Rosecliff Mansion Wedding | Classic Black Tie Newport Affair

Wedding couple at sunset overlooking the ocean at Rosecliff Mansion

Melissa & Ryan’s Elegant Mansion Wedding at Rosecliff Mansion

At Halie Child Photography, I’ve had the privilege of capturing several stunning Rosecliff Mansion weddings, and Melissa and Ryan’s black tie celebration was no exception. They couldn’t have asked for a better summer day at this iconic Newport Rhode Island venue.

Rosecliff Mansion weddings are nothing short of spectacular. The property is has exquisite manicured grounds, a luxurious ballroom reception venue, and ocean views.

Modeled after the Grand Trianon, a baroque pavilion in the great park of Versailles, the Rosecliff mansion, completed in 1902, hosted some of the most lavish social events of the Gilded Age, making it the perfect, timeless setting for weddings that deserve a touch of elegance and grandeur.

In such a formal setting, it was important to them that the charm of the mansion was balanced with a day that felt relaxed and natural with all of their favorite people.

Newport Rhode Island Mansion Summer Wedding

Rosecliff Mansion Wedding Arch for summer ceremony

Melissa and Ryan met at the beginning of their senior year at Boston College and have been together ever since. They couldn’t wait to bring their families together to celebrate and be a part of their love story!

Wedding Day Prep in Newport

Melissa and Ryan got ready separately at the Brenton Hotel and Castle Hill Inn, respectively. Melissa is very close with her family, so it was a very special moment for both mom and dad to see her right after getting into her dress. She is the oldest of four siblings and the only girl, so she also did a special reveal with her brothers just before the ceremony. It was a sentimental moment for her brothers to see their big sister ready to get married.

Wedding day prep for Rosecliff mansion wedding couple

Bride and flower girl tending to wedding gown

Oceanfront Wedding Ceremony at Rosecliff Mansion

The ceremony space out on the lawn was absolutely stunning, complete with a floral arbor and a view of the ocean in the background. It was important for Melissa and Ryan to wait until the ceremony to see each other for the first time that day.

Ryan’s face as Melissa walked down the aisle with her dad says it all! Ryan’s older brother officiated the ceremony and they shared personal vows with one another. You could see how in love these two were from start to finish!

The Groom's first look at the bride entering the ceremony

Wedding couple exiting summer oceanfront ceremony

Romantic Color Palette for Rosecliff Mansion Summer Wedding

The soft and muted colors of ivy, cream, and light pink with greenery and gold accents were the perfect color palette for this venue. It was all tied together perfectly with stunning floral arrangements and romantic decor.

Romantic wedding reception styled with soft colors at the Rosecliff Mansion

Rosecliff Mansion Wedding Photos

In the photography pre-planning process, careful thought and consideration went into crafting the photo timeline and details list. It was important that the couple had quality time with each other and their guests, but also capture all of the many moments and details in a natural way.

After the ceremony, we had a long group photo list for the bridal party and family photos, but everyone was on such a high and so excited that we got through it quickly.

Just as we completed photos of Melissa and Ryan, the sun was setting over the ocean, and the cloud cover made for incredible sunset portraits!

Rosecliff Newport Mansion summer Wedding

Regal Rosecliff Mansion Reception Space

Melissa is very detail oriented and planning for her guest experience was a priority. When you enter the ballroom at Rosecliff Mansion, it is like being transported back in time. The Gilded Age mansion was built for entertaining and for an epic party! The color palette and florals perfectly complemented the space to make it feel sophisticated and regal.

The reception began with special dances, toasts, and a cake cutting. The band then lit up the room and dancing went through the night! Ryan, especially, couldn’t wait to share the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream bar with their guests complete with Red Sox and Yankee baseball team cups to show off their competing roots! The evening concluded with a midnight streamer exit into an old classic car! Congratulations to this wonderful couple!