A Coastal Italian-Inspired Block Island Wedding with New England Charm

Real Weddings

Lexi and Dave did not want a wedding that only looked nice in photos. They wanted a Block Island wedding that felt like them from start to finish. Bold color, playful style, and plenty of time with their people were all part of the plan.

So they planned a full wedding week on the island. It was not rushed. It was not overly formal. Instead, it felt fun, relaxed, and full of heart. As their planner, I helped turn their ideas into real moments. I also helped keep the week smooth, so they could enjoy it.

We are honored to mention that this Block Island wedding also caught the attention of Green Wedding Shoes, where it was featured for its playful coastal design and colorful Italian-inspired details.

You can see the full feature here.

Press features like this one highlight what happens when thoughtful design meets a couple willing to do something a little different. For Lexi and Dave, that meant bright stripes, seaside charm, and a full wedding week that felt relaxed, personal, and genuinely fun.

At Carissa Corsi Events, I design full wedding weekends where every detail connects, and the experience flows naturally from start to finish. If you are planning a Block Island wedding or celebrating anywhere in Rhode Island, New England, or beyond, explore the portfolio to see more of our work. When you are ready, reach out, and let’s start planning.

Bride and groom kissing outside historic inn during romantic Block Island wedding portrait with flowing bridal scarf.
Groom embracing bride in lace gown during intimate black and white Block Island wedding portrait.
Bride and groom smiling closely during joyful Block Island wedding portrait, highlighting engagement ring and modern bridal style.

How Lexi and Dave’s Wedding Story Began

Lexi and Dave are East Coasters at heart. Still, they met on the West Coast. Life is funny like that. From the start, the connection was easy. Shared values, a love of adventure, and constant laughter shaped their relationship.

Over seven years, they built a strong life together. They created memories through travel, family time, and everyday moments. Because of that, their Block Island wedding needed to feel personal. It needed to feel warm. It needed to feel like a true celebration, not a performance. That goal guided every choice.

Groom portrait in white tuxedo during elegant outdoor Block Island wedding surrounded by lush coastal greenery.
Bride portrait in lace gown and scarf during stylish coastal Block Island wedding with garden backdrop.

The Design Plan for a Coastal Italian-Inspired Wedding

Lexi had a strong connection to Block Island after spending several summers working there, so choosing the island felt like coming home.

For the design, she imagined a coastal Italian-meets-New-England charm. Stripes, bright color, and seaside details shaped the vision. Sunny yellow striped linens set the tone, with chartreuse and ivory accents layered throughout.

Shell details appeared thoughtfully, while playful touches like fruit with pearl accents added personality. Conch shells filled with flowers completed the look. The result felt cheerful, stylish, and lighthearted. Exactly the spirit Lexi and Dave wanted for their Block Island wedding.

Next, take a look at this wedding with a pastel fall palette and Italian soul, where soft color and Italian influence shaped every detail.

Pear and citrus table details with pearl accents during colorful coastal Italian inspired Block Island wedding.
Reception table with yellow striped linens inside tent during coastal Italian inspired Block Island wedding.
Yellow floral centerpiece with citrus and pearl accents during vibrant coastal Block Island wedding reception.

A Full Wedding Week on Block Island

So their Block Island wedding became a full week of celebration. Guests had time to settle in, relax, and enjoy the island together instead of rushing from one event to the next.

The week unfolded like this:

  • Island Arrival: Guests explored Block Island on a Vespa tour. Lobster rolls, mudslides, and ocean views set the tone right away.
  • Welcome Party: The next evening brought a relaxed country club-style cocktail party. Guests arrived in seersucker, wide-brimmed hats, and sweaters tied over their shoulders, enjoying drinks and heartfelt speeches.
  • Wedding Day: By the time the wedding day arrived, guests already felt connected. Everyone had time to slow down, catch up, and settle into the rhythm of the island.

By Thursday, the excitement had built. Friends had reconnected, families had met, and the celebration was already underway. That is the beauty of a Block Island wedding weekend.

Welcome sign for wedding weekend overlooking harbor during coastal Block Island wedding celebration.
Couple walking down dock toward water during relaxed Block Island wedding weekend celebration.
Couple kissing in sun hat and sweater during stylish welcome party at Block Island wedding weekend.
Couple standing by harbor in sun hats during relaxed welcome party for Block Island wedding weekend.
Bride laughing in wide brim hat while holding cocktail during stylish Block Island wedding welcome party.
White hydrangea centerpiece in blue vase under tent lights during elegant Block Island wedding reception.
Guests posing together in colorful dresses and sun hats during lively Block Island wedding welcome party celebration.

