Emily & Nathan

Emily Kelleher & Nathan O’Connor

on June 28, 2019

By Tracie Seed | Newport Wedding 2020

“Parrot” is the operative word in the love story of Newporters Emily Kelleher and Nathan O’Connor, who met and fell in love at the Red Parrot, where she was a hostess and he was a bartender. Nine years later, the lovebirds found themselves taking photographs with their cherished dog on Ocean Drive, when Nathan dropped to one knee and presented his bride-to-be with an engagement ring he had designed out of his grandmother’s diamond. She said yes, of course, and they started planning their Newport wedding, which came full circle with their rehearsal dinner at the Red Parrot. 

“There is nowhere else we’d want to get married than Newport! The 50th anniversary celebration of the Newport Bridge was the night of our wedding, and included fireworks that we had a great view of.” 

Among the Whisperings

In addition to having a quote on the seating chart from The Great Gatsby that read, “The whisperings and the champagne and the stars,” the couple also had vintage-style handkerchiefs at the ready for their guests with tags that said, “For happy tears.” They added to the romance with a guitar player during the ceremony and a jazz trio during cocktail hour. The dusty blue and pale blush color scheme reflected the romantic feeling.

One Macaron or Two?

The couple scored with a floral-adorned, three-tiered yellow wedding cake with strawberry filling and white Italian buttercream frosting. As if that wasn’t enough, Macaron Millie’s ice cream sandwich cart was set up on the patio during dessert.

Newport or Bust

The couple conveyed their love of Newport throughout their day. Emily commissioned cufflinks for Nathan that were made from Newport Bridge tokens, and the pair gave their guests pineapple-shaped bottle openers as a “symbol of Newport and hospitality.”

Where Are They Now?

After a glorious honeymoon in Paris, the couple returned to their beloved Newport, where Emily is a nurse at St. George’s School and Miriam Hospital, and Nathan works for Mikel as a configuration manager on the Navy base.

Vendors

Photographer: Jennifer Manville Photography
Venue & Caterer: Regatta Place
Bridal Gown: Alexandra’s Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Azazie
Suits: Jos. A. Bank
Hair & Makeup: Salon KG
Flowers: Castle and Cottage RI
Rings: Portobello Jewelers
Rehearsal Dinner: The Red Parrot Restaurant
Cake: Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery
Videographer: Rich Ferri
Wedding Night Stay: Gurney’s Newport Resort
Transportation: Fisher Bus Inc.
Music: Silver Arrow Band
Treats: Ellie’s Millie Macaron cart