Jennifer Siegal & Michael Whelihan on June 9, 2012

Published in Newport Life Magazine January/February 2013 issue

It wasn’t business as usual for Jennifer Siegal and Michael Whelihan the day they first locked eyes in the workplace. They promoted their friendship to a lasting romance after Jen moved to Newport, where Michael lived. He soon invited her to a candlelit dinner at the Chanler to “celebrate a work accomplishment.” Jen realized his true intention was to spend forever together when he dropped to his knee, and a tearful “yes” later, the two set out planning a City-by-the-Sea celebration. “We wanted to show off the wonderful place we get to enjoy every day. As the locals say, ‘My life is your vacation,’” Jen laughs.

They were instantly drawn to the Hyatt Regency Newport, and the hotel “rolled out the red carpet to us from the beginning,” the bride shares. The couple sought a venue to accommodate their 150 guests overnight and keep the celebration under one roof. The Hyatt fit the bill perfectly, surrounded by beautiful Narragansett Bay on private Goat Island. “They offered amazing service for the entire process!” Jen says.

With the perfect backdrop chosen, the couple focused on personal details to showcase their love for Newport. Lounge chairs, Chinese lanterns and an ice cream cake topped with Adirondack chairs and shells enhanced the relaxed atmosphere, but the bride says, “The view of the bridge was the best decoration we could ask for!” Still, she managed to outshine the stunning scenery as she and Michael shared their first dance to “Is This Love” by Bob Marley. Jen donned a Bliss silk organza gown with a sweetheart neckline, the perfect dress to dance the night away in comfort and style.

The newlyweds’ dog Dexter added a unique twist to the wedding day. Voted the “Cutest Dog in Newport” at the 2011 Newport Winter Festival, Jen and Michael knew their pup had to be included in their Newport-inspired wedding. The cavapoo (half poodle, half cavalier spaniel) arrived just in time for some great photos, sporting a green bow tie.

The new Mr. and Mrs. Whelihan reflected on their dream day on their honeymoon in Costa Rica. Jen offers advice for future Newport brides, saying, “Everyone goes through the same headaches and it always works out on the end. Don’t sweat the small stuff!”—KB

Featured Vendors
Tuxedos/Suits: Jos. A. Bank
Rehearsal Dinner: Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant
Reception Venue /Caterer /Planning /Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Newport
Hair: Stillwater Spa, Hyatt Regency Newport
Flowers: Perfect Surroundings
Cake: Brickley’s Ice Cream & Cakes
Cupcakes: Scrumptions
Transportation: RockStar Limo
Photographer: Snap! Photography
Videographer: Pro Video Service & Productions

Color Me Cranberry!

Although red may seem like the ideal color for a wedding, this month we prefer cranberry! “Cranberry is an interesting color because it works well in every season,” says Andria Mederios, expert wedding planner and owner of Infinite Events. “My favorite cranberry color scheme involves just ivory/white and champagne. The combination is extremely elegant, classy, and rich and works great in the winter. If you really want to embrace the season, add pine green as an accent color.”
For a spring or summer wedding, cranberry contrasts brilliantly with tiffany blue. “This combination is perfect for the spring and summer as it creates a very fun and modern vibe,” says Mederios. “If you’re envisioning an extremely lively and unique wedding with vibrant colors, this scheme might be a perfect fit!”

Brides choosing cranberry hues for their fall wedding can “add pinks, yellows and oranges to create a brighter, more fun color palette,” recommends Mederios.” If you’re looking for something more subdued, add a dark brown/espresso which will create a more dramatic, formal feeling.”

For more ways to incorporate cranberry into your special day, Mederios shares these wedding décor tips:

- Use cranberry colored fabric as a ceremony backdrop or cranberry garland on your ceremony arbor to really make a statement!

- Cranberries can be a great alternative to traditional wedding floral and décor. Their round texture and rich color allows them to be used as a fun filler in bouquets, centerpieces, vases and more.

- Cranberry sprigs make perfect boutonnières. These sprigs can also be used at each place setting to add a pop of rich color to your tablescape.

- For winter weddings, try using cranberry ice candles during your cocktail hour or line your entrance with them for a true wow factor! Or fill the bottom of your centerpiece vases full of them for some extra color and texture.

- You can also incorporate these berries into your wedding cake décor, just add berries cascading down each layer or just cover the top layer with them instead of using a cake topper.

You can also include a signature cranberry cocktail for guests. Martha Stewart has a recipe for a Cranberry-Orange Sparkler that’s ideal for an autumn wedding. She also has a recipe for Mulled Cranberry Cider, which is a warm, spiced cranberry drink garnished with a cinnamon stick for winter weddings.

