Queen Elizabeth he asked her grandson, "At what point do you stop being trendy and start being realistic?

"Are you going to cycle to the Abbey?"

As I first reported on the E! TV network, those were the Queen's first words to Prince William when she phoned him shortly after Clarence House tweeted the royal wedding details last week. My contacts at the palace were in the room when the Queen called William on his mobile, and read him the royal riot's act over the latest announcements.

She was absolutely livid as she asked her grandson, "At what point do you stop being trendy and start being realistic?"

Her Majesty didn't bother to hide her anger after hearing that William had made wedding plans without consulting with her. After all, she is paying the bulk of the wedding costs. First was the news that Kate will travel to the Abbey by car - perhaps to cut down on expenses. This is a departure from the tradition of the bride arriving at the church in a horse-drawn glass coach. Princess Alexandra was the last royal bride to travel by car to her Westminster Abbey wedding in 1963, but that was because she left from Kensington Palace (the Kent's London home), and it was too great a distance for a carriage procession to the Abbey.

However, as the Queen points out, it will actually cost more to use a car than to use the carriage, when you consider the fuel costs and so on. By contrast, the horse carriages and the Household Cavalry guards are going to be on duty anyway on the wedding day, so it doesn't cost anything extra for Kate to ride in a carriage to the Abbey.

The argument that Kate will be traveling by car due to safety and security concerns isn't convincing since William also announced that both he and his bride will ride in an open carriage to Buckingham Palace after the ceremony. Similarly, Kate's reported allergy to horses can't be the reason for the use of a car instead of the enclosed glass coach since she is leaving the Abbey in a horse-drawn carriage.

The main source of the Queen's displeasure is the wedding breakfast reception at Buckingham Palace. This is usually a sit-down meal (actually a lunch) for around 130 people, consisting of family and close friends. When the proposal for it to be a buffet reception was brought up, the Queen only said that she will consider the idea. Now William has announced it before her official approval.

To add insult to injury, it was also released that hundreds more in the Abbey congregation will make their way to the palace after the ceremony. The Queen is reportedly questioning why she is holding such a huge reception in her home for loads of people she doesn't even know. The monarch doesn't particularly care for buffets anyway, and when Prince Edward organized a buffet reception after his own wedding in 1999, the Queen arranged for Prince Philip, the Queen Mum and herself to be served a sit-down meal.

Prince Charles is said to host a private dinner and dance at the palace on the evening of the wedding. What many people don't realize is that Buckingham Palace only has one kitchen set up for formal occasions. Even with all the staff and help, it will take hours to set up the wedding breakfast reception. So by the time that reception is finished at around 3:30 in the afternoon, all the fine china and crystal have to be cleared, hand-washed, and reset, and then another multi-course meal prepared for several hundred more guests just a few hours later for dinner. Logistically, it will be a nightmare. That is why in the past, the wedding dinner receptions were held at a hotel.

While Charles and William undoubtedly mean well, the fact is neither of them has ever organized a royal wedding before, and really has no idea what's involved. In fact, the planning for Charles' own wedding to Camilla Parker-Bowles in 2005 became so disorganized, the Queen finally lost her patience and indicated that either she's making the wedding arrangements, or there won't be a wedding at all.

With decades of experience under her belt, all occasions that Her Majesty attends are planned with skilled precision, and run like clock-work. The Queen has now instructed that one person from William's team of aides at Clarence House, who had been organizing the wedding, be sent over to Buckingham Palace. This means that William and Kate will still have input, but it's the Queen and her Buckingham Palace aides who are effectively taking over the planning of the wedding.

While the Queen is William's grandmother, she is also his sovereign, and she's decidedly "not amused" at how things have been handled so far. Watch for changes to the royal wedding details as we countdown to April 29.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com

Live Silhouettes At Your Wedding

Silhouettist Carol Lebeaux has a well established reputation throughout New England.

For many years she has been cutting portrait silhouettes at Fairs and fund-raising events working directly from the sitting models.

