Sarah & Sean

“Our wedding was the quintessential ‘Newport wedding’ simply because, as many people have joked, we come from two big Fifth Ward families – most of the town would be at the wedding.”

Sarah Kirwin and Sean Brady on October 1, 2016

Originally published in the May/June 2017 issue of Newport Life Magazine.

Though their grandparents were friends, somehow Fifth Ward natives Sarah Kirwin and Sean Brady didn’t officially meet until 2011 at a Newport Rugby gathering. “It seemed like [Sean and I] met at just the right time and place despite all the times in the past that we could have and probably should have met,” Sarah recalls. After their first date on Halloween, dating was “the greatest (and easiest),” she says. There were never any awkward “meeting the family” moments, because Sarah’s dad and Sean’s mom grew up next door to each other. Once the couple was “a couple,” they planned a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard, though it was interrupted by a sold out ferry. So Sean turned the day around with a picnic in Newport on Ocean Drive and added a little more sparkle to Sarah’s day with a proposal. – LR

Wedding Attire

The bridesmaids and groomsmen chose their own attire for the beach wedding. The bridal party wore shades of purple, pink and champagne while the groomsmen wore casual suits.

Cheese Please!

At the reception, dinner consisted of a Mac and Cheese bar with “pick your own toppings,” including shredded buffalo chicken, sausage, prosciutto, bacon bits, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumble and feta. They also served cookies and brownies for guests rather than a traditional wedding cake.

The Wedding Singer

The bride surprised wedding guests by taking the microphone and singing with her band for 20 minutes to kick off the bash.

Personal Touches

Sarah, being a creative talent, made her own bouquet with silk flowers and beautiful brooches given to her by her bridesmaids. She made the centerpieces and floral decor with crepe paper as well.

Where are they now?

After a romantic weekend in a cozy cabin in New Hampshire (with no cell phone reception or cable television), the happy couple went back to their roots in the Fifth Ward where Sarah is a real estate agent and Sean works for General Dynamics Electric Boat in Quonset. The couple is also expecting a baby girl in June!

Ceremony Venue: St. Barnabas Church

Reception Venue: Gooseberry Beach

Bridal Gown: The Bridal Shoppe

Engagement Ring: MRT Jewelers

Rehearsal Dinner: Salvation Café

Hair: Hair by Julie Rose

Makeup: Archbeauty Salon, RaNEW Salon

Nails: Star Nails and Spa

Caterer: Glorious Affairs Catering

Transportation: Viking Tours Newport

Entertainment: DJ Michael Murphy

Photographer: Melissa Quintal Photography

Wedding Night Stay: Newport Marriott