Gentelmen will you be wearing a boater?

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the straw boater became synonymous with summer leisure. In the hard-scrabble, often oppressive Industrial Revolution, leisure time for many was hard to come by. Owning and wearing a straw boater

(a.k.a. skimmer or sailor straw) was the wearer's badge that life had become more than simply hard work. Manet, as well as other artists of the time, use the boater as a symbol of the good life and the emergence of "leisure" as a right and privlage.

Manet, French (1874)

www.Boatingmillerhats.com $125

Big Bad and Blue

According to Wikipedia:
“Around one in two million lobsters is blue.
A research study conducted by Professor Ronald Christensen at the University of Connecticut discovered that a genetic defect causes a blue lobster to produce an excessive amount of protein. The protein, and a red caratenoid molecule known as astaxanthin, combine to form a blue complex known as crustacyanin, giving the lobster its blue color.


































But Daddy!!!!
I must have lobsters that match my powder blue chambray linen!

Question: How do I obtain a marriage license in Newport R.I. ?

Answer: Marriage licenses are issued by the Newport City Clerk’s office to
couples:

1) when Newport is the official residence of the bride and the
wedding is to take place in Rhode Island;

2) when Newport is the official residence of the groom, the bride
is from out of state and the marriage is to take place in Rhode
Island;

3) when both the bride and groom are from out of state and the
marriage is to take place in the City of Newport.

The licensing process takes approximately thirty (30) minutes. The bride
and groom must appear together in the City Clerk’s office between the
hours of 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday and complete an
official license application. Each is to present a certified copy of his/her
birth record from the city, town or state of birth as well as an official picture
ID (such as a driver’s license or military ID). Persons born out of the
country who do not have birth certificates may present passports.
If either party has been married before, a certified copy of a death
certificate or certified copy of a final divorce decree must be presented.
A decree that states the divorce is granted “Nisi”, that is, that the divorce
will become final or absolute after a certain number of days has elapsed,
cannot be accepted. The document must have a court entry date of the
final/absolute decree of divorce.

The fee for a marriage license is $24.00 and is valid for 90 days.
Note: City Clerks in Rhode Island cannot officiate at marriages. Couples
must make arrangements with a person in Rhode Island who, by Rhode
Island State Law, qualifies to join couples in marriage in a civil ceremony.
(Ordained clergy and elders in good standing need not be Rhode Island
residents, nor are they required to register in order to unite couples in
marriage.) In addition to the officiant, two witnesses age 18 or over must be
present at the marriage.

Newport City Hall 43 Broadway, Newport RI 02840 401- 846 - 9600
http://www.cityofnewport.com/

Six Dresses for Success

I was talking to my friend Keisha over at Kleinfelds Bridal the other day.
We thought the best way to start gown shopping is to try on these six silhouette types first. In some cases the gown that you think you may want to wear could different that the one that looks best on you.

A-LINE: The A-line silhouette has a fitted bodice, and the skirt flares out gently from the waistline to the hemline. This gown style gets its name from the “A” shape it creates: small at the top and larger at the bottom.

BALLGOWN: The ball gown is the most traditional silhouette (think “Cinderella”) and features a fitted bodice and waistline with a very full skirt.

EMPIRE: This silhouette features a high waistline that is right beneath the bust line leading into a slender skirt.

MERMAID: The Mermaid silhouette is a form-fitting style that accentuates curves and flares at or just below the knee

PRINCESS: Similar to the A-line, the Princess silhouette includes a sculpted bodice and skirt that flares gently to the hemline, and it’s vertical lines mean basically no waistline..

SHEATH: The Sheath silhouette features straight lines that follow the curves of the body.

