Kateri & Magnus

“I grew up in Portsmouth, across the pond from the Newport Beach Club. I loved that the view from our wedding was also the view I considered home.”

Kateri Chappell and Magnus Buerman on September 16, 2017.

Originally published in the Jan/Feb 2018 issue of Newport Life Magazine.

After meeting at the gym, becoming best friends and dating for four years, Magnus Buerman, from Rochester, New York popped the question unexpectedly on Superbowl Sunday to Kateri Chappell, Portsmouth, Rhode Island native. “Tom Brady and I both got rings that day!” says Kateri about Max’s getting down on one knee on Ocean Drive on a normal Sunday morning after spin class. The couple planned an autumn wedding at St. Barnabas Church in Portsmouth followed by a reception at the Newport Beach Club.

Long Lasting Love

With their parents’ successful marriages as inspiration, they wanted to host the rehearsal dinner and welcome party at a place that reminded them of this everlasting love. The Newport Car Museum was just the spot. Owned by the grooms’ family, the museum represents “hard work, passion, and a man and wife working together to create something great.”

Navy & White

With a 4th of July and summer-inspired theme, the wedding celebration boated the newlyweds’ love for Independence Day. The navy and white color scheme appeared in the bridal party’s navy ensemble to the end of the night sing along to God Bless America. The night culminated in a fireworks display that even surprised the bride!

Taste of Rhode Island

The 215 guests enjoyed a variety of Ocean State-inspired desserts such as Del’s Lemonade macaroons, Newport Creamery Awful Awful shooters, Dark and Stormy cookies and Rhode Island Red whoopie pies. They also served “his and hers favorites” as signature desserts: Max’s favorite was a chocolate chip cookie from Wegmans in New York, and Kateri favored a s’mores cupcake in honor of her favorite holiday, the 4th of July.

Where are they now?

The couple now lives in Providence where Kateri works as a nurse and is attending UMass Amherst for her master’s degree in clinical nurse leadership and education, while Max is getting his MBA at Boston University. The couple put off their honeymoon until this March, when they will enjoy a South African interlude.

Featured Vendors

Bridal Gown & Bridesmaids Dresses: Ana’s Bridal

Suits: J Crew, Nordstrom, the Tie Bar

Rings: Providence Diamond

Invitations: Kim Cowen

Rehearsal Dinner: The Newport Car Museum

Ceremony Venue: St. Barnabas Church

Reception Venue: Newport Beach Club

Hair & Makeup: Spalon

Flowers: Clements’ Marketplace and Sayles Livingston Design

Caterer: Russel Morin Fine Catering

Cake: C and C Cakes and Confections

Officiant: Father Peter Andews

Transportation: The Newport Car Museum, R and B limo, Experience RI Tours

Ceremony Music: Gael Berbrick and Sue Rousseau

Photographer: Cheryl Richards, Armor and Martel

Videographer: Adam Waz

Planner: Exquisite Events

Wedding Night Stay: Carnegie Abbey Golf Course

Guest Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express

Tent Rental: Newport Tent Company

Linen/Décor Rental: EE Décor