For your convenience, she offers the opportunity of using your snapshots via computer or postal mail.

A profile photos can provide all that is needed to create these hand-cut heirloom portraits.

They make great Black and White Cookies and Art for a Save the Date!

http://home.townisp.com/~artscarol/

Advice From A Newport Wedding Planner... Should I wear a Garter ?

The garter tradition originated back to the 14th century. In parts of Europe the guests of the bride and groom believed having a piece of the bride’s clothing was thought to bring good luck. They would actually destroy the brides dress by ripping off pieces of fabric. Obviously, this tradition did not sit well with the bride, so she began throwing various items to the guests – the garter being one of them.

Another interesting custom dated back to the ancient times where the wedding garter represented the virginal girdle. When the groom removed the garter from the bride, this represented the bride’s relinquishment of her virginity.

An Old English custom was while the bride and groom were in their bridal chamber, the wedding guests would sneak into the chamber picking up discarded stockings and throwing them at the couple. Whoever flung a stocking that hung on the bride or groom’s nose, would be the next to marry.

Should you play the garter game in front of your guests?
I say save it for latter!
It's never done at Society Weddings

What side does the bride go on?

The bride always stands on the left. The bride's side of the church is always the left side as well. This goes way back to Medieval times when the bride stood on the groom's left so that he could draw his sword or in this case golf club, which he wore on his right side, Just in case to protect her from enemies.
Please note this groom is a lefty!

A Newport Affaire IN NYC www.anewportaffaire.com

Newport's Winter Festival

February 13-22 2009
With over one hundred and fifty individual events, this Festival has become "New England's largest winter extravaganza." Alive with sparkle and excitement, the Winter Festival offers a unique winter experience combining food, music, and entertainment, with fun for all ages. Sand sculptures, a Chili Cook-Off, city-wide Scavenger Hunt, and an Ice Sculpting Competition, a Children's Fair, and a Pizza Cook-Off are just some of the many colorful and exciting events that will captivate you.

Do invite the President to your wedding!

Did you know you can formally the President to your wedding? If you send an invite to the White House you’ll get a personal response signed by the president and first lady.

Mail your invitation to the Obama's at this address:

The Honorable Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama
The White House
Greetings Office Room 39
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500

Do allow at last 6 weeks for your response to arrive and be sure to include both your new and old mailing address.

A close encounter with Tiffany blue.

Dear Nancy,

Im looking for a color match from a bag or box from Tiffany & Co.?

Dear Blogger,
The Tiffany Blue color is trademarked by Tiffany & Co. and it is " top secret " says Vicky Herbert. She's a good friend who was a part of the marketing team at Panton. Duplicating it would be an infringement of this trademark.

So what color could be a close match ?

A good “match” for Tiffany blue is found on the Panatone color chart and it’s number is 1837. Coincidentally the same year Tiffany & Company was established.

Or try Sherwin Williams paint called Mariner SW6766 or Benjamin Moore's Tropicana Cabana 2048-50.
Happy painting!

Nancy Swiezy
A Newport Affaire

America we have come so far...

Congradulations to Barack Obama

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer....."

A most wonderful speech about the last 100 years of our nations history. One reason I love in Newport is due to the American history it offers me. If you have a chance to go to the Newport Historical Society and take a walking tour. You can learn not just a lot about Newport, but so much the about the history of our country.

http://www.newporthistorical.org

And the dress ....well not so wonderful.

Get your Irish up!

Its the 11th Annual Newport Waterfront Irish Festival this week end Experience the Emerald Isle in the City by the Sea.
This 3-day community event celebrates Irish music, culture, cuisine and crafts.
At the Newport Yachting Center
Address: 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-846-1600
http://www.newportfestivals.com/Irish-Festival

Its the perfect wedding weeking for the Irish bride.

A Tisket a Tasket....

