A Classic, White-Tie Wedding At The New York Yacht Club in Newport, Rhode Island

While studying at his law school’s library, Bryan Natale pointed out a beautiful blonde to his friend, but made no move to meet her. A few days later, the friend called saying that the woman was at the first-year student mixer and Bryan should get down there and introduce himself—which is exactly what he did.

“I’m from Sweden,” says Carolina Säve, “and I was very impressed when Bryan mentioned he had studied in my country.” So much so, that she boldly asked him for his phone number.

The couple bonded over their love of food and travel, with Bryan endearing himself through small, thoughtful gestures. “A month into being with him, I knew he was right for me,” says Carolina. It was a lock when Carolina’s mom, critical of past boyfriends, gave Bryan her seal of approval.

On a trip to Nantucket, Bryan seemed unusually nervous while relaxing on the beach. He began telling Carolina about how much he loved her, and when she opened her eyes, he was on one knee with the ring extended. She said, “Yes,” and moments later, a seal waddled out of the surf and waved at the couple. “People joke that Bryan paid the seal to show up, and I tell them that it ‘sealed the deal’ for me,”kids Carolina.

Because sailing was an integral part of Carolina’s childhood, the historic New York Yacht Club in Newport, Rhode Island, felt “just right” to the bride. The ceremony was held on the oceanside lawn overlooking all of Newport. In a move that was kept secret from everyone, including Bryan, the bride and her father arrived by boat. Their walk to the altar was accompanied by a string quartet. 

The reception employed many Swedish traditions, starting with white tie and tails for the wedding party. Seating, at long tables stemming from the head table, was arranged to ensure that people meet each other. “You mix everyone up,” says Carolina. “You don’t get to sit with your spouse or college buddies.”

Carolina and Bryan danced a traditional waltz to “Edelweiss” for their first dance, followed by a three-hour, four-course dinner. The meal was accompanied by a multitude of speeches managed by two toastmasters. “Sitting back and absorbing the stories about how Carolina and I went down many paths to eventually find each other made me realize how fortunate we are,” says Bryan.

Dancing began after dinner and continued until the 11 p.m. curfew. Then, the newlyweds walked a sparkler-lined aisle to a boat that ferried them to the continuing party at Newport’s Forty 1° North.

The honeymoon began with an exciting helicopter ride over sparkling blue waters to Azura Benguerra Island in Mozambique, where the couple recovered from their whirlwind of entertaining. After resting up, Carolina and Bryan flew to South Africa and checked off a bucket list item with two safaris filled with “amazing” wild animal sightings.

After the honeymoon, Bryan and Carolina returned to their home in Boston where they both practice law.