A Timelessly Elegant East Coast Wedding at OceanCliff Inspired by Nancy Meyers Movies
Samantha and Jason Goldstein first met during the summer of 2020. Hoping for some adventure and a change of pace, Samantha had taken a summer job at Noank Shipyard, where Jason was the Dockmaster. For the next five months, the two worked alongside each other.
“Our initial encounter was pure magic,” Samantha recalls, “as though we had stepped into a scene from a classic summer romance. The air seemed lighter, the sun brighter, and my heart raced in ways I’d never experienced before. I just had a feeling about him, I knew. It was love at first sight, an instant connection that felt like a dream. We had undeniable chemistry – the kind that makes you feel as though you’ve known someone forever.”
“By the time the season began to wane, we knew this was something that would last far beyond the warmth of the sun.”
Samantha and Jason felt like teenagers again, experiencing the quintessential summer of love by the shore. Their days were filled with everything from ice cream dates to long drives to their favorite beach spots.
“Each moment spent together was filled with laughter, discovery, and the kind of joy that only summer can bring,” says Samantha. “By the time the season began to wane, we knew this was something that would last far beyond the warmth of the sun.”
A Sunset Proposal
Over the years, Napatree Beach in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, became the couple’s special place. It was where they went to escape, to dream, and to simply be together.
“One perfect day in August,” Samantha shares, “we returned to watch the sunset. The sky was painted in hues of gold and pink as the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting a glow over everything. It was golden hour, a moment so breathtaking it felt like time stood still. That’s when he got down on one knee, his eyes full of love and his voice steady as he asked me to spend forever with him. It was the easiest “yes” I’ve ever said.”
Enjoying the Process
The wedding planning process was something Samantha fully embraced, keeping her eye on the bigger picture despite any moments of stress. Watching “Father of the Bride” almost every night became her ritual, as it helped keep her grounded and inspired.
“Nancy Meyers’ warm and homey aesthetic deeply influenced me,” she explains, “and I wanted our wedding to embody that same feeling of love and charm. Every detail was a labor of love, from picking out flowers to deciding on the perfect menu, and seeing it all come together was a dream come true. Leading up to our wedding felt like a fairytale. Every day brought us closer to this incredible milestone, and I found myself romanticizing even the simplest moments.”
Before the wedding, the couple and their wedding parties filled the rooms of a Newport summer beach house, making the experience feel like the ultimate sleepover. It was the perfect precursor to the big day.
A Nancy Meyers Inspired East Coast Wedding at OceanCliff
Just as the bride had envisioned, the wedding day felt like a scene from a Nancy Meyers movie.
“Walking down the aisle,” she describes, “I was overwhelmed with emotion. Seeing the love of my life waiting for me, while being escorted down a rose petal aisle by my father, and surrounded by our closest family and friends, was nothing short of magical. Every smile, every tear, every word spoken was a testament to the love and support that had brought us to this moment.”
The celebration took place at OceanCliff, where cascading rows of hydrangeas and thoughtful décor details created an ambiance that reflected the timeless elegance of an East Coast wedding. Every moment was executed beautifully, from the delicious food being served to the heartfelt speeches. The couple’s beloved black Labrador Retriever, Brody, even made an appearance in a tuxedo, quickly becoming the star of the evening. Brody was incorporated into several aspects of the wedding day as well, including subtle pawprint motifs that were scattered throughout the décor.
Throughout the night, the newlyweds and their loved ones filled the dance floor while their 17-piece live band – Soul System Orchestra – kept the party going.
“Reflecting on our love story,” says the bride, “it feels like the perfect blend of fate, timing, and a little bit of magic. From that first meeting at Noank Shipyard to our dream wedding day, every step of our journey has been a testament to the power of love and the beauty of building a life together. As we embark on this next chapter, we do so with full hearts, knowing we’re surrounded by an incredible community of love and support. Here’s to forever, to love, and to the countless adventures yet to come.”
WEDDING TALENT
Reception Location & Caterer: OceanCliff , Newport, RI; Event Planner: Amazing Celebrations & Events, Boston, MA; Floral Design: Rose Hill Bloom Co; Rentals & Linen: Peak Events Services, Portsmouth, RI; Entertainment & Lighting: ET Events; Cake: Sin Desserts, Providence, RI; Invitations: Empress Stationery; Wedding Dress: Anne Barge; Reception Dress: Net-a-Porter; Groom’s Attire: Vera Wang; Hair: Caitlin Mae Beauty, East Greenwich, RI; Makeup: Make Me Up RI, Cranston, RI; Photography: Salt & Stone Photography