Jason and Moriah were never strangers to travel. Their love story took them all over the United States, from college at the University of Miami where they met, summers abroad where they spent time with friends and family, and, finally, to Newport, Rhode Island where they held their destination wedding.

In this couple’s case, the location for their ceremony was as much about their guests as it was about the locale. Rather than going just to get away, Jason and Moriah opted for Newport because it was close to their friends and family in the northeast.

“Most of our guests were able to carpool from New York City and Boston, but a few without private transportation were able to take the train or fly into the local airport, both just 15 minutes away,” the couple says.

While the waterfront Rhode Island town was the practical choice, it was certainly not lacking in amenities or beauty.

“We loved the small town feel of Newport, and we were confident our guests would enjoy exploring the restaurants and shops and soaking in the New England beach town charm,” says the couple.

With their seaside setting decided on, Jason and Moriah moved on to the next part of the wedding planning process– the logistics.

“Our wedding planner was key in our planning process,” says the pair, “but having the destination so accessible made getting to the venue for weekend trips  prior to the wedding very easy.”

The accessibility of the location was not the only benefit of exchanging “I do’s” in the Ocean State. Jason and Moriah took advantage of the money they saved by holding a ceremony in Rhode Island and used it to plan a full weekend of fun with their friends and family.

The bride says, “I think a person’s wedding can never feel long enough, but because we had spent the entire weekend with family and friends we were able to spend the evening of our wedding exactly how we wanted.”

For the bride and groom, that was “hand in hand on the dance floor.”

Overall, Jason and Moriah walked away understanding the value of creating a wedding ceremony that guests can enjoy just as much as the couple.

“The people who matter will show up to celebrate you no matter where you get married,” the couple says, “but the easier you make it for your guests the more appreciative they will be.”

Vendors: Photography: Molly Lichten; Wedding Planning & Design: Stylish Details; Venue: Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina; Florals: The Wild Dahlia; Stationery: Eclaire Paperie; Beauty: Melissa Mack Makeup & Hair by Andrea Shunney; Videography: A Little Long Distance; Rentals & Linens: Peak Event Services & Exquisite Events Light & Decor; Band: 45 Riots; Paper Goods: Write Pretty For Me; Gown Designer: Adam Zohar; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Enzo Custom