The Ceremony at This Block Island Wedding

On Thursday, the main event arrived. Guests walked up to the ceremony area and were greeted with a Del’s frozen lemonade cart. This Rhode Island favorite was served with or without vodka. It was refreshing, and it made people smile.

Next, guests followed a path to the ceremony space. Stone vases filled with flowers lined the way. Baskets of parasols waited nearby. This was both pretty and practical. At the end of the path stood a lush hydrangea arch. The flowers felt romantic yet natural for the island. The ocean air moved through the space, and the light was soft.

This moment captured what the couple wanted. It felt like an Italian garden, but it still felt like a Block Island wedding by the sea.

For destination wedding inspiration, take a look at this Italian countryside wedding that felt relaxed, personal, and completely intentional.

Outdoor ceremony aisle with wooden chairs and hydrangea florals during garden style Block Island wedding ceremony.
Ceremony chair details with hydrangea floral arrangement during elegant outdoor Block Island wedding.
Hydrangea floral aisle arrangements marking ceremony space for romantic outdoor Block Island wedding.
Guests seated with white parasols during outdoor ceremony at elegant summer Block Island wedding.
Groom walking down ceremony aisle past guests during outdoor coastal Block Island wedding.
Bride and groom exchanging vows at floral ceremony arch during romantic outdoor Block Island wedding.
Bride and groom exchanging vows at outdoor garden ceremony with lush hydrangea florals.
Guest seated under parasol during sunny outdoor ceremony with hydrangea floral arrangements.
Wedding guests seated in wooden chairs holding parasols during warm outdoor ceremony.
Guests seated during outdoor ceremony watching vows under bright sun.
Guests in colorful dresses seated during ceremony holding shell purses.
Family members seated together during ceremony holding white parasols.
Groomsmen seated together in black tuxedos smiling during outdoor ceremony.
Bride and groom sharing a kiss beside floral ceremony arrangements.
Newlyweds walking down aisle together after ceremony while guests look on.
Bride and groom kissing after ceremony while guests stand and celebrate behind them.
Bride smiling while walking down aisle with groom after ceremony.
Bride and groom holding hands while exchanging vows during outdoor ceremony.
Close up of bride and groom holding hands during outdoor wedding ceremony.
Bride wiping tear while standing with groom during emotional wedding vows.
Bride and groom smiling and holding hands during joyful wedding ceremony moment.
Bride and groom smiling while reading vows to each other during outdoor wedding ceremony.
Close up of bride placing wedding ring on groom’s finger during ceremony.

Cocktail Hour at a Block Island Wedding

After the ceremony, guests moved to the cocktail hour on the inn’s wraparound porch. An electric violinist played as guests arrived. The music helped shift the mood into party mode, but it still felt calm.

Then the food made an entrance. A raw bar was displayed in a boat overflowing with oysters. It became a gathering point right away. Guests lined up, chatted, and snapped photos. Outside on the lawn, Adirondack chairs invited people to sit and stay awhile. This is one reason a Block Island wedding works so well. The setting encourages guests to slow down.

Then came the star of the cocktail hour. The custom martini bar.

Violinist performing during cocktail hour outdoors as guests gather after ceremony.
Striped photo display wall and lounge setup outside seaside wedding reception tent.
Newlyweds walking through celebratory champagne spray as guests cheer and raise bottles.
Guests spraying champagne while newlyweds kiss during joyful wedding celebration exit.
Bride and groom celebrating with guests gathered outside seaside wedding venue.
Bride leading groom across lawn toward reception as guests gather nearby.
Bride and groom posing together outside seaside wedding venue after ceremony.
Bride and groom posing together outside seaside wedding venue after ceremony.
Bride sipping cocktail beside groom near striped bar during outdoor wedding celebration.
Shadows of guests raising champagne glasses during celebratory wedding moment on sunlit pavement.
Exterior view of historic Atlantic Inn building overlooking lawn during seaside wedding celebration.

The Custom Martini Bar

The martini bar was bold and playful. It also matched the design perfectly. A chartreuse striped awning sat above the bar. A fun sign drew guests in. Conch shells held floral pieces, which felt coastal and fresh. Pearl garnish sticks added a small surprise detail.

Beside the bar, the seating chart became part of the decor. A striped photo wall outlined where guests would sit. Woven sconces added warm light as the sun began to dip. This part of the Block Island wedding felt like a party you want to step into. It was lively, but still thoughtful.

