By the Sea... By the Sea.. By the Beautiful Sea

These beach umbrellas are so darling and at $2.00 a placecard ... What a Sea Side Treat!
Contact Kate At Katlem Design & Invitations
Phone: 401-608-2362
Katie M Design

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

Black and White Welcome Bags

These insulated welcome bags were such a hit in Blue and White, they sold out.
So here is the same bag in the black and white pattern..
$7.00 A BAG
To order 917 355 0689
nancy@anewportaffaire.com

New England's Premiere Film Festivals!

June 3rd -June 8th experience one of New England's Premiere Film Festivals.
The 11th Annual Newport International Film Festival which will feature daily panel discussions with industry professionals, over 100 screenings of feature length narrative films, documentaries, shorts and an extensive children's program. Tickets and information can be found on the website.
http://www.newportfilmfestival.com

How to be Well- Heeled !

I meet Stacie Urbach president of Smart Heels yesterday.

What a great product!

You don't have to arrive with embarrassing with torn-up high heels any more.
Smart Heel stops damage to high heels caused from:
sidewalk cracks
car mats
cobblestones
escalators
oyster shell paths
subway grates
lawns
bar stools
curbs
So stay picture perfect for those red /white carpet moments
And for under $12.00 in clear and black .... With www.smartheel.com
You will be Well-Heeled!

The Cool Sea Glass Chairs

These cool GloChairs is are so very cool.
The sea glass blue back is the perfect for a modern sea side wedding.
http://www.lounge22.com
Lounge 22

Who did the flowers in the Movie Sex in the City? Tess Casey, Florial Desiger of the Month

I worked on a event for Classic Party Rental in NYC and got to work with Tess Casey of Aisling Flowers.

What a great gal and so talented!
I can't wait to work with her.

She specializes in camera-ready flowers.
Her company works closely with Creative Directors and Art Directors for film, television, commercials, print, and private clients. A hallmark of Aisling Studio is her ability to create the perfect arrangement for each specific time and place and budget.

Aisling Studio
Tess Casey
www.tesscasey.com

Tess... I look forward to seeing your work on the big screen May 30th!

Cake imitating Art with The Kiss

Gustav Klimt creates a curious and elegant synthesis of Symbolism and Art Nouveau.. He painted large ornamental friezes of allegorical scenes, and produced fashionable portraits, uniting the stylized shapes and unnatural colors of Symbolism with his own essentially harmonious concept of beauty.

What Artist will inspire your wedding cake?

Cake Created by
About the cake
www.aboutthecake.com

Newport Icons

My next bride and groom will be using 4 Newport Icons for their inspiration board.
A Sea Shell, Pineapple, Compass and a Sailboat. Each part of the stationery will have their own blue inked logo printed by hand-blocked letterpress.
These elements will be seen all thru the wedding weekend as well.

It going to be just charming.

What is your Wedding Icon going to be?

The Wedding Podcast Network Parties with Classic Party Rentals

My good freind Robert Allen from the Wedding Podcast Network came and reviewed the party I helped plan for Classic Party Rentals in NYC.. So many of my friends in the indusrty were involved.
Its a Great Pod Cast ...
http://weddingpodcastnetwork.libsyn.com/index.php?post_category=meet%20the%20masters


Meet the Masters on Location - Flower & Food Design with David Tutera, Ed Libby, Chefs Thomas Preti and Olivier Cheng

