Real New England Weddings: Bethany Andruchow & Rob Tafuri

June 23, 2012, OceanCliff, Newport, Rhode Island.

real new england weddingPhotos by Kristin Spencer Photography

When Rob Tafuri first glimpsed future wife Bethany Andruchow, she had a magical quality about her. Dressed as Tinker Bell in a Halloween photo, “her energy just jumped through the frame,” he says. Rob, who had spotted the photo on a coworker’s desk, was instantly smitten. And though sparks flew when the two met a few months later, “the timing just wasn’t right,” Bethany says. “I had just gotten out of a long relationship.”

But they never forgot that night, and nearly three years later, they officially became a couple. It all culminated one spring evening in 2010, when Rob asked Bethany to join him for a romantic dinner at Miel, in the InterContinental Hotel. Right away, Bethany noticed something out of the ordinary: His bulky jacket seemed far too warm for the season. After dinner, as the two strolled under the archway in the North End’s Christopher Columbus Park, Rob pulled a ring out of his coat and proposed.

The couple were married at OceanCliff. “I really wanted the feel of the ocean, since I grew up on the water,” Bethany says. Of course, a seaside ceremony comes with weather-related risks, and Bethany and Rob’s was no different. Thankfully, “As soon as we started to say our vows, the sun started to shine,” Rob says. Perhaps it was a sprinkling of pixie dust.

real new england wedding
The bride and groom’s first dance was to “True Companion,” by Marc Cohen. “Rob actually picked the song, which I had never heard before, and I loved it,” Bethany says.

real new england wedding
Left: “I was more interested in texture and color than the actual flowers,” Bethany says of her bridal bouquet. “I wanted something a little different.” To that end, Bethany used the pearl necklace her grandmother wore on her wedding day to accent the arrangement. Right: Flowers by Semia created towering floral centerpieces for the tables.

real new england wedding
The couple’s baker, Sweet Indulgence, created a mini wedding cake and elaborate dessert display.

real new england wedding
Left: The couple used an online template for the ceremony programs. Right: Bethany’s sister-in-law made the table numbers, escort cards, and programs, among other wedding decorations.

real new england wedding
The ceremony space overlooked Narragansett Bay. 

real new england wedding
Bethany chose bright, modern hues for her bridesmaids’ dresses and flowers. “I wanted something that was exciting and made everyone happy,” she says.

 

THE FILE

Gown: Pronovias, Ana’s Bridal Boutique & Tuxedo
Hair: Femme Fatale
Makeup: Jennifer Hodge, Spectrum Makeup
Flowers: Flowers by Semia
Bridesmaid Dresses: Lela Rose, L’élite Bridal Boutique
Cake: Sweet Indulgence
Music: Kahootz
Transportation: Southern Rhode Island Trolley
Jewelry: Bridal Finery
Wedding Bands: Joseph Gann

 

Want more? Check out all of our Real New England Weddings for this season.