Brittany Rapoza & John Edwards

Newport really helped us fall in love and all of our favorite memories are tied to places in town. It will always be a part of our love story.

Brittany Rapoza & John Edwards on August 21, 2016

Published in the March/April 2017 issue of Newport Life Magazine

“A girl walks into a bar.” Such began the love story of Bristol native Brittany Rapoza and John Edwards from Tiverton. Brittany and her father were having a drink where John was bartending when a Fairy Godmother waved her magic wand. “My phone died and my dad asked John if he had a charger,” explains the bride. “The two of them continued chatting for a while when suddenly my dad asked if I had John’s number!” Digits were exchanged. After a breakfast first date, the couple’s romance grew over the next two years as they enjoyed making memories at their favorite Newport locations, including their signature spot for summertime cocktails that now has an extra-special place in their hearts. “I proposed at Castle Hill. While we waited for drinks Britt asked a friend to take a picture of us, which is when I popped the question,” the groom remembers. “Brittany asked if I was serious so many times that I had to stand up and ask if she was saying yes. She said yes and the guests on the lawn cheered!” –TS

Fairy tales do come true

“Growing up in Bristol, I always thought of Blithewold as a fairy tale garden,” Brittany says about their reception venue. “Walking through the gardens, I could feel our excitement growing. I cried when we signed our papers because I knew my fairy tale was coming true.” They exchanged vows at the historic St. Mary’s Church in Newport, where the couple attends and where Brittany was confirmed as a child. “Both locations are so beautiful and timeless. They both have a great history and now our wedding will get to be part of that story.”

Once upon a time

Shades of pink and French blue complemented the classic fairy tale theme. While the bride donned a gown made for a princess with a strapless lace bodice and ruffled tulle skirt, the bridesmaids followed suit in the full-length dresses in the appropriately named color “Once Upon a Time.”

Let them eat cake

Ensuring that everyone could have the sweetest ending to their romantic celebration, the couple chose to serve three cakes: His, Hers & Theirs. His was a chocolate devil’s food cake with peanut butter frosting and chocolate ganache. Hers was an angel food cake with Grand Marnier filling and vanilla buttercream. And Theirs was a yellow sponge cake with raspberry preserves and lemon custard layers with vanilla buttercream.

Where are they now

After a week-long honeymoon on Nantucket, the couple returned to their home in Tiverton where Brittany is a second grade teacher in Tiverton public schools and John is a consultant for Ivy Wealth Management.

Featured Vendors

Bridal Gown: Ana’s Bridal Boutique

Suits: Mr. & Mrs. K Custom Tailoring

Rings: Duris Studios

Ceremony: St. Mary’s Church

Reception: Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum

Hair: Curl Up & Dye

Makeup: The Apothecary

Nails: New Leaf Studio

Flowers: Carlone’s Florist

Caterer: McGrath Clambakes & Catering

Cake: The French Confection

Transportation: Rockstar Limousine

Reception entertainment: Melissa Chaplin, The Face Show

Photographer: Brittany Adams Photography

Wedding Night Stay: Pelham Court Hotel