Where: New York Showroom Classic Party Rentals where “Every Event is a Big Event”
Friend and colleague Nancy Swiezy invited us to a special industry event and we want you to be part of the excitement and get inspired with information from pros that have a pulse in the party business. Robert Allen, Executive Producer, takes us behind the scenes at the Classic Party Rentals NYC launch party with top chefs, caterers, & floral décor and event designers. With more than 25 years of experience, Classic Party Rentals is the nation’s leading full service event rental company.
Good-bye cookie cutter décor. Michael Miner, VP Marketing Classic Party Rentals, talks about his philosophy in the world of events and what brides have available to make their occasion great. Then Robert spoke with leading entertaining expert David Tutera. David tells us about his Enchanted Garden table – its color, texture, personality. David says a wedding has to tell a story with the elements of your wedding. Listen and learn about eclectic looks and David’s favorite color trend.
Tess Casey of Aisling Studio’s, designed three tables at the event, and talks about the fabrics, color palette and details that feature different themes, unusual elements, and accent ideas. Do you want an element of surprise? Are you trying to be a little green? PLUS Insider Scoop: Tess specializes in camera-ready flowers and works closely with Creative and Art Directors for film and television. She recently worked on the wedding scenes in the Sex and the City movie. She designed the wedding bouquet for Carrie. What flowers did she use? Want to find out the designer of the gown SJP wore? What should a couple know when starting their search for a floral designer? Tess gives her expert advice.
What’s the new white? Ed Libby, award winning event designer, presented two tables. The Bling table has sparkle! He has designed for celebrity clients including Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Robert DeNiro, Usher, and Diddy. Ed’s best advice: Marry a couples’ design fantasy with professional expertise so it’s a fun process.
Food is an element of décor and something to talk about. Chefs created culinary delights enjoyed by invited guests. Since founding Thomas Preti Caterers, Inc. over 20 years ago, Chef Thomas Preti has orchestrated thousands of events. Local, organic food is becoming part of the menu today. Current wedding trends in food are discussed with Kelven Book of Canard Inc. Recognizable foods with a twist are starting to be prepared to make it more special, surprising and appetizing. Signature cocktails are here to stay. Interactive food at weddings and social events is a winner. Olivier Cheng created a tasting plate of savory and sweet fois gras, a naked salmon station, and a liquid nitrogen station – cool idea! Are people harder to impress today? Does Olivier welcome the creative challenge? Are you thinking of a cocktail reception only? Olivier tells us that food can evolve at a party.
We end the podcast with Roberta Karsch of Resource One Inc., a custom designed table linen rental company. Learn about unusual objects that were used to bring the element of the unexpected to the party.

May Day!

HAPPY MAY!
Spring is here in Newport . Don't you love this photo.
Why doesn't any one do this any more???

Not Your Mothers Ballroom Chair!

Classic Party Rentals dontaetd Chameleon Chairs for the
11th National Tour of DINING BY DESIGN EVENT for DIFFA and they were a Hit!
As a favorite of California event designers, they are now avlaible here on east coast. All the Top NYC Designers are ordering them. At under $15 a Chair it a deal.

The Chameleon Chair is a remarkably versatile stacking chair designed to meet the ever-changing demands of the party and special events market. It is ergonomically engineered for comfort and style. The Chameleon Chair Collection includes metallic and cloth backs as well as seat cushions in a variety of colors, fabrics and patterns.

For More Information
ClassicPartyRentals.com

Fiddlers... please take your place!

I found these fiddlehead place cards at Fete Des Feurs of Dallas Texas
http://www.fetedesfleurs.com

Simply Garden Chic!

Flower Power!

Spiring is in the air so how about some
Potted Flowers to entertain your guests.
Ten 31 Productions exquisite costumed performers will interact with your guests and
make you look like a master gardner!

(Moving statues sold separately)

www.ten31productions.com

TEN31 Productions
250 Esten Avenue
Box 203
Pawtucket RI 02860
O: 401.725.1031

Your Life Courtship Story Published

Ellen Braunstein, is a writer and creative director of Courtship Stories. If you are getting married and want to share your love story with guests her custom books can tell your life story!
She professionally writes,designs and publishs a 16- to 20-page booklets on your wedding or engagement to give to friends and family.

Talk about a Wow Save the Date !
ww.courtship-stories.com

poisson d'avril

In France the person fooled is known as poisson d'avril (April fish). This has been explained as arising from the fact that in April the sun quits the zodiacal sign of the fish. The French traditionally celebrated this holiday by placing dead fish on the backs of friends. Today, real fish have been replaced with sticky, fish-shaped paper cut-outs that children try to sneak onto the back of their friends' shirts. Candy shops and bakeries also offer fish-shaped sweets for the holiday.


