Courtney & Paolo

Courtney Page and Paolo Meireles on July 15, 2017

Originally published in the 2019 edition of Newport Wedding Magazine

“When we got to Greenvale Vineyards, it just felt right. It had everything we wanted, a view of the bay, a vineyard, and not horrifyingly hot in July, like in south Florida. ”

After a New York City rooftop party encounter, Chelmsford, MA, native Courtney Page and Paolo Meireles, from NYC, knew they had a connection. But Courtney put him in the friend zone. Fast forward. Courtney changed her mind, but Paolo had moved to Florida for a new job. After she moved to the sunny state and set up a home with him, Paolo took Courtney back to NYC under the guise of a business trip. On top of the same roof where they met years before, Paolo offered a ring and a question, and  Courtney knew it was a connection that would last a lifetime. -TS

Just the Two of Us

The couple wanted an intimate wedding, so they skipped the bridesmaids and groomsmen. “It was just the two of us. We wanted to keep the ceremony simple and fast so that we could get to eating, drinking, and dancing!” says the bride. After they sealed their “I Dos” with a kiss, the 74 guests pulled out noise makers from beneath their seats and immediately began the celebration.

Simple Elegance

Courtney and Paolo’s “vintage vineyard wedding” allowed them to keep the decor to a minimum.  They hadn’t even planned to be married in Rhode Island, but fell in love with the picturesque setting at Greenvale Vineyards along the Sakonnet River in Portsmouth. To complement the venue’s natural surroundings, they chose a color palette of white and green. At the reception, the long banquet-style tables were scattered with greens, rustic white hydrangea arrangements and lanterns along a white lace runner. The unadorned three-layer “naked” wedding cake was comprised of two layers of lemon chiffon and one of Baileys and cream.

Fun Everlasting

At the festive tented reception, the newlyweds danced to Louis Armstrong’s “La Vie En Rose” and arrived in style in a ‘39 Pearl Diamond Packard sedan. They joined their guests at the bar for food stations that included pork carnitas tacos and truffle French fries.

Where Are They Now?

After a Caribbean honeymoon the couple returned to their home in Boca Raton, FL, where Courtney is an executive recruiter and Paolo is a lawyer.

Vendors

Bridal Gown: Bellissima Bride  

Tuxedos/Suits: Men’s Warehouse.

Engagement and wedding bands:  James Allen

Invitations: Minted.com

Rehearsal Dinner: 41 North

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Greenvale Vineyards

Hair, Makeup and Nails: Ronald Lisboa Salon

Flowers: Broadway Floral Designs

Caterer: Blackstone Caterers

Cake: Confectionary Designs

Officiant: Greg Nawrocki

Bridal Party Transportation: Newport Limousine Service

Ceremony Music & Reception entertainment: Clockwork New England

Photographer & Videographer: Blueflash Photography

Wedding Night Stay: 41 North

Tent Rental: Newport Tent Company

Linen/Décor Rental: Blackstone Caterers