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
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