A Classic Newport, Rhode Island Wedding With Tennis-Inspired Details and a Performance by Norah Jones
Hannah Mullin and Sean McConnell grew up together in Delaware and became best friends before their love deepened over nine years. Hannah recalls how Sean planned a proposal at Rock House in Turks and Caicos on June 3, 2024, with imported flowers and dock lights that stretched over the water. After he asked her to marry him, a storm rolled in and the staff moved them to a private dinner in a sheltered cove, which she calls one of the most memorable nights of their lives.
Almost two years later the couple exchanged vows at the Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island. Hannah said they wanted a wedding that went beyond tradition and truly reflected their love, laughter and color. They hired wedding planner Sarah Heaney of Leila James Events, describing the planning process as something they looked forward to rather than a source of stress. Hannah noted that whenever people asked how things were going, they expected to hear about being overwhelmed, but for her and Sean it was the opposite – every meeting and design decision felt exciting.
The celebration lasted two days, starting with a rehearsal dinner and welcome party at the Tennis Hall of Fame. The event featured a custom merch suite and tennis‑themed details. Hannah said she and Sarah often laugh looking back, realizing the whole vision came from just three or four inspiration pictures she had shared. Florals came from Stoneblossom, custom illustrations from Champagne and Ink, and décor was transformed by Ryan Designs. Hannah emphasized that the kindness of every vendor turned them into collaborators, cheerleaders and friends. She also credited photographer Stephanie Vegliante for preserving the memories long after the flowers faded and the music ended.
For her attire, Hannah wanted something authentic to herself. She chose a lace corset top and full skirt from Sept, saying the first dress she tried on felt like the one she would wear. She felt her truest self in it and knew it was the right choice. The two‑piece design let her swap the skirt for a mini later to hit the dance floor. She added matching shimmer beading to the bodice and veil, which tied the look together. For the rehearsal dinner she wore a flowing Monique Lhuillier gown in soft greens and peach tones that mirrored the venue and florals. Sean wore a bespoke baby blue suit from Brioni for the first night, picking out every detail down to his socks, which Hannah said made him look perfectly Newport chic. On the wedding day he donned a Ralph Lauren Purple Label tuxedo with a cream jacket, a choice they had both agreed on.
The weekend began with both families checking into The Royce in downtown Newport a few days early. They spent evenings by the fire with guitars, grilled dinners and walks to Kilwins Ice Cream Shop, which Hannah said helped them center themselves. On Friday guests joined the festivities at the Tennis Hall of Fame, ending with a dance party on the terrace that gave a taste of what was to come.
After getting ready with their wedding parties, Hannah and Sean first saw each other at the flower‑adorned ceremony aisle. Nerves turned to excitement as they joined hands at the altar. Hannah recalled tears, laughter and walking back to “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, describing the moment as pure bliss.
Music played a central role, highlighted by a special performance from Norah Jones to open the reception. The couple shared their first dance to “Come Away With Me” before Jones performed four additional hits. Dinner followed, with speeches from close friends and family and a multi‑tiered cake from Confectionery Designs. Hannah changed into her shorter skirt for dancing, and the band kept everyone on the floor. Sean even took the microphone for a closing performance as the night wound down.
Looking back, the newlyweds say they miss every moment of the weekend. Hannah notes that each day they revisit the memories and how truly special the celebration was.