Katherine Kapnick, am alumni of Hill House Home and Louis Solmonson both first met on the school bus in seventh grade. However, it wasn’t until more than a decade later that they embarked on their romantic journey. Three and a half years into their relationship, Louis orchestrated a surprise chartered sailboat ride from Go Sailing NYC, seizing the perfect picturesque moment to propose to Katherine.
Louis cherished his childhood summers exploring Rhode Island, and his affection for the state resonated deeply with Katherine. They both regard Rhode Island as a “happy place” in their relationship. Katherine elaborates, “Choosing Rhode Island was a natural decision for us, and Ocean House was an obvious choice. It’s reminiscent of something out of a Wes Anderson film; a picturesque enclave by the sea.”
Katherine’s vision for the invitations was to evoke a sense of joy, prompting Luke, a friend of Louis’s, to design a unique postcard for each event. These postcards were then placed in a portfolio alongside the traditional invitation. Tara Guérard, their planner, and owner of Lettered Olive, added a personalized touch by stamping each guest’s name onto the front of the portfolio, seamlessly bringing the invitation ensemble together.
Katherine’s wedding ensemble, including her dress and veil, sourced from Monique Lhuillier. The gown featured multiple layers of luminous white tulle adorned with delicate green and white beaded flowers. Originally designed as a high-low strapless gown, the Monique Lhuillier team undertook a complete customization. Talk about a showstopper!
Following cocktail hour featuring Rhode Island oysters, guests were ushered into the tent for dinner and the reception. Katherine fondly recalls the intimate atmosphere created by Tara Guérard and her team, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor elements. The space was adorned with painted wall panels inspired by Katherine’s beloved de Gournay pattern, complemented by creeping vines and toile chandeliers suspended from the ceiling. Tables were adorned with Ginori china and low centerpieces, completing the enchanting ambiance creating the ideal “late-summer simple” aesthetic.
Upon entering the lounge tent through a sailcloth hallway, guests were greeted by a verdant, diamond-tiled dance floor reminiscent of the iconic La Sponda restaurant in Positano. Adjacent to the dance floor, the bar exuded elegance with its upholstery in green and white stripe cotton, complemented by sweeping fabric drapes adorning the ceiling. Throughout the space, floral lampshades and rattan furniture added touches of charm and sophistication.
During the reception, Simply Irresistible provided the music and truly “brought the house down,” as Katherine fondly remembers. Outside, guests enjoyed a green-striped ice cream cart, rattan loveseats shaded by tasseled umbrellas, and the unexpected arrival of Hurricane Henri. Just as the festivities were reaching their peak, the storm made its brief appearance.