Once you have found the winning silhouette then a bridal salesclerk can be more effective in finding you the perfect gown.

http://www.kleinfeldbridal.com

Green Weddings- Location Location Location

We are told that hosting a wedding that's convenient to the most guests to minimize travel isn't always posible. So When you are planning your Green Wedding in Newport RI you may want to hold your event at a Non for Profit
such as a
Art Gallery, Museum, Organic Farm, Vinyard,
Preservation Society, Botanical Garden or a Historic Site or Vintage Yacht.
With over 125 non for Profits in Newportit wont be hard to pick a cause or a place you believe in. A tent wedding can infuse a natural sensibility and the use of recycling shelter is smart and beautiful.
Take a look at my Blog article
Wedding Venue Philanthropy

Jackies Pearls

Jackie Kennedy loved to wear her "pearls" from KJL. There are 3 strands of huge 10mm beautiful cream pearls, all hand knotted, with a pretty diamante clasp. The shortest strand of the 3 is 18", so they are very easy to wear and what an impact! Day or night, this necklace is a stunner. You'll treasure it. The original sold at auction for over $200,000.00.
What a wonderful Valintiens Gift!
Jackie's pearls, $125.00 at nancy@ANewport Affaire.com 917 355 0689

Sailor's Valentines

Sailor's Valentines were originally created in the 19th century by islanders in Barbados. As the island was a port of call for both American and English ships, sailors purchased valentines after long sojourns at sea as tokens of love for their wives and sweethearts in New England, as far north as Nova Scotia and also in England. Old valentines are rare and prized by collectors.

Sailor's Valentines are traditionally made in an octagonal wooden box resembling a compass. The box is filled with a design made of shells and then covered with glass to protect it. Many valentines incorporate sentimental messages, and some boxes are hinged together in pairs. Inspired by this old art form, the aesthetic beauty of shells and the romance of days gone by.

Have your custom valintine made by www.sailorvalentines.com

Or make you own with www.usshell.com

Newport, RI Wedding Planning – Newport Wedding Ideas – Newport

So who’s wedding is it any way! Yours or that brand new planners?

Macy Blum once said it used to me that any one who planned there own wedding wanted to be a wedding planner. But now any one that has gone to a wedding planner wants to be one!

Today any one can proclaim them self’s a wedding expert these days. By putting a web site and buying a ad on line.

I have worked in the industry for over 20 years and I am shocked to see the girls that have started a business and are so willing to take your money and give you advice about their wedding!

I wish them well and I hope they have the stomach and the grace to handle some of these experiences I have had
.
Do have fun when a vender just disappears the day before of a wedding and you have to find another company with in 24 hours while setting up a large rehearse dinner.

It’s a Joy when the police tells you that you at 10:00:am your vender trucks can't unload until after 3:00 dur to a parde

Do enjoy the experience when the bride melts down before going down the Aisle, you fix the mess,
The Grooms mother says “How did you know what to do?”

What do you do when an $8,000, wedding cake starts to cave in on its self? How are you do you fix it?

How are you going to feel when the bride snaps her finger at you when the napkins were not “her” perfert place?

When The Hotel puts the bride in a room with two twin beds!

When your lectured your on how to roll out a runner by the bride.
Like she has done this before!

Nancy Swiezy
A Newport Affaire
www.anewportaffaire.com

Top this!

I found this sweet couple at www.stylemepretty.com
I love Vintage Wedding Toppers. There are such a joy!
If you don't have one of your own, you can buy this one at www.fancyflours.com
This sweet and exceedingly rare vintage 1930s wedding cake topper made of bisque.
The antique German bride and groom pair are marked "Germany 3787" on each piece.
The chubby cheeked little girl and boy have been hand painted and are in pristine condition.
The couple stands 3" tall.
This is one of the most unusual pieces in her collection.
SKU: 5052-VT-32-2 $250

Perfect for a Gatsby Wedding at The Astors!

Anyone can be a Wedding Planner….but my brides are simply not just anyone. “They have a life!”

says Nancy Swiezy of A New York and Newport Affaire.