Lightship Baskets are unique to the island of Nantucket. But we here in Newport do borrow them from time to time. They make wonderful baskets for maids and flower girls.
To learn about these baskets go to:
www.nantucketlightshipbasketmuseum.org

A German Wedding Tradition

I was doing some research for a bride and I found this wonderful wedding cup. I think it would make a great cake topper as well.
P.S don’t try this with red wine!
The story
A noble mistress fell in love with a young and ambitious goldsmith. Her father did not approve of the pair, She had refused many rich suitors who asked for her hand in marriage. Her father became so enraged that he had the young goldsmith thrown into the darkest dungeon. To her father's dismay, his daughter grew paler and paler as a result of the separation from her true love. He told his daughter, "If your goldsmith can make a chalice from which two people can drink at the same time without spilling one single drop, I will free him and you shall become his bride”. Inspired by love the goldsmith created his masterpiece. He sculpted a girl with a smile as beautiful as his own true love's. Her skirt was hollowed to serve as a cup. Her raised arms held a bucket that swivels so that it could be filled and then swung towards a second drink

$119.95 Complete with Engraving http://www.german-toasting-glasses.com

Simple Elegance

Indulge your guests with elegant linen hemstitched cocktail napkins.
It creates an experience of luxury that throw-away paper napkins just can't equal.
Why rent them when you can buy them???
200 cotten and linen hemstitched cocktail Napkins for $300.00

P.S. They are Reusable so lets make them a Green Wedding option as well!
One could "Re gift "after the Wedding for a post Thank You gift too.
Nancy@anewportaffaire.com
917 355 0689

Sparkling Firework

Fireworks can cost thousands of dollars to put on a show.
A cost effective way is with firework gobos.
Lots of sparkel for$7.95 a gobo
Gobo Man

A Socialites Place

Marie Courant is one of three legendary sisters known for their sense of humor,classic style and sophistication.
These unique ladies, once Newport socialites embraced a lifestyle that inspires the Marie Courant brand today.
Her niece Lyann Marie Courant now runs the company.

The Place card holders run $80 for set of 3.
the Short Center Piece $130
They come in Bronze,Copper and Pewter
To order contact
nancy@anewportaffaire.com

Swingers Needed!

On April 12 6:30pm-11pm. Join in on Swing Dance Fundraiser
. Larry Brown's Swinglane 18 piece orchestra featuring vocalists Carroll Venable & Jimmy Winters. All proceeds will benefit individuals with developmental disabilities supported by the James L. Maher Center.

What a fun way to practice your first dance!

Officer's Club
Newport Naval Station, Newport, RI 02840
401-846-0340
snorsworthy@mahercenter.org

Are Destination Catholic Brides not Welcome in Newport RI ?

My next catholic bride just canceled her wedding in Newport because she was told to: “Go get married in your own hometown”.

They now live and work in NYC and don’t live in their hometown any more. The family resides all over the US, so Newport was the perfect destination location for them.
40 % of all weddings are now planed as a destination,
so this is great news for Newport.

But what’s a nice Catholic Girl to do???

I’m told that some of the Middletown and Bristol churches might be able to accommodate you.
OR
One could get married by a Judge in Newport and have a church blessing when you get home.

With many of the Parishes having only one priest,
Here is a suggestion for the “Member Only” Churches in town.
Create a “Tag on Wedding” at the end of a scheduled mass for the visiting brides. Between a church fee and an additional 100 to 200 visitors per service, it could be a great help to the annual budget.

We are a tourist town after all!

Irish Wedding Traditions

by Bridget Haggerty
There is one wedding Irish tradition that states: 'Marry in May and Rue The Day' while another states: 'Marry in April if you can, joy for maiden and for man'. When I told my daughter about this Irish superstition, she changed her wedding date so that she'd be married in April!

What began as a search for Irish traditions and customs that she could incorporate into her celebration ended up as an incredible pile of notes that eventually took on a life of its own. Long after her wedding, I was still obsessed with delving into history and folklore, looking for everything I could find on how weddings were celebrated in Ireland long ago.

