Meet the Team

Kristen West Ciejka

Marketing/Creative Director

How long have you been in the wedding industry?
I began my career in fashion and publishing in NYC at Ralph Lauren and Allure Magazine. After relocating to Newport, I pursued a career in hospitality as there is so much opportunity in our little City by the Sea. I have been with the Newport Experience and working in the wedding industry since 2012.

What is your favorite thing about working at the Newport Experience?
We have three unique and stunning venues and host a variety of special events. There is never a dull moment!

Why do you love weddings?
My favorite part of working in the wedding industry is creating and promoting unique and unforgettable experiences for clients, and working with a variety of talented vendors.

What is a fun fact about you?
I was married at OceanCliff and my chihuahua was the ring bearer!

Susanne Day

Wedding Sales Manager

How long have you been in the wedding industry?
I’ve been working with wedding professionals and couples for 19 years, first in publishing and events and since 2014 with the Newport Experience.

What is your favorite thing about working at The Newport Experience?
We have an incredible team! Our three venues are so different but what unify our offerings are the people that make our events exceptional! My clients love telling me about how every need was attended to by our team.

Why do you love weddings?
It’s all the perfect little moments and memories you are making with the people that matter the most. The planning becomes really easy if you let your wedding day be a reflection of how you want your marriage to be (best advice I ever got!).

What is a fun fact about you?
Before I worked with the Newport Experience I was married at Regatta Place! As an event planner it was so nice to not have to worry about all the details and just relax and enjoy a fabulous party!

Kate Decosta

Director of Sales & Marketing

How long have you been in the wedding industry?
I have worked in the wedding industry since 1997.
What is your favorite thing about working at The Newport Experience?
It is a rewarding place to work as evidenced by the longevity of our staff. I love working with people who have been here just as long or longer than I. We have watched the company evolve and grow and have a long history in this market. We have been hospitality leaders in Newport for over 25 years.
Why do you love weddings?
I have personally witnessed thousands of weddings in my career. Watching so many varied groups of friends and families coming together to celebrate never gets old. The joy is contagious!
What is a fun fact about you?
I am learning to fly.
kate@newportexperience.com

Kristen West Ciejka

Marketing/Creative Director

How long have you been in the wedding industry?
I began my career in fashion and publishing in NYC at Ralph Lauren and Allure Magazine. After relocating to Newport, I pursued a career in hospitality as there is so much opportunity in our little City by the Sea. I have been with the Newport Experience and working in the wedding industry since 2012.

What is your favorite thing about working at the Newport Experience?
We have three unique and stunning venues and host a variety of special events. There is never a dull moment!

Why do you love weddings?
My favorite part of working in the wedding industry is creating and promoting unique and unforgettable experiences for clients, and working with a variety of talented vendors.

What is a fun fact about you?
I was married at OceanCliff and my chihuahua was the ring bearer!

Galen Cobb

Wedding Sales Manager

How long have you been in the wedding industry?
I have worked in the wedding industry for 25 years, and have spent 23 of those years with the Newport Experience. I began my career in NYC where I am originally from.

What is your favorite thing about working at the Newport Experience?
I am proud of the fact that most of our staff has been here since the beginning.

Why do you love weddings?
My favorite part is working with happy couples and bringing them from point A to Z flawlessly.

What is a fun fact about you?
When I am not working or planning a friend or siblings’ wedding, you can find me knee deep with my three teen boys and adopted daughter

Susanne Day

Wedding Sales Manager

How long have you been in the wedding industry?
I’ve been working with wedding professionals and couples for 19 years, first in publishing and events and since 2014 with the Newport Experience.

What is your favorite thing about working at The Newport Experience?
We have an incredible team! Our three venues are so different but what unify our offerings are the people that make our events exceptional! My clients love telling me about how every need was attended to by our team.

Why do you love weddings?
It’s all the perfect little moments and memories you are making with the people that matter the most. The planning becomes really easy if you let your wedding day be a reflection of how you want your marriage to be (best advice I ever got!).

What is a fun fact about you?
Before I worked with the Newport Experience I was married at Regatta Place! As an event planner it was so nice to not have to worry about all the details and just relax and enjoy a fabulous party!

Amanda Saccoccio

Wedding Sales Manager

How long have you been in the wedding industry?
I have been in the wedding industry for 20 years. I started as an intern at the Newport Yachting Center. Then I went on to own my own small catering company after college. Then I was the Director of Sales/Catering/Events for a very high end local catering company and happily landed with the Newport Experience 5 years ago..

What is your favorite thing about working at The Newport Experience?
My favorite thing about the Newport Experience is the high level of events we produce on a daily basis and I also love my work family.

Why do you love weddings?
I LOVE weddings because I love helping clients with one of the most important days of their life.

What is a fun fact about you?
I have a twin brother who was married at Regatta Place and I was a professional child actress!