Hannah Mullin and Sean McConnell are true childhood sweethearts. Their relationship started when they were two kids growing up together in Delaware. “We became best friends, and it flourished into a meaningful love story that has been continuing for nine years,” says Hannah. On June 3, 2024, Sean planned to bring their journey into the next stage with a proposal at Rock House in Turks and Caicos. “He had flowers imported and lights set up on the dock that went out onto the water…it truly looked so magical,” remembers Hannah. “Right after he proposed, a storm rolled in, and the staff set us up with a private dinner in this sheltered cove.” She adds, “It was one of the most memorable nights of our lives.”
The couple decided to say “I do” almost two years later at the Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island. “From the very beginning, we dreamed beyond a traditional wedding,” the bride says of her wedding vision. “Our relationship is full of love, laughter, and color. We wanted it to be a true reflection of us.” Partnering with wedding planner Sarah Heaney of Leila James Events proved to be the best decision of the entire process. “We both waver on the type B end, so our first task was finding a planner,” says Hannah. “Whenever people asked how it was going, they almost always expected the same answer. That we were overwhelmed, counting down the days, or simply ready for it to be over. But for us, it was exactly the opposite. Every meeting, every design decision, every moment spent dreaming about what this celebration could become was something we genuinely looked forward to.”
The celebration would span two days of events, beginning with a rehearsal dinner and welcome party at the Tennis Hall of Fame complete with an entire custom merch suite and tennis-inspired details. “Me and Sarah always laugh with one another when we look back and realize this all came into place from only three to four inspiration pictures from me,” the bride says. Design was an important factor in planning the weekend, with blooming florals from Stoneblossom, custom illustrations by Champagne and Ink, and transformative décor crafted by Ryan Designs.
