What would a Met Gala-inspired mansion wedding look like? Well, thanks to Kristina + Michael we’ve got an idea of just how glorious such a celebration could be.
“Our inspiration was a combination of the Met Gala and Miami’s Art Basel,” says the couple. “We wanted the wedding to feel less like a traditional wedding and more of a once in a lifetime experience, surrounded by opulence and love.”
The historic Gilded Age mansion Rosecliff in Newport, Rhode Island provided an exquisite setting for the elegance + creativity that Kristina, Michael, and the planning team led by Lisa Nightingale at Infinite Events brought to the event.
There were cloud-like ivory florals. There was a decadent ballroom reception. And there were live performers integrated throughout the wedding to create an enchanted + otherworldly atmosphere for Kristina + Michael’s lucky guests.
And wait until you see the details on Kristina’s gorgeous Galia Lahav wedding gown! The Cardonas captured every detail of this decadent day, so let’s take a look!
A First Look With Dad
“For her first look with her dad, the bride arranged a fleet of vintage cars to serve as a stunning backdrop,” says Yael Friedman from Galia Lahav. “While it made for unforgettable photos, the true intention was to honor their cherished memories of car shows and the deep bond they have built for classic cars over the years. This meaningful gesture was an emotional moment for the bride and dad due to his current year-long battle with stage three cancer.”
The Guests Arrive
“Upon arrival, guests posed for photos outside the venue with Atlantic Strings playing…”
“…before walking down a red carpet…”
“…which also served as the dress train for a live performer welcoming guests on stilts!”
Call the paparazzi, cause there were some seriously stunning black tie wedding guest looks on Kristina + Michael’s pre-ceremony red carpet.
“Guests were encouraged to dress on theme: floor-length gowns, dark & moody colors, bold accessories, shoulder pads, feathers, and more,” Yael says.
A Seaside Ceremony
There’s just something so stunning about simplicity when it comes to color. These all-ivory aisle-lining floral arrangements are just beyond beautiful!
For the ceremony Kristina added a voluminous off-white detachable train to her white lace Galia Lahav gown, creating a chic two-tone effect.
Our Musical Choices Processional: "Oceans" by Hillsong United (on violins + harp)
Recessional: "Praise" by Elevation Worship and Brandon Lakes (also on strings)
First Dance: "Can’t Have Mine" by Dylan Scott - we had a private first dance in the ballroom before opening it up to our guests
To put the celebration on-par with likes of iconic events like The Met Gala, Kristina + Michael cleverly nicknamed their big day “The ROW” — short for “The Rosecliff O’Connor Wedding.”
This inventive + interactive drink wall by Ryan Designs was just the beginning of the reception’s many surprises. “Guests rang a bell to choose between an Espresso Martini or Tequila Spritz, had their portraits painted by a live watercolor artist, savored fresh oysters from a raw bar as well as left voicemails for the bride and groom,” recalls Yael.
Such a fun + clever take on your typical champagne wall!
Audio guest books like Kristina + Michael’s are one of our favorite creative guest book ideas! Why not include an old timey telephone booth in your wedding day decor?!
If, like us, you cannot get enough of Galia Lahav’s breathtaking beadwork, structured bodices, and stunning silhouettes, go check out this enchanted Tahoe wedding, this charming California wedding in the woods, and this elegant beach wedding.
