Chelsey & Brian

“Since we both graduated from RWU, we’ve spent a lot of time in Newport and we also come here every July 4th for a mini vacation. We love the atmosphere and how beautiful it is; it’s a special spot for us.”

Chelsey Spencer & Brian Woods on April 22, 2017

Originally published in the 2018 issue of Newport Wedding Magazine.

Chelsey & Brian were featured as our 2017 Diary of a Newport Wedding couple. See their entire journey by clicking here.

A mutual affinity for red Sour Patch Kids  first attracted Brian Woods, a Lexington, Massachusetts native, to Chelsey Spencer, who hales from Franklin, Massachusetts, while perusing his Match.com account. After messaging her about their shared sweet (sour) tooth, the couple met for their first date and quickly discovered that they both graduated from Roger Williams University. “We probably crossed paths thousands of times,” says the bride. “We never formally met there. I think we both knew there was something special between us that night.” Two years later, on December 26, 2015, while heading out for dinner with friends, Brian told his unsuspecting bride-to-be that he “did a little Christmassy thing” for her. After being beautifully stunned by the hundreds of white lights that adorned their apartment’s rooftop, Chelsey turned to thank Brian, who was down on one knee with another surprise in hand and a secret engagement party waiting downstairs with more than 50 of their family and friends.

Rain Check

The couple originally planned to have their ceremony at King Park overlooking the Newport Bridge and harbor. Luckily, they had arranged a backup plan with their reception venue, The Newport Marriott. Once the cold rainy day forecast changed its plans, they “ultimately decided that it would be best to have the ceremony inside.” The hotel’s atrium was quickly transformed and the celebration got back on track. “It was stunning. I love the modern beachy chic vibe of the décor and it went with our soft gray and bright navy color scheme.”

Gifts Galore

As a nod to their beginning, and to complement a Tiffany’s blue box with a necklace inside, Brian sent his bride a large Mason jar filled with red Sour Patch Kids. The note read, “Is it weird that I determine how much I like a girl based on whether or not I am willing to share my red Sour Patch Kids with her?” Chelsey surprised her groom with plane tickets for a trip to St. Thomas later in the year. The couple also gave each of their parents meaningful gifts, which featured family photos, to commemorate the day.

Sweet Touches

To sweeten the blue up-lighting of the reception’s ballroom, the couple displayed their engagement photo as well as set a remembrance table to feature family and friends who have passed away. In lieu of a traditional cake, celebrators enjoyed Starbucks Coffee station, a chocolate truffle display and three different flavored cupcakes that were frosted in white and gray: chocolate with mocha frosting, funfetti with butter cream frosting and spice cake with cream cheese frosting.

Where Are They Now?

After soaking up some much-deserved sun on their honeymoon to Aruba, the couple returned to Everett, Massachusetts, where Chelsey is a clinical social worker and certified personal trainer and Brian is a private investigator.

Featured Vendors

Bridal Gown: Alfred Angelo

Rings: Barmakian Jewelers

Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas

Venue/Accommodations: The Newport Marriott

Flowers: The Water’s Edge

Cupcakes: Scrumptions

Music: Rhythm Express DJ Services

Photographer: Pizzuti Photography

Videographer: 4th Henry Productions