Danielle & Joseph

Danielle Wragg & Joseph Holleran on September 9, 2018

By Jake Cathers | Published in the March/April edition of Newport Life

Danielle Wragg and Joseph Holleran began their love story in high school, at La Salle Academy. Although they were there together for just a year, their relationship never took a break, continuing through several long-distance stretches when Joseph went to boarding school and they attended different colleges, culminating in their engagement seven years later. On a beautiful day at Beavertail State Park in Jamestown, facing a magnificent sunset, Joey dropped to one knee in front of a sobbing Danielle and asked her to marry him. They lingered a while, sharing tears and embracing the moment. When they eventually returned to the car, Joey surprised Danielle again by playing the CD she had made for him in high school on their first anniversary. 

“With all of the beautiful wedding venues in Newport, I knew whenever I got married it would definitely be somewhere in Newport.”

An Easy Choice

Choosing the right church and venue can be tricky, taking into account the tastes of merging families as well as managing schedules, capacity and availability. St. Joseph’s Church was recommended by a friend, and the couple knew right away it was the perfect choice. “The church was so grand and historic, and overall just beautiful,” says Danielle. They had a similar feeling when visiting the Castle Hill Inn. “Castle Hill was at the top of our venue list. We went to visit first and we were immediately blown away.” From the picturesque views overlooking Narragansett Bay to the nautical decor of the Sperry tent, every detail was special.

Expression of Romance

The couple wanted guests to feel magic and romance in the theme of the wedding, reflecting their personality as a couple. Strands of twinkling lights were used inside the tent, paired with swooping lengths of fabric to soften the lines of the structure. Vintage chandeliers provided additional soft light. Dusty rose, champagne, greenery and gold were layered into the presentation. To share their high school origins, the couple placed their prom photos in an assortment of vintage metal frames displayed around the venue. The pictures paired nicely with a framed love note saved from high school.

Important Details

Guests entered the tent through a draped fabric tunnel. To add a personal touch, the bride drew calligraphic signs on mirrors, chalkboards and frames and displayed them throughout the venue. Floral arrangements provided layers of greenery to supplement the blush and ivory blooms carried by the wedding party. The bride’s bouquet included small plastic flowers that had been in her grandmother’s veil crown — a touching and personal tribute to her grandmother, who had recently passed.

Where Are They Now

Danielle and Joseph traveled to San Diego and Hawaii for their honeymoon before returning to Rhode Island, where she works as an accountant at Citrin Cooperman and he is a police officer with the town of Cumberland.

Featured Vendors

Bridal Gown & Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alexandra’s Bridal Boutique
Tuxedos/Suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Invitations: Crosstown Press
Rehearsal Dinner: The Landing
Ceremony Venue: St. Joseph’s Church
Hair & Makeup: Complex Beauty
Nails: Naturally Nails
Flowers: Sayles Livingston Design
Reception Venue, Caterer & Wedding Night Stay: Castle Hill Inn
Cake: Sweet Indulgence
Transportation: Viking Tours of Newport/The Wedding Trolley 
Ceremony Music: Christiana Caprarelli
Reception entertainment: World Premier Band
Photographer: Massart Photography
Videographer: JB Horn Film
Planner: AMC Weddings
Linen/Décor Rental: PEAK event services, Exquisite Events