, where she received a card at each new location that led her to the next. Eventually she made her way to “Top of the Town,” an unfamiliar event venue where she began to suspect a surprise party. Instead, Jamie found another card on the twelfth floor terrace that told her to walk towards the Washington Monument and peer over the edge of the balcony. When she did, she saw a large sign on a building that read, “Jamie, will you marry me?” The bride remembers, “Before I could even process what was happening, Jon emerged onto the terrace and was down on one knee with a ring.” –SK

“As soon as we were engaged, we knew we wanted to have a summer wedding in Newport.”

The Reception

The Regatta Place offered a relaxed yet awe-inspiring seaside location on the waterfront in Newport. Attendees enjoyed the post-nuptials party under a gleaming white tent, illuminated with chandeliers and completed with spectacular views of boats dotting the harbor.

A Homecoming Gift

Out-of-town guests received Rhode Island welcome bags, which contained Ocean State treasures including Del’s Lemonade packets, a homemade map of Newport, a Newport tourist look book, a Bristol coozie, New England saltwater taffy and sailboat lollipops.

Late Night Snack

The party continued into late-night with mini burgers, onion straws, fries and refreshing ice cream shake shooters capped off with Jamie’s Limoncello and Jon’s Moonshine, both of which the couple made and gave to their guests. The limoncello represented Jamie’s Italian heritage while the moonshine reflected of Jonathan’s southern upbringing.

Where Are They Now

After an exhilarating honeymoon in Bali, Indonesia, the couple returned to their home in Virginia where Jamie continues her work as a budget analyst for the U.S. Treasury Department and Jon is a sales representative with Sysco.

Featured Vendors

Bridal Gown: Erina Boutique

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids

Tuxedos/Suits: Slade’s Formalwear

Rings: B&C Jewelers (engagement) – Alexandria, VA Reeds (wedding)

Invitations: LoLo Lincoln

Rehearsal Dinner: Atlantic Beach Club

Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of Mercy Chapel

Reception Venue and Caterer: Regatta Place

Hair: Wavelengths Salon

Make-up: Tara Pacheco Makeup

Nails: Angel Nails

Flowers: Golden Gate Studios

Cake: Bristol Cake Gallery

Transportation: Newport Wedding Trolley

Ceremony Music: Michael DiMucci & David Marshall

Reception entertainment: Men in Black II

Photographer: Sarah Pudlo

Videographer: JMN Productions

Wedding Night Stay: Hedgegate

Guest Accommodations: Comfort Inn