From wikipedia

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

One More For the Irish, The Shamrock Ball

April 19 2008 8pm-Midnight. A black tie affair (or kilted) with Traditional Irish music by Boarding House Reach, live dance music by Roger Ceresi and The All Starz, performances by Irish step dancers & the AOH Pipes & Drums. Passed hors d'oeuvres, stations of Irish fare & delightful desserts will be served. Proceeds benefit AOH Scholarship fund. Limited space. Ticket available in advance only thru website.

Belcourt Castle
April 19th 2008
Address: 657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-864-3881

Dear Nancy, What's the secret to planning a perfect wedding in Newport??

The secret to a great event is about your guests over all experience!
Yes, the wedding is about you...But by looking after if you guests experience and comfort you will look like a rock star.
In the corporate arena we call it experiential marketing,
First off, look at the age range of you guests.
How man children,contemporaries, parents age guests, and seniors will be attending your wedding?
This will reflect on the king of food, activity's and music you should be arranging for the wedding.
By thinking about your guests,it will be a not just a great wedding, but a extraordinary experience that will be remembered for a life time.

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!

Get Invited to a Green Wedding

When looking for that perfect invite Look for: recycled, handmade, or plantable papers processed chlorine-free and printed with vegetable- or soy-based inkstree-free paper made out of hemp, banana stalks, bamboo, kenaf, or organic cotton.

Use a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content papers that aren't metallic or plastic-coated, characteristics that are hard to recycle.

Reduce the amont of paper useed by
Sending a postcard for your save-the-date
Create online invitations
Do a wedding blog to let people know about the bachelor/ette parties, rehearsal dinner, and gift registry

When it comes to printing
Less is definitely more for the Enviorment!

A Shortbread Wedding Cake??

When bride to be Rebecca Stuard said to me “I just don’t like cake”.
So I designed and built her a “cake” made of short bread cookies.
The bride was elated!
It made the perfect Cetlic Iconic moment!

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 Cool Factor JFK's Style

JKF Style
By Kaye Betts for TIME Mulitmedia

The 35th President defined effortless American elegance

You must link over and see this slide show.
Its about JFK and how He shaped 20th century American style.
These iconic Images are something out of a J.Crew catalog or a Ralph Lauren advertisement. Michael Kors quotes "His unstudied sense of style is a constant touchstone when I design my men's collections each season"

You will truly enjoy this
http://www.time.com/time/photoessays/2007/jfk_style/

It’s A Great Day for the Irish

It will be the 52 year for the Rhode Island Saint Patrick's Day Parade held in Newport, Come rain, snow, or shine, on Saturday, March 15th 2008. The parade will begin promptly at 11:00am from Newport City Hall and will proceed to Carroll Avenue at Saint Augustin’s Church in the heart of the Fifth Ward. The parade this year is estimated to last 2 hours and will include 10 Pipe Bands, 11 Marching Bands, 5 Fife & Drum Corps, 5 Clown Units, 5 reenactment units, and a host of local, state, and regional organizations including police and fire units, social/fraternal organizations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Schools, and non-profits and maybe a great day to plan out your wedding day !

http://www.newportirish.com

Haggle with a Wedding Vender?

Do so....... At you own risk.

Haggling for a good deal may be great for you wedding budget,
but on the day of your wedding it could be very bad news for you and your guests.

Lets face it every bride likes a good deal.
Equally every vender wants to feel they are being economical valued.
But when a wedding vender drops their profit margin too far, so will your service.
Staying that extra hour just won’t be available to you.
An additional waiter or assaitaint to make your day run more smoothly… Gone.
That extra special gross of full blown heirloom roses just flown in from California, won’t be in your bouquet. So in order not to have disrupted employs working on day of your wedding.

Here’s a few suggestions.

Have clean contracts and know what the vender is committing to what services will be reduced with the change of price.

Don’t follow industry guidelines on what you should be spending on each vender.

Buy the best talent your money can buy in your top 3 categories.

I worked with one bride that hired a Rock Star photographer but used a regional Vidiographicor.
Every one got paid well and by using a local vender she saved over $5,000.

Having your wedding not on a Saturday night in the can open up your venue budget by almost 50%.

Have your maids carry tussie-mussie vs. a standard size bouquet.