Cranberry-Orange Sparkler

1 cup cranberry juice cocktail
1/3 cup orange-flavored liqueur, such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier
1 bottle (750 ml) Champagne or other dry white sparkling wine, chilled
24 ounces ginger ale, chilled

Directions
In a measuring cup, combine juice and liqueur. Divide among eight Champagne flutes or wine glasses. To serve, top with equal parts Champagne and ginger ale.
Mulled Cranberry Cider

9 1/2 cups cranberry juice
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
6 cinnamon sticks, plus 12 more for garnish
8 star anise
6 whole allspice berries
3 ounces fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced (about 18 slices)
1/2 cup water
4 tablespoons sugar
One 375-milliliter bottle port
12 thinly sliced kumquat rounds, 6 to 8 kumquats for garnish optional

Directions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients except port and kumquats. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat. Cover, and let steep until ready to serve, up to 1 day.
2. Just before serving, add port to mixture in saucepan, and bring to a simmer; do not boil. Keep warm over low heat while serving. Strain and divide among glasses, and garnish each with a cinnamon stick and kumquat slice, if desired.

Jessica & Samuel Alexander
Photographer: Andrea Hansen Photography

Newport Brides Share Their Planning & Wedding Day Advice!

Whether you just got engaged or are in the midst of planning your weekend celebration, check out these tips from our Newport Wedding Magazine brides.

“Weddings are very exciting and Newport is an absolutely beautiful place to get married. Still, it is important to focus on the real meaning of your wedding, which is committing your life to someone you love.” –Ashley Bachorik

“The best advice I can give to future Newport brides is to do your homework on your vendors. We were so fortunate to work with the best in the business! They all worked with us to really understand our vision for the day. We met with many vendors before choosing our team and it was the best decision we could have made.” –Meghan Mangan

“Enjoy planning the wedding. We are detail people and that’s what we focused on – people thought we were crazy but in the end all those little details are what made our wedding. We didn’t have a wedding planner but I sure wish we did for the last minute things.” –Kristen Fagan

“Book the hotel blocks and transportation early. Also our band, Pulse of Boston, was truly the best band we could have ever asked for. And the photobooth was so fun.” –Jill Stutzbach

“My biggest piece of advice, particularly if you do not live in the Newport area, would be to hire a wedding planner. I cannot imagine how we would have been able to select vendors and plan our wedding all the way from New Jersey without the help of our amazing wedding planner, Stephanie Frazier Grimm at Couture Parties.” –Nicole Whitehead

“Enjoy ever second of the planning process and the wedding itself. Newport is the absolute most picturesque location for a wedding and even if it’s cloudy, rains or the decorations aren’t exactly what you had planned, all your guests will remember the beauty of Newport and you and your future husband’s smiles.” –Christine Ostrander

“Bring a list of group photos you want for the photographer to use during family and bridal party pictures (or provide it to them in advance). I gave our photographer a lengthy list of detailed and creative shots we wanted but completely forgot to write out the different group combinations we would want as well. In the hectic chaos of wedding party picture taking, you won’t be thinking about the different combinations and the photographers won’t know unless you tell them. Have a list ready to go so that someone can start calling the shots!” -Jessica Alexander

“Use Newport Wedding Magazine to help you plan!” – Kelsey Nemarich

“Don’t worry about the weather. Rhode Island is infamous for quick changes, and the weatherman’s predictions are never accurate. In the end, you can’t do a thing about it, and the guests won’t remember the rain as long as you throw a great party!” – Anita Spieth

“Identify what the most important aspects of your wedding are (ie, food, dress, venue, etc.) and stick to your guns on those one or two important things. If you’re more laid back about the other things, you will find the wedding planning to be quite enjoyable! And get a great tailor.” – Sara Cary

“Utilize all resources that you can. The visitor’s center was a huge help when I was rounding up information/material for welcome bags for out of town guests. Also, if you have the time, go check out ALL of the places that are on your list for receptions/rehearsal dinners etc. I think the most fun part of planning the wedding was in the beginning when we went to different venues and really got an inside look into what Newport has to offer. There are probably more options than you think.” – Tara Kalson

“Find a videographer or have a friend capture important moments. We have our ceremony video but would have loved to watch the bridal party introductions, first dance, cake cutting, etc.” – Christine MacDonald

“Support the locals, they work hard to keep us happy. Keep your eye on the prize – don’t forget what this big hoopla is all about. The whole idea of a wedding daunted me but two nights after Ralph proposed he said “don’t think of it as a wedding, think of it as a launch party to the rest of our lives.” I loved that, it got me through all the tedious decision making and set the tone for the day. It really was a party!” – Grace McCluskey

James Owen and Christen Gedney

Deborah and James Gedney of Middletown, RI, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Christen Gedney to James Owen, son of Frank and Bay Owen of Little Compton, RI.

