Faith Dugan Photography
A blind date can be exciting for a single girl, until she realizes that the person she’s with is simply not the one. That’s what happened to Danielle Mandeville in 2016 when she tried to grab the attention of Michael Reffitt while on a less-than-promising blind date in Newport. While Mr. Wrong was in the restroom, Danielle spied Michael from across the room and flirtatiously asked him if one of the drinks he was buying was for her. Intrigued, Michael asked Danielle for her phone number. That summer, the two fell in love on the shores of Cape Cod near Danielle’s family cottage. The following year, on Danielle’s favorite holiday, Independence Day, Michael guided Danielle away from a family gathering to a stretch of sand where dozens of roses were laid out in the shape of a heart. Within the floral display was a message: WILL YOU MARRY ME? On those very shores where they fell in love, Michael got down on one knee and asked Danielle to be his wife.
“WE CHOSE NEWPORT AS OUR WEDDING LOCATION BECAUSE THAT’S WHERE WE FIRST CROSSED PATHS! WE WILL ALWAYS HOLD NEWPORT COUNTY NEAR AND DEAR TO OUR HEARTS.”
Faith Dugan Photography
JOURNEY TO GURNEY’S
Finding a picturesque wedding spot was important for this couple, so Gurney’s on Goat Island made for the perfect venue. “I remember thinking, ‘There’s no way any location can top this!’” Danielle says. “We loved that there are views from every angle.” Danielle’s sister Jess officiated at the ceremony and brought tears of joy to every guest’s eyes. Michael’s vows were just as heart-melting, and reinforced his commitment to always putting Danielle first.
ALL ABOUT THE GOWN
An Enzoani gown ended up fulfilling Danielle’s desire for something sweet, yet sexy. The beaded Chantilly lace bodice, soft tulle skirt and sensual V back radiated an alluring charm. Danielle’s veil caught the wind and flew off her head right when she was about to tap Michael on the shoulder for their first look. “I yelled, ‘Wait, don’t turn around!’ and waited for the photographer to re-pin my veil,” Danielle recalls. Michael reflects on this moment with amusement, saying, “Our first look was completely botched.”
OCEAN ELEGANCE
Against an idyllic ocean backdrop, the couple exchanged vows framed by two elegant urns filled with flowers in shades of white, mauve, blush and pink accented with burgundy. This color palette influenced everything down to the groom’s statement-making corsage. The couple’s selection for their first dance was an acoustic version of Sam Smith’s “Latch.” “We love the lyric, ‘If there are boundaries, I will try to knock them down,’ because it holds so true to our relationship,” Danielle says.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Michael and Danielle honeymooned at Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas. The two now call Providence home. Danielle works as a recruiter for Carousel Industries, while Michael serves as a marketing specialist for Titleist, an American golf equipment company.
FEATURED VENDORS
Reception Venue: Gurney’s Newport
Hair & Makeup: Salon Sapphire by Sabrina Marie
Nails: Metro Nails
Flowers: Botanica Wedding Flowers Studio
Caterer: Gurney’s Newport
Cake: Scrumptions
Ceremony music & reception entertainment: Wyllie Entertainment
Photographer: Faith Dugan Photography
Wedding Night Stay: Gurney’s Newport
Guest Accommodations: Gurney’s Newport and Holiday Inn Express
Post-wedding brunch: Diego’s Newport