“I said, ‘Yes!’ and immediately followed with ‘You know we have to get married in Newport, right?’” says Julianna.
Julianna MacFarland & Tyler Oates on May 23, 2015
Published in Newport Wedding Magazine 2016
Little did Georgia native Julianna MacFarland know that she would meet the man of her dreams when she served coffee to students at Eastern Nazarene College. “It was love at first sight,” says the bride of Tyler Oates from Philadelphia. Several months later, while admiring a koi pond Tyler had built in his parents’ picturesque backyard, Julianna’s dreams were realized when her groom-to-be dropped to his knee while offering her a token of his eternal love. Preparations began soon after for their wedding in the City by the Sea, where Julianna’s ancestors were among the founders. The couple secured The Hotel Viking for their reception. The bride says, “It has always been a favorite of mine for its history and [more importantly] their seafood chowder!”—TS
Bridal Ensemble
To complement her dupioni silk fit-and-flair gown, Julianna enlisted Andria Bird Bride to design a custom crystal necklace, belt and veil in addition to having her fashion a headpiece from her great-grandmother’s jewelry.
The Ceremony
For Julianna, the First Presbyterian Church in Newport that her great-great-great-grandfather helped build was the obvious choice. “As a flower girl in my aunt’s Newport wedding 20 years ago, I decided that I would get married in the same city my family had lived in for centuries and in the same church as the previous five generations of women in my family.”
Furry Friend
Julianna has a husky named Nekoda that she wanted to include in the celebration, but couldn’t figure out a practical solution. Her mother surprised her by having someone bring him to the church after the ceremony. “There was a lot of flying fur and happy tears,” Julianna says.
Where Are They Now
After a sunny honeymoon in Florida, the happy couple returned to their home in Quincy, MA where Julianna is a digital media producer and Tyler is a social worker.
Featured Vendors
Bridal Gown: Andria Bird Bride
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Party Dress Express
Tuxedos/Suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Rings: Longs Jewelers
Invitations: David’s Bridal
Ceremony Venue: First Presbyterian Church
Reception Venue/Caterer/Accommodations: Hotel Viking
Hair/Make-up: Pro Radiance Artistry
Cake: The French Confection
Transportation: Viking Tours of Newport: Wedding Trolley
Reception Entertainment: Moondance Productions
Photographer: Ioana Bentum Photography; Kelly Anderson Photography