My brides are putting in overtime so they can get ahead in there career.
They spend time with their favorite charities, improving their backhand, training for a marathon or simply socializing with their fiancé, friends and family.

The Poor Girl Syndrome
Middle class girls just don’t get it.
They all think they have to DIY (Do It Yourself )
Why would anyone want to look at 100’s of wedding vendors is beyond me.

The Rich Girl
Society girls have had it together for years, by hiring personal consultants for their wardrobe, homes, wedding and finances. Saving them time and thousands of dollars each year.

The Modern Girl
Wedding Planners are not just for the rich any more.
By taking 5 to 10% of budget will create piece of mind.
A wedding planner will find the best choices that reflect your style and budget.They can get the best value for you because they bring repeat business to vendors. I just negotiate $1700 off of a catering bill for my last client. My personal goal is to get at least of 50% of my fee back in products and services for my brides.

So Think about it and keep the quality of your life!
Hire a Wedding Planner.
.

Let It Snow!

No proper Newporter doesn’t own at least one piece of J.H. Breakell & Co Jewelry.

Since 1972 his extensive collection of silver and gold designs are inspired by nature and New England's rich maritime heritage.
The jewelry has been featured in major New England shows and articles and, most recently, in the National Archives.

This collection makes is the perfect bridal gift for maids, grooms men or special family members.

You can Find them on:
128 Spring Street Or on Line at
www.breakell.com

Clearly it’s Chowdah

Red Chowder is from Manhattan
White is New England’s
And Rhode Island’s is clearly unique.

The first time I had Rhode Island clear chowder was on Block Island. It seamed a bit naked compared to its two brothers, but it was absolutely delicious.
In New England most chowders are made from large meaty clams called Quahogs (KWAH-hogs). The American Indian name for an East Coast hard shell clam. If you love chowder, you may want to plan your wedding on the weekend of:
Newport’s Annual Great Chowder Cook-Off
http://www.newportfestivals.com/Chowder-Cook-Off
This year it will be held on June 7, 2008, for 2009 planning it will be on June 6.
The Chowder Cook-off features over 3000 gallons of chowder served up by over 30 of the nation's best restaurants and chefs. I cant tell you how much fun it is.

What a great activity to bond with you family and friends. Ticket prices are very reasonable, Advanced tickets sell at a discounted rate, so you can save $5 on each ticket.
The ticket sales start mid Febuary.

So think about adding them to your welcome bag!

P.S. In 2005 the Food Network fimed the festival and I had my 15 seconds of fame cheering... "The Irish chowder rocks!"

Yes boys, you may wear shorts ...

to a Newport Wedding! And even after or before.
These printed Bermudas are made from durable micro fiber.
So these fast drying shorts are perfect for swimming, sailing, water skiing, or walking a pretty girl down aisle.
They make the perfect grooms men gift.
The Newport Icons shown below come in The following
Red lobster comes on Stone or Navy,
Red and white Sail Boats come on Blue,
Martinis neat with an olive!
On Pale Yellow, Med Blue or Kelly Green
They allso come in
Golf Green on stone
Green Crab on Peach
Ble Shark on Sea green
At $65.00 They make the perfect grooms men gift.
Sizes 32 to 42
I will be looking for them at The New York Yacht Club and The Clarke Cooke House Sky Bar this summer!
To Special order contact A Newport Affaire 917 355 0689

Newports Winter Festival

Celebrate the 20th Annual Newport Winter Festival, February 15th-24th
With over 160 individual events, the Newport Winter Festival has become New England’s largest winter extravaganza. Alive with sparkle and excitement, the festival offers a unique holiday experience combining food, music, and entertainment for all ages. A concert series featuring BeatleMania, sand sculptures, chili and pizza cook-offs, a city-wide scavenger hunt, ice sculpting competitions and a teddy bear tea are just some of the many exciting events designed to celebrate the wonder of the winter.

http://www.newportfestivals.com/winterfest