Robin & Eric

Robin Pearson & Eric Schmigle on August 19, 2017

“We have spent so much time on the water at the Fort at all the festivals and out sailing and boating around each summer. There was just no other option for us!”

Originally published in the March/April issue of Newport Life Magazine.

It took Vermont native Robin Pearson and Mainer Eric Schmigle several meet-cutes to get it right. Beginning at the 2011 Newport Folk Fest, where they first met when mutual friends rafted boats together, the next three years were peppered with multiple run-ins and random meetings. “[We met again at] a few St. Patrick’s Days, Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festivals and a most memorable Patriots’ play-off game when Eric gave me a pair of gloves because I was cold,” remembers the bride. “I still have them!” But it wasn’t until a fall evening in 2014 when the couple’s last chance encounter while dining became a regular thing. “As it turns out,” Robin muses, “it was worth the wait.” -TS

A Walk of a Lifetime

Early one sunny, wintry morning, the couple took their dog Bowen on a stroll along the Cliff Walk. Because the lighting was so “perfect” Robin asked to take a photograph of Eric and Bowen outside Ochre Court. After the picture, Eric remained on bended knee and presented Robin with a ring.

Location, location, location

Because they met at Fort Adams, their hearts broke when there were no available times for their wedding. But the tides turned when there was a cancellation and the date was set for their New England-themed nuptials. The location-centric celebration included Newport Bridge neckties, Vermont maple syrup and Maine blueberry jam party gifts and hand-painted ceramic Rhode Island-shaped “escort cards.”

Land and Sea

Before the ceremony and clambake reception, the couple enjoyed a private ride around Newport Harbor on the bride’s family’s sailboat Free Spirit, captained by Robin’s father. “We’ve had [the boat] since I was eight,” she says. “Words can’t describe how special it was to be able to incorporate this into our wedding day. We [even] received a cannon salute from the Newport Yacht Club!”

Where are They Now?

After a Nantucket honeymoon, the couple returned to their home in Newport, where Robin is a senior marketing manager at Samsonite and Eric works at Roger Williams University as an associate director of enrollment management.

Featured Vendors

Bridal Gown: Estee Bridal

Suits: Jos A Banks

Newport Bridge Ties: Michael Hayes

Rings: Tebeca Jewelers

Invitations: Katlem Design

Custom Drawn Map: Sharon Morgera

Rehearsal Dinner: Salvation Café

Venue: Fort Adams

Hair/Make up: Wavelengths Salon & Spa

Flowers: Flowers by Semia

Caterer/Tent/Linens: McGrath Clambakes

Cake: Mad Hatter Bakery

Guest Transportation: Ocean State Transit

Ceremony Music: Julio Amaro

Reception entertainment: Honky Tonk Knights

Photographer: Maaike Bernstrom Photography

Liquor: Point Wine and Spirits