Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina has elevated their sought after bridal experience with the creation of a unique role on property – a dedicated Wedding Specialist. Helmed by event expert, Steven James, the introduction of this service guides guests through the wedding process before and after their nuptials in a seamless manner. In this role, Steven will focus on crafting innovative experiences tailored to each guest’s desires and work closely with the onsite culinary team to provide on-trend menu selections.
Gurney’s Newport is the quintessential coastal New England setting for weddings and wedding-related events. The only four-season resort in the destination, the property is surrounded by water, with frontage on both the Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor, and located minutes from Downtown Newport. From rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, receptions and morning after brunch, guests will be sure to find an event space that suits their style, from the intimate Newport Harbor Lighthouse to the property’s stately ballrooms. The spa and salon allow wedding guests and their wedding party to look and feel their best for the big event and as a major bonus, wedding night accommodations are complimentary to the newlywed couple. Known for its shopping, dining, sailing, golfing, vineyards and Gilded Age mansions, the historic port city offers a multitude of options beyond the property for wedding guests as well.
“With Steven’s knowledgeable event-based background, creativity and acute attention to detail, we are thrilled to have him lead the bridal program at Gurney’s Newport in this new role,” said David Smiley, General Manager of Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina, “As we expand our bridal offerings, we are confident that Steven will help us enhance our presence as the leading event venue in Newport.”
Steven brings years of event experience to his new role as Wedding Specialist. Prior to joining Gurney’s, he spent six years as Senior Event Specialist at Longwood Destinations & Venues at Belle Mer Newport and as a Catering Sales Manager at the Providence Biltmore. In addition to his impressive event-based experience, Steven also worked in the role as Senior Catering Sales Manager from 2008 to 2013 under the Hyatt Regency, where he focused strongly on all areas of hospitality surrounding the guests’ experience, quickly becoming well-known for his enthusiasm for designing events with style and creativity.
