A Newport Marriott Wedding with East Coast Soul
Emily Zoback and Drew Silverman’s wedding at the Newport Marriott struck a rare balance — deeply emotional moments, thoughtful tradition, and a reception that never lost its sense of fun. Set right on Newport Harbor, the venue provided a clean, modern backdrop for a celebration that leaned heavily into connection, family, and a packed dance floor.
East Coast Soul provided live music throughout the evening, guiding the flow from ceremony through late-night dancing with intention and flexibility.
Ceremony in the Atrium
The ceremony took place in the hotel’s second-floor atrium, just off the main lobby. With natural light filling the space, the setting felt intimate despite its open layout.
Prelude music on keyboard began about 30 minutes before the ceremony, easing guests into the moment. The ceremony itself blended timeless selections with personal choices.
- Processional: “In My Life” – The Beatles
- Bride’s Entrance: “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” – Roberta Flack (performed live)
- Recessional: “You Make My Dreams” – Hall & Oates
Lav and handheld microphones ensured the ceremony felt warm, clear, and conversational.
Cocktail Hour with a Jazz Lean
Cocktail hour followed upstairs, just outside the ballroom. A guitar and sax duo handled the music, leaning into jazz standards and seasonal favorites — relaxed, tasteful, and perfect for conversation.
It was a smooth transition from ceremony to reception, allowing guests to mingle while the evening’s energy slowly built.
Reception Entrances & First Dance
Introductions kicked off with Sly & the Family Stone’s “Dance to the Music,” immediately shifting the tone toward celebration. The wedding party entered, followed by a quick, confident introduction of the newlyweds.
Bride & Groom Entrance: “Team Silverback themselves — Emily and Drew Silverman!”
Their first dance followed shortly after.
First Dance: “Crazy Love” – Van Morrison (performed live, shortened)
Family Dances & A Powerful Surprise
What followed was one of the most emotional stretches of the evening. Emily shared a dance with her brother in memory of her late father — a surprise moment that brought the room to a standstill.
Midway through the song, Emily’s mother joined them on the floor, turning a private tribute into a shared family moment.
- Bride/Brother Dance: “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong (performed live)
- Groom/Mother Dance: “Higher Love” – Steve & Lily Winwood (performed live)
Blessing, Toasts & Dinner Flow
A traditional Hamotzi blessing followed, led by family members, before dinner service began. East Coast Soul performed as a small instrumental combo during dinner, keeping the atmosphere light and social.
Toasts included a surprise highlight: the matrons of honor delivered their speech as a short rap over the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” instrumental — a moment that landed perfectly and had the room fully engaged.
Late-Night Dancing with Heart
The final set of the night leaned into pure dance-floor energy. Soul, pop, funk, and 90s favorites kept guests moving well past dinner.
One standout moment came before “Johnny B. Goode,” dedicated to Emily’s father — a joyful, cathartic release that perfectly captured the spirit of the night.
The venue allowed the party to stretch just a bit past the scheduled end time, a fitting close to a celebration that never felt rushed.
Why We Love Weddings at the Newport Marriott
The Newport Marriott is a versatile waterfront venue that works beautifully for music-driven weddings. With multiple event spaces, clean sightlines, and easy flow between ceremony, cocktails, and reception, it allows couples to build an evening that feels seamless.
Emily and Drew’s wedding was a perfect example — emotional, energetic, and anchored by great music from start to finish.
Planning a Newport Marriott wedding or another Rhode Island waterfront celebration? East Coast Soul specializes in live music experiences that honor meaningful moments while keeping the dance floor full.
