1. Real Weddings

A Modern, Oceanfront Wedding at Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island

For Jessica Muriel (33 and a saleswoman) and Julio Guevara (30 and an architect), making their wedding day easy and stress-free was a top priority. Wh

For Jessica Muriel (33 and a saleswoman) and Julio Guevara (30 and an architect), making their wedding day easy and stress-free was a top priority. Which is why they chose Newport, Rhode Island, venue Belle Mer—the elegant seaside setting and superinvolved staff meant the day could go off without a hitch. The couple capitalized on the space's all-white, modern architecture, decorating sparingly with driftwood branches, glowing candles and bright pops of fuchsia. After a brief 10-minute ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests moved on to a lively reception peppered with personal touches. Among the thoughtful details: The couple, both salsa-enthusiasts, performed a bachata number for their first dance. The night's menu incorporated Bolivian food such as empanadas and saltenas as a nod to Jessica's heritage; instead of cake, they served flan. For this pair, a low-maintenance approach was key. "I'm a no-frills kind of person," Jessica says. "This was really an opportunity for my husband and me to spend time with our family and friends." —Michelle Thomas

The bride's strapless lace dress, by David Tutera for Mon Cheri, featured a subtle tinted blush hue.
Jessica's uncle, a jewelry designer, created her beaded rhinestone sash.
Julio's fuchsia tie and Jessica's tinted blush pink gown added a touch of color to a primarily white venue.
The couple loved Belle Mar's clean, modern design and wanted the Newport, Rhode Island, setting to take center stage.
Tall vases with branches, moss balls, hanging candles and orchids offset the tall ceiling of the reception space.
Jessica dressed her bridesmaids in fuchsia strapless gowns to add some bold color to the venue's white backdrop.
Jessica and Julio chose Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island, for its beautiful ocean views.
The all-white ceremony space was decorated with white chiavari chairs and rose petals.
Green moss balls and fuchsia floral accents added some color to the white venue.
Floral pomanders hung on fuchsia ribbon to decorate the white chiavari chairs lining the aisle during the ceremony.
The groom's young sister, niece, and nephew kicked off the ceremony with an entrance down the white staircase.
The couple chose string quartet versions of modern pop songs for their ceremony music—Coldplay's "A Sky Full of Stars" for the bridal party and Bruno Mars's "Just the Way You Are" for Jessica's entrance.
Simple arrangements of driftwood and fuchsia flowers decorated the couple's all-white sweetheart table.
Jessica and Julio planned their wedding during an eight-month engagement.
The couple, who met while salsa dancing, performed a bachata number for their first dance. The bride wore salsa shoes and the groom changed into comfortable red sneakers for their reception at Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island.