Jillian & Matthew

“We both have family from across the country and the world, so it would have been travel for everyone no matter where we chose– it was lucky for us that one of the most beautiful places to have a wedding just happened to be in our ‘backyard’!”

Jillian Bekke & Matthew Vargas on June 10, 2016.

Originally published in the 2018 issue of Newport Wedding Magazine.

Minnesota native Jillian Bekke and Rhode Islander Matthew Vargas discovered that the library is a great place to meet someone. It was there, the Providence Public Library to be exact, that the couple met at a networking event for Providence Business News. “We were the youngest by at least 15 years,” remembers the bride. “After we met, we decided to stay and make a game to see who could collect the most business cards. Now, we don’t even remember who won.” It looks like they both did! Not only did the couple leave with a pocketful of contacts, but they also grabbed each other’s number for a first date. Nearly one year later, on the night before Jillian was leaving to spend Christmas with her family, Matthew surprised her with a ring and a question. “The best part was that he was so excited, the ring box was upside down.” The bride-to-be, a self proclaimed “Monica from Friends with a wedding binder of ideas,” could finally plan her much-awaited celebration.

Classically Chic

The groom’s custom-made tuxedo from Marc Allen Clothiers was a classically-beautiful complement to the bride’s Vera Wang “Liesel” strapless ball gown with ribbon-embroidered bodice and silk organza floating flange skirt. Jillian purchased extra “Silver Bells” crepe fabric from the bridesmaid dresses and had pocket squares made for her groom and his groomsmen.

Cake Plus One

In addition to the European buttercream-frosted yellow cake filled with lemon curd and raspberry filling, the couple served Allie’s Donuts in a variety of sprinkled goodness. “We made special holders to stack all 110 doughnuts on to display and keep table space open.”

Cozy Glow

Sumptuous white flowers with hints of blush, including peonies, hydrangeas, garden roses and ranuculus, set the scene for the fairy-tale fete. The bride wanted to create a cozy romantic vibe, so she put candles on “every surface you could find, including the outside bar on the patio, dance floor and mantles and in the fireplace and photo booth.”

Where are they now?

After a honeymooning in the Bahamas, the couple returned to their Warwick home where Jillian is a yoga instructor and manager at Lululemon and Matthew continues his role at the COO of Veterans Assembled Electronics, LLC.

Featured Vendors

Bridal Gown: L’Atelier Couture Bridal

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Shop Bop and Joanna August

Tuxedos: Marc Allen Fine Clothiers, Men’s Wearhouse

Invitations: Bell’Invito Stationers

Rehearsal Dinner: Sardella’s

Ceremony/Reception Venue: The Glen Manor House

Hair/Makeup: Jennie Kay Beauty

Caterer/Cake: Russell Morin Catering & Events

Officiant: Pastor Linda Forsberg

Ceremony Music: La Bella Musica

Reception entertainment: Luke Renchan Entertainment

Photographer: Ella Iannotti

Videographer: Endeavor Studio

Wedding Night Stay: The Hotel Viking

Post-wedding brunch: 41 North