Christen is a 2002 Graduate of Middletown High School in Middletown, RI, and Dean College in 2006 with a Bachelor of Dance Arts and a 2011 Graduate of Mount Ida College with an Associates in Animal Science. She is a Certified Veterinary Technician in Barrington, RI.

James is a 2002 Graduate of Middletown High School in Middletown, RI, and the University of Rhode Island in 2007 with a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education in Mathematics. He is a Math Teacher, a High School Cross Country and Track Coach in the West Warwick Public Schools.

A backyard wedding ceremony  has been planned for  August 2^nd, 2013, with a reception to follow at the Rotunda at Easton’s Beach in Newport, RI.

Kara E. Hicks and Joshua P. Silva

Ralph and Elizabeth Hicks of Newport, RI, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Kara E. Hicks to Joshua P. Silva, son of Walter and Paula Silva of Dartmouth, MA.

Kara is a 2005 graduate of Rogers High School in Newport, RI, and Rhode Island College in January 2010 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary and Special Education. She is a Special Education Teacher in Bristol, RI.

Joshua is a 2005 graduate of Dartmouth High School in Dartmouth, MA, and Rhode Island College in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Justice Studies and a minor in Sociology. He also attended American International College and is currently a Special Education Teacher at Dartmouth Middle School.

A July 27, 2013 wedding has been planned at Jesus Saviour Church with the Rev. Francis A. O’Loughlin performing the ceremony. A reception will follow at The Officer’s Club in Newport, RI.

Clayton Ryer and Alyssa Cardone

Steve Cardone and Lisa Novak-Cardone of Portsmouth, RI, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Alyssa Cardone to Clayton Ryer, son of Hill and Nancy Ryer of Germantown, TN.

Aly graduated from Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, RI, in 2006 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of New Hampshire. She works for the Child Development Center at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, ME.

Clay graduated from Souhegan High School in Amherst, NH, in 2008 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography from the University of New Hampshire. He is a 2^nd Lieutenant in the Maryland National Guard.

An October 19, 2013 wedding ceremony and reception have been planned at The Officer’s Club in Newport, RI.

Ian Stuart Hayes and Kelly Ashley Dennis

Kelly Ashley Dennis of Newport and Ian Stuart Hayes of Portsmouth are excited to announce their engagement to all their family and friends.

Kelly is the daughter of Dawn Dennis and Keith Dennis of Newport, RI.

Ian is the son of Jennifer Duvall of Fort Scott, KS, and John Hayes of Cranston, RI.

A wedding ceremony has been planned for May 2014.

Kelley and Cynthia Brown of Portsmouth, RI, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Emily Kristine Brown to Patrick Joseph Frederick Dalton, son of Joseph and Laura Dalton of Seattle, WA.

Emily graduated from Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, RI, in 2003 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular Biology from Skidmore College. She earned her Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling from the Boston University School of Graduate Medical Sciences. She is on the Dana Farber Ethics Advisory Board; she is also the Coordinator of Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Genetic Counseling at Boston University. She is a Genetic Counselor at Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Patrick graduated from West Lake High School in Austin, TX, in 2003 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Berklee College of Music and earned a Master’s Degree in Music Therapy from Leslie University. Patrick is a Songwriter, Recording Artist, and Drummer for the Boston reggae band “Hub Dub”. He is also a Music Therapist at the Perkin’s School for the Blind.

A July 20^th, 2013 wedding ceremony and reception have been planned at The Whispering Pines in West Greenwich, RI.

Tom and Sherri Baffa of Olathe, KS, announced the engagement of their daughter, Sarah Baffa to Major Gregory Humble, son of Samuel Humble of Anacortes, WA, and Sandra Randall of Bluffton, SC.

Gregory is the Grandson of George Kingston of Newport, RI.

Sarah is a 2005 graduate of Olathe Northern High School, 2009 graduate of Taber College with a BA degree in Elementary Education. Sarah is a teacher in the Olathe Public School System.

