Brittany & Justin

Brittany K. French & Justin D. Bessette on October 21, 2017

Originally published in the January/February edition of Newport Life Magazine.

“The two of us absolutely love the beach and the ocean, we wanted the ceremony to be outdoors and to be at the same location as the reception, so the Glen Manor checked all of those boxes.”

Nothing says New England romance like a combination of Fenway Park and Sunday River skiing. While on a Red Sox ski trip from Boston to Maine, Newport County native Justin Bessette had no idea that his future bride, Brittany French, was sitting on the bus a few rows away. They did not even exchange glances until the apres-ski party, where they started a conversation that continued the whole bus ride home. Weeks later, the first official date started as a casual dinner and ended with the couple closing the restaurant. After living together for two years, Justin coordinated with the staff and historians at the Old North Church so he could bring Brittany behind the scenes. Inside the velvet ropes surrounding the altar he dropped to one knee to propose. – JC

Personal touches
Rather than offer guests a traditional wedding favor, the couple donated to two causes very special to them: Boston’s Children’s Hospital honoring a close friend who passed away before their engagement, and the other was a St. John hurricane relief fund, where the couple frequently travels.

Blushing Bride
In a poignant moment during the ceremony, the officiant (Brittany’s mother) asked the couple to pause and take in everything happening around them. Justin looked around and romantically leaned in to give Brittany a kiss. She pulled back, yelling out, “No, not yet!” much to the amusement of the guests.

Flower Power
Brittany’s favorite flowers, Calla lilies, were featured alongside a beautiful mix of dahlias, hydrangea, roses, and lisianthus. Round tables were adorned with traditional centerpieces full of color and greens. Throughout the venue were floral highlights interspersed with a mix of clear and gold mercury glass votives. The overall effect was an elegant and romantic addition to the historic Glen Manor setting.

Where Are They Now
After a relaxing trip to Fiji and New Zealand, the couple returned to the Boston area where Brittany works in advertising and Justin is a finance manager in the pharmaceutical industry.

Vendors

Bridal Gown: Flair Bridal

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Flair Bridal

Suits: Jos A Bank.

Rings (engagement and wedding bands): Carats by Stacey, and family heirlooms

Rehearsal Dinner: Boathouse

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Glen Manor House

Nails: MT Nails

Flowers: Sayles Livingston Design

Caterer: Blackstone Caterers

Cake: Confectionery Designs

Officiant: Bride’s mother, Helena French

Transportation: A Plus Coach, Leisure Limousine

Ceremony Music: JO Trio

Reception entertainment: Murray Hill Talent

Photographer: Joseph Laurin

Accommodations & post-wedding brunch: Courtyard Marriott