Rhode Island Bride in the City: Melissa Zito

Style Unveiled, as hard as we try, knows that sometimes it takes a woman who's walking in your same 'heels' to help with something like planning a day as big as a wedding.  And while we will always be here to help with inspirational photos, real weddings, vendor suggestions, venue ideas, engagement photo ideas, and more ... we want to bring you something priceless ... Advice from brides who are doing the same as you (right now!!) ... PLANNING THEIR WEDDING :)  Our blog addition, Bride in the City will give you inside info from other brides to help you along the way and make you feel like you're not the only one :)  So ... get ready to bond with Bride in the City guest:  Melissa Zito

When did you become engaged?

March 22, 2011

When is the big day?

June 23, 2012

What did you do for your engagement session?  What was it like to work with your photographers?

We would like to start with, we absolutely LOVED our photographer! Alicia Williams of Cordele Photography was one of our first choices in planning our wedding and we couldn't be happier. She not only took the time to sit down (in several phone conversations) with us and personalize a package to fit our needs but she also traveled out to us to take the engagement photos. We decided to use a location on Long Island that would give the best depiction of who we are as a couple. Greenport, Long Island is right on the water and also has gorgeous vineyards. During the engagement session she took the time to make us both feel comfortable and allowed us the space to be ourselves while giving us direction at the same time. We wound up with beautiful photos in many different locations and all felt like they captured our personalities.

Who are the wedding vendors that you have already decided to hire?

We have decided to host the wedding at The Atlantic Inn on Block Island. This location will serve as both the ceremony and reception location as well as the Inn where most of our guests will be staying for the weekend. They will also be catering our wedding.  And of course, Alicia Williams of Cordele Photography will be our photographer for the event. Our favors will be fudge made on the island by Blocks of Fudge in the flavors of our choosing.

 What is your venue and why did you choose it?

We have chosen The Atlantic Inn on Block Island as our venue. It is such a romantic location with stunning views of the water and the Rose Farm (with live animals). It really captures everything I ever pictured for my wedding. The Atlantic in is filled with beautiful old antiques and has a very rustic, vintage charm to it. The wraparound porch will serve as a sitting area for cocktail hour and the front lawn (the call it the croquet court) will be the location of our ceremony. I wouldn't want to be married anywhere else.

What are you most excited about for your wedding day?

I'm excited to be marrying the most wonderful man I could ever dream up. He is not only my best friend but also handsome and honest and solid, he is truly my rock and I can not wait to be his wife.

Is there anything you are nervous about for your wedding day?

Seeing him for the first time in my wedding dress and reading our vows. I think I might just end up bawling through them.

What is your wedding theme or concept going to be?  What inspired it?

Vintage charm, shabby-chic.  It's our style, and the style of the island, so it just fit so perfectly!

Did you decide to hire a wedding coordinator?  Why did you decide this?

No we did not. We were lucky enough that Brad and Ann who run the Inn are so helpful with the planning and putting together lists of approved vendors (people they are willing to stand behind) really put our stress at ease. I also love planning parties myself and wouldn't be happy with someone else taking the lead.

Where are you planning to go for your honeymoon?

We will be Cruising through the Riviera from Rome, Italy to Barcelona, Spain aboard Oceania Cruiseline. The stops will include: Rome, Amalfi/Positano, Florence/Tuscany/Pisa, Portofino, Monte Carlo, Marseille, Ibiza & Barcelona.  We are very excited to be taking this adventure together and can not wait to go!

Is your husband-to-be helping with the planning?  What are his jobs?

Brian has been amazing with helping me through the planning stages. He is very open to my ideas (and believe me there are many) and he will always give his opinion when I need it. We are really doing this together and its making our bond so much stronger.

What is your best advice to brides who are currently planning their wedding?

Take a deep breath and do it in stages. If you try to do too much at once it tends to get very overwhelming!

Are you planning to see each other before the ceremony for photos?  Why or why not?

Absolutely! We would rather spend the morning taking pictures together and spend our actual wedding enjoying our time with our guests. I also like the idea of his seeing me for the first time being a private moment, it makes it very special and I really am looking forward to that part the most. It doesn't work for everyone but for us it just makes sense.

What are 3 words that describe how you feel right now?

Excited beyond words!

{DARLING} Eye-Candy Submitted to us by Cordele Photography