Whitney & Tyler

“We both love wine and knew that Newport Vineyards was the perfect venue for us and would allow us as a couple to really shine on our wedding day.”

Whitney Lader & Tyler Eshleman on September 18, 2016.

Originally published in the 2018 issue of Newport Wedding Magazine.

It took a herniated disc and job relocation to sunny California for Boston resident Whitney Lader and New York native Tyler Eshleman to meet. After Whitney recovered from back surgery, her company moved her to Burbank. where she found a physical therapist in her new office building. But her rehabilitation took on a new meaning when her new PT Tyler walked through the door for her first appointment. Whitney was mortified that this hunky therapist had to see her at her worst, while Tyler could barely form a sentence because he was too busy focusing on his new favorite patient’s smile. According to the couple, it was love at first sight. Within two weeks, they discovered that they were both from the northeast, went to college in Boston and were obsessed with the Red Sox. So, they went on their first date in Venice, where they eventually moved and sealed the deal for a happy life together during a typical early morning coffee walk. “Over the bridge, Tyler got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was perfect,” says the bride, explaining her groom’s traditional touch. “He had Facetimed my parents the previous evening when I was in the shower to ask for their blessings!” – LC

Eats & Treats

Whitney, whose parents retired to the family’s vacation home in Charlestown, RI, wanted to share a taste of her Newport summer memories with her guests. Cocktail hour included spiked Del’s Lemonade, mini fish and chips and lobster rolls. For a sweet ending, the couple chose three flavors of cake: vanilla with buttercream frosting, banana with cream cheese frosting and lemon with lemon frosting. In addition, each table was offered chocolate chip cookies served on the bride’s grandmother’s china.

This is Us

The bride used her graphic design talents to create the invitations, escort cards and ketubah, a Jewish prenuptial agreement. She also designed a “Just Married” banner for the sweetheart table that Tyler’s stepfather made. For the ceremony, the groom’s father and stepfather also assembled the chuppah, which included a tablecloth from the bride’s grandmother.

Vino Chic

The bride complemented her lace corset and crisp white skirt with a flower crown made of baby’s breath, roses and ribbon. To dance the night away, Whitney swapped out her ceremonial Christian Louboutin heels for a pair of California-cool Nike wedge sneakers.

Where Are They Now?

After an adventure-filled honeymoon exploring Morocco, Barcelona and Germany, Whitney and Tyler returned to Marina del Rey, California, where Tyler is a physical therapist and Whitney pens her blog “hoopLA” and runs Whitney Brooks Designs.

Featured Vendors

Bridal Gown: Sarah Seven

Tuxedos: Joseph A. Bank

Rehearsal Dinner: Salvation Café

Ceremony Venue: Newport Vineyards

Hair and Makeup: Lynda Williams Beauty

Sails: Sunshine Nails

Flowers: Flowerthyme

Caterer/Linens: Blackstone Caterers

Cake: Vesta Bakery

Cookies: John and Cindy’s Harvest Acres Farm

Entertainment: DJ Valentina

Photographer: Ryan Devoll

Wedding Night Stay: Residence Inn by Marriott