Major Humble is a 1997 graduate of Rogers High School, a 2001 graduate of Radford University in Radford, VA, with a BA degree in Politics, Psychology and Military Science. He also is a 2010 graduate of Webster University with a Masters in Information Technology and a 2012 graduate of the US Army Command & General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, KS, with a Masters in Military Science.

Major Humble is stationed in Vicencza, Italy, for three years, but is currently serving in Afghanistan.

A May 4, 2013 wedding is planned.

Robert and Joan Leal Walker of Middletown, RI, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Lisa Ann Walker, to Mason Alexander Bragg of Coral Gables, FL, and Manhattan, NY. The couple resides in Manhattan Beach, California.

The prospective bride is a graduate of Hanover High School in NH, graduated summa cum laude from the University of New Hampshire and completed her graduate work at SUNY Stony Brook School of Social Welfare. Lisa travels the country as a behavioral healthcare consultant for a large hospital management company. She is a former resident of RI and worked for Family Service of Rhode Island and Stonington Institute in Connecticut. Lisa’s mother grew up in Newport and most of her maternal family still resides on Aquidneck Island.

The prospective groom is a graduate of The Northfield Mount Hermon School, graduated magna cum laude from Bowdoin College, and later attended Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons where he earned Medicine and Public Health degrees. The couple met in Rhode Island while Mason was completing his Emergency Medicine residency at Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital. Dr. Bragg specializes in International Emergency Medicine and has devoted his time in Iraq, Haiti, Cuba, Liberia and the Dominican Republic.

Mason and Lisa travel extensively for both work and pleasure. On a summer vacation last year, Mason proposed to Lisa in Santorini, Greece.

The wedding will be in June 2013 by the Rev. Lark d’Helen at Castle Hill in Newport, RI.

Garrett and Kathleen Loftus of Newport, RI, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Meg Loftus to Raleigh Brennan, son of Robert and Judith Brennan of Middletown, RI.

Meg graduated from Rogers High School in Newport, RI, in 2006 and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary / Special Education from Rhode Island College. She is a 4^th Grade Teacher at Portsmouth Middle School.

Raleigh graduated from Middletown High School in Middletown, RI, in 2000 and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education / English from Rhode Island College and is working on his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Providence College. He is the J.V Basketball Coach at Middletown High School and is Dean of Students at Rogers High School.

A July 19^th 2013, wedding ceremony has been planned at St. Augustin Church in Newport, RI, with a reception to follow at the Newport Yachting Center in Newport, RI.

Nicholas and Gail DeSisto of Portsmouth, RI, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Christi Morlock DeSisto, to Joseph Raymond Fragale, son of David and Deborah Fragale of Bridgeport, West Virginia.

Christi is a graduate of the University of Delaware, is an engineer at Parson Brinckerhoff in Virginia.

Joe graduated from West Virginia University, and is an engineer project manager for Shirley Contracting Company in Virginia.

A September wedding is planned.

Kerry McVey & Matt Miller
at The Towers
September 14, 2012
Published in South County Life Magazine Holiday 2012 issue

Once childhood friends Kerry McVey and Matt Miller started planning their wedding at The Towers in Narragansett, Kerry went hunting. Her first prey was a gorgeous corset strapless gown with beaded rhinestones and a flare skirt designed by Liz Fields of New York City. “I loved the way I felt in it, and it was unlike any other wedding gown I had ever seen,” she says. “It was a party dress!” Thrilled to have found exactly what she was searching for, she considered the search complete. Once the bridal shop went out of business, however, she was forced to repurchase the same gown.
She didn’t let it stop her on her quest to marry her best friend, so she and Matt forged on with their plans. South County’s best-known landmark, The Towers, was to be the venue for their festive reception. Located in the remains of the former Narragansett Pier Casino, it was the center of social life in the late 19th century. “It’s so beautiful and historic, and there is no better place,” she says. “South County is our home! Whether we lived near or far we always loved coming home.” Her parents, Bob and Claudia McVey, live in Wakefield.
Loosely bound flowers in soft hues of pink, cream and yellow adorned the tables, each placed in a different vintage silver vase, tea pot or bowl. Bouquets of the same colors complemented the bridal party’s silver silk gowns and cascaded down the three-tiered wedding cake, enhancing the romantic evening. As a memento, the couple gave their wedding party gold plated ornaments of The Towers in 1989.
A finishing touch for this special day was a gift to Kerry from the groom’s mother: a beautiful necklace with a diamond, gold and silver butterfly that Matt’s late father had given his mother upon their engagement. “It was very special and meant the world to me,” Kerry says. “I wore it as a bracelet to the wedding.”
Delaying a longer honeymoon until this winter, the newlywed Mr. and Mrs. Miller spent a few days in Newport, and have happily settled in North Kingstown.