I am convinced that if couples make the effort, they can have a totally Irish celebration from beginning to end - even to the pre-wedding parties. There's one quaint custom where the groom was invited to the bride's house right before the wedding and they cooked a goose in his honour. It was called Aitin' the gander — it has to be where we get the expression 'his goose is cooked!' We threw one of these dinner parties for my daughter and everyone had a great time. (The apple-potato stuffing has become a family favourite!).

Here are some more:

* Bunratty Meade is a honey wine that's served at the Bunratty Castle medieval banquet. It's from a recipe based on the oldest drink in Ireland and if you've never tasted it, it's well worth trying. In the old days, it was consumed at weddings because it was thought that it promoted virility. (If a baby was born nine months after the wedding, it was attributed to the mead!) Couples also drank it from special goblets for a full month following the wedding, which is supposedly where we get the word honeymoon. This was to protect the couple from the fairies coming to spirit the bride away.

* Lucky horseshoe. Irish brides used to carry a real horseshoe for good luck. (Turned up so the luck won't run out). You can get porcelain horseshoes which most Irish brides carry these days, or one made of fabric which is worn on the wrist.

* Magic Hanky. This charming custom involves having the bride carry a special hanky that with a few stitches can be turned into a christening bonnet for the first baby. With a couple of snips it can be turned back into a hanky that your child can carry on his/her wedding day.

* Make-up bells. The chime of bells is thought to keep evil spirits away, restore harmony if a couple is fighting, and also remind a couple of their wedding vows. Giving a bell as a gift has become an Irish tradition. You could also have your greeters hand out tiny bells to your guests to ring as you process. (You might want to let them know when they're supposed to be rung - perhaps mention it in your program along with an explanation of the custom). Guests could also ring their little bells at the reception in lieu of clinking glasses.

* Irish Dancers. Consider hiring a group of Irish dancers to hand out your programs before the ceremony. Dressed in their full regalia, it would add a wonderful touch of pageantry and colour. They could also dance at the reception later. We did this at my daughter's reception and it was a major hit.

* Music. There's so much wonderful Irish music available, you'll have no problems in finding appropriate selections for both the ceremony and the reception. The difficulty will be in deciding which pieces to play!

* Readings: My daughter had the following Irish wedding vow on the front of her program:

By the power that Christ brought from heaven, mayst thou love me. As the sun follows its course, mayst thou follow me. As light to the eye, as bread to the hungry, as joy to the heart, may thy presence be with me, oh one that I love, 'til death comes to part us asunder.

On the back of the program, she had this old Irish proverb: Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and just be my friend.

* The Irish Wedding Song. Very popular at contemporary Irish weddings. We had two friends sing this at my daughter's reception while the newlyweds cut the cake. (Afterwards I thought we should have had the lyrics typed up and placed on the tables so that everyone could join in).

* Flowers. In the old days, many Irish brides wore a wreath of wildflowers in their hair; they also carried them in bouquets. For my daughter's wedding, our florist designed gorgeous bouquets that included a flower called Bells of Ireland. In Wales, brides carried live myrtle and gave a sprig to each bridesmaid which they planted. If it grew, the bridesmaid would marry within the year. If you're planning a more general Celtic celebration, this might be worth considering.

* Ancient custom: In the old days, couples ate salt and oatmeal at the beginning of their reception: Each of them took three mouthfuls as a protection against the power of the evil eye. Also, when a couple is dancing, the bride can't take both feet off the floor because the fairies will get the upper hand. Fairies love beautiful things and one of their favourites is a bride. There's many an Irish legend about brides being spirited away by the little people! For the same reason, it's bad luck for a bride to wear green. I've also heard that it's bad luck for anyone to wear green at an Irish wedding - but I think it really only applies to the bride. It's also bad luck for a bride or the groom to sing at their own wedding.

Portents and omens:

* A fine day meant good luck, especially if the sun shone on the bride. If you're a Roman Catholic, one way to make certain that it won't rain is to put a statue of the Infant of Prague outside the church before your ceremony.

* It was unlucky to marry on a Saturday.

