After Monique Fischer and Vegas Golden Knights hockey player Noah Hanifin met through mutual friends at 15-years old and sparks flew, their shared passion for sports led them both to attend Boston College, where she played soccer and he furthered his hockey career. Before moving into his sophomore year, Noah impressively moved on to the National Hockey League.
On Christmas Day in 2023, after dating for around a decade, Noah proposed on Craigville Beach in Cape Cod, where Monique’s parents met 40 years prior. “We had a quick six-month engagement because I did not want the excitement of wedding planning to fade!” the bride exclaims.
Despite moving around North America for Noah’s hockey career, New England is where the couple are at home and where they knew they wanted to exchange vows. Gardiner House in Newport, Rhode Island, was the ideal venue that had the old estate vibe that the couple were seeking. “Aesthetically for our wedding, we envisioned a nod to the classic nautical New England aesthetic, with a touch of the gilded age elegance that defined Newport at the turn of the century,” Monique shares. “It was important to us that the celebration felt like an intimate dinner party by the water, evoking the nostalgia of summertime gatherings.”
To kick off the weekend, the couple’s parents hosted the rehearsal dinner and welcome party at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. For the occasion, Monique chose a vintage look from Happy Isles to complement the preppy aesthetic and grass tennis courts.
The next day, Monique got ready with beauty duo Erica + Renee and her bridal party, who dressed in Eberjey pajamas—courtesy of her bridal stylist, Over The Moon Style Director Grace Givens. Then it was time to put on her elegant Chantilly lace Monique Lhuillier wedding dress and custom lace, elbow-length mantilla veil from Monvieve. In a separate location, Noah and his groomsmen all wore World of Vici tuxes—the brand also stylishly outfits the hockey player during his season.
On August 10, 2024, Monique and Noah said, “I do,” in front of their 200 guests in a cozy chapel. “We wanted everyone to feel intimately connected to the moment, as if they were right beside us, rather than rows of pews away,” the bride recalls. “While standing at the altar, we felt supported, thanks to our close friendship with Father John Connolly, who officiated the ceremony and celebrated the mass.”
Cocktail hour commenced on the wharf outside, with its design inspired by a patio living room. Then, it was time to move indoors for the seated reception. Planner Sara Kovel Events, DiCicco Design, and the bride succeeded in creating a dinner party-like atmosphere, as everyone enjoyed the delicious meal from The Catered Affair.
After heartfelt speeches from loved ones, the newlyweds cut their tiered cake, sweetly made by Monique’s brother’s girlfriend, Adriana Russell of Rise and Shine. Then, the bride changed into Danielle Frankel’s Estelle drop waist mini dress—the ideal look for dancing and, at one point, getting hoisted up in the air (a moment expertly captured by Henry & Mac).
Monique and Noah had a romantic first dance to “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez, before the energy turned up. “We asked for the band to be as interactive as possible with our guests, and they truly understood the assignment!” the bride exclaims.
“A very rowdy after-party” followed, Monique remembers. A moody, studio bar room was also opened up down the hall from the dance floor, where espresso martinis kept everyone fueled. “There is nothing our friends and family love more than a party filled with a little mayhem and tequila.”