Striped display wall featuring framed photos and seating chart near outdoor cocktail hour lawn.
Custom martini bar with yellow striped awning and floral details during outdoor wedding cocktail hour.
Close up of martini bar menu and floral arrangement on custom cocktail bar display.
Back bar shelves with liquor bottles and martini glasses inside custom cocktail bar.
Cocktail bar setup with wine bottles and citrus placed in front of historic seaside inn.
Yellow striped martini bar awning with clear blue sky above outdoor reception lawn.
Custom martini bar with yellow striped awning and floral details on seaside wedding lawn.
Outdoor lounge chairs and custom cocktail bar setup in front of historic coastal inn.
Bride and groom posing together behind custom striped martini bar during cocktail hour celebration.
Bride kissing groom while standing behind yellow striped martini bar during sunset cocktail hour moment.

A Bright and Joyful Reception Tent Design

Next, guests moved into the reception tent. The space felt like a second stage for the celebration. It was not just a place to eat. It was part of the full experience of the Block Island wedding.

Inside the tent, several thoughtful details shaped the atmosphere:

  • Custom Cocktail Bars: Two bars featured the couple’s favorite spirits, including El Tesoro tequila and Yamazaki whisky. Each choice reflected Lexi and Dave’s personal taste.
  • Sculptural Tent Poles: The tent poles were transformed into tree-like structures. This added texture and helped the space feel more organic and layered.
  • Warm Evening Glow: As the evening began, soft lighting filled the tent. The entire space began to glow, creating a relaxed, welcoming setting for dinner and dancing.

Together, these elements turned a simple tent into a setting that felt intentional, warm, and full of life. It was the perfect space for the celebration to continue.

Thinking about a tented or estate wedding? Read why hiring a Rhode Island wedding planner is a must for blank slate venues.

Curved cocktail bar with woven panel and backlit shelves during sunset cocktail hour.
Cocktail menu and yellow floral arrangement displayed on elegant reception bar.
Wide view of reception bar under tent with liquor display and warm evening light.
Bride and groom walking into reception tent as guests gather and evening celebration begins.

Reception Table Design and Details

The tables were a full design moment. Yellow striped linens carried the theme into dinner. Sculptural floral pieces added shape and height. Shell menus sat at each place setting. The fruit on the tables had pearl accents, which added a fun twist.

These details created a look that was bright, playful, and still refined. This Block Island wedding did not rely on a single big statement. Instead, many small choices worked together. Above the tables, seven oversized droplet pendant lights hung from the ceiling. The number seven mattered to Lexi and Dave since they had been together for seven years. The lights cast a warm glow across the room. As a result, the whole tent felt soft and golden.

Reception table with yellow striped linens, roses, pears, and bamboo flatware inside tent.
Place setting with oyster shaped menu, striped linens, and yellow floral centerpiece.
Place setting with oyster shaped menu card and green napkin on striped reception table.
Reception table with yellow striped linens, roses, greenery, and bamboo chairs inside tent.
Reception tables with yellow striped linens, bamboo chairs, and lush greenery under tent canopy.
Yellow rose centerpiece with handwritten table number card and pear detail on striped linen table.
Round reception table with yellow striped linens and bamboo chairs under greenery filled tent.
Round reception table with yellow striped linens and bamboo chairs under greenery filled tent.
Reception table with yellow striped linens, roses, pears, crystal glassware, and bamboo flatware details.

A Coastal Dinner Celebration

Dinner honored New England.

First, guests enjoyed clam chowder. Then came the full New England lobster. The meal felt special, but it also felt true to place. Good food always matters, but at a Block Island wedding, local touches feel even better. Wine was paired with the courses, and guests took their time. The pace felt easy.

For dessert, Lexi and Dave skipped the traditional tiered cake. Instead, they served individual fruit tart cakes. They were light, fresh, and fun. Guests loved the change.

Bride and groom smiling at reception table under tent lights, seated in bamboo chairs.
Newlyweds toast with champagne at reception table, bride’s draped veil flowing over bamboo chair.
Bride and groom laughing while cutting cake under glowing string lights during evening reception.
Bride and groom cutting berry-topped cake together during lively tented Block Island Wedding
Guests cheering and waving napkins during energetic reception moment under string lights at a Block Island Wedding
Guests cheering and waving napkins during energetic reception moment under string lights.
Bride wearing sunglasses laughing while dancing with groom during lively tented Block Island Wedding
Bride wearing sunglasses laughing while dancing with groom during lively tented wedding reception at a Block Island Wedding
Bride twirling on the dance floor during first dance under hanging lights and greenery at a Block Island Wedding
Bride and groom kissing on the dance floor wearing sunglasses as guests celebrate around them.

