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

Newport's King Park Gazebo

The King Park Gazebo is located on Wellington Avenue (off lower Thames Street), which overlooks the Newport Harbor. It is an open air pavilion which is reserved for small wedding ceremonies (not receptions), for a $50.00 reservation fee.The reservation fee is deposited into a facility maintenance account for repairs and painting of the structure. To check availability, please call (401) 845-5800. Photo by m2studios

Great Gatsby !!!

Start your Sunday by watching the movie "The Great Gatsby" at 11am.
Then tour Rosecliff Mansion,
Then Book it for your Wedding!
It was one of the locations used as Gatsby's house in the film.

The Jane Pickens Theater
Address: 49 Touro Street, Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-846-5474
Advance ticket purchase recommended.

Inspiration...Wedgwood

I adore Wedgwood. Personaly I collect the black and white pattern.
But for a Newport wedding there is nothing better than Blue and White.
Here are some Wedgwood Ideas to inspire your wedding.
Hey a girl does need something blue after all!
www.wedgwood.com
CAKE www.edithmeyer.com

Vintage Car Buff

If vintage cars are you thing...

Why don't you plan a May Wedding and give your guests tickets to The Newport Concours d'Elegance.


www.newportconcours.org

It is a charitable organization, committed to the conservation, restoration and preservation of the vintage automobile. We strive to highlight the importance of historic motorcars, by means of exhibition and education.

And what a fun "Save the Date" these Auto cards would make!
www.shackman.com

Save some cash with your trash!

The great Fats Waller wrote a song call "Get some cash for your trash "What a creative way to reuse old tins and cans for a green garden party.

An Edible Family Tree?

The Cookie Studio makes custom cookies with hand printed images baked into the surface of the cookie.
It’s a picture perfect way to complement your event as a favor or to celebrate the one you love. The cookies come in Vanilla, ginger snaps, Himalayan spice biscuits, lemon, chocolate bourbon, almond or custom vegan and non gluten.
Contact
veronica@cookiestudio.com
www.cookiestudio.com

Buttons and Bows

I love the idea of using different materials to express the iconic symbols that are used in a wedding. So when creating a bouquet, think out side the box. Vera Wang simply carried a bible. These buttons are a darling substitute for the real thing.
Found at
http://penguinandfish.blogspot.com/2008/04/button-bouquets-by-lisa-jordan-of-lil.html

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

A Seashell Bouquet

For a crafty sort of beach bride... do it your self or have it made.
One could add a few shells to your real flowers as a accent as well.

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

A NEW Market for us ... A Hampton Affaire

Come join me in the Hamptons!
Nancy Swiezy Events has partnerd with Tim Brown to create A Hampton Affaire, a full service catering and special event company. "The Newport wedding experience is so simpler to the Hamptons that It made perfect sense to open up this market." says Nancy Swiezy

A Hampton Affaire can create a perfect beach side clam bake on Shelter Island, to a charming vineyard wine tasting reception on the North Fork, or a elegant soiree or 300 in your Sagaponic garden,

As your Hampton event makers, we can find you the perfect florist, photographer, music, celebrants, and cuisine that will work with your personal style and budget . Our rolodex of talent covers not only the Hamptons, but all of the North East.

Whether you want your occasion to be intimate or grand,
traditional or modern, you will have peace of mind knowing that we will be here by your side making sure the details are handled beautifully.
.
So relax and enjoy your day and leave the rest to us!Vist us at www.NancySwiezyEvents.com

April Reeds Bastille Day Wedding cake

April Reed made us the perfect Bastille Day Cake for a event I did at Park Avenue Bistro
Let them eat cake! ... and we did with great French style.
Viva La France and April too.
www.aprilreed.com

Boston Common Magazines "The List"

In the latest issue of Boston Common magazine I made "The List" page.
Just in case you were wondering what this meant -- Boston Common thinks A Newport Affaire is doing something cool, amazing, fabulous or different and they wated to acknowledge me.

Thank you for these kind words!
Nancy Swiezy

Take me out to the Ball Park!

There is nothing better than a ball game in the summer.
So why don’t you incorporate a game in to your week end activities wile in Newport
The season starts June 6th Thru Aug 9th
http://www.newportgulls.com
The season starts June 6th Thru Aug 9th
http://www.newportgulls.com

If You want to play your own game here is a list of playing fields

* Hunter Field - located on Van Zandt Avenue
* Murphy Field - located on the corner of Carroll Avenue and Ruggles
* Robert Douglas Field - located on Wellington Avenue
* Toppa Field (In Freebody Park) - located on Middleton Avenue
* Cardines Field - located on America's Cup Avenue at Marlborough Street
* Goldberg Little League Field - located on Maple Avenue
* Hogan Field - (Little League) located on Wellington Avenue
* Murphy Field - located on Wellington Avenue
* Vernon Field - located on Vernon Avenue

So Play Ball Newport Stlye!

What I learned from Sex in the City

When a wedding takes control of your life, it can cost you your groom.
A friend of mine was in such a bridal manic, she bought 3 wedding dresses!
With her life so occupied with shopping, she didn’t see the warning signs. …
That he wanted out.

Just be for the invitations were to be sent out,
he moved out.


With the added workload of planning a wedding can leave a groom feeling out of sorts and disconnect from you.
Lets face it; most fellows don’t care what color the flowers will be.
So don’t push the “Pink” agenda on him.
Budget time alone with him or doing things he likes to do. If you can, once in a wile don’t talk about the wedding.
Even Wedding Planners get what we call “Event Crash” after a wedding and if you don’t keep your real life in check, so will you.
Unless you are planning to be come a wedding planner… Hire one!
Instead of spending hours and hours looking at the wrong venders, spend your time with the man of your dreams!
A wedding is just one day, hopefully that fellow will be forever.


www.sexandthecitymovie.com
P.S. The movie was so worth the wait.

Real Wedding at Eisenhower House for Alison and Adam

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

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 great idea from The Brides Cafe

I found this photo at http://thebridescafe.typepad.com/
Elizabeth Messina
Such a simple joyful moment

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