Buy a brides maids dress in white can open up your budget for a pair of highly lusted after Jimmy Choo’s.

If you not wearing a large ball gown skip the costs of a limo and hail a cab like Rhoda Mogenstein.
(your Mother will know who she is!)

A smaller group of top quality performers are better than a So So large band.

So by make the right economic choices, your wedding day can be a Win Win !

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

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

Green Weddings- Every thing old is new again!

Green weddings can start off with a family heirloom or an antique find. You may want to ask family members from both sides if they have any old jewelry they are not wearing. Have it melted down and refurbish in to wedding rings, it makes a sentimental merger and acquisition!

Diamonds mined in peaceful Canada or Australia, like those from Brilliant Earth, Cred Jewellery, or Leber Jewelry's Earthwise line
diamonds certified as "conflict-free" under the Kimberley Process, an ongoing effort to reform diamond mining in Africa .
Ask your jeweler questions in Amnesty International's buyer's guide.

Irish - English familys may want to skip the diamond altogether and use a colored stone instead!
Graciously Green Nancy

Graciously Green Weddings

Im Jumping on the Green Wedding Band Wagon
with monthly updates at Newport Weddings.
It seams to be everywhere and it’s a good thing.

As a wedding planner I have worked on all kinds of wedding budgets
from struggling actors in New York City
to the Socity FAmilys in Newport RI.

I was fortunate to be brought up to be green by two thrifty parents that taught me the value of a dollar by doing it your self or simple having trust that I would eventually get my "wants" met .
The some of tools I have to share with you are buying the best quality you can afford on sale, off-season.
Do go to tag sales, antique shows and thrift shops, its like treasure hunting. My sister was able to buy a hand made couture-wedding dress for $75.00 in a hospital thrift shop. Its was a Win Win. For the donating bride, the hopital and my sister.

It’s not where you shop, but the quality you buy.
So think before you buy.
Don’t buy any thing for your wedding you can’t return.
Do think twice about silly wedding industry add ones or a plastic favors that will end up in a landfill.

Take your wedding budget and spend it on what will have the most impact for you, your guests and the environment.
Think Graciously Green

Question...How to Get 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
www.cityofnewport.com

Lilly Pulitzer

It all started with a juice stand in Palm Beach. Lilly, a young, sassy New York socialite had eloped with Peter Pulitzer, grandson of thePulitzer Prize's Joseph Pulitzer and settled in Palm Beach to live the life of the rich and famous. Peter owned several Florida citrus groves, but Lilly needed a project of her own. So in the late 1950's, with Peter's produce, she opened a juice stand on Via Mizner, just off Worth Avenue in Palm Beach.
Lilly Pulitzer's business was a hit, but squeezing oranges, lemons, limes, and pink grapefruit made a mess of her clothes. Realizing that she needed a juice stand uniform, Lilly asked her dressmaker to design a dress that would camouflage the stains. The result? A comfortable sleeveless shift made of bright, colorful printed cotton - pink, green, yellow and orange. The dress even had custom dressmaker details like lining and lace seam bindings. It was perfect for the job and became Lilly's first Classic Shift.
Although her customers liked Lilly's juice, they loved her dress. When people began to ask if they could buy the dress, Lilly had a few more made up to sell in the stand. Soon Lilly was selling more dresses than juice, so she decided to stop squeezing and to focus on designing and selling her "Lillys." Before long, Jackie Kennedy, an old school chum, began wearing Lillys and, as First Lady, was featured in Life Magazine wearing a Classic Shift. Then, of course, everyone wanted one and Lilly Pulitzer® became a fashion sensation.

Through the sixties and seventies, the Lilly Pulitzer line was the unofficial uniform of the affluent at play. Lilly Pulitzer stores sprang up in the favorite resorts of the jet set and Lilly's pink and green colors became the banner of the preppy lifestyle.

Lilly is still a staple of the "Newportiant'" life style.

Content from www.lillypulitzer.com
The Jackie Dress from the spring 2008 collection Full length dress with seaming details. Silk oxford. 0 - 14 $398

Something Newport Blue

Need we say more!
From http://www.blushevents.blogspot.com
Photo by By http://www.fireflyphotostudio.ca