Wedding Fashion for This Block Island Wedding

Lexi’s look fit the setting perfectly. It felt modern and effortless, making for a breezy Block Island evening.

Lexi’s look included:

  • A two-piece Sarah Seven gown with a dramatic neck scarf that moved beautifully in the ocean breeze
  • Ivory Gucci horsebit heels paired with classic Dior earrings for a polished finish

Her bridesmaids added a playful detail that guests loved.

  • Custom shell purses replaced traditional bouquets
  • Dresses in yellow and chartreuse echoed the bright palette of the celebration

Dave’s style matched the tone of the day just as well. The groom wore:

  • A white Italian double-breasted tuxedo jacket with black trousers
  • Gucci loafers and a butterfly bow tie that felt refined but relaxed

Together, their looks felt stylish, thoughtful, and perfectly suited for a coastal Block Island wedding.

Wondering what a full wedding weekend really includes? Take a closer look at how real couples design celebrations that flow from start to finish.

Bride portrait in floral robe during quiet getting-ready moments before the wedding ceremony.
Bride sitting by window holding her wedding dress and veil during a Block Island Wedding
Bride with bridesmaids in yellow and green dresses posing outdoors before the ceremony.
Bride laughing with bridesmaids in yellow and green dresses during joyful pre-ceremony portraits.
Bride laughing with bridesmaids in yellow and green dresses during joyful pre-ceremony portraits.
Bride portrait holding cascading greenery bouquet with long veil trailing behind.
Groom walking with groomsmen in tuxedos along coastal lawn before the Block Island Wedding
Groom walking with groomsmen in tuxedos along coastal lawn before the Block Island Wedding
Groom and groomsmen posing by the ocean in black tuxedos and white dinner jacket.
Groomsman adjusting groom’s bow tie and white dinner jacket during pre-ceremony preparations.
Close-up of groom wearing classic black bow tie with white tuxedo jacket.
Groom buttoning white dinner jacket, capturing elegant wedding attire details.
Bride holding cascading greenery bouquet beside flowing pleated wedding dress at a Block Island Wedding
Bridal heels displayed on white railing during wedding detail photography.
Close-up of bride’s pearl drop earrings and elegant bridal jewelry detail.
Groom and groomsmen posing together on coastal lawn before the Block Island Wedding
Groom and groomsmen posing together on coastal lawn before a Block Island Wedding

The Feeling of This Block Island Wedding

As the night went on, sunset faded into a bright full moon. Guests filled the dance floor, singing and laughing as the celebration spilled into the inn. Inside, cigars, cocktails, and late-night snacks kept the party going while the mood stayed relaxed.

When guests look back on this Block Island wedding, they will remember the striped linens, the glowing tent, and the martini bar. But more than anything, they will remember the joy. From the first sip of spiked lemonade to the last dance under the stars, the week felt full of love and true to Lexi and Dave.

If you are dreaming up a Block Island wedding or planning a full wedding weekend in Rhode Island, New England, or beyond, I would love to help create something thoughtful and personal. Let’s chat.

Bride laughing with bridesmaids while showing off engagement rings during a Block Island Wedding
Bride laughing with bridesmaids while showing off engagement rings during a Block Island Wedding
Bride and groom share a dramatic dip kiss while holding bouquet outside a Block Island Wedding

Vendors:


Venue: The Atlantic
Photography: Desert Pine Co.
Planning & Design: Carissa Corsi Events
Videography: Move Mountains Co.
Florist: Shade Studio
Hair: Ali Lomazzo Beauty
Makeup: Aline Sarkis Beauty
DJ: Meritage Entertainment
Invites & Day of Paper Goods: Cava Creative
Violinist: Violin Viiv
Martini Bar, Bars, Lighting: Exquisite Events Light & Decor
Specialty Linens: Luxe Linen
Tabletop Rentals & Chairs: Pranzi Tents & Events

One size does not, in fact, fit all

We believe

CHAT WITH US

Simply put, our greatest inspiration is you. We learn as much as we can about you as a couple: your favorite travel destinations, your signature wardrobe, your personal hobbies, and much more. These details serve as the foundation of our creative process as we explore new design trends in the wedding industry, and other outside inspiration from fashion, interior design, architecture, and art. Our team will create a customized wedding design that captures it all.