OceanCliff Wedding in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport weddings always carry a sense of coastal magic, but an evening celebration at OceanCliff has its own special kind of glow. Perched high above Narragansett Bay with sweeping views of the water, the venue creates a stunning backdrop for an elegant, joy-filled celebration. Emma and David’s August wedding brought together a heartfelt ceremony, a warm and welcoming family, and a crowd that was ready to dance from the very first note.
From jazz on the lawn to a packed late-summer dance floor, this wedding captured everything we love about performing in Newport.
A Perfect Summer Evening at OceanCliff
OceanCliff is one of Newport’s most iconic wedding venues — historic, breezy, and surrounded by coastal views in every direction. As guests arrived, sailboats drifted past the cliffs and a light ocean breeze carried across the lawn. It’s exactly the kind of setting that makes a Newport wedding feel both grand and relaxed at the same time.
East Coast Soul arrived earlier in the day to complete load-in, setup, and soundcheck, making sure every detail was dialed in before guests gathered for cocktails.
Cocktail Hour on the Lawn
At 6:00 PM, guests stepped outside onto OceanCliff’s outdoor terrace and lawn area for cocktail hour. East Coast Soul provided a guitar and saxophone jazz duo, offering a smooth and sophisticated soundtrack as the sun began to dip toward the water.
Light, breezy jazz — the perfect complement to chilled drinks, ocean air, and those incredible Newport views.
Introductions & A Warm Welcome
As guests made their way inside for the reception, East Coast Soul kicked off formal introductions over “Happy” by Pharrell Williams”, bringing infectious energy into the room. Wedding party introductions included:
- Mother of Groom: Alice Washington
- Parents of Bride: Ray and Gina (“Gihn-a”) Welch
- Junior Bridesmaid & Groomsman: Madison Tatum & Evan Welch
- Bridesmaid & Groomsman pairs: Whitney & Geoffrey, Megan & Josh, Cassaundra & Jake, Fiona & Julio
- Maid of Honor & Best Man: Adriel (“Adrielle”) Lott & William Washington
- Bride & Groom: Emma & David
The room erupted as the couple entered, setting a joyful tone for the night ahead.
A Soulful First Dance
Before dinner, Emma and David shared a heartfelt first dance to a full-band performance of “Stay With You” by John Legend. Surrounded by friends and family, the moment felt intimate and deeply personal — the perfect way to begin the reception.
Dinner, Toasts & A Family Blessing
Guests enjoyed a seated dinner from 7:30 to 8:30 PM while the band took a brief break. The evening featured a series of warm, meaningful toasts, beginning with Ray and Gina Welch, followed by the Best Man and Maid of Honor.
Before the meal commenced, David’s grandmother, Eddie Mae Prisby, offered a beautiful blessing — a cherished moment that brought generations together.
Parent Dances
After dinner, the evening transitioned into parent dances. David and his mother danced to “You and Me Against the World” by Helen Reddy, played from a recording at the couple’s request.
Emma and her father followed with a live band performance of “Turn Around” by The Kingston Trio — performed slightly faster than the original, just as requested. The entire room was moved by the sweetness and simplicity of the moment.
The Dance Party Begins
Once the formalities wrapped, East Coast Soul launched into the full evening performance at 8:30 PM. This crowd came ready to dance — and from the first downbeat, the dance floor was full. Classic soul, Motown, funk, and modern hits kept everyone moving as the band blended high-energy vocals, horns, and rhythm section grooves all night long.
A quick break from 9:45 to 10:00 PM gave guests a moment to grab drinks and regroup before the final set carried the celebration through to 11:00 PM.
By the end of the night, the dance floor was glowing. Laughter, singing, and an unforgettable Newport backdrop — the perfect summer wedding combination.
An Unforgettable Newport Wedding
Emma and David’s OceanCliff wedding was everything coastal Rhode Island does best: ocean views, timeless elegance, and a packed dance floor under a summer sky. East Coast Soul was honored to be part of this incredible celebration, and we’ll always remember the joy and energy of their night on the cliffs.