Details:
Bridal gown: The Bridal Garden, East Greenwich
Tuxedos: Alterations Unlimited, Narragansett
Invitations: Print World, North Kingstown
Rehearsal dinner: Trattoria Simpatico, Jamestown
Hair: Studio 101, Providence
Nails: Nails and Spa, East Greenwich
Flowers: Weedweavers, Wakefield
Caterer: Blue Rocks Catering, Newport
Cake: Patticakes, Wakefield
Bridal Party transportation: ROCKSTAR Limo, Cranston
Reception entertainment: Those Guys, Newport
Photographer: Brad Smith Photography, Warwick
Accommodations: Ocean Rose Inn, Narragansett; Hampton Inn, South Kingstown
Post-wedding brunch: T’s Restaurant, Narragansett

Jennifer Holberton & Todd Higgins
at Private Home
on August 4, 2012
Published in South County Life May 2013 issue

After two weeks of daily rehearsals for a school pageant and with the show date looming, fellow teachers Todd Higgins and Jennifer Holberton realized they were running out of opportunities to see each other every night. “Todd volunteered to help with an evening program I was in charge of. Who knew there were other motives?” smiles Jennifer. Todd finally took action, and after two years of dates, trips around the country and abroad, he surprised her with a romantic lunch and marriage proposal while on a teacher training trip in Madrid. “It was an obvious yes from me!” she says.

With the couple living in Jennifer’s hometown of Wood River Junction, where her father, Thomas Holberton, still resides, and with her mother, Barbara Holberton living just down the road in Westerly, there was never a question as to where they would tie the knot. “South County is where we call home and where we love to be,” says Jennifer. Set at the end of a quarter-mile long driveway deep in 100 acres of woods, her father’s beautifully landscaped property provided the perfect location for an outdoor wedding.

With an elegant yet slighty rustic theme, the bride and friends scoured local fields and neighborhoods collecting goldenrod and other wildflowers the day before the wedding, creating a color scheme of subtle golds and blues for centerpieces and bouquets. As the 75 guests arrived, they were greeted by hand-painted barn board signs telling the couple’s story and leading to a giant old mill window with its panes marked for table seating.

Standing under a trellis built by Jennifer’s father years ago, the couple exchanged vows, the bride in a strapless silk gown with a lace detailed overlay and buttons running down the back. For the bridal shower, the rehearsal dinner and reception, however, the bride honored her late grandmother by wearing her handmade lace dresses. “I was even more excited about wearing my grandmother’s dresses,” she explains. “It was so nice to feel like part of her was with me.”

Hors d’oeuvres to please all palates were followed by a three-course meal featuring seared bistro filet, grilled salmon, and wild mushroom ravioli with a white truffle cream sauce. The couple served Mead (honey wine) for the toast and guests were treated to 10 gallons of beer brewed by Jennifer and Todd a couple of weeks before the wedding. For dessert, “we knew we wanted to serve a blueberry and strawberry shortcake,” says Jennifer, who along with a friend picked pounds of blueberries the week before the wedding, then “Plantation Catering took care of the rest!” For the favors, guests received glass jars filled with honey from a friend’s farm.

Following a road trip through the Adirondacks to Montreal and Quebec City and ending up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Mr. and Mrs. Higgins have settled back into their home in Wood River Junction and are both high school teachers. — CBM

Details
Bridal Gown: Inspirations Bridal
Tuxedos/Suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Rings: Union Diamond, Blue Nile, NL Shaw & Co.
Rehearsal Dinner: Lobster boil from McQuade’s Marketplace
Hair and Make-Up: Jacqueline Clark
Nails: Rebecca’s Salon and Day Spa
Caterer: Plantation Catering
Cake: Vesta Bakery
Officiant: Skip Sweeny
Ceremony Music: Fitch Senior High School String Quartet
Reception entertainment: Barnacle Irish Trio, Blockhead Band
Photographer: Susan Sancomb Photography
Day of coordinator: Shelly O’Neal Kegler
Sailcloth Tent: Sperry Tent Company
Rentals: Rhode Island Rentals
Raw Bar: Matunuck Oyster Bar

Villa

Vintage Inspired Weddings

The inane struggle every bride has to find her “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue,” may be slowly meeting its demise, as vintage themes continue to dominate the wedding-sphere. As we continue into our highly modernized 21st century, brides are looking to past generations for inspiration and focusing on the extreme, underlying passion their weddings are built upon.

