Eileen & Brett

Eileen Korney & Brett Pollina

October 3, 2020 at Regatta Place

Like many couples, Eileen Korney and Brett Pollina met in college, where they circled one another on campus for a year until Eileen said hi and Brett asked for her phone number. After graduation, the pair settled in Newport, where Brett dragged Eileen out to Ocean Drive one day under the pretext of wanting to photograph the scenery. He managed to distract her for a moment, so that when she turned back to face him, he was down on one knee, proposing. Little did they realize what other distractions the next year would bring. — by Fred Albert, Newport Life magazine, July 2021

The Incredible Shrinking Wedding

Six months later, COVID-19 reared its ugly head. Eileen and Brett proceeded with their wedding plans, adjusting the guest list right up until the event to comply with ever-changing regulations. In the end, 85 friends and family members watched them tie the knot on a pier behind Regatta Place, in a ceremony reflecting Eileen’s Catholic faith and Brett’s Jewish heritage. The groom sported a navy blue Hugo Boss suit, while the bride wore a fit and flare matte satin gown and a cathedral veil that two of her sisters had worn at their weddings. At the conclusion of the ceremony, passing vessels waved their congratulations.

Hothouse Colors

At the reception, guests were greeted by a timeline documenting the couple’s life from meeting until marriage, and place cards adorned with seashells painted by Eileen. The accompanying decor was grounded in whites accented with a hothouse array of orange, red and pink florals — a motif that extended to the flower-adorned cake. Guests washed down the latter with a signature ‘Second Beach Spritzer’, served in mason jars.

Going It Alone … Together

Despite the challenges that the pandemic threw in their path, the couple carried off the wedding without the help of an event planner. Whenever things got stressful, Eileen says she remembered the love that started it all. “Perseverance and taking time to practice gratitude daily goes a long way,” she says.

Where are they now?

After a honeymoon in Vero Beach, Florida, the pair returned to their 1835 house in Newport, where Eileen owns Eileen Graphics and Brett works as a pilot for Endeavor Air.

Featured Vendors

Photographer: Sara Cooney Photography
Venue, Caterer: Regatta Place
Bridal Gown: Justin Alexander, The Bridal Garden
Bridesmaid Dresses: Hayley Paige, The Bridal Garden
Suits: Hugo Boss (groom), Suitsupply (groomsmen)
Hair, Makeup: Curl Up & Dye
Nails: Star Nails
Flowers: The Flower Cart at Clements’ Marketplace
Cake: Mad Hatter Bakery