Emilie & Kurt

Emilie Reed & Kurt Shulkitas on July 5, 2018 

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

By Hayley Lonergan

It was an unforgettable love story right from the start for Emilie Reed of Green Bay, Wis., and Kurt Shulkitas of Pottsville, Pa. They first crossed paths five years ago in Stuttgart, Germany, where Kurt was stationed with the Navy and Emily worked as a military high school counselor. They met at an expat Halloween party and were instantly inseparable, spending much of the next three years exploring Europe together. With Kurt’s next duty station approaching, the couple knew that marriage was on the horizon, so Kurt started thinking about where to propose. The pair returned to the Alps, where they had spent their first Christmas together, and atop Germany’s highest peak, Kurt offered Emilie a lifetime of travels. 

“We were overjoyed when we started searching for wedding venues and I happened upon Rosecliff, which immediately reminded me of the European palaces we fell in love with.”

A True Newport Experience

Emilie and Kurt had guests traveling from Korea, Germany, Canada and all over the United States, so they wanted to offer their friends an exceptional Newport experience. “We chose Newport Vineyards for our early arriving guests, because it’s a gorgeous property and most of our family had never tried Rhode Island wine,” Emilie says. “Kurt and I always made it a priority to try new wines and tour local vineyards in each new country we visited, so wine and travel became a unified passion for us. We wanted to share this passion with our guests.” The couple hosted the rehearsal dinner at At The Deck on Waites Wharf, where guests enjoyed local mussels and clams, and the view of Fort Adams and Newport Harbor.

Something New, Something Vintage

The wedding’s 1920s travel theme perfectly captured the couple’s adventurous relationship. Rosecliff was decorated with navy blue and gold accents, along with displays of vintage suitcases, hats, old pictures and antiques. The seating chart was on a vintage European map, where each country represented a table. To highlight the couple’s travels, each table featured a photo of Emilie and Kurt taken in that country, along with a matching vintage postcard.

Surrounded By Love

“My favorite memory was the last dance before we left, when all of our guests were circled around us on the dance floor,” Emilie says. “Kurt and I were dancing our hearts out in the middle. I’ve never felt so loved in my life.”

Where Are They Now?

Instead of going on a honeymoon, Emilie and Kurt decided to buy a house. Emilie is currently living in their home in Wisconsin while Kurt completes classes in Virginia with the Navy. She will join him again in Washington, D.C., when Kurt begins his next assignment at the State Department. Emilie works as a social worker and substance abuse counselor for adolescents.  

Featured Vendors:

Rehearsal Dinner: At The Deck

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Rosecliff

Hair & Makeup: Natural Creations

Nails: Angel Nails

Flowers: Blooming Blossoms

Caterer & Cake: Blackstone Caterers

Transportation: Rockstar Limo

Ceremony Music: Unique Sounds Entertainment

Photographer: Mia Campopiano

Wedding Night Stay: Marshall Slocum Inn