Glen Manor House

Real Weddings

Lena & Hunter

By Newport Wedding Magazine | December 20, 2019 0 Comments

Lena Savelyeva & Hunter Shaffer on September 14, 2018

By Tracie Seed | Newport Wedding magazine 2020

Chicago is the backdrop for many tales, but none sweeter than the love story of Canada native Lena Savelyeva and North Scituate–born Hunter Shaffer. They first met when Lena was coaxed out of bed by their mutual friend (her roommate) to spend a Saturday night on the town. After she put on her party clothes, she entered the kitchen where her friends were waiting, and Hunter was struck by Cupid’s arrow, falling “in love at first sight.” After a six-month long-distance courtship, the couple took a trip to Nantucket, where, after a day of hiking and biking, Hunter popped the question in front of a picturesque lighthouse. A 13-month engagement culminated in a Roaring Twenties Great Gatsby–themed wedding at Glen Manor House in Portsmouth.

“We chose Newport County for its undeniable beauty and proximity to the ocean. It is also where we had the best time when we were dating.”

: Lefebvre Photography

: Lefebvre Photography

1920s or Bust

As a nod to the Roaring Twenties, Something Different Cake Couture provided sweets adorned with cream, black and shimmering gold 1920s designs. The cake was topped with a personalized art deco–inspired piece featuring the couple’s beloved dachshund.

Better than Daisy Buchanan

Lena said “yes to the dress” at Kleinfeld’s in New York City. Her Reem Acra “Leonora” gown featured an A-line silhouette, embroidered lace and a sweetheart strapless bodice. She complemented her attire with gold and rose gold beaded bridesmaid gowns from Badgley Mischka and Donna Morgan.

A Floral Affair

“Flowers were the most important element,” says the bride. The bridal bouquet was comprised of burgundy and champagne florals, including dahlias, Red Velvet amaranthus, and Tess Garden and Black Bacara roses, along with touches of green foliage. The elegance continued with gold candelabra-based centerpieces adorned with crystals, pearls and ostrich feathers. The final touch was the couple’s initials rendered in roses and hung on the venue’s front door.

Where Are They Now?

After a romantic honeymoon in the Maldives, the couple returned to Providence, where Lena is a senior manager of financial operations at Wayfair, and Hunter is director of research and innovation at Blood Centers of America.