* Those who married in harvest would spend all their lives gathering

* A man should always be the first to wish joy to the bride, never a woman

*It was lucky to hear a cuckoo on the wedding morning, or to see three magpies

* To meet a funeral on the road meant bad luck and if there was a funeral procession planned for that day, the wedding party always took a different road

* The wedding party should always take the longest road home from the church

* It was bad luck if a glass or cup were broken on the wedding day

*A bride and groom should never wash their hands in the same sink at the same time—it's courting disaster if they do

* It was said to be lucky if you married during a 'growing moon and a flowing tide'

* When leaving the church, someone must throw an old shoe over the bride's head so she will have good luck

* If the bride's mother-in-law breaks a piece of wedding cake on the bride's head as she enters the house after the ceremony, they will be friends for life.

Many other customs are interspersed throughout the book, e.g. (from the reception section) the top tier of your wedding cake should be an Irish whiskey cake which is saved for the christening of your first baby. I've also heard of another custom which just came to my attention and will be included in the next edition: a bottle of champagne is saved from the reception so that it can be used to 'wet the baby's head' at the christening.

In finally making this book a reality, my hope is that when he says to you 'would you like to be buried with my people', or you say to him 'would you like to hang your washing next to mine', you'll say yes, and then use the suggestions to help you plan an Irish celebration reflective of your roots and as romantic as your heritage.

And for all engaged couples and their families in the midst of pre-wedding chaos, I raise a parting glass: May all your joys be pure joy and all your pain champagne.

Dark and Stormy!

The drink not your day!

The Dark and Stormy is Bermuda's favorite cocktail. Made with Black Seal Rum and extra spicy ginger beer, it was brought to Newport in 1906 via the Newport- Bermuda Race. A ocean race for amateur sailors. Now known as the official cocktail for Newport sailors, it can make the perfect signature drink for your Rehearsal Dinner or Clam Bake Wedding. I like to use this as a signature drink at Clam Bake Rehearsal Dinners. Next time you are in town try one or make one at home.

Ingredients
1½ oz Gosling's Black Seal Rum
Ginger Beer
Lime
Method:1½ oz Gosling's Black Seal Rum, top with Barritts ginger beer.
Shake and garnish with lime
Newport Wedding

The Claddagh Ring

An bpósfaidh tú mé?
Will you marry me?

There are also a variety of legends about the origins of the ring

One tale is about Margaret Joyce, a woman of the Joyce clan. She married a Spanish merchant named Domingo de Rona. She went with him to Spain, but he died and left her a large sum of money. She returned to Ireland and, in 1596, married Oliver Ogffrench, the mayor of Galway. With the money she inherited from her first marriage, she funded the construction of bridges in Connacht. All this out of charity, so one day an eagle dropped the Claddagh ring into her lap, as a reward.

Another story tells of a Prince who fell in love with a common maid. To convince her father his feelings were genuine and he had no intentions of "using" the girl, he designed a ring with hands representing friendship, a crown representing loyalty, and a heart representing love. He proposed to the maid with this ring, and after the father heard the explanation of the symbolism of the ring, he gave his blessing.

One legend that may be closer to historical truth is of a man named Richard Joyce, another member of the Joyce clan and a native of Galway. He left his town to work in the West Indies, intending to marry his love when he returned. However, his ship was captured and he was sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith. In Algiers, with his new master, he was trained in his craft. When William III became king, he demanded the Moors release all British prisoners. As a result, Richard Joyce was set free. The goldsmith had such a great amount of respect for Richard Joyce that he offered Joyce his daughter and half his wealth if Joyce stayed, but he denied his offer and returned home to marry his love who awaited his return. During his time with the Moors, he forged a ring as a symbol of his love for her. Upon his return, he presented her with the ring and they were married.

Klansmen please sign in...

Pier Gustafson's Custom Celtic Sign In Boards
make a perfect wedding keep sake for you and your Klan!
They start at about $400
and can be designed with the colors of your choice with out a crest.
He is offers beautiful calligraphy services as well.
http://www.piergustafson.com