Calindy & Jason

Calindy Stringer and Jason Gardenhire on June 23, 2018

Originally published in the 2019 edition of Newport Wedding Magazine

“Fort Adams became the perfect place because it was one of our stops when we started dating. It was the perfect combination of the Newport experience mixed with my desire to have a rustic, shabby chic wedding.”

Tiverton native Calindy Stringer had to overcome half a country’s worth of distance to get to know Jason Gardenhire, from Dallas, TX. The couple first met in New Orleans during separate business trips. They overlapped only for a week, but it was enough that Jason knew he wanted to learn more. As Calindy returned home, Jason reached out via Facebook, and two weeks later, he flew her to Texas for their first date. Their relationship grew despite the distance, and once they realized this was real, Calindy packed up a Uhaul and moved to the Lone Star State. -JC

Planning to Plan
Living in Texas, it was a challenge for the couple to plan the wedding in Rhode Island. Calindy relied heavily on her mother, who became the default wedding planner, meeting with the vendors, coordinating the information back to the bride. It required a lot of extra planning to schedule meetings and finalize decisions. Calindy was constantly shipping things to her mom that she had either bought for the wedding or made herself. She called her father regularly with new ideas or something she wanted him to make. It was a great shared experience.

Personal Touch
Calindy is a self described DIY’er who knew she wanted to play a part in creating some of the special details. She handcrafted signs for the ring bearers to carry and signs to sit atop the dessert and dinner tables. She designed other decor for her father to make like pedestals and stands for the cupcakes and birch candle holders. The week of the wedding, the bride and her mother cooked homemade molasses cookies from a family recipe.

Welcome to Newport
Personalized gift bags welcomed guests to Newport. In addition to a wedding day timeline, each bag contained a mini survival kit. Cape Cod potato chips, Del’s Lemonade, and the couple’s favorite snacks provided nourishment. There was a small first aid kit with an Uber coupon, sunscreen and ibuprofen. A guide to Newport along with postcards, a quahog shell and a piece of sea glass introduced everyone to the City by the Sea.

Where are they now?
After a Barbados honeymoon, Calindy and Jason returned to their home in Celina, Texas. Calindy is a representative for Progressive Insurance and Jason works in crisis management.

Vendors:
Bridal Gown: Alexandra’s Bridal Boutique
Tuxedos/Suits: Black Tux
Rehearsal Dinner: The Landing Restaurant
Venue: Fort Adams
Hair & Makeup: Lynda Williams Beauty
Nails: Star Nails
Flowers: Farmhouse Florals and Garden Design
Caterer: Kitchen Companion Catering
Cake: Wingate’s Cake Design
Transportation: Viking Tours
Ceremony Music: Matt Haggerty
Reception Entertainment: Triple J DJ Services
Photographer: Maria Burton Photography
Wedding Night Stay: Newport Marriott
Guest Accommodations: Mainstay Hotel and Residence Inn
Tent Rental: Newport Tent
Linen/Décor Rental: Party Plus True Value