Jennifer & Michael

“I’m a born and raised ‘Rhode Islandah,’” the bride says. “As a child, I frequently spent weekends on Second Beach with my mother and grandmother. We would roam Brick Marketplace, explore the Cliff Walk, drive down Bellevue and always stop for an Awful, Awful!”

Jennifer Winslow & Michael Light on April 1, 2017

Originally published in the 2018 issue of Newport Wedding Magazine.

After two years being “iron-clad best friends,” fellow medical students Jennifer Winslow from Lincoln, Rhode Island, and Liberty, Maine native Michael Light could no longer ignore their feelings. “As study dates, coffee runs and beach breaks became more frequent, our growing relationship was undeniable,” remembers the bride. In fact, it was such a smooth transition that the couple has a long-standing debate on when exactly their first date was. After completing medical school and relocating to Virginia, Michael surprised Jennifer on their fourth anniversary with bacon, pancakes and a little bit of sparkle. “I opened my bedroom door and was met by a pink ribbon. As I followed it throughout our home, I was met by roses and literally hundreds of photographs of some of our most memorable times together. At the end, I found him, down on one knee.”

Downhome Goodness

The couple took the bride’s roots to heart when they planned their “Rhode Island-themed” wedding. In addition to mussels, clam cakes, chowder and stuffies, they offered French fries served with the RI classic salt and vinegar as well as cups of Awful, Awful milkshakes. To complement their Taste of New England food station, the couple continued their hometown flavors with two more stations, Taste of Virginia, to represent their new hometown, and a Mac and Cheese station, the groom’s favorite dish. Michael’s signature drink, a James Bond 007 Vesper martini to honor his favorite spy, was served alongside Jennifer’s Rhode Island Sass, a vodka-spiked Del’s Lemonade.

Mixed Up

The bride wanted the best of both worlds: a soft, vintage, intimate space for the ceremony and a large, luxurious reception fit for Disney’s Belle. To her Newport Art Museum ceremony, she wore a customized Atelier Pronovia Chantilly lace, long-sleeved gown. After a quick change into a sweetheart ivory ball gown with extended train, lace and Swarovski gemstone waistline, the bride was whisked off to her Rosecliff mansion fairy-tale reception. “The staircase and the painted ceiling strongly reminded us of our favorite Disney couple from Beauty and the Beast. The string quartet played the movie’s ‘Be Our Guest’ as our guests entered the ballroom from the cocktail hour on the terrace.”

Personal Touches

The bride’s stunning bouquet of roses and peonies was adorned with lace ribbon and four charms, each of which enclosed a small picture of close family members who have passed. Jennifer surprised her betrothed with silver cufflinks engraved with their initials and wedding date and a pocket watch engraved with “Forever and Always, Yours.” “Inside was his favorite engagement picture of the two of us.” The bride hired a Rhode Island-based a capella group, the Alley Cats, to deliver the gifts to the groom’s hotel room while singing 007’s theme song “Skyfall.”

Where are they now?

After enjoying a sun-filled honeymoon in Nassau, Bahamas, the couple returned to their home in Norfolk, VA, where they are both physicians and live with their beloved dogs, Reena and Linus.

Featured Vendors

Bridal Gowns: House of Maya Bridal

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alexandra’s Boutique

Custom Rings: Brian Nicklaus

Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas

Ceremony Venue: Newport Art Museum

Reception Venue: Rosecliff

Hair/Makeup: Jennie Kay Beauty

Flowers: Flowers by Semia

Caterer: Blackstone Caterers

Cake: Dyane’s Sweet Tooth

Transportation: Viking Tours

Ceremony/Cocktail Hour Music: The Golden Scrolls

Reception entertainment: DJ Valentina

Photographer : Joseph Laurin

Videographer: AM Motion