However, like any theme, vintage weddings can easily become “too vintage,” with brides overplaying the details, thus losing its original beauty. So, how does one achieve a vintage wedding and keep its delicate allure? Andria Medeiros, Infinite Events owner and wedding expert, spills the fundamental details of planning a vintage wedding: “Sometimes less is more. With vintage weddings, it’s very easy to bring in way too many items, which can often make it look like overdone or overdressed,” Medeiros explains. “We always recommend that couples keep the wedding location in mind; the more vintage the venue is, the less vintage you need to bring in.”

Main Event Photography

When it comes to creating the ideal vintage wedding, simplicity is certainly the main ingredient. Small key elements truly set the scene more than one would assume. “Your invitations are the first impression your guests will have of your event so it’s important to set the tone for your wedding,” advises Medeiros. Many newlyweds may also find it ideal to forgo the limo and opt for a more regal form of transportation, such as a 1950s classic car.

Main Event Photography

Many wedding professionals have also played up the vintage theme in their forms of entertainment, making for fun backdrops guests will adore. “Why rent just any photobooth for a vintage wedding when you can go with a traditional, Coney Island style hard-sided booth that reflects the appropriate era?” suggests Medeiros. Infinite Events has also transformed one of their iconic candy bars to fulfill a bride’s vintage craving. Playing off the era’s popular use of cigarette girls, Infinite Events developed their Candy Girl Favor Service, equipped with a delicious assortment of delectable treats that fit into a vintage wedding mold.

Nicole Gesmondi Photographer

Though there are numerous planning details swirling through a bride’s mind, nothing surpasses the importance of the perfect gown! Therefore, it’s important to have a dress that subtly conveys a look of the wedding theme, but still maintains its purity. “We are seeing a lot of designers now using modern silhouettes for their dresses and incorporating lace, Swiss dots and vintage appliqués so it’s not so difficult anymore to mix ‘something old’ with ‘something new’,” says Medeiros. She also comments it’s easy to play up vintage in other parts of the bride’s final look with a birdcage veil, brooch bouquet or even with hair and makeup.

Planning your perfect vintage wedding is easier than you think, especially with these helpful tips from Infinite Wedding expert Andria Medeiros : http://www.infinite-events.net/

Main Event Photography

How-to Plan A Coffee Themed Wedding

Caffeine fiends rejoice! Rebecca Miller, sales coordinator/wedding specialist for yournewportwedding.com, shares these fun tips for incorporating both the color and flavor of coffee into your big day

Color your wedding fabulous. “Colors of cream, mocha and rich brown could set a tone for a coffee inspired wedding,” says Miller. “You could accent the rich tones with almost any color to give it a little flair!” Popular combinations include pinks, lavenders, blues and shades of red.

After a long night of celebrating, give your guests a pick-me-up. “Fresh ground coffee in personalized bags for each guest is a perfect favor,” recommends Miller. “I also like the look of a burlap little sac to really make it seem like a special treat.”

Coffee beans are a fun accent. “Fill vases with coffee beans and put pillar candles inside,” suggests Miller. You can also put coffee beans on the bottom of floral vases or in a tray to keep seating cards in place for guests. “Get crafty and make garlands out of beans and drape them about in lieu of a beaded garland,” she continues.

I’ll drink to that. “A coffee or espresso bar would be a huge hit at any wedding, but for a coffee themed wedding, you could add cordials on the side and special accoutrements such as flavored syrups, specialty creams and whipped creams,” Miller says.

Satisfy your cravings with a sweet mocha flavored treat. To complement your coffee theme, Miller recommends a mocha-flavored cake with a chocolate ganache. “You could even display a gourmet donut bar which pairs perfectly with…a cup of coffee,” she suggests.

Nait It: Newport Style!

Let’s face it, on your wedding day, all eyes will be on you, your gown and that gleaming new addition on your ring finger. Show off your nautical side with Nastynails.com Gone Sailing nautical nail art kit – a sassy way to complement your City-by-the-Sea style. The kit contains four shades of Essie nail polish in Good as Gold, Haute as Hello, Bikini so Teeny and Blanc, a two way black dotting pen nail art ball and brush, and silver striping tape. With simple step-by-step instructions, you’ll easily be able to create these nail masterpieces yourself. Grab your bridesmaids and have a painting party the day before your wedding. You can opt to have matching nails, or coordinate different versions and colored stripes. It’s Newport’s must-have for perfectly manicured nails.