Castle Hill: A Wedding Story

What is your wedding style? Is it high glamour or subdued elegance? Is it inspired by New England beaches or classic Hollywood? Whatever your wedding style, the experts at Castle Hill want to craft a wedding celebration that is perfectly suited for you. Even if your personal style includes things like, umm… goat cakes and banana pancakes.

The main wedding venue at Castle Hill features a custom designed Sperry tent that will accommodate up to 250 for a sit-down dinner reception, a sprawling lawn overlooking Newport Harbor for the ceremony, and an arbored trellis and balustraded terrace for the exchanging of vows. Not to mention the adjacent Inn for the accommodation of wedding guests and the bridal suite perched above the venue in our historic Chalet.

If a smaller more intimate affair suits your style, we have ceremonies at the Castle Hill Lighthouse and wedding receptions inside the Ocean Room of the Agassiz Mansion. These were the settings for the nuptials of Mrs. Robin (Streck) Lewis and Mr. Ken Lewis, who celebrated with us this past July. Unlike the Chalet tent, which is disassembled every winter, the Ocean Room is available for your special celebrations in all seasons.

Erin McGinn Photography www.erinmcginn.com

 
Robin and Ken’s association with Castle Hill began several years ago when Ken whisked her away to Newport for the weekend to celebrate her birthday and they were fortunate enough to witness a magical sunset from the Castle Hill Lawn. When it was time to plan the wedding, Castle Hill was their number one choice.

Bring on the Castle Hill sales team…

A quick call to Castle Hill put Robin in touch with Stephanie Rossi, Private Dining Sales Manager for Castle Hill Inn. Stephanie provided assurance, comfort, support, and orchestrated a wedding celebration for the happy couple that in Robin’s own words left her with “not a worry in the world.” Stephanie had to orchestrate with the kitchen, the dining room, the outside vendors, and still provide an event that was as special as the bride and groom themselves.

Erin McGinn Photography www.erinmcginn.com

 
One of the most memorable moments for Robin was walking down the “aisle” with her dad – the two decided to pair up to walk the wooded pathway that leads to the Castle Hill Lighthouse, instead of opting for transportation. One can only imagine how special it was for them. The groom’s late father was especially honored as well, in a tribute set up by the Castle Hill team, on the fireplace mantel of the reception room.

Erin McGinn Photography www.erinmcginn.com

 

Erin McGinn Photography www.erinmcginn.com

 
The cocktail reception on the terrace just outside the Ocean Room was another element that was an unexpected and extraordinary experience for Robin, Ken and their guests. Followed by a special trip back to those Adirondack chairs on the Lawn, now as husband and wife.

Erin McGinn Photography www.erinmcginn.com

 
Robin wanted a special surprise specifically for Ken, so she had the Castle Hill culinary team whip up a chocolate groom’s cake, to which she applied a unique cake topper, inspired by the pet goats that they have back home in Shelter Island, New York.

Erin McGinn Photography www.erinmcginn.com

 
Lastly, Stephanie and the Castle Hill culinary team had one more surprise for Robin. Knowing that she has a unique e-mail address taken from a song by Jack Johnson, they prepared a gift bag for her complete with Chef Lou Rossi’s recipe for Banana Pancakes.

Erin McGinn Photography www.erinmcginn.com

 
Thank you, Robin and Ken, for sharing your special day with us. We hope you return to Castle Hill for many future sunsets.

Shea C Nelson