A Romantic, Seaside Wedding At Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island

“You never think you’ll meet your soul mate at 17, but that’s what happened,” says Catherine Jo Gioia. It was senior year of high school when Nicholas Belli moved to town, and Cathy Jo believes it was fate. She was immediately drawn to him because he was different from the other guys she knew.

One day, as she came out of cheerleading practice, Cathy Jo saw Nick on his skateboard and asked if he needed a ride home. They talked on the way back to their neighborhood, becoming good friends right away, and eventually started dating. There were some rocky patches as she went off to college, but they never gave up on each other. “Those break-ups just made our commitment stronger,” says Cathy Jo.

The two dated for eight years until, says Cathy Jo, “We finally were mature enough and settled enough to start our married life.” Nick called from work one evening with the news that a vice president of his company was sending them to a fine restaurant for dinner. Since one of the couple’s favorite things was getting dressed up and going out to eat, Cathy Jo didn’t give his story a second thought. At the end of the meal, Nick presented her with a “classically beautiful pear-shaped ring.” Cathy Jo was so surprised that she has little recollection of what he said, but remembers answering “Yes!” in seconds.

A traditional Catholic ceremony was held late afternoon at St. Mary’s church in Bristol, Rhode Island. The stunning stained glass windows framed the couple as they recited their vows, while a live tenor delivered emotional renditions of “Ave Maria” and “You Raise Me Up.” Seeing Cathy Jo walk down the aisle was Nick’s favorite moment of the day. “She looked so beautiful that I couldn’t hold back my tears,” he says.

Cathy Jo’s dramatic Galia Lahav gown, with plunging back and long train, was not available in the United States when she first spotted it on Pinterest. Fate stepped in again, when months later she discovered the company was presenting a trunk show in Florida. The bride-to-be and her mother flew south and were able to order her “dream” dress.

Only three hours away from her home, Newport’s Belle Mer was what Cathy Jo calls “just my style.” Its clean modern lines and views of the water past flowing white curtains were paired with white and pale blush florals and a white dance floor.

For maximum impact, Cathy Jo let her impressive train sweep along behind her for the couple’s entrance and first dance. Speeches from both fathers, the maid of honor and best man were heartfelt and entertaining, helping to make a memorable evening. “Our best man joked about how Nick always changes his mind about everything, finishing with the fact that I’ve been the one constant in his life,” says Cathy Jo. The dining, dancing and festivities continued until midnight.

Two days later, Cathy Jo and Nick honeymooned at the Viceroy in Anguilla, relaxing near the pool by day and enjoying fine dining by night.